The thick foliage made it difficult to move forward. How had the old woman gotten through this tangle of vines, leaves, and bushes? Roots seemed to rise up and catch at my feet, sending me sprawling onto the moist forest floor. It was as if the trees had closed ranks behind her to keep me from learning any more from her.
As the sun rose I could see more around me, though all was done in shades of green and brown. As I pulled yet another creeping vine from my face a bright yellow bird flew before me, making excited little noises before lighting on a branch above a small clearing. At the center stood a wonder such as my poor words cannot describe. It was a small plant, at least compared to the massive trees around me, with dark green leaves. The real wonder was the single flower perched in the center. It was of the purest white, and it shone as if the sun itself had been captured within.
I was filled with joy as I saw it, so much that I wanted to weep. I took one hesitant step forward. At that moment the bird sounded a single piercing note that I felt like an arrow through my heart. My vision blurred with tears, I took another step and began to feel the air about me tremble with a soft vibration. Another step forward and it filled the clearing, echoing off the massive trunks that surrounded me. Now I was right upon the flower and I reached out towards its perfect beauty.
All was dark.
