<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: teal">A crystal clear lake sat quiet and undisturbed, guarded along its borders by the tall sturdy trunks of massive trees. The wind blew ever so gently through the leaves- it seemed to be whispering. Almost like a voice, whispering of the many secrets this forest withheld. There was not a soul around that would dare disturb these waters. But yet, one soul sat nearby, her hands cupped and dipping silently into the serene pool. <br/><br/>Small insects seemed to dance around her head, lighting up as did many of the small bugs in the more shaded parts of the forest. They illuminated her branch-woven crown and messy brown hair, which fell to her shoulders in tangled wavy strips. It caressed her face which was childlike and filled with a certain essence of youth. Unusual, to find one so young out here. She perched steadily on a boulder just beside the lake, gazing at it with calm but worried green eyes. Her eyes could have been mistaken easily for orbs of grass, for they quite literally resembled grass blades in color and inward texture. An intense and odd color for regular human eyes. <br/><br/>With her handful of water, the little girl released it over a creature which was right beside her. It was a small critter- but <br/>unlike the many wondrous and strange inhabitants of this place, it was normal for its kind. The small brown hare jerked up from<br/>what had appeared to be a rather peaceful nap. After it released a small squeal of protest- or was it of surprise?- the girl giggled<br/>to herself and hoisted it up in her arms, running her hand over its ears gently. <br/>"I'm sorry, dear Isabelle, I just couldn't help myself!"<br/>She stood and held it close in her embrace, turning before gingerly hopping down from the stone. This lake was one of her <br/>favorite locations to relax. But now it was time to leave, and make sure her friend got home as well. <br/><br/>This forest had always been home to her, and as such, she knew nearly every route to take to avoid different things. Somehow<br/>she had survived despite the many dangers it presented to most. She knew a variety of plants and creatures, while also<br/>yearning to investigate the regions she had never dared to venture. But that was an adventure she could wait for. For now,<br/>simply being here was good enough. With the creatures as her friends and feeling the rays of the sun every morning, waking<br/>to the sight of dawn while sitting on a cliff's edge or watching as water poured over the mighty slopes of a waterfall, she treasured this place like no other. <br/>Even with its dangers, if one was careful, this forest was also full of beauty. Beauty was all she'd ever seen in it. <br/><br/>The young girl paused before a small hollow and set the hare down onto the ground, waving as it disappeared into the tunnel.<br/>It was one of her many friends. Somehow, she'd always had a knack for befriending things. Certain spirits had always warned<br/>her about some of the monsters that lurked in the shadows- she was careful to avoid those. Deep down she believed<br/>there could be some good in everything, even these 'monsters' she may never meet. She continued on her way, skipping<br/>and humming softly to the wind. What should she do now? Explore some old ruins? Check to see if anyone needed help?<br/>Or perhaps some of her friends were free to play. The possibilities were endless! A wide, excited grin stretched over her face as she skipped off between<br/> the trees in search of fun.<br/><br/> </span></div>