The Fourth Chapter of Aarni’s Story

I took a breather before I moved on. The fright at the lake had woke me up completely and given an adrenaline boost. I was exited to see more interesting creatures this forest had to offer.

For a long time only creatures I saw were birds, bunnies and a couple of deer eating berries, but I had an odd feeling there was something else. Like I was constantly observed. I stopped to look around, but didn’t see anything other than trees around me and some sparrows flying over me.

I recalled Otso telling me of spirits living in the forest. There were many kinds of them, and usually I didn’t have to be concerned. They were just guardians of the nature and if I behaved well, they wouldn’t hurt me.

“I am just a traveller, I mean no harm to any of you or your surroundings.”

I thought that if there were any spirits around me, I might as well be respectful and tell them I was just passing by. There was no answer, just creaking of old woods in the wind, so I bowed.

“If I may, can I continue my journey?”

“If you promise not to rip skin or body parts of any of our siblings.”

I turned to see where the voice was booming, but didn’t see anyone.

“I- I promise. May I ask who I have the honour of speaking with?”

I saw movement beside me and turned around to see the trees had moved closer. Suddenly I realized they weren’t trees, but really tall tree-like beings. They looked down at me and I felt a bit scared.

“We are the forest folk, the guarding spirits of this forest. If you even think of ruining our lands or hurting our friends, we will make sure you don’t see another day.”

“I promise you I will not hurt anyone. I am just an adventurer making my way to Lehto.”

I felt so small in the middle of these tall creatures, but at the same time I was ecstatic. Not often would anyone see spirits in the forest.

“You can go on now, but we will keep an eye on you.”

I nodded and stepped out of the ring they had formed, my heart pounding hard. I turned around to see them one last time, but all I saw were just regular old trees.