[h1]Forest Shrine[/h1]

[hr]

It was perhaps fortunate, at least at first glance, that the medusa, the goblin, and the halfling had awakened in such a peaceful-seeming spot. Sunlight filtered through the ruined, collapsed ceiling and the trees surrounding the long-abandoned site of religious worship, and the ever-present background noise of birdsong continually serenaded their ears.

To put it simply, given the situation they were already experiencing, they could have awakened in a worse spot.

The ruined shrine was overgrown, vines and ivy twisting over the stone, even small shrub and trees finding their way up through gaps in the concrete.

Above them, high atop one of the broken remnants of the roof, a large black bird alighted. It was a raven, no doubt, tilting its head in seeming curiosity for a few moments as it regarded the strange assortment of individuals below. It was an odd group, no doubt, who expected these three to just show up out of no-where?

It'd have to let her know.

Even if they didn't survive.

The raven spread its wings and took flight, cawing once, sharply, as if to try and get their attention.

It was at that moment, perhaps, that it would become clear the birdsong had suddenly ceased.

The forest was dead quiet, in fact. Moments ago it had been flush with life. Even if they hadn't seen any of the animals aside from the raven, there'd clearly been plenty present.

But now all that could be heard was the subtle sound of the wind blowing.

But no.

That wasn't it, was it?

There was something else.

It started faint, but was started to grow in volume.

A scraping sound, as if something was grinding together. Along with it, a rattling sound, and the rustling of foliage.

The thud of footsteps.

Something was getting closer.

[@Rune_Alchemist][@Rin][@Pyromania99]