The path quickly narrows and darkens upon entering the forest.  Dense branches overhead block all but a few stray rays of sunshine.  Fallen leaves just beginning to rot blanket the forest floor, and every footstep kicks up a rich, loamy scent as fresh ground is unearthed.
Forest entrance, Forest
spirit
owl
I'm an owl that comes out at night. I love to fly. I spend my time hunting for mice and other creatures I can eat. I live in the forest with lots of other animals.
Very true. I'm the wisest animal in the entire forest. Then tell me, wise one, why am I still on this land?  Should I not have ascended to heaven long ago? You must be a spirit. I read that spirits will ascend to Heaven when the time is right. It can take centuries though. I long to be gone from this land, how many I make haste of my ascension  You'll get to Heaven eventually. I promise. I apologize for my words, it has been long since another soul could hear me speak.  Owl, do you fear death? I use to fear death, but not anymore. For why not? Do you welcome death, wise one?  The older I get the more comfortable I am with things. Of course I don't want to die... but if I go... I go... I understand,  I do hope you have a long life and a short transition.  This is not a fun way to exist. I understand. I know you said it was a long time, but do you remember when it was exactly you last spoke to a soul? It was right before the last of the great wars around 200 years ago.  I spoke to a wise man in the temple of the North, then the war broke out and I haven't spoken to a soul since...