The light in the sky began to run low. Arlo knew he only had so much time before he could no longer see anything do to the darkness setting in. He started searching the surrounding area for a safe place to hide for the night. Limited by the denseness of the uncut and untouched underbrush. Briars and vines entangled in one another and through bushes. Even wrapping around and running up, what seemed to be almost every single tree trunk. Like they were trying to keep the trees from escaping by holding them in their place. The leaves and things that were on the ground, looked as if none of it had ever been touched or disturbed. There was no vague pathway or trail to follow. Which instilled a small sense of hopelessness in him, briefly understanding why so many individuals went back. As it got darker, the sounds of the forest were quickly becoming louder and louder. Grunts, groans and snorts of all sorts were heard. Arlo couldn’t tell if they were getting closer, or if it was just the echo tricking him. Regardless, he started to get more and more panicked the longer he went without finding a suitable spot. Nothing seemed to fit, it was either to small, to big or to open. Or somewhere that he thought something might already be. When suddenly, he stopped in his tracks. Remembering his time before arriving at the community and before meeting Gideon. Back when he was alone, or at least thought so. He would hardly ever remain on the forest floor after he had put his fire out or it simply burned down. He would climb high into a tree, one with good sturdy branches. Because even then, there were sounds that were heard that couldn’t be explained. Arlo was tripping with almost every step that he took. Walking hurriedly with his head all the way back, trying to find a suitable tree to climb. The light was all but gone. The silhouettes of the branches and the sky quickly blending in with each other. Then, Arlo heard a very loud crack or snap. He stopped where has, briefly looking down to see if he had stepped on something, as his attention was elsewhere. He saw nothing beneath his cut and dirty feet, it hadn’t been caused by him. He slowed his breathing in attempt to be a bit more quiet, but was unable to do the same for his heart rate. Feeling like it was going to come through his rib cage. Arlo was out of time. For deep down inside, he knew that this was no normal woodland creature simply out walking around. He slowly turned, scanning his surroundings, even though there was almost zero visibility. There was nothing, and if there was, it concealed itself perfectly with zero movement. Arlo didn’t know what to do. Thinking if he should run, fight, climb or try to hide. Hoping that he even had the time to try and decide. By now, he was soaked in his own nervous sweat. He turned and began moving in the opposite direction that the sound had come from. Every few steps, periodically pausing to listen to see if he heard anything moving, and each time, he heard nothing.
Unaccompanied
The buzzing of a few bees was the sound that Arlo arose to. Lazily swatting and waving his hand back and forth in attempt to shew them away. Then, he quickly opened his eyes and sat up straight. He had dozed off sometime during the night but didn’t remember it. He couldn’t even recall feeling the least bit sleepy or even yawning. Nevertheless, he knew that had he had to get on the move. The sky wasn’t quite at full light because it was still covered with clouds. They were wavy and looked as if they were flowing, almost like what water would look like from underneath. Showing him that the wind was blowing quite nicely up there high above the trees. Arlo thought of how nice it would be to feel the wind again, or even a breeze. For it had been some time since he had experienced either of them. But this was not the time for him to sit and reminisce, it was the time for him to escape this place. A place, that he thought, would bring him endless enjoyment and excitement. Which, except for only a handful of moments, was a thought that couldn’t have been further from truth. The fact is that this place had truly changed him from the inside out. Changed him into something he didn’t recognize or understand. Slowly beginning to realize why he had been told so many times not to come here while he was a child. Arlo stood up and set off, in which direction though he did not know. But he needed to put as much distance between himself and the community as quickly as possible. He decided to head for higher ground, giving him a better vantage point for spotting the sun when it appeared, if it ever did. The vegetation also wasn’t as dense so there was less resistance. But most importantly, this gave him the ability to see potential individuals who might be attempting to find him. He assumed all the other individuals that had returned were caught somehow. Or had given up and turned around, to avoid some other cruel fate. Presumably the one that was met by those who had not returned to the community. But Arlo was determined not to do either of these things. Reassuring himself all along his walk, that this was the right decision. Even after momentarily berating himself here and there. Because there was a part of him that didn’t wish to leave the community. Eventually, after hours of traveling with sore knees and feet, he decided to stop for a while and take a much-needed break. Briefly thinking himself fortunate for not having seen anyone so far. In doing so, had to refocus and not let what little optimism he had get the best of him. Remembering that he still had an unknown distance to go. Not to mention the unknown obstacles that he would potentially face. Once resting enough to continue, Arlo made the decision to descend from his current position, knowing the risks that it would commit. But also knowing that water flowed downhill, and he was going to need some very soon. This was not going to be a sprint; this was going to be about endurance if he wanted to make it out of here successfully. Carefully, he made his way down from the top of the bluff, back to the forest below.
