Simon had lived as a knight directly under the King’s command for over 15 years. Beginning his training to become such a glorified figure from as young as eight. What used to be a dream for him was now a burden. Everyday it weighs on him. The blood shed beneath a bright sky, onto grass so healthy and green. Hooves beating heavily against the sanctuary earth provided, only to stain it with the remnants of greed.

Not a moment in his life was he released from the familiar weight of his sword. So maybe as he was cut down in the battlefield, the heavy rain giving him the opportunity to slip between clashing swords and cocked arrows long enough to find sanctuary deep in the woods, he greedily took that opportunity. His armor was scratched, chipped around the edges. Sword lost in the thick fray of battle. A tree offered him its trunk, supportive as he slumped against it. The sky offered him cover with the clouds.

Even as blood seeped into the ground— endless from the gash on his side, the forest gave him Eden. Although he was never the kindest, nature did not discriminate. It held his body in the arms of its selflessness, offering him respite beyond the suffering. Simon wasn’t eager to live but even he knew it was not time to die. He wasn’t sure how long he slept, but as the wind gently pushed against him he knew it was time to leave.

Left to wander foreign land he trailed through the forest with no destination. It left him to admire what he couldn’t, strung always on the heat of battle. Every meal he hunted, every drink of water from a river. Maybe it all had a purpose. To lead him before a small cabin, hidden in the thickest overgrowth of the forest. Simon decided to test fate. He gave the old door a heavy knock, only to be met with silence.

Maybe nobody lived here, was a thought that crossed his mind in the silence. Unfortunately he couldn’t afford to entertain that though. Wandering wasn’t what he did best, unsure what of nature he could trust and what was dishonest. So, he slumped against the wall beside the door, deciding to wait instead of leave. As night fell and nobody showed, he began to doubt the occupancy of the place. Not as if he had anywhere else to go, he countered, eyes falling shut with his exhaustion.

The morning birds brought him consciousness and the leather blanket strewn over his lap forced him alert. Clad in his armor, he felt rather safe, however the blanket on his lap meant he was losing that cautious edge. Roaming the area for the owner of this blanket, his eyes caught onto a figure offering seeds to a gentle flock of birds.