How had I gotten here? I had been exploring Helovia a lot more recently, having grown tired of residing strictly in the Thistle Meadow. It was nice, but definitely not a spot to remain in forever. However, neither was this place, with its dark trees towering above me and blocking away the sunlight, seeming to choke out anything that even remotely resembled purity. My ears were delicately pressed near my skull, uncertainty rather apparent in my sky eyes as I treaded carefully, feathered limbs placing themselves hesitantly in front of the other as I continued. Despite every part of me screaming to go back, to get away from this place that instilled fear in me, I pressed on. I was determined to figure this place out, even if everything about it gave me the creeps. Trying to keeping my breathing steady I counted to ten in my head, breathing into my nostrils, and slowly letting the air escape out of my lips. I ignored the way they vibrated with each breath, only looking ahead until I broke into a clearing.

It was desolate, quiet and foreboding, my eyes scanning everywhere swiftly and anxiously, wondering why there was absolutely nothing here. Not a sound of life. Not even the scuttle of a bug or rat in the grasses. That was comforting. As I began to venture out further from the clutches of the trees, my gaze continued to flit over everything until - OH MY GODS WHAT WAS THAT? I froze, a high-pitched scream escaping me as I scrabbled back in utter terror. I had always had a higher tone than most men, but I didn't know I could really reach that octave.

It turned out to be a branch, gnarled with moss and leaves, making it look like a ferocious beast in ones peripherals. Whether or not that was true, that was the story I was sticking with. I had to maintain some dignity after all. My lungs gulped for air after my little panic attack, the whites of my eyes clearly visible as I regained my composure, taking one more look around the clearing before finally catching the small pond. Ah, water, I needed that after my little um... moment. I walked forward eagerly, momentarily forgetting my fear as my body's needs came first. My lips pressed eagerly into the liquid, letting it slip down my throat and soothe, a sigh escaping me as I finally began to relax. That was until I opened my eyes. Crimson; everywhere. All I saw was deep red that edged into black, it filling my vision and causing my head to swirl. Did I just.... Did I just drink blood? I think I'm going to... Suddenly everything went black around me.

OOC: Nym has fainted, because he's a big drama queen.
WC: 458
TAG: Kaj