The journey back to the kingdom of pines is longer than it had been previously. No longer do I levitate eerily upon the updrafts. The feathered appendages I had once held awkwardly to my sides are no more. Stripped away, my body feels lighter, more agile. I am thankful for this.
I now move quickly under the needle filled canopies with a hunter prowellness. Only fresh scars and dried blood remain where my wings once attached; a small reminder of my time in the forest with the dark God.
A meager price to pay
Within the shrouded fog of the kingdom, I seek to find any who may call it home. What creatures would such a land hold to Her breast, I wonder.
My travels break into a small clearing and before me I find an interior water reservoir. Movements stop as my silver eyes cast my gaze upon it. For now, I simply watch it. The still surface reflecting the blue-gray skies above, creating a wonderfully eerie effect. If anyone were to live here, surely they will be coming to enjoy a refreshing drink at some point.
Kreed