#sheitani

Estel had been traveling for a few days deep into this unknown forest. He had been told by several animals near his village that there was a serious illness plaguing these woods and that it didn't seem to be natural. After consulting with the village elders he had gotten permission to investigate and had set off.

The deeper he traveled the more signs he could see of the toll that this mystery had exacted on the trees and animals. He hoped to locate the source quickly but he was getting frustrated in his search.

He thought back to the night he had spent in the town at the edge of the forest and the rumors he had picked up at the inn.  One of the rumors was  of a phantom cloaked in smoke and ashes whose eyes burn gold amidst its flaming hair and hunts those who hunts animals for sport, those who destroy the forest for their own gain, and those who pollute the forest. The other was awed praise for a gentle healer who was well versed in herbs of all kinds and who healed animals and humans alike. Both were said to exist in the same forest and this intrigued him and he wondered if perhaps it was the same person.

Estel decided to stop and take a break so sat down beneath a tree for shade. He was just uncapping his waterskin when a small reddish brown squirrel perched on his knee and asked for some water.

After sharing some of his water he asked the small animal a few questions about the woods and found out that the legends he had heard about in town were true.  "Will you lead me to her, friend?" he asked the little creature.

The squirrel agreed and perched on Estel's shoulder, chatting away as they walked and giving him directions when needed. Within half an hour, they had arrived at their destination.