#forrealtho

 Darkness all around. I should be frightened but I am comforted. She draws near me now. I can hear her bare feet upon the wet, dark green leaves that litter the ground. The moon is but a sliver of silver in an inky sky, broken apart, as a mosaic, by the tree tops that tower above. The smell of earth surrounds, with a faint hint of lavender, carried on the breeze. The trees sway toward the earth as she approaches. The mighty sentinels bowing to her power, even as they dwarf her in size. Her steps are light; only the faint sound of ruffling leaves beneath her feet betray them. Great physical stature is not needed. As she comes closer, the atmosphere charges, the breeze stills, running streams become as glass. She consumes any space she occupies, even breathing becomes difficult. The only thing that moves are tears. She procures them in abundance. She is closer still. My breath catches. I can see her black shroud, her hood hiding most of her countenance. I ponder how I am so familiar ...