Before me lay a great valley, the breadth and depth of which I had seldom encountered during my travels. I had left a deep wood and had little desire to once again pass through obscuring shadows, however my errand demanded haste, and circumvention would have lain an unnecessary burden on my journey. The slope was steep, and the treacherous emerald grass hid many a deadly tumbling stone, yet in short time I was once again on level earth marching 'neath clear skies. It was then that I noticed them, great hillocks scattered around the otherwise featureless fields. Being ever the curious type, I could do naught to stop myself examining these peculiarities. The most peculiar illusion appeared on their banks, a particularly bushy tuft, a happenstance groove, and many such small features combined to form the appearance of a great sorrowful face. I was quick to discover however that this was no mere trick of the eye, as to my wonder their great forms began to twist and rise from the lush carpetry. Terror overtook me, for I had no arms, being yet in mourning for my fair blade Mercy who I had lost to a mischievous devil-kin mere weeks ago. Thankfully, my fear was soon dispelled, as it dawned on me that their intentions were not those of the flesh eating bogeymen, but of the curious beast.

Their furry skin shone a vibrant earthy green, save for their granite grey feet and paw like hands, while what I had mistaken for black boulders of basalt revealed themselves to be rheumy white-less eyes. Dressed as they were in natures guise, I could do naught but stare up in wonder at their fantastical features. If I were today in my weary years to yet again find myself in such a situation, I surely would have acted with far more caution, having since encountered the evil that hides behind a shallow mask, but thankfully my naivete did not that day strike me down. Indeed, they proved to be amongst the most gentle and benign creatures I have ever met in all my long years. One gazed at me, seemingly content to lay with its great head in its monolithic hands, while another beckoned to a bonfire that had been concealed amongst their immobile bodies. Not a hint of the previous moment's sorrow besmirched their faces, beset as they were with a comforting glow. Gladly I accepted their offer, and for many long hours we sat around the warming blaze while they beguiled me with those tricks known only to the most intimate of natures friends, and listened joyously to the tales I wove of my travels. They evoked in me a sense of tranquillity and safety that I had not felt for many long months, and when the light of the fire was all dried up they led me to a small cottage in which lay a soft feather bed barely too large for a human.

The days passed in similarly joyous spirits, cavorting amongst the grass, yet often being content simply to enjoy each others company. They emanated a warm glow of what seemed pure wonder and comfort, and it was enough simply to immerse myself in their presence. But as the days flowed over into weeks, I began to spend more time gazing up at the beauteous rays reflected from the silver wisps of clouds so common to this wondrous land, and though my companions tried, they could not follow me there, as it seemed their dark eyes were of particular sensitivity to the piercing sunlight. And it happened one day that I turned my eyes skyward, and realised in shame the leagues I had lost in my race against the sun, and how close it was even now on my tail, and so with stalwart heart I resolved to leave before it could take another day from my journey. I waved goodbye to the giants, and after explaining as best I could my intentions, began the sharp ascent to the ridge of the valley. Although they were clearly pained at my leave, the mirthful features of moments ago now displaced by a deep, heartbreaking sorrow, not a single one raised a mighty paw to halt my exit. When I reached the top of those golden sunlit hills I turned to gaze one last time into the valley, yet I saw only lush hillocks and a single lonely shack resting in the sharply cast shadows.

I have since spent many an hour pondering the fate of those strange beings I long ago happened upon, as often as their silvered memory slips unbidden into my mind. Whether they ever left their shallow valley is unknown to me, but in my heart I know that they still reside there, awaiting visitors to cheer their lonely, sparsely populated years. Even as I sit penning this tale in the golden tower of Abeezu, with my great blade Triumph by my side and the spoils of my years adorning every wall, the desire comes upon me to return and visit my old friends once more, to bask in the presence that had comforted me in years long since departed. But while my heart yearns, my mind knows that such a journey would not be a mere visit, but possibly one from which I would never return. Even now a new adventure beckons, and the last shreds of nostalgic longing still clinging to my being are scattered on the lively spring breeze.