Chapter Text
“Gather ‘round, children. Come now,” the teacher intoned, gesturing for the young children to gather close. “I’m sure your parents have told you a version of this tale, a version of this warning.”
The teacher leaned forward in her seat as the children listened intently. “In our forest are many amazing creatures. From majestic deer to tiny ants, there are creatures everywhere. I’m sure some of you have seen them, given your location near the forest. But I know every one of you has been told, ‘Don’t go into the forest after dark.’ Some parents say you’ll get lost, which is true. Some say you’ll be taken away, which is also true. But I’m certain some of you have wondered, ‘Why would these things happen to me?’
Well, deep within our forest there lies a creature we call Ly Vhir. It tracks down those in the forest and takes them to its den, where it feeds on their flesh and blood. No one who goes in the forest after dark ever comes out alive.”
Some children gasped at the information, but it hadn’t fully clicked in many of their small minds just yet. The teacher continued, “Additionally, we’ve come to learn that the forest changes after dark. The same paths and trails you know are nothing alike they are at night. Many people have gotten lost and ended up miles away, in the wrong direction, from where they began.
Not even the guardians go out after dark. If someone flees into the forest, they are assumed dead. It’s grim, but I can only hope you keep this tale in your mind as your teenage years come and go so you don’t end the same way as many others.”