Shadows in the Forest

The dense canopy of the Forsaken Forest stretched endlessly above, its ancient branches entwined like the gnarled fingers of forgotten gods. 

Argolaith and Kaelred moved with steady purpose, their boots crunching against fallen leaves and thick roots. 

It had been days since they descended from the mountain's peak, and the deeper they traveled into the forest, the more unnatural the air became. 

The stillness pressed against them, a heavy silence broken only by the occasional rustle of unseen creatures.

"I don't like this," Kaelred muttered, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. "The forest is watching us."

Argolaith smirked. "Everything in this place wants to kill us, Kaelred. I'd be more surprised if it wasn't."

Kaelred shot him a sidelong glance. "You're disturbingly calm about that."