You've been walking and searching through the Haunted Woods for what seems like days, and you're tired, hungry, and disoriented. Through the dark masses of twisted trunks and dense fog, you see a small patch of light and greenery. Unable to tell if you're imagining things, you slowly approach the oasis in the midst of chaos. Flowers and fauna of all kind flourish; trees burst into lush leaves; tiny creatures flutter in the column of light flooding from an opening in the treetops.

Oh, hello! A small voice echoes in the excluded oasis. Your eyes dart around, seeking the origin of the sound. Up here! Shielding your eyes from the bright light, a tiny silhoutte - a meerca? - is barely visible, perched on a branch. Okay, you're definitely imagining things now. Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you! I'm Su, and this is my home. The meerca scurries down the tree trunk, encircling its textured brown bark.

Suddenly, she is at your feet, and you crouch down to attempt to meet her eye level. Her round, bright green eyes glisten as they look around the meadow. This place is what the Haunted Woods looked like before...before, well, it all happened. Her eyebrows furrow in thought and contemplation. Have you heard the legend about the Woodland? Su's voice has dropped to a barely audible whisper. You shake your head, seriously doubting a place like the Haunted Woods could ever be as fruitful and beautiful as this.

Well, you'd better make yourself comfortable! It's a long story, but I have a feeling you'll like it. You smile at the meerca's enthusiasm and relax against a big, tall oak tree. Su crawls onto your knee.

Click here to listen to Su's story!