every village has some story or legend about an evil that lurks in the woods. something terrifying that no one can escape from. something sinister that steals children in the night, the children that are never seen again. why do most horses live in pastures or clearings? its because the woods belong to someone else. get caught in the woods at night and you might not return. it all depends on how far you go in. how deep can you make it into the woods without chickening out? it was a favorite game of the children from a nearby village. once in a while a group of kids will gather, the tough ones and the fastest ones who wish to prove themselves. despite their mothers warnings and their fathers threats. they gather at night and test eachothers courage to see how far they can go into the woods before running out screaming.
Rishy loved this game. she would listen for the children whispering by the edge of the forest. listen for when the day would be. listen to see who was stupid enough to test her. on these occasions she liked to wait in the center of the forest. wait to see who thought themselves brave. she loved to see their scared faces when they finally reached her. the monster in the woods. the dreaded thing that parents told stories of. she would let them run, but never escape. sometimes she would let one go home, but not with out reminding him of why the woods are feared, and to whom the woods belong to.
the day was coming near. she could hear kids whispering. "father is just being supersticious, there is nothing in the woods." another would laugh, "watch ill go into the woods tomorrow and nothing will happen to me." the story was the same every time. she would let them play their games, let them get comfortable with the forest. then right as they thought they were safe, she would strike, and they would not be going home that night.
it was getting dark. Rishy woke from her nap and headed to the edge of the forest. she had recently hunted, so there was no need to hunt tonight. tonight she would listen. listen for the game. tonight she would see when the next game would be.
