Emma hurried through the dark forest, branches snagging at her cloak as rain poured down around her. She had to get home before nightfall - her village folk were superstitious of these woods after dusk. But in her haste, Emma lost track of the faint game trail and soon found herself well and truly lost.
As the storm worsened, thunder rumbling overhead, Emma began to panic. Which way was back to the village? She stumbled on, becoming more desperate as the rain soaked through her clothes and the light faded. Then suddenly, her foot caught on a tree root, sending her sprawling in the mud. As she lay there, cold and miserable, she thought for sure this was the end.
Through the haze of rain, Emma noticed a faint glow coming from beyond the trees. Figuring it was better than nothing, she dragged herself up and lurched towards the light. Pushing past the brush, she found a small clearing, and in the center was an aged old oak tree, its branches heavy with Spanish moss. And nestled in the trunk was a warm glowing orb, illuminating the area. Too tired to question it, Emma collapsed at the base of the tree, huddling against the trunk for warmth. As unconsciousness took her, she thought she heard the faint strains of beautiful ethereal singing on the wind.
The next thing Emma knew, sunlight was filtering through the tree canopy above. As she stirred, she became aware of a pair of glowing orbs peering at her from the branches, along with an otherworldly voice saying "You're awake. Are you well, child of Man?"