Abdication
The evening festivities began and proceeded as normal. Arlo carried about as usual, but it was hard for him to focus with his attention divided. One side of his mind, was keeping everyone convinced, including Gideon, that nothing was out of the ordinary. Don’t give anyone any reason to be suspicious and think that something was happening. Because he knew that Gideon didn’t just find things out by chance. On the other side of his mind, was attempting to come up with a game plan once he slipped off into the darkness. For he could no longer remember the route that he had followed Gideon to get here. So he had no idea where to go or which direction to even head in. Thinking that once he left, he should just hide for the remainder of the night. Maybe try to get some rest while waiting for day break before setting off. Although he worried, not only for his lack of direction, but also for his lack of knowledge. He hadn’t been away from the community since he had arrived, and could hardly remember what the forest was like before. Because the peace and tranquillity that he once felt was all but gone. Interaction by interaction, Arlo slowly and steadily, made his way to the outer edge of the festivities. Where the campfire light didn’t shine so bright. This was how many of the other individuals had done it before. A few of which had been seen and stopped before they were able to leave. The closer he got, the more his heart rate quickened. Which was something that he hadn’t felt for quite some time. He could feel beads of sweat building across his forehead and on the tops of his arms. He didn’t know if it was from nervousness or fear, but he hadn’t the time to try and decide. Once he had finally reached the edge and was nothing more than a shadow. He quickly glanced to see if anyone was watching him, after confirming that the coast was clear, he slipped into the bushes. Attempting to slow his breathing, he sat crouched down for a moment. Briefly waiting, only to listen if any of the other individuals said anything, or attempted to follow him. Arlo heard nothing suspicious behind him, it was now or never. Taking a deep breath, he stood up and began to move as quickly and quietly as he could. The light of fire and the sound of the festivities steadily fading away. He went on until he could hear and see either of these. Neither the moon nor the stars were visible do to the cloud cover. Dropping to his hands and knees, feeling out in front of himself in order to continue on. Arlo eventually found a large tree and laid at its base, attempting to cover himself with sticks and leaves. Or whatever he could get his hands on to try and hide himself. Once Arlo had finished this, or at least got it as good as it was going to get. He stayed quiet and hyper vigilant. He knew he needed to rest, but wasn’t so convinced that would be able to happen, based on his current circumstances.
