It was the morning of the winter solstice, and a lone hunter embarked on a solitary journey through the silent woods. The moon, a silvery orb in the night sky, cast its ethereal glow upon the path, guiding his way. Each step he took rustled the frost-kissed leaves underfoot, while his breath formed delicate clouds in the chilly air.
Approaching the edge of the forest, the hunter found himself standing at the precipice of a vast field. A soft, ethereal mist hung close to the ground, giving the meadow an otherworldly appearance. The moonlight, unhindered by any cloud, turned the entire field into a silvery sea, a realm of dreams.
As he stood there, gazing at the field, he felt a deep connection to his Nordic ancestors, their legends, and the ancient spirits of the land. The hunter's breath slowed as he was enveloped by the profound stillness of the moment.
Suddenly, a majestic figure emerged from the farthest reaches of the field. An albino stag, with snow-white fur, stepped gracefully into the moonlight's embrace. Its antlers, perfectly symmetrical, reached for the heavens, like a crown of the forest.
The stag let out a powerful bellow, and the sound resonated through the quiet night. With each breath, steam rose from its mouth, creating an aura of mystique and grandeur. It stood there, regal and unafraid, its gaze commanding the entire field.
Transfixed, the hunter watched in awe, feeling a profound connection to his heritage and the land. He thought of the brave men and women who once roamed these woods, so in tune with nature and their ancient heritage.
Minutes could have been hours as the hunter remained motionless, unwilling to break the spell. He watched as the moonlight began to wane, replaced by the warm hues of the approaching dawn. The field transitioned from silver to gold, and the stag, as if sensing the change, turned gracefully toward the woods.
With measured steps, it retraced its path and disappeared into the forest, leaving the hunter with a sense of wonder and longing. The connection between the past and the present, between man and nature, had been briefly rekindled in that magical moment before the sun's first light.
- Ian Stålkråke