The forest was sinking into deeper darkness with every passing minute. Above the treetops, the sky slowly turned a heavy violet-black, and the scattered cries of birds echoed between the trunks as if nature itself were preparing for night. Small creatures rustled through the undergrowth, adding their quiet whispers to the growing hush. The air carried the scent of damp earth mixed with the cold, dry smell of fallen leaves carried on a distant breeze, making the entire forest feel heavier, more secretive.
The goblins returned in small groups, whispering to one another as they dragged the firewood they had gathered. They piled it in the center and set it alight. Flames leapt upward, grey smoke curling lazily into the night; the firelight danced across their green faces, twisting their already monstrous features into something even more savage.
