A short story about a young child surviving a in bleak world.
The little girl was barely more than a child, yet already she had seen horrors enough to scar her for life. She had been living with a camp of peaceful folk in the forest when the raiders came riding like thunder on their horses. Screams filled the air as they burned and pillaged all that lay before them. In terror, she ran from her camp and found herself alone in these most treacherous woods.
The poor soul did not know which way to turn for fear of being caught by those who sought after her, but soon discovered solace deep within this dark forest where no one dared wander - much less any Raider. Here amongst trees ancient and tall were places of refuge; fallen logs that made shelters just right for sleeping beneath stars bright at night or even a cave hidden away behind a waterfall's spray. But truly there was nothing safe here save what courage remained in her small heart beating wildly inside her slender frame.
So it was that each day brought new terrors as she ventured out alone gathering berries or scavenging food from an animal’s kill – often having to flee back into hiding if ever menfolk should come near searching for prey of their own making… Fortunately such days proved few, otherwise surely she would have gone mad with fear. Yet still--this strange existence taught many lessons: running swiftly through thicket without leaving trace; listening keenly to every sound heard around; staying watchful during darkness long.. All times necessitating an alertness more suited to one twice her tender age!
Still though—she persisted—for could death be worse than this eternal flight? Thus on those days when hunger abated (at least temporarily) and exhaustion became too great a burden little else existed save dreams... Of reaching safe haven beyond this dark wood or reuniting with kin once again! Although scant hope lit up these imaginings, it nevertheless provided some comfort amidst so much despair…And perhaps therein dwelled strength enough both to survive another sun-filled morning while also keeping alive one precious spark of joy deep within her tiny wounded soul."
But alas, the Raiders were still afoot and any chance of respite seemed ever so distant... For now - signs of them could be seen in the smoke that rose up from far away villages. It was only when such smoke disappeared – replaced by birdsong instead – that her hope for some reprieve would return… Until then she must remain vigilant, both watchful and wary lest danger come too near!
So it was that each night she would hunker down in her little shelter and pray for the day to come when no more smoke could be seen amidst these forest trees – when only birdsong would fill the air. And then, if ever such a day were to arrive, perhaps she too could finally escape from this darkness and inhale sweet freedom's breath. Until then, she must continue to remain ever hopeful - for no other option remained save that of eternal flight.
This was a tale of an unnamed girl who's only hope was solitary survival in the wilderness, along with ai art created with ai browser applications.
