The Unity of Spellbound Threads

16

Briony the sixth elder continued "The Shadowwood holds ancient power, waiting to be unlocked. But tread carefully, for the unknown lies within," her soft voice and warm smile seeming to hold a deep compassion for those who would venture into the Shadowwood.

Bri; as she liked to be called; is a gentle and compassionate member of the council, with a deep understanding of the natural world and the balance of the universe. For this my mother favored her. She is a skilled healer and botanist, and is often called upon to provide advice on matters of health and the environment. Most of what she did on the council was providing a voice of kindness and compassion. She endure that the decisions of the council are made with the well-being of all living things in mind.

Elara, the seventh elder, with long silver hair and eyes that seemed to hold many secrets seeming to hold a deep understanding of the mysteries of the universe. And my personal favorite elder, finished the tale 'The Shadowwood whispers tales of old, but listen closely, for the truth lies hidden within the shadows."

Elara is probably the most mysterious member of the council, she has a deep understanding of the mysteries of the universe. As a skilled seer and diviner, she is often called upon to provide guidance and prophecy. Her purpose on the council is to provide a connection to the unknown and the unseen, and to ensure that the decisions of the council are made with a deep understanding of the mysteries of the universe.

We would listen with wide eyes, our imaginations running wild with thoughts of the Shadowwood's secrets and dangers. And as we grew older, some would venture into the Shadowwood, seeking adventure and discovery, while others would stay away, fearing the unknown. One thing stood out to me when people decided to go in, it was a know fact that those who venerated in didn't come back. I always thought that they had run away from the village, at least that's what we were told. I couldn't believe it when my only friend in the village, Max, left me for the adventure.

As the years went by more of the younger children wanted to know what was in the forest. They had heard the tales about the other missing children. When they asked me what I thought; as they asked all of the other villagers; most people told them that they were insane and that they had run to find a better life than this. I told them to never believe it because I didn't.

Finally the elders got tired of all the questions, as well as people disappearing, they told us that if they went deep enough into the forest we would never come out again. That put an end to the rumors and questions for the most part, but the tale still lingered around us waiting to be found; like the smell of a dead mouse in the floor boards or attic waiting to be discovered. It stayed there as a reminder of the mysteries and dangers that lay just beyond the edge of the village.

As I went deeper into the forest a part of me started to believe the tales. It was certainly creepy enough to think so. Then I saw it. There was a body in the corner of my eye. A person. I couldn't tell who it was but I did know thanks to the silver necklace with a golden pendant hanging around there neck I could easily tell that it was one of the lost. A village who went into the Shadowwood and like all of them didn't come out. Silas decided that to identify anyone who decided to venture into the Shadowwood could be recognize by this pendant. 

I didn't want to see whoever it was so I said a prayer and walked forward. As I walked, the trees seemed to close in around me, their branches creaking ominously in the wind.

As I walked deeper into the Shadowwood, the trees seemed to close in around me, their branches creaking ominously in the wind. I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was being watched, and the tales of the village elders echoed in my mind. They spoke of spirits and monsters that roamed the Shadowwood, preying on unsuspecting travelers.

I quickened my pace, my heart racing with every snap of a twig and rustle of leaves. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows. I froze, my breath caught in my throat.

It was a woman, tall and imposing, with long silver hair that cascaded down her back like a river of moonlight. Her eyes gleamed with an otherworldly intensity, and she wore a dress that seemed to be woven from the very fabric of the Shadowwood.

"Who are you?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"I am the guardian of this forest," she replied, her voice low and husky. "And you, little one, are lost."

I shook my head, trying to clear the cobwebs. "I'm just trying to get away from...from something."

The guardian's eyes narrowed. "You're running from your past, aren't you?"

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat.

"Well, you can't outrun it forever," she said, her tone softening. "But I can help you face it. Are you willing to trust me?"

I hesitated, unsure of what to do. But something about the guardian's words resonated with me. I nodded, and she reached out a hand.

"Come with me," she said, and I took her hand, letting her lead me deeper into the Shadowwood.

As we walked, the trees seemed to close in around us, and the air grew thick with an eerie silence. I couldn't shake off the feeling that we were being watched, but the guardian seemed to know exactly where she was going.

Finally, we arrived at a clearing, and in the center of it stood an ancient tree, its branches twisted and gnarled with age. The guardian led me to the tree, and as we approached, I saw that it was covered in strange symbols, etched into the bark.

"This is the Tree of Memories," the guardian said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It holds the secrets of the past, and the key to your future."

I reached out a hand, hesitantly, and touched the trunk of the tree. As soon as I did, the world around me began to spin, and I felt myself being pulled into a vortex of memories.

I saw flashes of my childhood, of my parents, my village, and even more flashes of everyone who ever left the village to go into thw Shadowwood. I saw the darkness that had consumed our world, and the horrors that it had brought. And I saw the face of the one who had caused it all. Him...

The memories came flooding back, and I felt a wave of grief and anger wash over me. But as I looked up at the guardian, I saw a look of understanding in her eyes.

"You're not alone," she said, her voice soft and gentle. "We all have our demons to face. But with the Tree of Memories, you can confront yours and move on."

I nodded, feeling a sense of determination rise up in me. I was ready to face my past, and to move on from it.

The guardian smiled, and reached out a hand. "Then let's begin," she said, and together, we embarked on a journey through the Tree of Memories, ready to face whatever secrets and demons lay within.

My eyes snap open, and I'm met with a wave of panic. My heart races, my breath comes in short gasps, and my body trembles with fear. I'm drenched in a cold sweat, and my mind is a jumble of confusion. I look around, trying to get my bearings, but everything seems hazy and indistinct. 

Daleyza was still by my side, her hand on my hair, her eyes fixed on mine. "Are you okay, Lilith?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle.

I take a deep shakey breath, and turn my gaze towards her and a concerned looking Dave behind her and start to cry. Through my tears I see Daleyza and Dave look at each other in concern. They both lean forward and move towards me concealing me in there tight embrace.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Yeah that's it. Sorry bout the update schedule. Anyways....

Be kind
Be considerate
Be thoughtful
Be loving
Be a good person!

Byeeee
-Rose out!

Word count: 2200