Snippet #1458471

The forest around Heaven felt both wonderful and frightening. The trees almost seemed to lean in towards the girl, not hindering her progress but perhaps watching it. Eventually as she wandered, she would see a softly glowing light slip from behind a tree ahead of her. A figure leaned around the trunk, and turned to face her. She had the face of a beautiful, serene woman, and was wearing a white, flowing gown which rustled faintly in the breeze that managed to gust between the arboures. A veil sat atop her head, the screen pulled back to reveal her face, and laced into the long, dark hair that fell to her hips, also undulating softly in the wind. Her skin was so pale it was nearly the colour of her dress, and her fingers were long and thin.

She extended a hand and smiled, a welcoming gesture, clearly wanting Heaven to take it. "Come, child. My name is Dove, and there is something that I must tell you, quickly, before his mind changes." When she spoke, her voice, soft and feminine, pulsed gently through the wood. But every word was preceded by a quiet whisper on the very edge of hearing, as if someone were telling her what to say. A few times, if Heaven's eyes were sharp, she might see a flash of something silver above Dove's head. Still, it was very hard to deny the sense of comfort and safety that bubbled from this woman's matronly smile and ethereal beauty.

As Heaven drew closer, she continued, and if the girl took her hand, she would be filled briefly with an almost overwhelming feeling of warmth and comfort, "He wishes to harm you, child, as he has so many others. Your fear is his weapon, and when you flee he grows stronger. Please, remember, standing stolid in the midst of darkness when terror grips your heart will unravel the shadows."