Dusk had settled over the Eastern Orchards of Rasheman, where the forests curled across the narrow plateau at the foot of the Sunrise Mountans. They were called 'orchards' for their fruit; not their temperament. The trees spiraled; gnarled, thick, and grasping; into the purple air, their branches flush with leaves and fruits of every color. On the forest floor, far beneath heavy bows, the intelligent spiders and dire beetles came out from hiding, accompanying raccoons, wintry tarsirs, coyotes, and owls.
The twilight air was purple with Faerie Fire, as the dragon-sprites and pixies played about in the branches; and fireflies and will'o'wisps filled the air between them. The forest was dark, and old, and filled with unpleasantries. It was where witches went to treat with hags, or gather rare herbs; a place of great spiritual power and presence, but also great danger.
But as the witch walked through her domain, staff in hand, she thought how happy she was to be home. Her stride was languid and casual, and the animals made way for her or else came to touch the hem of her cloak.
Freedom is in exploring the darkness. There was air out in the Orchards, away from the unsolicited companionship and petty squabbles of so many flustered witches. Glorious, free night air! There was a reason her sisters called her 'Dusk Dragon.'
Her companion, Nüdnisé, chittered in loud agreement, swooping up to seek her dinner in the canopy.
As she reached the stream, the Kelpies lifted their heads from grazing, and shifted about on their dainty hooves. A dozen wide and inncoent frog-eyes fixated on her, and great black eyelashes fluttered. Then the creatures lowered their heads again, because nothing was amiss. She walked past them, glancing at the youngest foal thoughtfully but without malice or grief.
The hour was later; the journey had been long; and now it was time for her to return home and sleep.
But just then a hummingbird came streaking out of the forest. The tiny creature bolted up to her, and paused midair to be certain it had ascertained her identity. She tilted her head to the side. "Lead the way," she told it.