Folksburywoods

Monarch loved to watch the first whisps of fog roll into the valley during autumn sunsets with her friend, Tovel.

Catching a glimpse of the spindly white threads as they floated among the pines was the perfect end to any day.

During a full moon, the pair would stay on the ridge and watch the valley disappear under a blanket of white.

Once, a violent thunderstorm pushed the fog nearly to the ridge’s peak, concerning the friends, as finding their way home would have been impossible in the mist.

Monarch and Tovel play a game most evenings to see who can spot the first whisp, making time spent together even more memorable.

Tovel will soon leave for training, and these moments will keep the friends close even though they will be worlds apart.

With a new moon, the pair left the ridge early tonight to avoid getting lost walking down the mountain.

“Goodnight, Tovel. Will I see you tomorrow?” asked Monarch.

“That depends on if you will walk to the top of this mountain,” teased Tovel.

Before parting, the two hug tightly and wish each other dreams of good fortune. Monarch found it challenging to let go tonight, as her friend was leaving in a day.

Walking back to her hut, the girl wonders if this is when life starts to give less and take more.

Greeting her parents helped wash away some of the sadness of losing her friend, knowing she would not be alone.