Meeting in the Forest

Two men helped to heave the enormous fur mantle over Richard's head. It was made entirely of black rabbit and the gown of fur hung from shoulder to floor. It was worn as part of an old Northern ritual, with a leathered mask that too was dark.

He was an exceedingly tall man and looked all the part of a mythical creature. Tonight he was to meet with the Fey of the Forest and was told that this was the most impressive of costumes to go in. Two tailors and over one hundred pelts were sewn to make up a cloak that had no opening.

In the twilight he stood alone by the river that ran past his castle and through to the meadows. He had waited for a little time before walking further into the thick.

Richard could hear someone chanting and saw through to the scrub the flicker of a fire burning fast. He was now beginning to have some doubts. What if this was an elaborate game of assassination? He faltered. The mask was giving him claustrophobia and its fresh skin filled his nostrils with the strong smell of the tanning oils saturate within.

Although lighter than common armor, his cloak hung hotly, and he moved only slowly into the dark with but a clumsy frailty.

-Gabriel Brunsdon, Puck in Hell, Azlander Series