Dusk approached and the light splashed longways through the trees, igniting the leaves and turning the forest to flame. Raban watched as the light changed in hue and angle. He felt as though he was walking amid the sunset. A lone needle tree caught his eye, for it remained dark and solemn even in the blaze around it. It looked as though it might provide some shelter and he approached to see better in the strange light. A slight color variation in the tree’s branches caught his eye and he halted. Grass and rope had been weaved into the branches of the huge pine tree, binding them together tightly. Pitch had then been slathered over all to seal out the weather. The lower branches brushed the forest floor, forming what looked like an upside down basket.
Raban backed quickly away into the woods and he circled the strange tree, looking for an entrance. A brown cloth hung from inside the basket, covering a small gap in the limbs. Raban settled where he could keep watch on it. It would be foolish to approach this tree, he knew. Any kind of man could live out here, a kindly hermit as easily as a blood mongering bandit. Raban was almost sure no one was inside, but he would wait first to find out.
Darkness fell completely and ears were more use than eyes on moonless nights such as this. Raban lay down and wrapped himself in his blanket. Nothing stirred for hours and he felt the weight of fatigue press down upon him. His eyelids closed even as he tried to hold them open. The thick moss, despite its dampness, provided none too uncomfortable a bed and Raban fell asleep on his vigil.
Well, there it is. Not the best snippet, I realize, but hey, it's something. I'll post another soon. Maybe something a bit more...exciting.
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