Solo [The Bronze Woods] Fresh Air Is Always Good

[Ruka Emilia]

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86th Day of Winter 516 AV
"Common - Canine"

Everything was black. Empty. Hallow even. Ruka couldn't figure out where she was. She stood deep within a dark place. Lost in her subconsciousness. Fear started to course its way throughout her body. The beating of her heart was all she can hear. Focus on. She sat on the hallow floor, shaking, as she held her knees close to her chest. Whimpering like a lost puppy. After a minute passes her by, a faint light caught Ruka's eye. The wolf peaked her head up and narrowed her eyes. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to catch a glimpse of what was coming. Curiously, Ruka slowly stood up and began walking toward the light. "Hello?" She called out in hopes of she wasn't alone. But, the closer she got, the more she could see. Sounds started to echo throughout the emptiness of the strange place. Laughter, talking and chirping birds were all sounds coming from the light.

"How is this possible?" Ruka asked as if she was going to receive an answer. Before her eyes, was the happiest memory she had with her parents. She saw her younger self with her mother and father. "What is this?" She asked once more. Her breath unsteady as her mind tried to make sense of the situation. Ruka found herself in the forest. A certain place she went with her parents often. She stood silently watching her younger self play with her father as her mother sat and watched. Everyone seemed happy and content with their life. Tears strolled down the cheeks of the young wolf's face as she continued to watch a piece of her life. The only time she would see her parents again and truly happy.

Before the memory could continue, Ruka shot up from her bed while her stomach delayed to catch up. A small ache formed in her chest. Her blue eyes widened, sad, from what seemed like a flashback. Her breath heavy and unsteady. Everything seemed blurry as the kelvic's eyes adjusted. She rubbed her face before it occurred to her that it was damp from her tears. Ruka sighed as she moved her knees to her chest. She wrapped her arms around them, bringing them as close as she can get them. The weight of her head rested on her knees. After minutes of silence, the kelvic's breath had slowed and returned to normal. She lifted her head and released her legs as she removed her blanket. Ruka wasn't ready to get up, but today was her hunting day.

Slowly, she moved her body in a kneeling position in search of her clothes. Her light blonde hair blocking her sight as she moved her bedding to find that her clothes were folded and neatly placed by her feet. A deep exhale escaped her lips. Ruka tried to forget her dream the best she could, but her parents were all she could think about. Steadily, she grabbed her clothes and began to cover her numb feeling body. It was always a challenge due to lack of space she had in her tent. But, still she managed to get herself dressed. Ruka couldn't hear anything else besides the zipping sound as she opened the flap to her door. The woods seemed quiet. Before she escaped her living space, the young Kelvic took notice of her surroundings. At least what she could see. Everything seemed frozen as her environment made slow transition from winter to spring. Silent even. A smile curled her lips. The thoughts of peaceful mornings seemed perfect to Ruka. The sight of the woods were always the best part of her day. A place of freedom and true happiness.

Boxcode credit: Karin Ironyach

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[Ruka Emilia]

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"Common - Canine"

The suns beams broke through the clouds that tried to keep them hidden. The bright light seemed faded once it overlooked the forests floor. Tall trees surrounded her camp. Some looked lifeless and bare while other looked healthy and full. Patches of small bushes guided the trail Ruka walked the most. Going to and from the city, mostly, to stock up on supplies. The outside world seemed quiet. The smell of the morning air made it's way to Ruka's nose. Earth and nature soothed her. Making it easier to concentrate on her task at hand. The breeze lightly caressed her pale skin causing goose bumps. Almost embracing her to the outside.

The young kelvic stepped out of her home and extended her arms to the sky. Stretching her slim body in preparations for the day to come. Her hair hung loose making its strands brush against her shoulders and waist. Thin blades of grass and small twigs crushed beneath her bare feet as she stood. "Today is going to be a good, I hope." she said softly as her arms lowered to her side. Ruka inhaled and exhaled deeply as she looked around for her things. A smile curled her lips. Her mind excited to venture out. The kelvic began to walk by her fire place, that was only a couple feet from her tent, to collect her bow and quiver that were resting next to it. She then turned back to her tent to retrieve her backpack. Ruka kneeled down checking her supplies. "Rope, knife, preserving kit, food, and water." she told herself as her hand went into every pocket she could think of. Then continued, "I think I am all set.". She then place her bow and quiver against her backpack and quickly got her boots on. Minutes later, she swung her backpack over her shoulders along with her quiver and began walking North while she carried her bow in hand.

Boxcode credit: Karin Ironyach

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