Her foot sank into the slush of the swamp, sucking at her as she moved to take another step. An ever-present buzz surrounded her, the whisper of the wings of night creatures filling the air. Her toes searched for dry, solid ground, and when she found it, she stooped and set to work. Soon, a fire rose, throwing light like fairy dust onto the trunks of the stoic trees. A song started in her chest and wriggled its way up her throat like a serpent that would not be denied its freedom. And then, she sang. A dark, twisting melody, heavy with ancient magic. Her heartbeat quickened and her limbs began to move, called to life by the growing rhythm of the song. The woman's voice pulsed, ebbing and flowing as though dancing with drum beats only she could hear.