Dreary
This is how Arlo’s routine would repeat. Extending through the upcoming days, and eventually even weeks. After that, he simply lost track of how long it had actually been. All the while, slowly beginning to forget what his days and nights had been like before he had arrived in the forest. Like what activities and feelings they had been filled with. Because over the course of this time that had gone by, along with him doing the same tasks, and the same things to relax. In a sense, it became like he was reliving the same day over and over again. Sometimes loving it, and sometimes hating it. Arlo realized that there was no way for him to predict how he was going to feel. Whether is was good or bad, happy or sad. Would he awake with eagerness and energy? Or would it be nothing but dread and regret? There were even times where his attitude would change dramatically during the day. On some occasions, it seemed to instantly flip back and forth without warning. Going from feeling elated to deflated and then back again. The more this happened, the more he worried. Noticing the inability to slow his emotions. Accompanied by his wants and urges turning into needs and necessities. He had never previously been this way, even as far back as he could remember. Just directionless and so out of control. And even though there were plenty of others around, there were none for him to truly talk to. Even after being there for quite some time, Arlo found it hard to trust the others that were there. Partly because he had always had a problem with that; partly because the faces that he was familiar with, began to change. He watched numerous individuals leave under the cover of darkness. Their reasons for doing so were their own, but he knew that they must’ve felt similar to how he did. Whether it was quickly, as in only being a few days or less. Or whether it took a bit longer, it was very seldom that they did not eventually return. Some of the the individuals who returned seemed to be relieved that they were back. Almost as if they questioned their decision to do so in the first place. But the remainder of those who returned, did not provide the same vibe. They looked to be hobbling and rundown. Reluctant to be arriving back. Some were worse than others. They were battered and bruised, with ripped or missing shirts or shoes. Never quiet seeming the same as they were before they left. Nevertheless, to Arlo’s surprise, there were those who would continue to try and leave. Even after repeated failed attempts. Gideon would always be pleased to see them when they would return. Welcoming them with open arms, whether they wished him to or not. Because Gideon did try to keep the peace and keep everyone happy. But he did so in more of group manner, not so much individually. Unless you happened to be new, as Arlo once was. He and Gideon hadn’t interacted with each other for some time. Arlo was tired, and, had made up his mind.
Recommence
Once again, just as it always did, dawn had arrived. Only this time, it had done so far to soon. Arlo awoke, smoke from the fires the night before drifting through the air. He sat up, stiff and sore. Dirt and small rocks stuck to the side of his face. He was confused, because this wasn’t where he remembered laying down. Looking around, he saw other individuals here and there. They were scattered out all across the area. He rubbed his eyes, after doing so, he saw the silhouette of someone through the smoke who was walking amongst the others. They were going about it very slowly. Looking down at each one of them. Once his vision straightened out, and he could see a bit more clearly. He saw that it was Gideon, and that he was steadily heading in his direction. Arlo reluctantly stood up, in attempt to locate a better place to lay. Also finding that he wasn’t to steady on his feet. While he was walking, Gideon called out to him, asking how his night was. Arlo did not answer. The very sound of Gideon’s voice, which slightly echoed in the quietness of the morning. Made Arlo’s head hurt worse than it already did. As he stammered to a near by tree, so that he lay on at least some grass and leaves in the shade. As opposed to the hard uncomfortable ground that he had been on. All he could do, was think about how awful he felt. Physically, he felt drained and exhausted. The pain in his head and chest, along with his arms and knees being weak. Emotionally, he felt sad, but didn’t really know why. He hadn’t done anything to anyone, at least that he could remember. But that made him feel even worse. Not being able to remember all that had gone on the night before. Almost as soon as Arlo laid down beneath the tree, Gideon began speaking loudly, almost shouting. Telling everyone that it was time to get up. Arlo rolled his eyes, but he did not rise. Why, he wondered. What was the need? He rolled on his side, watching all the other individuals. Some of which sprang up quickly and with spirit. Genuinely seemed quite enthusiastic about it. All of the others, either reluctantly arose, or simply stayed put. Gideon grew aggravated with all who did not get up and began shouting. Explaining that everything that needed to be done and prepared for that night wasn’t going to magically be achieved on its own. Arlo, in no mood to be lectured or yelled at, slowly arose to his feet. Thinking, what was there to prepare? What was happening that evening? He saw the others doing the same thing that they were when he had arrived with Gideon. They were moving and stacking limbs, twigs and underbrush. Making the burn piles from the previous evening nice and neat again. As Arlo joined in, he asked one of the other individuals why they were doing all of this again. Especially, why so early in the morning. The response that he got, was not one that he expected. Arlo was told that this was the daily routine. No matter the weather or amount of desire. Regardless of health or physical condition. This is when Arlo noticed Gideon staring directly at him.
