Becoming Lil’ Red
Lilly grew up tough, scrapping her way through life on the streets, always getting into fights, usually with those much bigger than her. But Lilly could hold her own. She was used to the harshness of street life—fighting for food, shelter, and survival. That was, until one day, she picked a fight with someone she couldn’t defeat. Battered and bruised, she ran, heading for the safety of the woods, her body aching and her spirit faltering. Stumbling deeper into the forest, she collapsed inside a hollow log, losing consciousness for days.
Mouzer, Oliver’s loyal companion, had heard her enter the woods. Ever watchful and sensitive to the whispers of the forest, he found her collapsed in the log, her small body covered in cuts and bruises. Without alerting the others, he began to care for her quietly. He covered her with leaves and branches for warmth, ensuring she had enough water by collecting droplets from forest leaves. Mouzer stayed close, ensuring no one disturbed her.
One fateful day, the winds began to howl, stirring the trees violently. Lilly, who had been unconscious for days, stirred and awoke to the sound of the wind roaring around her. The soft nest of leaves and branches had kept her safe and warm, but as she stepped outside the log, she realized the storm had arrived. The rain poured in torrents, and as Lilly looked to the north, dark clouds loomed menacingly, and a distant rumble filled the air.
She looked around in panic, but it was too late—she was in the path of a raging wall of water. The water surged toward her with incredible force, sweeping her up and pulling her under. She fought to stay afloat, but the current was too strong. Tossed and spun like a helpless leaf, Lilly gasped for air whenever she surface, taking in a lungful of air mixed with water, her small body battered by the rushing waters, unable to breathe. Under she went, tossed and turned.
Passed out on the side of an embankment she slowly opened her eyes. Drenched and shaken, barely able to move, she stood on unsteady legs, the rain still coming down, the wind now pushing her harder and harder deeper into the woods. The rain came down relentlessly, in all directions. Lilly, barely hanging on, ready to give up, spotted a giant tree. The massive tree stood tall, the tallest and biggest tree she had ever seen. Caught off guard by the enormity she didn’t notice the trunk opening up in front of her. She finally noticed the entrance that was being offered to her and stumbled into the shelter of the Elder Elm, offering her the refuge she needed.
It was here, in the heart of the storm, that Lilly was transformed. Sure, she’s still got that feisty spark—like if a leaf rustles too loudly, she’s ready to karate chop it in half just in case. But now, instead of looking for trouble, she’s on the lookout to protect her friends. The Elder Elm didn’t take away her edge, it just sharpened it! So, if you hear Lilly cracking her knuckles, don’t worry—it’s just her way of making sure everything’s in check, and maybe having a little fun while doing it!
