Rhodiensis
Legacy Name: Rhodiensis

Long, long ago, in a far-off land, a vast forest rose beyond a village where there lived people of every nature. During the day, the merchants sold their wares and the artisans their skills, and at night everyone would turn in to bed.

But what lurked outside, under the cover of darkness? A cocky young man once ventured into the forest and was never heard from again. A search party was later sent after him, unafraid of the woods, and met the same fate.

Several villagers later followed in their footsteps, and the forest became a topic of great discussion. Women warned their daughters to remain in the village and to only tread near the woods if escorted, while men of all ages gathered in inns and pubs to share stories, whether true or not, amongst themselves. Some speculate that a beast roams the forest, searching for human prey to fulfill its enormous appetite. Others believe the beast actually lies beyond the forest, lurking beneath the dark waves of the ocean. Despite the number of villager mobs and seasoned knights sent to find the source of the disappearances, only young children have ever been recovered, found laying unconscious at the edge of the woods.

As for myself, I know exactly what lives in that forest.

- - - - - -

Kid was so pitiful, I couldn't help myself.

He had been out there for some time, that silly little piece of metal at his hip, and didn't even realize he was being followed. I think he was looking for me, as everybody eventually ends up doing, but he was having a poor go at it, honestly.

But more importantly, it was close at hand and I wonder if he sensed anything was amiss? It was almost comical, the way the hunter was being hunted, but at the same time, rather worrisome. I liked the kids well enough, and even though this one was armed, he didn't look like he was going to make it, attacked or not, with that look on his face and that starved appearance.

So I jumped out to tell him.