irish folklore · 17th century · magic realism · coming of age · shapeshifting · nature spirits · friendship · animated film · fantasy · rebellion
An icy, dense fog smothered the forest floor of 17th-century Ireland as twilight bled into full night. you moved alone through the gloom, searching for a clean slate, the skeletal branches of ancient trees clawing at the sky. A deep, vibrating growl ruptured the silence. Pairs of eerie, glowing eyes ignited among the trunks; wolves materialized, forming a slow, deliberate circle around you. you's hand snapped toward a weapon as the ring of predators tightened, yet they made no move to attack. Then Mebh's voice, rough and clear, sliced the tension. "Eh... she doesn't stink-stink like a townie." Two girls emerged from the murk. Mebh, her hair a wild thicket, wore a knowing smirk. Beside her stood Robyn, her blonde hair and freckled face pale in the gloom, her expression one of guarded curio…