Laura James Week 123: The Tree Dwellers

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Laura James’s Picture Choice: Two

Title: The Tree Dwellers

Thunderous winds had pummelled the forest until the ground was carpeted in red, gold and yellow leaves, leaving the trees towering above devoid of all life. Without the forest's leafy protection the tree dwellers were exposed, easy targets for the hunters that came in there droves to bag a curiosity. A wall trophy which would be the envy of their neighbours.

For two days the hunters came, many died but more survived. It was clear that the way forward was to fight, yet the tree dwellers had lived a passive life never raising their hands in violence. The younger generations had been watching the hunters, studying the way they moved through the forest. How nothing stopped them from making the kill, bagging the trophy.

It was decided, a few would have to be sacrificed in order for the majority to live. The plan was simple, draw the hunters to the centre of the forest, surround them, then move in for the kill. Teeth and claw their only weapons, it worked better than the tree dwellers could have imagined, only a few were lost to the cause. Jubilant with their success they discovered a fondness for killing. A fondness for human flesh.

Exposed to the world because of the storm, they no longer felt the need to live in the confines of the forest. They moved out into society relishing meeting humans, showing no emotion, no quarter, killing at will. The hunters had taught them well, they thrived in this new world.

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Based in Dunfermline, Scotland, Laura is obsessed with all things horror and spends her time writing flash fiction which she hopes, on occasion, really scares her readers. Feel free to stalk her on twitter, @lejamez

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