The artificial night that was created by the trees above had no end in sight. The path had ended miles behind as they walked deeper and deeper into the forest.
“I really do hope you know where we are going.” The female voice was swallowed by the darkness as it left her lips. A moment passed where not even nature answered her back. The two walked in silence as their lamps lit the way ahead. A crack sounded in the brush beside them as an animal darted out. They both jumped away from it quickly.
“I’m glad stuff like that doesn’t scare me.” The male chuckled.
“Yeah. If only you could see yourself from back here. You backed up farther than I did.”
“I was just getting prepared.” He moved his hand to his hilt.
“Okay there, tough guy. You want to keep leading us down this shortcut of yours, or should I?” She walked by him as he stood there with a fake smile of confidence. He stood still for a moment, then walked briskly after her. It took him little time to catch up and pass her.
“I can handle this. Don’t worry. It’s just changed so much since I have been here last.”
“It’s a forest, nature. It’s not like a town just sprung out of nowhere…”
“Maybe it has.” He took her shoulder and pointed up. Both got low and slid behind a nearby tree. Walkways connected the towering giants just below their leaves. Huts had been built around and between the trees. Shadows walked by one way or the other, not making a sound. They examined the suspended village, soon realizing that they were directly under one of the structures.
“Should we find a way up?” Her voice was lower than before as she tried not to raise any alarm.
“I don’t think we need to.” He pushed a finger to the back of her head. She tilted it down and then over as she followed the pressure. Shadowy figures had surrounded them.