"Why are you here, child?"
It's mouth did not open, but I heard it's deep, cold voice flood my mind.
"I'm trying to get home."
It's eyes glowed a pale yellow, as it brought it's head closer to me I could feel the warmth coming from the light.
"You are not as far as you may think. But be careful, small one, for there are creatures here that will cause you great harm."
It was close enough to touch now, and the warm glow was oddly inviting. I reached my hand out and placed it above the creatures nose. It blinked once, slowly, leaving me in darkness for a moment.
I spoke barely above a whisper, almost not wanting it to hear me. It gently nudged against my hand before raising to its full hight and looking down at me.
"May you see by the light of the moon, my child."
It disappeared then, moving silently through the trees despite its size.
I could see clearer, the moonlight now reaching the forest floor.
~☆ from 2023, snippet of a short story I may never finish ☆~