Korina, a young Llama Mage, had lost her entire tribe to the rampages of the Crystal Werewolves. She had managed to lead her people to safety by summoning a rainbow that blinded the Werewolves and buying enough time for her tribe to escape. However, Korina knew that her people would be discovered if the Werewolves continued to hunt them down. In an act of bravery, Korina led the Werewolves away from the safety of the cave, toward the Gap of Evala, with the intention of sacrificing herself to save her people.
As she ran, Korina realized that she had no plan to save herself, but she was determined to protect her people. The Crystal Werewolves were close on her heels, and she could hear their snarling. With every step, she put more distance between herself and the tribe she was so desperate to protect. The great Gap of Evala was close, and Korina could smell the ocean below. She knew she had to reach the cliff before the Werewolves caught her.
Just as the Crystal Werewolves were about to snap and lunge for her haunches, Korina took a final majestic leap into the open sky. The wolves followed her, yelping and scrambling at the rocks, but Korina slipped into a meditative trance, as prescribed by the lost sacred texts of her people. This was the end.
But it wasn't. Korina awoke after the passage of some time to find herself in a strange wood. Unlike the Crystal Forest of home, this forest seemed to be completely alive, curiously watching her with every atom of its existence. As she sat up and looked about, Korina could make out a faint conversation a ways off, like two parents striving not to disturb a child's slumber.
Korina snapped a twig, and the conversation abruptly stopped. With a benevolent magical rumble, the ground itself shifted and grew into a mound right in front of her. First, a tiny sprout shot from the new mound. Then a beautiful plant rapidly grew and started to flower. Korina got to her feet and faced what was now a small tree. For some reason, she was not surprised when the tree began to speak.
"You have been unconscious for a fortnight. You are safe here."
The tree had seamlessly transformed into a breathtakingly beautiful woman. She had green skin, her hair was twigs and leaves, and her dress was made of moss. Korina knew in her heart that this was the Spirit of the Forest herself.
"You certainly are lucky that the Shimmer Dragon was passing by the Gap of Evala in the moment of your... leap of faith," said the Spirit.
Korina still could not find words. Suddenly a young man appeared from behind a nearby sapling. He was barefoot, wearing a hat and cloak. He carried a long staff. Korina knew this man. Although she doubted he remembered her, she had met the Magi of the Forest at a Shimmer City celebration some years ago.
"I doubt that luck had anything to do with this," chuckled the Magi as he casually smoked a pipe. The Spirit and the Magi then exchanged a glance that suggested they knew more than they were letting on.
Korina brought a hoof to her face, feeling new scar tissue. What was this wound?
The Magi could tell what Korina was thinking. "You landed upon the back of the Shimmer Dragon, who brought you here in safety. You are in the Hungry Wood of Anumün, the most secure place in the entire world. On the Shimmer Dragon's back, there is a small area called the Shimpatch. They say this protected area is known for its diverse wildlife and lush vegetation. And indeed, as they hiked deeper into the forest, they were surrounded by a vibrant array of flora and fauna. They spotted colorful birds with long tails, playful monkeys swinging from branch to branch, and even a family of deer grazing in a nearby meadow.
As they walked, the sun began to set, casting an orange glow over the treetops. The group decided to set up camp for the night and started gathering wood for a fire. As they sat around the fire, roasting marshmallows and telling stories, they heard a strange rustling sound coming from the bushes.
Suddenly, a large shadowy figure emerged from the foliage. Everyone jumped up in alarm, unsure of what creature was approaching them. But as the figure came closer, they realized it was a majestic Bengal tiger, its golden fur shimmering in the firelight.
The tiger stopped in front of them and let out a low growl. The group froze, not wanting to startle the magnificent animal. But as they sat still, the tiger began to approach them, sniffing curiously at their belongings.
Suddenly, one of the hikers let out a loud sneeze, and the tiger jumped back in alarm. The group held their breath, unsure of what would happen next. But after a moment, the tiger turned and padded back into the forest, disappearing into the night.
The group sat in stunned silence, amazed by the encounter they had just experienced. As they settled back around the fire, they couldn't help but feel grateful for the incredible opportunity to witness such a beautiful creature in its natural habitat.
IMAGE CREDIT: THE IMAGE USED IN THIS POST IS CREDITED TO SPLINTERLANDS.