The day she finally understood her true purpose began just like any other. Mossflower woke up early, had a nutritious muesli breakfast, packed her little satchel and headed out into a bright sunny day. She made her way to the forest and it wasn’t long before she was once again within its calming embrace. Beneath the trees, with the birdsong and the rustle of leaves, this was where she felt truly alive. Today she hoped to catch a glimpse of old friends and maybe make some new ones. A few hours went by without anything exciting happening. Just a fly by greeting of a bird whose wing she had helped mend and a rabbit stuck his nose out of his burrow to say hello before ducking back inside. Mossflower couldn’t have been happier.
Then she heard the laughter. Nasty laughter, loud and obnoxious.
Attracted by the sound she came across a clearing, stepping out behind two boys (visitors by the looks of it) who were cackling and nudging each other. She curiously tried to get a look at what they were doing and when one shifted, she finally saw it. The little mouse trapped under his foot.
Mossflower didn’t think; she just reacted. She wasn’t a violent girl, but there was no way she was going to let anything get away with hurting one of her friends. Despite being smaller, her sudden attack sent one of the boy’s flying head over heels. His friend looked on stunned as she took a stance over the bruised mouse.
“Who do you think you are? How dare you?” With her head held high, she was ready to put the fighting practise she’d been doing with Rose Knight into action. “Hurting an innocent animal. You’re rotten. Get out of this forest!”
She looked so fierce and confident that they left immediately rather than fight back, scampering out of view with only one muttered, ‘what a weirdo.’
Once they were gone Mossflower released the breath she had been holding.
“Well,” she said as she stepped back, peering down at her mouse friend, “I hope they never come back but just be careful.”
The mouse squeaked his thanks.
In that clearing, watched only by the animals and birds, she lifted her head proudly. Every animal that lived in this forest was under her protection. She would tend to and watch over all creatures in need. While she was around, she wouldn’t let anyone abuse or harm her friends. This was her vow and her purpose. A warrior for her animal family.
