Answer: ominous
Explanation:
In this paragraph, the word forbiding means the same as ominous. Ominous simply means that something that's threatening or bad.
From the passage, we are informed that a "dark and forbidding wood of giant arborescent ferns rose". This gives us the impression that there's something threatening there and that's an ominous sign.
I'm pretty sure the answer you are looking for is C rhetorical question though I'm not sure. I've looked the question up on quizlet though it didn't come out well idk it wasn't very understandable, though I am pretty sure it is C. Hope this helps.
I’m guessing before and finally?
having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude