She slowed her steps as she approached, another of the deep sounds boomed out. She could feel it in the ground now, feel the impact make its way up her legs to rattle around in her torso.

This is stupid. This is a dumb thing to do. I’m going to get myself killed.

She thought about turning around again. She was getting close to whatever was making those sounds now. New sounds had joined the mix at some point, and now there were loud crashing sounds that would happen to give the deep thumping a reprieve. She imagined it sounded like the waterfall back in the cave, if all the water was hard, and there was a lot more of it falling.

Another deep thump pounded out, driving itself into her chest, and she saw a group of trees a little way in front of her shake with the sound. With a gentle whooshing and the sound of tinkling, she saw a white mist spread around their bases, and they started to grow what looked just like a bunch of her crystal, even if there wasn't any of its blue glow.

The mist seeped out and covered some of the ground in front of the trees with crystal growths as well. She shivered as an ice-cold breeze flowed over her. Her skin felt uncomfortably cold but she stood transfixed by the sight. The crystals had just… appeared from the mist, rising themselves out of the trees and ground as if it was normal. It was magical to see.

Then she was blasted by a great crashing sound as the trees exploded at their bases. Crystalline shards flying everywhere, she fell to the ground, doing her best to curl up and cover her head with her legs as she was pelted by small bits and pieces even at her distance. The trees crashed down, and as she opened her eyes again she finally saw what was making all this racket.

Oh. Wow.

It was massive. She didn’t think anything could be that massive. She’d thought the big lizard they fought was huge but this newcomer would probably just step on it to win a fight between them. It had a huge domed back covered in shimmering clear crystal, its massive head and four tree trunk sized legs extending out from underneath the huge shell.

Its head was stretching down towards one of the felled trees, its mouth leaking white mist. It then started... eating the tree. The whole tree. She shook herself and moved behind a tree of her own, peeking out at the thing while it ate.

It made quick work of its meal, its tongue easily pulled the tree further down its gullet, until it took another bite straight through the trunk and repeated the process. As soon as it finished one it moved on to the next and before long it’d eaten all the felled wood. Its giant legs moved and the thumping returned.

Those are its steps. It’s so big.

She stumbled back before turning and starting into a proper gait to maintain a distance with the creature.

It didn't take long before it reached another tree and performed the same treatment to it. The white mist spewed out of its mouth and covered the tree and ground in crystals. Again she was hit with a wave of cold, despite maintaining a good distance.

The mist must be very, very cold. It makes the world cold too.

Her skin actually hurt, even through the light protection of her scales. She realized it might not be safe even at this distance for much longer as she could feel the cold seeping deeper, and was starting to shiver.

She started to back off, content to leave it be and get out of the cold. She was happy she’d gotten to see the amazing sight, another amazing wonder to add to her experiences. Luckily the big thing seemed content to just eat trees and walk forward. She could see the long trail of devastation stretching in its wake. It didn’t seem to change direction much.

She noticed it actually smelled really good too. The scent almost reminded her of her crystal if it also smelled delicious. It had some of that same tingly-ness to it, but with rich undertones that made her salivate.

Hah! As if I’d ever try to eat that thing.

And she stopped in her tracks.

My siblings would try though.

She suddenly got very worried, recalling its direction. It would probably miss the cave but it’d come pretty close. More than close enough to be in their swarming range.

Maybe it’ll pass by before the night comes back.

She thought about the speed at which it was moving, and found that unlikely.

She needed to do something. If her siblings swarmed that thing they would all die, she was sure of it.