Long blades of grass rustled softly in the breeze as the first rays of morning light appeared on the horizon. Not a single animal stirred, no movement could be detected save for the gentle sway of prairie grasses. Even the dew seemed to hold fast in silent protest against the
The children laughed and ran through the forest, eager to roll in the soft grassy meadow and climb the smaller trees that shaded the winding path. Traveling through the forest was a small price to pay for the beauty of their destination, and each week when it was time to
Upon first glance, the nature scene seemed perfectly serene with nothing out of place. It could have been a painting, really, with the soft moonlight shining down through the trees and onto the water's calm surface. Not a sound could be heard aside from the gentle splashing of
On any given day, one could walk through the courtyard and hear a myriad of sounds. At times it was cluttered with clanks and clangs of steel upon steel, a sure sign that a training exercise was taking place. Some days it was peaceful, almost serene, with the carefree songs
Two shadows fell across the edge of the creek, their outlines nearly merging to become one form. It could be assumed both were cast by humans, their slim builds and straight stature of youth revealing one as male and the other a slightly shorter female. The shadows paused and separated
"Finally. At long last that's one down...only four to go." She let out an exasperated sigh and slumped back in her chair, the fatigue already beginning to show on her face. This was taking a lot longer than planned and the night was still young!