Forest Of Dreams (Part 1)
By Diego Alvarado
They say the Forest of Dreams is a once in a lifetime chance only given to the purest of people. The legend goes that whoever finds this forest is given the chance to have a dream of theirs granted and brought to life. However, there isn’t much evidence of such a thing existing. From what I’ve gathered, the legend has existed since before the creation of our village while being passed down by our elders since then. Unfortunately, this is the most I’ve been able to gather about this legend with no other findings or records that I’ve been able to uncover as of late. That doesn’t mean I’m giving up here, I can’t give up now. I’m getting them back one way or another. Even if it means losing everything I’ve worked for.
“Cl…ire…Claire” The voice called, drifting in and out of my mind, barely enough to disturb my sleep. I turned over, trying to ignore it.
“Cla…re, wake up it’s morning…” The voice became clearer now, but I continued to ignore it as I clung to the warm embrace of my blanket.
“CLAIRE I SAID WAKE UP ALREADY!” The shout jolted me awake, I yelped as I tumbled off my bed, a book falling with me in the process. Rubbing my eyes from the sudden wake up call, I looked to see who was disturbing my sleep.
It was Casper, my childhood friend, with his short, ruffled brown hair and bright green eyes. Normally, I would have been ecstatic to see him. This wasn’t one of those times.
“Casper what was that for? You do know I was sleeping right?” I grumbled, Irritation evident in my voice “Why did ya have to jolt me awake like that especially with how early it is!” I asked him while peering outside my window, noting it was still pitch-dark outside. The sun hadn’t even begun its daily rise yet either
Casper just sighed at me, “Of course I know that. But did you forget? We’re supposed to help setup today’s ceremony. We got picked by the grand elder remember? Trust me, I don’t want to be up this early either.” He spoke with a tired expression but that wasn’t my concern right now.
“Why are you in my room…” I asked him, eyeing him suspiciously. He froze up, obviously registering his current predicament he’d placed himself in
“L-Look it wasn’t my intention to enter your room.” He stammered, face going red “I knocked b-but you didn’t answer, so I went inside and up to your room to check up on you. But I swear I wasn’t trying to do anything!” Casper frantically explained as he waved his hands around in panic
Realizing he was telling the truth from his nervous expression. I relented and dropped the act. “Alright, fine. I forgive you. You could’ve at least been more considerate waking me up.” I said, still mildly annoyed. “Anyways, could you explain again why we have to be up so early?”
Looking visibly relieved, he explained to me again our tasks for today and what needed to be done, that’s when it hit me—I completely forgot about the ceremony. It hadn’t registered in my mind yet because of my studies so the thought hadn’t ever crossed my mind.
“Sorry Casper, I completely forgot about the ceremony…” I admitted, proceeding to dust myself off. “I was just so caught up in the book I found yesterday that I lost track of time.”
“Clearly, considering you fell asleep with a book on top of your head.” Casper replied, looking at me with a tired expression. “Not only that but your desk and especially your room is a mess” He said while looking around my room “You should really tidy up here you know?”
Actually… Now that he mentioned it, my room was a mess. Papers, books and random belongings were scattered everywhere. I had even bothered to switch out my clothing last night.
“I swear it’s like you decided to test out a new wind spell in here and ended up overdoing it. I’m not sure if this is worse than last month or even that one incident from last year when—” Having enough of his attitude, I clamped my hand over his mouth.
“You know I think it’s about time you got out.” I told him sweetly as I smiled at him. Casper knew me well enough to know my smile meant otherwise. Without even a second thought, he showed his way out.
Once he left, I picked up the book I dropped during the commotion. The cover had an earthly brown tone and intricate tree roots. The title was printed with a soft beige color contrasting it all.
This was a book I’d been reading the night before.It was a story book based on the Forest of Dreams. It’s meant for young elves, to teach them of the rights and wrongs in life. Due to this story being based on a legend, everyone stops believing in it as they grow older.
“Except me of course…” I mumbled to myself, somewhat embarrassed I was the only one who still believed in it. Shaking off the feeling, I set the book down and made my way towards my bathroom.
Entering inside, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Long silver hair that fell down to my shoulders, shining like a newly minted blade. Accompanied by bright amber eyes that stood out like sparks of fire. In a sea of brown and blonde, there stood mine. Unique and distinctive, It made me too recognizable, to the point I hated it. I was teased for looking so different compared to everyone else.
As I’ve grown older, people have begun to seek me in ways I don’t particularly like. Almost every single guy I’ve met over the years have sought me out for my appearance, all except-
“Claire, don’t take too long alright. We can’t afford to be late.” Casper yelled from downstairs, knocking me out of my stupor. Not wanting to leave him hanging I yelled back at him “Okay, I won’t, Wait for me outside alright?”
“Alright.” He yelled once more in agreement, the door creaking shut behind him. Taking a deep breath, I peered into the mirror once more. “I should hurry and get dressed now.” I said to myself, not wanting to keep Casper waiting too long.
As I got dressed, I thought over today’s conversation. Realizing how exhausting it was going to be today, I could only sigh in exasperation. “Today is going to be a long day…” I slowly mumbled to myself, unaware of how right I actually was at this moment.
