8 Taking a Look Around

I shiver, to this day the memory of their haunts me. Now I have taken the place of the woman known as "Nadia." The hate, anger, and fear, people feel toward her; I will bear. Uncertain on how to proceed from here, I sigh. For now, I'm going to explore a bit. I quickly throw on the outfit left on the table. A simple short sleeved brown dress hangs to my ankles as well as black slip-on shoes. I ignore the food because it can't fill my belly. I peek out the doorway.

Everyone was going about their activities. Irvin and Lark are sparring off to the right near the oza. While Andri guards the four men, they captured near the left. Scias, Lina, Ryo are preparing food. Or rather, Scias barks orders and Lina runs around getting everything prepared. I'm surprised by how few people were brought to save "Nadia." Although she's disliked, she is still a first-born princess. Out of Irvin's unit of eight, there is the hand to hand fighter, Lark, the healer, Andri, and Irvin taking command. The women would have been "Nadia's" entertainment, and if she killed them, Scias would take over the miscellaneous duties. Scias has some social standing so she couldn't outright kill him without reason.

At the moment, when none of them are looking my way as I sneak behind the wayoc. I stand in the space between it and the massive tree root. Staring up, I try to figure out how the hell I'm getting over it. An idea begins to form. Staring up at the large obstacle, I grit my teeth and try ignoring my doubt.

/How hard can it be? I just need to jump over something the size of a two-story building.../

/Dear God, I'm gonna die./

/No, no, I should think positive./

/If I die, I don't have to worry about being crazy./

/...That's true.../

/No. I'm going to jump, and I'll be fine./

I shake my head to get rid of my rambling thoughts.

Envisioning where I want to land. I squat and throw myself up as hard as possible. Halfway up my mind blanks in surprise. When I pass the top, I'm completely astonished. Which, unfortunately, means I didn't brace for landing. I crash into the ground with all the grace of a three-legged dog. Pain smashes into me where I land. I tentatively move. My side hurts, but there's no sharp pain; so nothing is broken. Using the root for support, I drag myself off the ground. I try patting the dirt off and fix my hair, but I sadly made it worse. I sigh.

Excluding falling to the ground, that was sort of fun. Knowing I have enhanced abilities I'm more confident with my next jump. I adjust my strength and leap. Elation shoots threw me. I smile and laugh, enjoying the feeling of power. The wind whips my hair into my face. So I don't see that I didn't jump high enough until it's too late. I smash into the side of the root like a bug. I hang, spread against the side, for a moment before gravity drops me to the ground on my back knocking the air out of my lungs.

"Ow," I pitifully groan.

I lay gasping for breath for a few minutes and mentally curse the Bloody Sea for having trees so large.

/So help me God, if it were possible to conger up a bulldozer, I would raze this forest to the ground./

I once more crawl up from the ground. Looking messier and dirtier than previously. I glare at the obstacle before me. Well, third time's the charm. I bend my knees and carefully leap. I sore, and successfully reach my target. I hit hard and stumble, nearly falling right back off, but successful nonetheless. Standing at the top, how can I resist breaking into a victory dance.

But, the euphoria quickly fades when I realize I now need to jump over the space between the roots which didn't seem as far until now. Now, it seems to be at the distance of a deep canyon. If I fall short, I'll be face planting the side of the root. Again.

I internally wail, /This was a terrible idea. This is way too much work to take a fucking look around./

I sigh deeply. /Well, at least I can't say I'm bored./

I try to gauge the distance between me and the next root. Preparing for more pain, I take a literal leap of faith. Subconsciously shutting my eyes as I brace myself. So I don't see it when my foot catches on a small branch that causes me to swing straight down and smack into the top of the root. My eyes open just in time to see it coming at my face. I land hard, and my eyes water from the pain. I rub my reddened nose in a vain attempt to alleviate the pain. I grit my teeth in determination. Having done this much, I refuse to stop until I can leap through this forest as easy as walking.

After a long series of crashes, I finally manage to get the hang of getting between roots. An easy smile stretches across my face. Enjoying the feeling of power as I jump around. I take in the kaleidoscope of colors from foreign plants and animals; neon orange and white feathered creatures, as well as black flowered thin vines, swaying. There are squeaks, chirps, and barks from other unseen critters.

A creature darts across my path but before reaching its destination a small patch of the tree bark snaps up, grabbing its victim. It wraps around the animal like a sack. It bulged as its victim tries to break out. I stared at the brown...thing, that was apart of the tree a few moments ago and feel myself shiver.

/Note to self, tread carefully./

As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I look up. Inches from my face were lots and lots of pointy teeth gleaming with saliva. Of course being the perfect picture of a smart and courageous woman...

I blindly run for my life, screaming.

Jumping root to root, I rush like the hounds of hell themselves are on my ass. I don't know how far I went, but I came to a stop when I no longer have the strength to move another step. Collapsing to the tree root panting with exhaustion. When I manage to collect myself, the trees are casting long shadows as the sun begins to set.

/Alright, I had my fun. I have to get back./

I stand up. Look in front of me. Turn around look behind me.

/.../

/Which way did I come from?/