The forest

         Lauren Cassar
         
Travel writing - forest

Trees thrust out into the sky, keeping an eye on everything that ventured into the misty forest. The inclement puff of wind burned my skin, making the hairs on my arms stand up and propelling me to wrap my woollen coat that little tighter around my numbed body. Birds chirped welcoming the new day ahead of them and the trees oscillate in the breeze. Twigs crunched beneath my heavy footsteps as I followed the hidden footpath. The sky was not in sight as it was blocked of by the green leaves trying to escape away from the branches creating a dull, obscure atmosphere.
The wind roared out a howl filling my lungs with too much air and making it almost impossible to breathe. The footpath had faded into marshy grass and with each step I took my foot would sink that little deeper into the earths ground. Little icicles fell from above, attacking like bullets, but leaving a sparkle, before slowly melting where in its place would remain a wet patch.
The scent of fresh air filled my nostrils and lungs sending icy shivers right through my body. Within a crooked tree a vibrant, colourful Toucan bird sheltered her baby from the dreary weather. My ears began to ache because of the constant whispers from the chilled wind and my fingers felt completely ice bounded.
Artic water gushed in the lake, violently attacking the ancient wooden bridge that had been carelessly built. The bridge swayed and let out a loud screech with every inch I moved. Behind me, muddy footsteps printed upon the wood from each step I had taken leaving a trail for the unknown.
Grasshoppers hushed a squeaky tune however kept away from sight and dragon flies dodged their way through the wind, on their adventure to find food. The gale continued to race through the smoggy forest knocking down everything that got into its way. There lying upon the miry soil was one of the winds victims, a battered, worn-out tree no longer strong and dominate like the others that stood beside, battling their way through the hurricane storm.
The aroma of sweet juicy berries and lavender filled the atmosphere. A minute mouse scurried across, desperate to find shelter away from the harrowing, dreadful blizzard. My lips had cracked due to the frosty weather biting upon my lip and I could taste the warm blood that slowly dripped out.
Tucked cosily in the heart of the forest I came towards an abandoned cottage. The windows were a musky yellow and had been shattered for what had looked like thousand years. The remains of what once was glass from the window were now scattered on the grubby sod, like glitter sparkling in the light. The door was hanging on by the rusty hinges and was covered in cobwebs. I could feel my heart pounding as I crept closer to the forbidden house. A golden heel blocked the door way and red fluid was smeared along the right side of the door. The wind panted heavy knocking me off balance and forcing me hold on to a jaggy branch to stay upright. A loud eye splitting scream left the cottage, making my heart miss a beat and making me skip desperate breathes. Seconds later a piercing bang came from a powerful gun not yet in sight.