There was something about the woods that Åtsel loved... The calm, peace, and vibrant life surrounded him like a warm blanket. His brown hooded cloak hung loosely on his shoulders, the hood thrown back to feel the woodland breeze through his stark white shock of hair. A powerful curiosity drew him to these woods and he followed it; not quite sure where he was now but certain he was drawing closer to whatever he was meant to find. Åtsel smiled brightly, happy for the day, and closed his grey eyes to look about him. Hundreds of small pinpricks of light danced the never ending cycle of life as they went about their daily routines: insects, tiny mammals, and birds moved about as if on cue. It made Åtsel smile again to be a part of this secret world, to be able to watch the smallest life's progress. One of the mid-sized lights suddenly wavered, and Åtsel frowned. He opened his eyes to see a wood mouse being bitten by a snake and beginning to be swallowed. His eyes closed again and he watched as the life of the mouse bolstered the aura of the snake, giving it the energy it needed to live. That was life.
Åtsel felt his glamour spell waver, and only after pulling up his sleeve saw that it had fixed itself. His arm was pure, perfect skin. A quick whisper of another spell and the glamour was reapplied. Nearby creatures shied away, even the insects scurried under leaves and back into hollowed trees. They did not want to be near that magic. It hurt Åtsel's heart to see this, but he knew it was necessary. One never knew who you would run into out in the woods... Just as he set off again a voice carried to him, followed by another. He turned towards them and began to walk; curiosity, as usual, overwhelming him.
