The road less traveled (open)

[Echo]

Quiet surrounded the hooded man, as he peered out into the fog of early morning. The rustle of a deer wandering through the brush brought his attention to his left. Moments later the birds began their chorus, a multitude of songs that meant nothing to him except another day officially begun. He took his bow in his hand and walked a few paces east, toward one of the few roads that passed through the dark forest. Most humans came through the forest as quickly and quietly as possible. The wood was not forgiving of trespassers.

If one did not leave the road, one might be safe from the real dangers of places such as this one. Henry had grown used to the eerie place and the magic it harbored. Fairies, witches, druids, they all resided here along with any who were cast out from society. The wood was large enough that Henry and his gang had little trouble with the other inhabitants. Much like those who passed through, Henry walked quietly in the forest and did his best not to disturb what belonged here.

At first the forest had made him uneasy but now it was as if he'd lived here his entire life. There was always wood to make arrows, animals to hunt, greens to gather. He would not have to find a place for himself in society or conform to what was expected of a man of his so-called rank. He was a free man except for one or two things. One, he would never be rid of his worst nightmares, his past realities and two he could never, ever allow himself to fall in love.

Suddenly the man heard voices, low and steady. They were confident. Perhaps overly so? Did they not know what forest they had entered? A mischievous smile came to his well formed lips. They would soon enough.