Just something on my mind
Like the title says, this is just something that was rattling around in my mind. I might continue it but I'm not sure at the moment. Feel free to give constructive criticism.
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They called to me. That is the only explanation I have for why I was now walking to the edge of the woods. The forest was calling to me and probably had been for a while but I had been trying to remain deaf to it. Now I needed to get away from civilization and I couldn’t deny that part of me any longer.
I stop at the very edge and lay my hand upon the bark of one of the trees. I closed my eyes as I slowly run my hand over the bark, committing every sensation to memory not matter how minute. The woods are my home but there is always something new that I discover in the paths I travel and driven to experience everything.
Once I have everything in my mind from the roughness of the grain to the its dryness, I set out once more slipping between branches, bushes, and all sort of undergrowth as if I was an actual piece of that environment. It does not take long before my nice stroll quickly turns into a jog and then a full out run as if I’m chasing after something that can not be seen. My boots barely making a noise despite the full out run as they slip in between the loose twigs, branches, and leaves to land with the lightest of thuds. It is not like I can hear them though because their drowned out by a completely different noise entirely: Blood.
Blood, it sings through my veins. Blood, it drums in my ears. Blood, it pounds within my chest, calling out for more, driving me onward in this illusion of a hunt. My mouth waters with the prize that should be at the end of this… “hunt” but knowing that it is not real doesn’t help and I keep running until I finally collapse onto my hands and knees.
The leaves around me scatter slightly at my unexpected drop and from a slight as I just draw ragged, slow breaths. My body is quivering with rage and something else that demands a sound be issued out but I won’t release the howl. It would be pointless for I have none who will return the call and this forest, despite what the town paperwork says, is my territory… and only mine, the sad thought enters my mind. Slowly I stand only to walk a short distance over to some forgotten stone wall to sit and ponder.
Sure I had friends and family but I still felt alone. Still felt empty, as if a part of myself was missing. A couple years ago, I thought I had found that missing piece. I still can’t forget the feel of her warmth beside me or her laugh or anything but she was the first and maybe I was too much of an optimist. It wasn’t until she offered no aid or comfort when I was completely broken and battered both mentally and spiritual that I realized we were not meant for each other. So I said my farewells and walked away but not before bringing her and another together. They seemed better for each other and last I heard they were still going strong. A heavy sigh escapes my lips at the memories which only recently gaining back some of their loving fondness. For a while they had become twisted with guilt and hatred towards her but I kept it at bay. I didn’t want to show malice and hatred to someone who I still wanted as a friend.
I look up at the spring sky and take note of the position of the sun; it indicated that I should probably start heading back. I stand and take a moment to stretch my legs before searching the ground for the subtle clues of the path I took and begin the slow process of tracking my way back to the house. Hopefully I will get back with enough time to prep my gear considering tomorrow is the day my friends show up and we hunt. I wouldn’t want to be ill-prepared.
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"The patient hunter gets the prey" Shas'O Kais
"A teammate is not necessarily someone you like, but he/she is someone you can trust." -Me (I think)
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