Initiation
The atmosphere was euphoric. Music was being played with makeshift instruments, and dancing was being done without care. Chatter and laughter was all that filled the air. There were greetings between old friends, and meetings between new ones. Even though Arlo was being quite shy, standing alone off to the side. His eyes were bright, filled with the campfire light. And while it wasn’t a full smile, he did have a slight grin. He had never been apart of something so merry and care free. At least not since he was a child, which was what this made him feel like. There was nothing that he was thinking about, other than this moment and this experience. The pain and sadness from the past simply didn’t exist. As he looked around, he could see that anything anyone would need had been brought. And there was more than enough for everyone. Gideon, after walking around and chatting with some of the other individuals. Casually made his way through the crowd to where Arlo was. Putting his arm around Arlo’s shoulders, asked if he was having a good time. After a momentary pause, Arlo exclaimed that he almost couldn’t put how he was feeling into words and thanked him for bringing him there. That this was just what he had been wanting, but knew that he would’ve never found this place on his own. Gideon gave Arlo a pat on the back and told him to keep enjoying himself. After which, simply began to walk away. But not in the direction of the festivities. Arlo asked where he was going. Gideon, once again, responded without out turning around or stopping. Saying that there were others that he needed to check in on as he slipped off into the darkness. Arlo dug deep down inside to try and find the courage to act on Gideon’s advise. For he had attempted this many times in his life before. Being open and comfortable enough to let others get close to him, but it rarely ended well. Although this time, it felt different. Arlo was able to put his past experiences aside and was quickly meeting and mingling with some of the others. In doing so, to his surprise, finding that his already joyous mood only continued to improve. Leading to the swapping of stories and the telling of tales. Some of which may have been embellished a bit, but it was all in good fun. Most of which were about something they did while with family or friends; others simply beggared belief. But not all of them were so happy and full of cheer. Arlo started to notice that these deeper and slightly darker stories, were usually told by individuals that seemed to have been there a while. All in monotoned voices, and rarely made any eye contact with any of the others who were gathered around. They would just stare into the fire, or remain looking down at the ground. As the festivities continued, it was growing harder and harder for Arlo to see. Along with the sound of all the music and different voices, slowly fading into silence. The dancing light of the fires, dwindling into darkness.
Assimilation
There the two stood, shoulder to shoulder at the top of the hill. The sun soon to be falling behind the horizon. Arlo curiously scanned the area below. Slowly looking from left to right and then back again. Gideon told him that they needed to head down now that it was almost dark. Arlo, surprised to see so many, quickly made sense of all the different lights he had been seeing lately. He asked Gideon what they were all doing. Why they were all dragging and stacking fallen branches and random brush. As they started down the hill, Gideon explained to Arlo that they were getting ready for that night, and this was an every evening thing. Seeing that Arlo was confused, he told him not to worry. That he would catch on while he was there about how everything went. As they ventured down the hill, Arlo noticed that the smell of the air had changed. It had always smelt somewhat pleasant. With hints of cedar, various flowers and fresh earth. Now, it was stale, smelling of ash and old smoke. No longer bringing him the peace and tranquility that it once did. Instead, feeling like it took more of his energy to breathe. As they got closer to the bottom of the hill, Arlo was instructed to go and help the others. Even though he had only just arrived and hadn’t had any time to rest from the days hike. But nonetheless, he agreed. There were only a few individuals who started to look at Arlo. He could see that some of them had, what seemed to be positive expressions on their faces, and started waving. Others simply showed no emotion, and the rest looked distressed, almost broken. They were all very different. Short and tall, big and small. Men, women, and there were even some who looked young enough to be children. Many were even elderly, and looked to have been there for quite some time. As Arlo went to begin helping, he noticed that Gideon didn’t join in. He just meandered through the crowd in the same care free manner that he had in the forest on the way here. Arlo watched Gideon as he made his way to a small, rundown hut that was just across the clearing. It sat right at the tree line and seemed to overlook the area where everyone was. When Gideon went inside, Arlo turned around to go back to his newly appointed task. Grabbing branches and taking them to the large pile that they were working on. Eventually, the little remaining daylight faded away. The only light left that was shining, was coming from the torches on the front of Gideon’s hut. In the very faint glow, Arlo watched as most of the individuals began to gather around the large pile that they had made. Setting up some stumps and logs, as if to use to sit. It was calm and quiet; only slight murmurs out of the crowd could be heard. Once it seemed that they were settled, well, all the ones that stayed. For some, had crept off into the darkness. It was then, that Gideon exited from his hut. Grabbing both torches, one from each side of the door, and walked toward the crowd. Holding one in each hand, his face was aglow with flickering orange, red and yellow. Approaching the pile, he threw one on top. With the other, he held it to the base of the pile and slowly walked around it, steadily setting it ablaze. As the fire grew, so did the mood of all who remained. With Arlo hearing the once soft murmuring, instantly turning into cheering.
