Haunted Wood They say flowers can open new paths

every scent swam and swirled beneath his nostrils.

he could smell the lingering trails of prey, he could smell thicker scents to the north of beasts he did not know, but most importantly? he could smell someone nearby, closer than those beyond the wood's tree line.

his eyes would come upon him soon enough. a large man, thick with worked muscles. the kind of man bartholomew liked to think had never seen the wisdom the world could offer.

but this beast was pale, he was pious. a sign for none other than bartholomew.

blessed are you, bartholomew offered with a grin on his narrow features that did not shine in his eyes.