There Arlo laid, mute and motionless. He knew that day break wasn’t far away. As he was now able to see small spots of sky through the silhouettes of the trees and vegetation around him. He hadn’t heard anything for hours, but was unsure if he should listen to his instinct to leave. Or if he should linger here just a bit longer. The smell of the air was foul, and it had only gotten worse over the course of the night. Almost like there was a swamp or stagnant bog nearby. Arlo carefully looked around before quietly rising to his feet. Wishing that he had an inkling of which direction he needed to head in. Unfortunately there was no time to wait and contemplate. He just needed to choose and get moving if that’s what he was going to do. And only making matters worse, he couldn’t really recognize which way he came from. After starting off, it wasn’t long before something caught his attention that was moving in the distance. Arlo quickly hid behind the nearest tree that was large enough to hide his presence. Carefully, he briefly peaked around to see what it was. It looked like nothing that he had ever seen before. Trembling and in complete disbelief, he quickly got back behind the tree. Trying to keeping his breathing under control so that his breath wouldn’t show. Calming himself the best he could, Arlo leaned out from the opposite side to get a better look. Whatever it was, it looked to be at least 10 feet tall, and was covered in dark brown fur that was matted together. There were even two short horns that protruded from its head just above it’s pitch black eyes. With arms that seemed to reach down to it’s knees. Along with claws on each finger of it’s wrinkled and calloused hands. It was physically formidable, and any direct contact would definitely be a drastic mismatch. Arlo was watching it slowly lumber in the opposite direction when suddenly, it stopped and started to speak. Which caused Arlo to flinch and quickly get back behind the tree. The monster said that it knew he was still there somewhere, and that he was scared. Then it paused and listened, but there was nothing but silence. Trying to lure Arlo out of his hiding position, it went on to explain that there was no way for him to escape. That he was so far in now, that he wouldn’t ever be able to find the way out. And despite the naturally intimidating tone of it’s voice, it spoke calmly. Attempting to convince Arlo that this was the wrong decision and that he didn’t need to leave, and should return to the community. The only place where he would be safe and welcomed for what he was. That anywhere else, he would either be alone or judged. Arlo rolled his eyes. Knowing that these where nothing but tricks coming from it’s lips. After seeing and hearing nothing, the monster began to move on. Its large feet thumping on the forest floor. Arlo knew now that it didn’t matter which direction he went. It didn’t matter if he was lost in this forest or not. Just as long as he stayed away from this monster would be a good start. And with it nearly out of site, Arlo knew that it was now or never. Springing to his feet as fast as he could, he began to run like never before.