Forest Shades
Thought to be the ghosts of trees that lived to be ancient, forest shades are only found in old-growth stands. Most people who see them have no idea what they are; they assume that they are a fleeting glimmer, a trick of the light somehow reflected onto dark trunks, branches, and leaves. Forest Shades can only be perceived by humans as light, colour, and movement, though it is believed that many animals recognise them as beings on additional levels.
Forest Shades have mastered the art of camouflage: in an evergreen forest, the Shades will always be green, albeit a brighter, more vivid green than any leaf or needle. In deciduous forests, Shades may be the green of spring leaves, the yellow of aspens, or red of autumn maples. In winter, they mimic the clear, nearly-blue brightness of ice or blinding white light of snow. However, no matter how colourful the local fauna is, Shades do not appear in ways that they might mistaken for birds or insects.
You may never be sure if you have seen a Forest Shade. They are incredibly shy and impossibly fast, usually gone before the human mind can register the image. But if it stays with you-- if you are walking quietly through an old wood and stop in your tracks, somehow knowing you've seen more than a flash of sunlight through the trees-- you may have glimpsed a Forest Shade. They do not have a set form; they may be streaks, or starbursts, or even ripples as if reflected off of water. But they are always brighter than anything around them and they delight in dazzling the eye.
Forest Shades seem to be simple creatures, with little thought beyond enjoying the dance of sun and wind. Perhaps the tree spirits, having been stationary for so long, are enjoying the ability to move swiftly and freely. They are diurnal and easily startled, but also quite curious and playful. If you are patient and have the privilege of access to an old-growth forest, it is even possible to attract them. Faceted glass beads in green, amber, and red, and shards of mirror hung from branches or tied to tree trunks have been known to catch their attention and keep Forest Shades at play long enough--if you are very careful not to startle them--that they can be observed by humans. Do NOT string the beads with fine strings like fishing wire or you may harm local birds or animals. And NEVER bring your dog with you if you want to see a Forest Shade.
#build a beast
