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Elves of the Forest: The Hunt; A Tale Untold ( Part 1 of 3 )
#WritcoStoryPrompt2 - Pt. 1

A wet leaf fell on her shoulder, making me jump in fear. Startled, I shifted from my hiding place behind the bush, my heart pounding in my chest. As a female woodland elf, I had grown up in the heart of the forest, among a tribe that lived hidden among the trees. Hunting was an essential part of our way of life, and I had eagerly joined the ranks of the hunters as soon as I was old enough.

The forest was my sanctuary, where I felt most alive and connected to the world around me. It was a place of untamed beauty, with towering trees that whispered ancient secrets and a symphony of sounds that filled the air. Every day, I honed my skills as a hunter, learning to move silently through the undergrowth and blend seamlessly with nature.

On this particular day, I had ventured deeper into the forest, seeking a challenge. My tribe relied on the forest for sustenance, and it was my duty to provide for them. As I stalked through the foliage, the scent of damp earth and moss filled my nostrils. My senses were heightened, attuned to the smallest rustle or distant call.

Suddenly, I caught sight of a magnificent deer, its antlers reaching for the heavens. My heart skipped a beat as I carefully notched an arrow onto my bowstring. Drawing it back, I took a deep breath, aligning my aim with precision. Time seemed to slow as I released the arrow, watching it soar through the air.

The arrow found its mark, striking the deer cleanly. It let out a startled cry before collapsing to the forest floor. My pulse quickened with both excitement and a pang of remorse. I approached the fallen creature with reverence, thanking it silently for its sacrifice. It would sustain my tribe, providing nourishment and warmth for days to come.

As I knelt beside the deer, I couldn't help but feel a deep connection to the forest and its inhabitants. I understood that life and death were intertwined, and I played a crucial role in maintaining that delicate balance. My skills as a hunter were not just about survival; they were a testament to my respect for nature and the responsibility I carried.

With a mixture of pride and humility, I returned to my tribe, bearing the spoils of my hunt. The familiar faces greeted me with warm smiles, knowing that we would thrive another day. As the sun dipped below the treetops, casting an orange glow over our hidden village, we gathered around the fire, sharing stories and laughter.

In the flickering firelight, I reflected on my journey as a woodland elf. The forest had shaped me, instilling within me a deep love for the land and its creatures. As I listened to the crackling flames, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the life I had been given—a life intertwined with the wild beauty of the forest.

And so, I would continue to roam these ancient woods, silently moving through the shadows, protecting my tribe, and honoring the delicate dance between predator and prey. For I was not just a hunter; I was a guardian of the forest, a protector of its secrets, and a daughter of the woodland.

© Quiet Winter