It was autumn in the Great Forest, and the trees showed it. They sighed and whispered to each other in the golden sunlight of daybreak. Comparing shades of red and gold, maples and birches stretched their limbs. The rustling of leaves woke the boy. Silverleaf opened his eyes. His diamond-shaped pupils dilated in the sudden light. With a yawn he sat up, stretching his arms behind him. The tent flap was pushed back and the motley-clad boy emerged.
It had been fifteen years since she had found him, wrapped in swaddling, nestled between the roots of a grand oak. He had grown slender and tall and was threatening to leave her behind. The forest embraced Silverleaf, and he embraced the forest. She watched as he learned the mysteries of flora and fauna alike."Good morning Briarthorn."
"Good morning love, breakfast?"