Pilgrimage
Arlo maintained a generous distance between him and Gideon. But made sure that he could at least see him as they walked along. Arlo wasn’t big on trusting. He mostly liked to keep everything at an arm’s length. Especially a random and particularly peculiar individual that he had just met. But he felt differently about this Gideon for some reason. And while he really hadn’t had any originally, he now had questions. Along with wondering if Gideon had any questions for him. Like what his name was or where he had come from. Or what brought him into the forest to begin with. Because thus far, Gideon didn’t seem to be interested in any of it. He really didn’t seem to be interested in anything. During the time that they had been walking, he hadn’t turned around once to see if Arlo was even following him. He hadn’t sped up or slowed down, stumbled or tripped. His hands hadn’t even left his pockets. While the pathway they were following was beginning to blend in with the forest floor around them. Arlo was busy looking at all of the leafless branches that extended in seemingly infinite directions. Wondering how much farther they were going to go. Because it felt like they had walking for the better part the day. Most of which was slightly uphill. And since the forest had become much more dense, it made it harder to see where the sun was. Causing him to all but lose his sense of time and direction. Through heavy breathing, Arlo asked if they were going to take a break and rest soon. Gideon didn’t respond, he just continued on with his quiet humming, while sporadically turning left here and right there. Arlo was starting to really believe that Gideon had no idea that he was even following him. Or maybe he was just hard of hearing. Nonetheless, Arlo wasn’t going to turn around or stop now. He hadn’t walked all this way for nothing; he wanted to see where Gideon was going. He could tell that this part of the forest was much older than where he had been. There was also less things that moved around; less things that were green. Then, unexpectedly, something caught his eye. Arlo saw a strange marking on a tree nearby. Unable to clearly make out what it was, he just continued on. Mainly out of fear that he would be left out here. Because based on his assessment throughout the day. Gideon didn’t seem like he was going to stop, nevertheless wait. Not to long after that, he saw another one, then another. Soon, they were everywhere. Almost on every single tree that he passed. Arlo, looking around at all of them, could finally see what they were. They were names, and initials, that had been carved into the trees. Some even had vague dates next them. Some of that were quiet specific. Gideon, breaking the silence. Told Arlo that if he was still following him, that they were almost there. That he would be able to see it when they reached the top of the hill. Arlo flinched at the sound of his voice, but then he began moving briskly to catch up to Gideon. Excited to see what it was that awaited them.
