Trigger Warning - Issue 2

The Enchanted Forest Beckons

By Robert Tustin

The sun was just beginning its ascent, casting a golden hue over the village of Rook Hollow. The cobblestone streets were quiet, save for the gentle hum of morning life stirring awake. Robins chirped their dawn chorus, and the scent of dew-kissed flowers filled the air. It was in this tranquil setting that Orbert, the half-elf bard, found his inspiration.

Orbert strolled through the village square, his ukulele slung over his shoulder. The bronze mermaid fountain in the center of the square glistened with morning light, its waters trickling down melodically into the half shell bowl that formed its base. Orbert paused, taking in the serenity of the scene. This was his routine, a morning walk to clear his mind and invite the muses to visit him.

His path took him to the edge of the village, where the cobblestones gave way to a well-trodden dirt path leading into the enchanted forest. The forest was a place of magic and mystery, where the ordinary and the extraordinary coexisted. It was here that Orbert often found the spark for his poetry and songs.

As he stepped into the forest, a sense of calm washed over him. The trees, tall and ancient, seemed to whisper secrets of old. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Orbert’s fingers instinctively strummed a soft melody on his ukulele, harmonizing with the natural symphony around him.

Orbert wandered deeper, his heart attuned to the forest’s magic. He paused by a familiar grove, where a cluster of glowing flowers grew. These flowers, known as Lumina Blooms, were one of the forest’s many wonders. Their petals glowed softly, even in daylight, and their nectar was the source of the enchanted honey produced by Thistle Bumbleshade’s bees, known colloquially as Elderglow Bees, but most everywhere else as Rook Hollow honeys.

He knelt beside the blooms, gently touching a petal. The glow intensified, and Orbert smiled, feeling a surge of inspiration. He began to hum a new tune, one that captured the essence of the Lumina Blooms and the magic they held.

Lost in his music, Orbert didn’t notice the figure watching him from the shadows. Sharra, the witch who lived in the guest house of the haunted mansion on the outskirts of the village, had been drawn to the grove by the enchanting melody. She stayed hidden, her dark eyes fixed on Orbert. There was a part of her that loathed his carefree spirit and the joy he found in the forest. Yet, another part of her, a part she rarely acknowledged, was captivated by his music.

Orbert stood and continued his walk, unaware of Sharra’s presence. He made his way to a clearing where a grand linden tree stood. This was Hal, the awakened tree who had witnessed centuries of the forest’s history and who had been struck by lightning more times than he cared to mention. Hal’s branches rustled as Orbert approached, a silent greeting between old friends.

“Good morning, Hal,” Orbert said, sitting at the base of the tree. "I know you're sensitive about them but your scars really do add to your boundless charm." He played a cheerful tune, one that Hal seemed to enjoy. The leaves rustled in time with the music, creating a gentle, harmonious duet.

"Thank you, old friend," replied Hal, " I appreciate the kind words."

As the music filled the clearing, Orbert felt a sense of fulfillment. Here, amidst the magic of the forest, he was at peace. The melodies came easily, each note a reflection of the beauty around him. He closed his eyes, letting the music flow, unaware that the enchanted forest held more secrets and surprises than he could ever imagine.

Unbeknownst to Orbert, his morning serenades had attracted more than just the attention of the witch. The forest itself seemed to respond to his music, the magic within its depths stirring and awakening. The enchanted bees buzzed around the Lumina Blooms, their hum adding a new layer to the symphony. And somewhere, deep within the forest, a soft, almost imperceptible glow began to pulse in rhythm with Orbert’s tune.

The enchanted forest beckoned, its magic whispering promises of inspiration and adventure. Orbert’s heart swelled with the possibilities that lay ahead. Little did he know, this was just the beginning of a journey that would lead him to discover the true heart of Rook Hollow and the hidden depths of his own soul.

Art by Kendra Matott