As you move on around the spring, the taste of lemon sitting faintly upon the moist air makes you reluctant to leave. A lone warbler sings a joyful melody in the distance, becoming harmony with the forest sounds and the bubbling spring. Succumbing to the peace you sink to the ground and lay on your back in the fragrant mosses staring up at the canopy. It is when you hear the faint breathing next to your ear that you realize you are sharing this particular patch of moss with something or somebody else. 

     Glancing to your side you find yourself staring into the eyes of a dark canine like creature. Like you, it has found this spot a perfect place for a nap. Now it blinks at you calmly, it's tattoo covered body relaxed and unafraid. Holding your breath, you reach out a hand and hold it still, a few inches away from the creature's nose. It's eyes shine for a moment with an impossible dark brilliance than it touches you briefly with it's velvety soft nose and than closes its eyes. For all the world it looks as if it has dropped off to sleep.

    Feeling reassured you lay back and soon you doze off to it's peaceful breathing. When you awake, it has gone. There is a piece of parchment placed where it had lain.

    It is time to move on.

The creature you have just met is a G'Derko

Bred in Purple Waters

Background from Myrror Images