Arako and Island Saviors

Arako sat quietly on a ledge deep in the jungle. Its red, orange and yellow leaves rustled gently as a warm breeze blew through. Arako closed their eyes as they soaked in the sensation of nature. They took a deep breath and let it out slowly, enjoying the sounds and smells of the forest around them.

Arako was alert but relaxed. They knew they were being watched.

They had felt it all morning. It was not an unusual feeling for Arako. They had felt many watching eyes over the years of living on their island home. Usually the people who watched them were curious about Arako's coloring or their unusual dress or even their ability to sense what lurked in the depths of the jungle. Some just thought it was fun to watch Arako twitch and jump at every sound that made its way through the trees and bushes.

Arako usually didn't mind people watching them, even though it made them feel exposed, because it was usually harmless or good natured. However, this time was different; there was a heavy feeling to this watcher that Arako did not like at all. It made them feel uneasy, nervous and tired all at once, almost sick to their stomachs - more so than normal anyway.

Arako opened their eyes and looked around carefully trying to find where they might be hiding, but there was no movement anywhere nearby that Arako could see. Using their gift of Earthsight, they were able to see clearly into most areas of the jungle surrounding them, but still no sign of who was spying on them.

Arako decided to stay put for now and wait patiently for whoever it was to make a move before reacting themselves. Arako knew that if they confronted whoever was watching them directly that they would lose any element of surprise they had by doing so. There were too many places for someone to hide in this particular part of the jungle, and if whoever it was waited long enough then Arako might get caught unawares by someone sneaking up behind them! So instead Arako kept vigil, letting what little energy they had left drain away as time passed without end, hoping for a break in this waiting game soon as darkness began to fall upon the jungle floor below them...