Pool

The forest was humming with energy, a constant overlay of noise, smell, and sight. The figure stood in the shadows underneath a large cottonwood, the shadows of leaves dancing across its face. The moon hung impossibly huge in the sky above, complimented by countless points of starlight. The figure looked down at the quiet pool in the center of the grove. It was time.

Delicately stepping forward, the figure’s foot sank into the pool. Slowly, softly, moving so gently that scarcely a ripple was released across the face of the pool. The figure strode forward, welcoming the cool embrace of the water as it slid up the figure’s form, tracing each curve and filling each crevice. As the water came to the figure’s neck, it stopped. Looking up at the moon, it closed its eyes and took another step, fully submerged in the crisp sensation of the pool.

Under the surface, the ambiance of the forest fell away. No cascade of rustles and chirping, no fluttering rush of wings carving pathways through the air. The figure stepped forward, its hair trailing through the water in a dark curtain behind it. It looked down as its feet found the depression, a cradle made of smooth river stones blanketed with soft weeds.

Moving leisurely, as if in a trance, the figure laid itself down in the cradle. Its hair danced in the minute currents of the pool as it settled into the depression. It took a deep breath, inhaling the cold liquid deep into its lungs. The heavy weight filled its chest as it laid back, crossing its arms over its chest. Its gaze drifted upwards and caught the wavering light of the moon, filtering through the sapphire depths. As the light of this beautiful sight filled the figure’s eyes, the faintest smile graced its lips, and its eyelids slowly slid closed. Asleep under the deep pool, a pale figure barely noticeable from the surface world with all its chaos.