↑↑↑↑↑* DÂRK FORÈST *↑↑↑↑↑

A purple ribbon stretches low over the distant hills. It is all that separates the blackest starless skies from the dark forest depths. The tall dark sentinel trees stand between me and those far hills. Like ancient guardians protecting the secrets between this world and the next. Standing tall and proud are they. They that have withstood the blizzards of countless winters stand proud before me.

I bleed from thorn torn rips on my skin, and I wear the dust of a hundred long years. Yet despite all of this, despite my fatigue and tear stained appearance, I stand tall and proud before you. I have journeyed so long and suffered the proverbial slings and arrows and the ills and woes of the furies. Yet here I am, I present myself as one with determination, one with the strength of a Mother denied. Do not consider for a single glimmer in time that you could stop me from my goals. Others have tried and they lay in my wake.

I have seen the end of an era with my own eyes and the dawn of many new days have shone crimson upon me. I have seen great Empires crumble and the bones of valiant men scattered by demons across deserts and plains. I have walked through the very gates of hell to be here today to stand here before you this night and ask but once that you not bar my path. I fear not the wild animals you harbor within or the swamps of disease and decay. With my own hands I have forged a destiny and my voice has been heard across nations. These then are part of the days that led me here. I will not attempt to terrify you with many brave deeds my own hands have crafted nor relate in awed detail, tales of tremendous efforts to subdue ruthless warriors. I will simply and respectfully ask that you show me the hidden paths that lead to those distant hills. No fruit will I pick or branch disturb. I swear upon my that my feet will pass quickly through your noble territories with quietness and eyes forward. The harmonies of midnight song still you will hear as my passage will be no more than that of a shadow.

So still is this night I hear the trickle of rivers a whole day behind me. Gladly they took my thirst and impeded me not. So quiet I hear the leaves fall from last season. Gladly they warmed me as I slept. Please now give to me your answer mighty forest.

Silence

why silent? Do you consider your reply to me or do I not stand tall enough? I have no sword or machete save for my bleeding hands. I have no armour save for these torn rags about me. I have no chariot save for my shoe-less and burning feet. Would you have me kneel?

Then look, I kneel before thee.

I beseech thee oh mighty forest to open for my passage, for those hills are where I must be. This is the last leg of such a long pain filled journey and it is with my last legs that I am carried here. I beg thee to hinder me not.

I cannot go around you mighty forest for too vast are you and your girth encompasses the width of this continent nor have I wings to soar between your canopy and the clouds. The roots that nourish you plunge deep into the Earth yet know you that my roots and my branches are there in those hills. My family reside there and I must return lest they fear me among the boat riders to Hades.

Yes I do hear the winds you make with your branch casting to the skies and ask that you not evoke the banshee or demon of storms for I want my battles to be done and past and seek now the peace of my home in those far distant hills.

Oh mighty forest you have my eternal gratitude, your enchanted winds blow the clouds and reveal the mistress moon who lights up your paths. I am filled with humility at your great compassion. My words to you are true and swiftly will I pass your magnificence.

Thank you.