1 Scarlet Origins 5yr

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The woods were particularly thick that day. Not literally, of course, but for reasons Luci could not explain, it just felt more closed in than usual, and she felt the need to pick her way more carefully through it than normal.

She'd come to live in Miss Gildenglove's care some three years ago, and though she had grown accustomed to the severe woman and the quiet life the two of them lived, now and again Luci felt the need to get away and explore the countryside.

And so it was that she had recently started to do with the Spindlemark forest. Something about this place felt mysterious to her, more so than any of the other forests that lie scattered across the Fjordsgate, and she was determined to find out just what lay hidden within. To that end, she had set upon an extended venture, even going so far as to pack herself a lunch and bring an extra skin of water. She had thought of taking a bedroll with her as well, though she did not wish to test her guardian's patience that far; not for a few more years, anyhow.

The scarlet-haired child dipped her head down to avoid some low-hanging limbs. She stood only four feet off the ground, but even she was forced to duck down and crawl