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The creature, which stands completely still in front of you, stretches so high into the trees that you can't see its head. Its body, complete with four thick, almost humanoid limbs, is dense and, you think, hairy enough that it seems to absorb what little light has made its way into the clearing. At the end of its arms, you see what looks like the outline of dull, gnarled talons. Still, if it wasn't for the faint rumble of its breathing, you might have mistaken it for one of the trees.

Seeing it, you:

"Hello."

Your voice is barely audible over the chorus of whispers, but somehow you know you'll be heard.

The creature, standing upright, its head completely in shadow, slowly lifts one massive, fur-covered leg. As its "foot" leaves the ground, you see roots snapping off it—and when it drops, roots spring up again to bind to it. It only needs three steps to reach you, and when it stops, you see that what you thought was fur is actually short, dark grass.

Then, with a soft groan, the creature begins to lean down towards you. Finally, its head comes into view; but rather than a face, you see what looks like an enormous flower, blooming with hundreds of yellow petals.

It doesn't make a sound, but one by one its petals start to fall, cascading down to cover your feet until—

Next

You open your eyes to find Arctus licking your nose.

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