Displacement
Arlo’s eyes began to slowly open. Dawn had arrived. There was a considerable chill in the air, which was accompanied by a thick fog. After sitting up, noticed that he couldn’t even see the two pathways from the day before. Almost like he was on an island, surround by nothing but grey and white. Nevertheless, he was uncomfortable in his cold, damp clothes and decided to go get some wood for a fire to warm up and dry off. Hoping that he would be able to find some that wasn’t totally soaked. After searching for a while, eventually he came across some chunks of an old tree trunk. Tearing away the outer layer of its thick bark, found that the wood beneath it was actually quite dry. He took what he could carry back to the clearing and stacked it into a neat teepee arrangement. After the fire was lit, and only warming his hands and feet for a few minutes. Heard the sound of something walking in the distance. But as opposed to the previous morning, it definitely didn’t sound like it was in a hurry of any kind. It also sounded as if it was coming towards him, not something just passing by. With his interest growing, focused his attention to where the foot steps were coming from. Eventually, the silhouette of an individual began to slowly emerge from the fog. Arlo stood up from where he was sitting, facing towards whoever this was. As this individual became more visible with the closer they got. Arlo could see that their clothes were tattered and torn. Pants that barely reached past their knees. There were some small twigs, and even some leaves in their hair. Which was rather long and unkept. Eyes that were slightly inset and shadowy, pale skin and barefoot. He had a very calm demeanor, not seeming startled or surprised. It was more of a look that was sizing something up. The two just stood there for a few moments looking at each other. The stranger slowly began to walk in a circle around Arlo, looking him up and down as he did so. When the stranger got back around to Arlo’s eyesight, Arlo opened his mouth to speak. The stranger simply raised his hand, motioning for him not to say anything. The silence between the two lasted for a few more moments before Arlo finally asked him who he was. The stranger responded in a soothing, mellow voice that his name was Gideon. Then, in one motion, spun around on just one of his heels and began walking in the direction from whence he came. Arlo shouted at Gideon, asking him what he wanted. Gideon replied without turning around or stopping, by asking Arlo the same question. Arlo seemed to know what he wanted. Because he wasn’t thinking of anything but following Gideon. Even though he didn’t see which pathway he had come from or was about to go down. Arlo quickly started kicking dirt to put out the fire and cover the smoldering coals. There was no procrastination, he was convinced that this was the right decision. After the fire was out and there was no smoke, Arlo followed Gideon, and into the fog they went.
Bewildering
Throughout all of his wanderings here, and along with everything that he’d seen. This had him perplexed. Arlo was just standing there frozen, his mind went blank. But not blank enough to forget that his legs and knees were pretty weak from the eventful start to the morning. Slowly sitting down, he crossed his legs and leaned back on the palms of his hands. His eyes began to move back and forth between these two pathways, which he hadn’t come across before. Even though they had both been there for quite some time. Arlo could tell by the size of the vines that hung from either side. They were both quite worn and prominent against their surroundings. Almost as if there was, or had been, frequent traffic on them. His breathing and heart rate were slowly returning to normal. His first thought, was that this decision had already been made when he chose to leave and venture into the forest. His second thought was, what if he didn’t make it this time? Simply stood up, turned around and went back. Just simply forget that he had even seen them. But as much as he wanted to, deep down he knew that he wouldn’t be able to. The subtle but consistent itch of what if, would eventually prove to much for him to resist. The sun started to rise. Coming up from behind the trees, moving across the sky in typical fashion. All the shadows that it cast, were gradually changing direction in unison as it past. But Arlo paid no attention to any of these natural sundials that surrounded him. Over the course of the day, which he spent sitting, standing, and periodically pacing. Thinking of the stories, and the warnings, that he had been told about this place at a younger age. But honestly, he thought it to be make believe. That he would never experience it, yet here it was. Coming to the conclusion that there was no way to avoid choosing. Feeling that whatever he had chased earlier that morning, was trying to lead him in a certain direction. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to see which way it went, or even seen it since. And while confident that he would be seeing it again, there was no way to know exactly when. The sun slowly began giving way to the moon. The sky fading from a light blue to a purplish, grey hue. The stars slowly becoming more and more visible the darker that it grew. Like tiny pin holes being pricked in a black sheet one at a time. So, now with the moon almost in full view, there in the small clearing he remained. Attempting to hurry and make up his mind. Because for some reason, he couldn’t help but feel like he was being rushed. Even though he knew he could take his time, and not decide until one felt at least a tiny bit more right. Although, this distinct feeling of clarity that he desired, did not come quickly. The more he thought, and the longer he waited, made it a lot harder to stay awake. Especially since the silence of the night had set in. Except for the occasional owl and a few crickets that is. He laid back on the ground, placing the back of his head on his hands. No longer trying to deal with this mental exhaustion, he simply got lost in the night sky. Watching all the distant flickering lights and the occasional shooting star go by. With no fire going, and with it being too late and dark to start one. Just closed his eyes, and slowly drifted off to sleep.
