Lambda, The Gentle Guardian

By the time Kuzunoha and I arrived at the temporary bastion where Verina and others had been relocated, the world was still draped in darkness and maddening moonlight.

The spiraling moon hung low, casting silvery light over the surroundings. The forest had a haunting quiet, except for the occasional rustle of wind through the damp trees and the distant sounds of nocturnal creatures moving about.

The Ordeal seemed to be in its timely hibernation.

From afar, I could see that my people had set up their camp in the aftermath of the flood that had destroyed the original bastion, constructing makeshift shelters and watch posts with whatever materials were at hand. Lanterns flickered here and there, casting long shadows that danced in the night.