The Mystic Forest

The Mystic Forest

CHAPTER 1

     There was once a forest around in the Renaissance time period, it was far off from any town or village. Now, people were not aware of what lurked about there, dragons, fairies, almost anything you could imagine. Ah, most of the forest was full of harmless creatures, but yet, there was still a few hostiles as well. This forest had been hidden for decades, until they found it. Who are they you ask? Why, continue reading to find out.

"Wake up, Peter!" Yelled young Marjorie, who was Peter's little sister. She had lush, curly, brown waves of hair, bright blue eyes, and fair skin. Peter sat up groggily, and rubbed his eyes. "What is it, Mar?" He asked with a bit of irritation, she smiled. "Why, it's your birthday, silly!" The eight year old exclaimed. Her brother's eyes widened, fully awake now, he swung his feet over the side of the bed. A grin worked its way upon his face, "it is, isn't it?" Marjorie simply nodded, and waited for him to stand up. "Do you feel different, since you are older?" "I'm fourteen now...but I don't feel any different," he chuckled, and ruffled her hair. Marjorie scowled slightly, and pushed away his hand. He smirked, and stood up, Peter ushered her out of his room, and got dressed. 

Peter put on a green undershirt, a leather tunic, old worn pants, & scuffed up boots. He also wore a leather belt that contained hidden pockets to hide small weapons. On his back, he wore a bag full of homemade arrows. Peter slipped on some leather finger-less gloves that reach to his forearms, and grabbed his bow right before he left the bedroom. He was once again, greeted by Marjorie, and she comments on how handsome he looked. 

"Are you ready for some breakfast?" She asked, a hopeful shine glimmering in her eyes, he looked at her in confusion. "Mar, you made me something to eat?" He asked, she smiled brightly, "yes I did! Here, let me go grab the platter!" She skipped over to the old table, and carefully brought it back to him. Peter looked down at his plate and smiled, on it, wild berries & a small loaf of bread. "I haven't had bread in a while, thank you," he said happily, Marjorie's eyes lite up, and she looked quite proud. "Have you eaten yet?" He asked. She shook her head, "No, I haven't, I used all of the things in our cupboard to make you that bread...But I'm not hungry at all!" Marjorie lied through her teeth, to be honest, she was starving. Peter tore off a big hunk of his bread off the loaf, and handed it to her. 

"B-But, you must eat a healthy meal, for goodness sake, it's your birthday!" She insisted, louder than intended. Peter chuckled, "since you made it for me, that's the least I can give to you in return. Please eat, we're going exploring today." That seemed to convince her, and she warily began to eat the delicious homemade bread. Peter soon finished his meal, and sat it down on the table. "Now, Marjorie, try to stay close to me this time, if you don't, something may eat you," he warned, she squeaked, and nodded her head frantically. Peter grinned to himself, and walked towards the front door. Both of them exited the small abandoned house, and Peter pulled out a compass. "Mar, look at the map," he instructed, she did as she was told, and pulled out a hand-drawn map, that had much detail. "We're heading northwest this time, so we'll go between the rocky path and the fallen oak." Peter explained while pointing at certain spots on the paper, then he began to walk towards that direction, Marjorie followed eagerly, and held map tightly. 

About halfway to the new land, they both heard a blood-curdling scream, now it didn't sound human, but more animal like. Marjorie shivered, "Peter, what was-" "Be quiet!" He snapped, and looked towards the direction of the cry. Little did they know that something - or more so, someone, was keeping a close eye on the duo. Peter squinted his eyes, trying to focus in the distance, but failed miserably. Marjorie took in a deep breath, and closed her eyes in fear.

"Mar, let's go to it," he whispered lowly, Peter crouched down, and began to slowly sneak over for a glimpse. She let out a shaky breath, and hurried after. 

((I know this chapter is rather short, but here it is. ^^" ~Elizabeth))