Titillation
Arlo had been filled with a sense of freedom that he had never felt before. Spending his time during the day wandering amongst the trees, and watching all the various little creatures he would see. He would walk along the banks of a stream that he had come across. Simply attempting to see where it would lead. As well as listening to the melody that it made as it flowed along over the rocks. Which, it eventually came to a cliff where it simply careened off. After looking over the edge and seeing the stream crash at the bottom and continue on. Arlo just stood there and took in the view. Thinking that he didn’t seem to know exactly where to go. But be that as it may, he was determined to find his way through this eerily beautiful maze. The sun began to shine slightly brighter than before, now that he was well away from the forests edge. More light was able to make it through the tree tops. Allowing him to begin to truly see everything for what it was; and that this was indeed a magical place. Although despite all of its splendor during the day, the nighttime here, was a much more different experience. He would hear sounds in the distance that he had never heard before and could not explain. He would usually sleep high up in a tree. Safe and away from what moves around on the ground, just so long as it couldn’t climb. Knowing that any one of the various caves that he’d seen, would offer much better shelter from the weather, and be a lot warmer. But he feared what might already be asleep in one, or what might come home while he was asleep in one. Along with the strange sounds, sometimes he would even see lights. They would usually be dim, far away and fast moving. Because almost as soon as he would notice them, they would move in the opposite direction and quickly disappear into the distance. Night by night these sporadic sightings slowly became more and more frequent. They also started coming closer and closer to whichever tree he was in. As if who, or whatever it was, was curious. Which in turn, made him more curious. Because this whole time, which felt like it had been at least weeks. He hadn’t seen a single soul. None but the various creatures that inhabited this forest. Until one morning, when he was awoken by the sound of something crashing through the bushes below. When he looked, unable to make out what it was, could only see that there was something running in the opposite direction. Rolling off his branch, he swung down to the ground and quickly attempted to follow. Running as fast as he could, getting smacked and whacked by low limbs. Tripping over unseen sticks and stones. The flickering orange light that he was following was steadily getting away. Until eventually, he could no longer see it, nor hear the commotion. Realizing he had lost it, stopped to catch his breath while briefly looking around. In doing so, noticed that he was somewhere unfamiliar. Then, just as he was about to leave, there was something interesting in the small clearing that grabbed his attention.
Exordium
It had been a long road for Arlo, traveling alone across miles unknown. Everything that he knew, everything that he thought, had changed and would never be the same. Worn out and beaten down, he had finally had enough of everything that was. But after many long hot days and cold sleepless nights, he had finally arrived. Of the trees that he could see, there were some that seemed to reach all the way to the sky. Extending all the way up into the lower layer of clouds that hung down. Arlo just stood and stared, feeling neither prepared nor scared. He had been overcome with a sense of calm nervousness, which he had never experienced. Wondering if this was the feeling of acceptance or expectance. But after stopping for only a moment to admire the sight, continued on his way. The wind stopped after he ventured in, as it was unable to penetrate the wall of crooked wood and twisted timber. The sunlight was stuck having the same luck, unable to beam through this dense canopy. The air was still, and although it took him a moment to notice, it was all quiet. There were no birds chirping, there was nothing. Just the crunching of leaves and twigs beneath his feet. The further he went, the more he was in awe with what he saw. And despite the feeling of being watched as he moved along, he couldn’t stop. Because for him, it would be defeating to even look back. As he was attempting to do something that he had never done before. Which was leaving the past where it was with no time to waste. Because after everything that had happened, he wanted to run. Needing more than just a break, he wanted to escape. He wanted to go somewhere that was very far away. Ironically it was the same place, that while he was being raised, was always told not to go. So, with minor hesitation, deep into this wilderness he went. Disappearing into the dark and vast, simply drifting down this unknown path. Longing to be lost, with no desire to be found. He seemed to be searching for peace, but at the same time, felt the desire to become wild. But with every step that he took, he wondered, how long would he be gone? Would he ever return? If not, what was he to become? Would it be someone, or would it be some thing? Of course, the answer to this he did not know. But the one thing that he did know, was that he absolutely had to go. He felt it deep inside. His heart, slowly but surely, convincing his mind. All of this was new to him, he didn’t recognize anything. It was exciting that everything was a complete mystery. It was all that he had imagined and more, with so much to see and explore.