"Paw" Prints

You look around a little more tell you notice another set of tracks. They look like some strange paws, maybe of a kenine or feline but can't exactly tell which it is. The prints head through mud and into very thick brush and trees. Although you would need to use your sword to cut through, you follow them.

You unsheive your sword and begin cutting through the low branches, thick vines, and large bushes, wondering how anything could possibly leave tracks under all this vegetation. You continue on exercising your sword arm as you go and sending leaves, sticks, and bugs flying with every swing of your blade. After a few minutes, you come across a concealed clearing. A large area of tall thin grass with a small pond was surrounded by trees and stacking shrubs acting as a kind of walling. Long outstretching branches cover the top form a roof with hanging vines and large leaves, blocking the sunlight to keep it dark and cool. Other areas brake off into tunnel-like paths that may lead to more open areas like this one. It could be this entire section of the swamp is a hidden ecosystem of constant nocturnal simulation.

Moths and light fireflies flutter about the shadowed oasis along with a few resting owls and a bat here and there as if it was always a deep night. Thought there is still light it cannot equal out the shade and only adds to the ombionce with silver slashes against the dirt floor as the pool acts as a mirror with the calm surface. You put your sword away and walk into the grass. The ground under was solid but still a bit damp, enough to smere with a push. The large area was nice, worthy of a painter's brush to capture on a blank canvice.

It seemed peaceful, but something felt weird, like you were not alone, like someone was watching or at least in the same presence. You look around again and try to see anything that catches the eye and raises alarm.