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Tales from the Woodfolk

A shadow passes between two trees as you hear scurrying across the leaves. A wind blows through a curtain of swaying ivy. Flowers fall as a maiden kisses her lover's cheek, only to disappear in the light of dawn. Have we really listened to the trees when they rustle in the wind? Or hear the gossip of swallows as they rest in their nests? The woods are dark with secrets, we just haven't really listened to them yet. This is a collection of short stories inspired by both human nature and the nature of the Earth in which we live. There is a story behind every crushed bark, gnawed bone, raven's quill, giant's skull, and fallen wreath. If you like Fantastical Beasts, Grimm's Fairytales, or the Book of Khaidan, this may be for you. Lily is a sickly 6-year old child, knowing little of the outdoors. She has been sick for most of her short lifetime. One day when her parents have to leave for a very long business trip amidst the pandemic, her grandmother comes to stay, offering her stories to feed her imagination, and calm her anxiety. As they recount the stories, they encounter adventures of different measures and forms. However, the stories can only last for so long, before reality strikes....(what happens? We shall find out).

DreamyLark · Fantasy
Not enough ratings
10 Chs

The Gobbler - Part 6: Yummy.

"Yummy." The gobbler bellowed. It gave a loud, thundering burp. Spews of spit fell on the villagers. They stung like poisoned sweat, and smelt like rotting flesh.

As the grub finished its meal, it looked at the villagers.

"Too small, too grimy, disgusting!" It cried, glowering down.

Grimacing, its face twitched with scorn, eyes flashing red.

It brought its 8 giant midgets together. Curling into a ball, it shrank, smaller, and smaller, until half its size.

A high whistle sounded, and out from its pores shot putrid gas.

In shock, the villagers kneeled and cried, shielding their eyes and one another. The ground was shaking as if ruptured by a giant earthquake.

After what seemed like ages, the rumbling stopped, and the gas diffused. Rising slowly, they looked around.

The filthy gunk on their bodies had disappeared, leaving dark, red stains. Where the monster had been, there was now empty space.

In the middle of the hall lay a lone, black shoe.

~❋❋❋~

From then on, the villagers would tell their children, "If you don't finish all your soup and vegetables, the Gobbler would come eat you whole!"