Forests and Secrets
I did not think I would actually make it. The travel through this forgotten forest has reminded me of how we, as humans, are a spec on a planet full of mysteries we have yet to uncover. Is what we see the actual truth? Why was I led here? Why has no one told us of this place?
“All valid questions Mr. Grear. Is that the reason you are here?” As soon as I heard the chilling, deep calm voice I spun around, my head turning to look in all directions for the source of it. A few moments later, my eyes landed on a woman sitting in one of the dark corners of the shop, gently rocking back and forth on her wooden rocking chair as she flipped through a book that laid across her lap.
The book was a hard cover, dark leather that was clearly worn out after years of use. Her hands looked young and pale. Too pale for her to be from anywhere I know. Her hair was long, sand color but somehow it looked pale as well, just like the rest of her. Pale light blue silk dress, pale skin. It almost seems like if she was any paler, she would disappear.
My eyes traveled up her body but could not make out her face. The light from the candles was not strong enough to light all the corners, so I was only able to make the shape of her almond face. My left had slowly made its way to the dagger on my right hip as I took a small step back. “I think we both know you would not be needing that here.” She spoke again, her hand gliding over the page and to my surprise a page turned without her touching the paper. How was that possible?
My hand reached the dagger but I did not pull it out, instead I just fisted it, preparing to use it just in case she was lying. “Who are you?” I finally decided to talk back. “Who do you think I am?” She answered, her hamd overnight over the pages again and I could see that her head moved, ever so slightly as though she was reading. But the pages were moving too fast. “I do not have time for riddles, woman. I just need medicine and directions back home. I have seemed to have lost my way-”
Suddenly my grip on the daggers handle tightens and the woman leaned forward just enough for me to finally make out her face. Blue pale eyes that look like they shine in the dark peer into my own. Light pink lips tilted up ever so slightly. Her gaze was so strong, so pulling… I couldn't look away even if I wanted to. “Have you lost it? Or has your way led you to where you are supposed to be.”
I was growing impatient with her riddles. My time is being wasted and I have sick people to worry about and need to be going. But I cannot leave without the treatment. Maybe if I play along, this woman can give it to me. “Alright, I will bite.” I let go of the handle and looked across the room. My eyes landed on a wooden stool and I smiled. “You seem to have a different idea of why I am here.” I went over, my black boots contacting the wooden floor, the sound of more creaking wooden filling the nose as I grabbed the stool and walked back to my old spot. “So why don't you enlighten me? What is it that you do? Voodoo? Ancient leaf brews that give you sights to the future? Which myth do you believe in?” I placed the stool on the ground, louder than I intended, my annoyance clearly showing and I took a seat. Feeling the black scarf that is covering my mouth and nose slip, I quickly reached behind my hands and secured it, tightening the knot.
The pale woman's smile grew into a smirk and she let out a soft chuckle as she slowly closed her book, her light blue eyes not leaving my brown ones for a second. “Have you ever heard of the Faters, Lar Grear?” My eyes narrowed and I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my thighs. “They are no more than myths. Stories of old beliefs that are meant to encourage the children to strive to be better. To look for h-”
“-Hope, yes yes, heard it before…” The woman finished the sentence for me and nodded as she sighed, almost sounding disappointed it seemed. For the first time her eyes looked down and I immediately felt a rush of relief. She placed her right hand on the arm rest and stopped rocking, the left grabbed the book and she slowly got up. “Myths. Stories around the fire. Folklore right? Is that the newest word your leaders are using?” she started moving towards me, her bare feet stepped on the old wooden floor yet did not make noise. I briefly looked down as I leaned back and I could swear it seemed like she was floating. When I looked up again her eyes were on me again, peering deeper, as if trying to search for something deeper. I could feel my heart rate becoming faster with each step she takes towards me.
“If by leader you mean our King Danoor and his circle, the wise, then yes. Although he has been reigning for forty years, this is a known myth, centuries old.” I explained and she nodded again. Looking around the shop she sighed, coming to a stop just two feet away from where I was sitting, directly in front of me, and now I could truly take her in. Saying she is beautiful, is an understatement. The moon shines into the shop from the small window to my left and lands on her pale skin and I could swear it glowed. Her blue dress brought out her eyes, the most alluring part of her. Her face without blemishes or any kind of spots. She was captivating.
“Did you know that the word myth originated from Athena? Greeks. It means ‘narrative.’” Her voice brought me back to the topic at hand. “I know of the man who calls himself your king when in truth he is not.” My curious expression now turned into shock. “If anyone hears you outside of this little shack, the king will have you beheaded!” I say quietly looking sideways, almost expecting someone to be listening in on our conversation.
“You are worried for my safety, which is honorable, but you do not deny what I have said.” Her eyes took in my expression, I could feel her gaze scanning me, stopping at different places on my face. “Why are you here Lar?” She asked, her tone more intense. My eyes went back to her and she was looking at me like I should know the answer. Like it is obvious. Whatever she was trying to do, was working. I felt compelled to open up to this strange woman. To ask her questions, even if it puts me in danger. “Something led me here.” I say quietly. I don't really know where the words came from, but the answer felt right.
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Just something I wanted to wirte and share.