The Hivelord Pt2 (Rough)


                                            >Footsteps echo through your skull.

                                            >After months of solitude, you are no longer alone in these woods, the soft sound of stifled moans and the wetness upon your neck being proof of that.

                                            >A dozen pairs of eyes scan for danger, though their owners probably wouldn't be able to escape the many monsters that make the forest their home.

                                            >The sounds of distress remain only as a memory, replaced with the quiet of the night that not even insects dare to disturb.

                                            >The weight on your back shifts.

                                            >"This is far enough, let me down."

                                            >The light of the moon filters through the sparse canopy of the trees.

                                            >You hear the crunch of leaves as the weight on your shoulders is finally relieved.

                                            >Bones shift and crack as you stretch your tired muscles.

                                            >"Anonymous."

                                            >Stopping, you take a moment to take in her form.

                                            >The spindly black creature is quite different from her children.

                                            >She stands at more than twice their height with long legs that cast strange perforated shadows.

                                            >In the darkness, her eyes glow with a dim orange light and unlike her children, she has long faded orange hair that waves in the breeze.

                                            "Yes?" You question.

                                            >Carefully lowering herself, your eyes meet.

                                            >"We will rest here for the night."

                                            >Your face takes a quizzical expression.

                                            "Are you sure you want to do that? We aren't too far from my camp. It isn't much, but I at least have a fire pit and a few rudimentary spears stashed away. I'm not sure how familiar with this forest you are, but it's pretty dangerous out here."

                                            >"I'm sure." Was her only reply.

                                            >You take a moment to scan the trees as the little ones take their places around their mother.

                                            >They are strange beasties to say the least.

                                            >They are about the size of a large dog. The tops of their heads are at about hip level. Each has a somewhat translucent shell on their back that matches their mother's dim orange one and torn wings stand erect on their backs.

                                            >The little ones aren't a talkative bunch.

                                            >Other than the screaming you heard as they fell, not a single one has spoken a word.

                                            >All are injured in one way or another, though one of them would be better described as broken.

                                            >It has a broken back from its landing and will probably be paralyzed for the rest of its life.

                                            >You sigh as the poor thing passes by, carried on the back of one of its siblings.

                                            >Their eyes meet yours for a moment before laying down.

                                            >You shift a bit in the quiet darkness, their gazes seemingly boring through you.

                                            >"Would you like to sit down?" The large one asked.

                                            >You force a small chuckle.

                                            "No no, it's alright. Go ahead and rest." You blurt out.

                                            >"Anonymous, please sleep. I'll wake you if I hear something."

                                            >You again force a laugh, a bit more awkward than the last, but before you can answer, she speaks.

                                            >"You've carried me all day and well into the night. The least I could do is allow you to sleep comfortably, or at least as comfortable as this forest will allow."

                                            >There is a noticeable gap among the small group, clearly intended for you.

                                            >You can't help but feel tired after all the activity today, but something feels off.

                                            >Your suspicious nature had been suppressed in the endless loneliness of the forest and you were overwhelmed by empathy upon meeting the creatures, but now, it is beginning to creep its way out.

                                            >They are certainly appreciative, but you know they are hungry, injured, and tired.

                                            >It is unlikely that they will be able to secure food in their condition.

                                            >The long fangs tell you that they are most likely carnivorous and the somewhat insistent tone of the mother tells you that slowly, but surely, you are going from their rescuer to their prey.

                                            "It's okay, like I said, we aren't too far from my camp. If you want to sleep here, go ahead, but I think I should head to my camp."

                                            >A shiver makes its way up your spine.

                                            >"Anonymous, please. I know it is hard to trust a changeling, but you really need not worry."

                                            >You take note of the new word, but solemnly shake your head.

                                            >"Are you truly that suspicious of us?"

                                            >You stand firm.

                                            "I don't think you want to hurt me, but desperation can lead even the most righteous to unforgivable acts. I know you and your brood are hungry."

                                            >She starts to speak, but it dies in her throat.

                                            >"Wait for me here and I'll return after I check my traps in the morning. If I caught anything, I'll share it with you."

                                            >Her only response is a sad look.

                                            >One of the little ones stands, eyes intensely fixed on yours.

                                            >Silence.

                                            >Even the wind stands still in the tense air.

                                            >Your heart is suddenly pounding.

                                            >The eyes still fixate on you, waiting for an opportunity.

                                            >A swift movement sends your heart aflutter.

                                            >Cold.

                                            >The creature approaches.

                                            >There is a weight within your pocket.

                                            >Four inches of sharpened steel.

                                            >A hand slips into your pocket, unseen.

                                            >The thing is but a few paces away.

                                            >You can hear the beasts every breath.

                                            >You take hold of the blade.

                                            >The world seems to fade away with only the monster remaining.

                                            >You're ready to strike.

                                            >Warmth.

                                            >A child's embrace.

                                            >Twin pools of blue.

                                            >All at once, the world comes back into focus.

                                            >"Stay safe Mister Anonymous."

                                            >The voice of an angel.

                                            >You don't dare look at her.

                                            >Only when she finally decides to lay with her mother, filling the space intended for you, do you begin the trek to your camp.

                                            >The nausea is returning.

                                            >Why is it so hard to breath?