A howl fades as the wind carries it north

[BattlePixie]

The folks of Sestra have been sleeping easier the past month as the narrow path that leads into the secluded mountain valley has been quiet. Previous to this, the towns folk would hear the howling of beasts on the wind, but no longer. Brave souls who have since dared travel that path and arrived at the secluded valley still report the lone twisted tree that grows there to be adorned with carved bones and other items of mystic importance.

The soldiers encamped in the Schild mountains have recently reported that the wind that gusts over the mountain peaks has carried with it the remnants of a ferocious roar. Scouts have also reported seeing walking trees in the moon light and that the old gnarled tree in the sits in the middle of the battle field has grown its first new bud since the war began.

[BattlePixie]

Mittens sat listening to the sounds of her new home. The air was heavy in this forest, almost threatening to suffocate her and she liked it that way, it reminded her of her old home so far away. This forest had life, from its ancient, moss covered trees, to the Stoic hillock where she sat now. Even the water teemed with activity, above and below its surface. She surveyed the forest as the moonlight played in the thick undergrowth and witnessed all aspects of life here, from the birth of new leaf as it poked out from the rich soil to the insect that is snatched from the air by the bullfrog. This was her new home she thought to herself confidently.

Mittens knew this place was dangerous though, she could feel it in her bones and last night's hunt netted three more bog zombies. But she also knew that a tribe would grow strong here. Mittens knelt down and sketched out some plans in the soft soil. She had some fierce warriors in mind to give her tribe that strength and the start it would need. Perhaps they would see her as a strong chieftain and follow her, though perhaps it was to early and their restless spirits have not yet yearned for a new tribe and a place of their own.

A low growl caused Mittens to stiffen slightly before she turned to face the ruined building behind her. The large double doors of the ruined structure hung awkwardly on broken and bent hinges like disfigured teeth. From the darkness beyond she could see a dozen pin points of red light and knew this was the source of the primal sound. Mittens rose slowly and as she approached the shadowy portal the growling grew as shadowy forms of hounds emerged out of darkness. Their eyes glowed with a fierce lust for the hunt and their fur seemed to take its form from the shadow around it.

"Yes my children, we will hunts soon yes" Mittens said as reached out and petted the shadow mastiffs. "Bihai and the Great Hunter have blessed this night."

Travelers heard the howls echo on the wind in this ancient northern forest, howls of the new denizens.