Chapter 35: Misty Lake
Anberine as they walked enjoyed the soft breeze and how it played with her hair leaving her feeling fuller and energetic.
Strange that the area could change someone but she could only assume it was because of being cooped up within the castle- the school and the negative vibes that surrounded it.
Out here there was no one who would aim to hurt her, who would be after her for something or leave her feeling uncomfortable.
She was feeling- dare she admit it... free?
"We're here at the forest" Skye's voice startled her out of her musing to see thick green leaves attached to the trees in front of them signalling that they were now at the entrance to the forest.
At a glance the trees appeared to have needles for leaves while some oak trees clustered together but were mindful of space; it looked interesting but scary given how the area was brimming with magic, potent but it gave the impression that the forest itself was alive.
It should scare her enough to leave and yet it gave her the feeling of safety, it was peaceful here and left her with the strange feeling that it was calling out to her leaving her confused as to why she would get such a feeling.
The woods to Anberine looked beautiful if not enchanting thanks to the lush trees that appeared undamaged and untainted by human hands.
Strange that such a forest could cause people to go missing if one wasn't careful enough.
Then again, she had nothing to fear given how she was only curious about how such a forest could protect a sacred lake that Nimue guarded constantly.
One would wonder how she felt guarding a sword alone without anyone to visit or acknowledge her existence. Surely it would be a horrible way to live.
"This place is full of magic, they say nymphs and fairies live here" Skye commented with a smile feeling the gentle breeze blowing past the trees, not trusting herself to speak she nodded not noticing that he was guiding her through the forest.
Spying some orbs of light whizzing past in the distance she smiled faintly at how playful the lights were being and quickly guessed that they were fairies.
Some she caught glimpses of what she could assume were pixies which was odd given that they didn't always get along with anyone but summarized that it was because of the forest had room for most magical creatures.
Soft gentle noises entered Anberine's ears as they walked over some tree trunks and dead leaves, noises she picked up sounded like a lullaby that almost made her eyes grow heavy until she remembered that some areas would enchant someone into a deep sleep.
Leaving them unable to wake up no matter how hard people tried and forests like this were no exceptions as they had special things to protect.
In this case it was a holy sword that the king of old used and placed in a stone, leaving it for his descendants to take once it was their time to save Camelot.
Looking at the prince Anberine prayed that it was not time given what she had done to him, knowing that once the spell wore off he would no doubt be back to his cruel selfish self leaving her with no confidence that he would be a wise just king.
"It's better it remains untouched, if needs him I don't think we'll be living for much longer" she almost groaned before blinking as a thin light caught her attention, as the light grew larger she was left stunned from seeing a large crystal blue lake.
Faint light mist could be seen around the area but it was neither dense or noticeable unless one looked closely, fireflies hovered in various parts of the area while a few fairies flew nearby.
A few giggled in glee while small noises from their wings caught their attention.
"Welcome to Misty Lake" Skye announced in a cheerful tone as he offered his hand to Anberine who was left transfixed by the scene, a soft smile formed on her face while awe could be seen in her eyes.
Words could not describe how this sacred spring could take her breath away.
A mini waterfall could be seen bringing water to the lake faintly on the other side of the misty area, the air was fresh and left Anberine.
In truth it was almost as if the influence of the outer world and the negativity had completely left her very body leaving her with a protective cocoon.
In a way it was almost as if nothing bad could nor would ever touch her again, which she was sure was a fleeting thought that would pass once they left the enchanted forest.
Strange that such a place would leave positive feelings despite the fact they were outsiders and had no business entering such a sacred place.
"Then again... I am the outsider" Anberine slowly turned to look at Skye from the corner of her eye who was immersed by the serene area, enchanted by the sacred purified area that would welcome a member of the royal family.
"The prince on other hand is always welcome here... why even bring someone like me here? As if I deserve to see this place? Yes the books say that it would also welcome lost and weary people who need help, but I am anything lost or in need of help"
Spotting the quick flickers of light from a distance she paused once a small orb of light flew past her left eye, she watched it in awe as it flew over the lake before bouncing a few times playfully and creating a few ripples on the water.
"It's beautiful" Anberine was left speechless while a ghost smile formed on her face.
It was until she felt his hand take her left one that she turned to look at him, gesturing for her to follow the prince who guided her towards a tree before setting their bags and basket down by the tree.
Once the items were secure, Skye quickly helped her sit on the soft edges of the grass by the roots and then sat down beside her as she rested against a tree.
His slightly pale fingers felt the soft strands of the grass that tickled his fingers slightly as the light wind blew through them.
His red hair tousled as a result which almost caused his eyes to be covered, however his eyes remained focused on both the lake and Anberine who soon took out her book and a pencil.
Smiling he watched her as her pencil made a few brushing and scraping noises on the paper leaving him to guess she was drawing.
"It's nice to see that you're doing something other than studying a lot, it made me worry that your hair would go white from all that stress you were putting yourself under" Skye blurted out causing her to look up from her book, her eyes narrowed as she frowned at him for being rude since he didn't take studying serious anyways.
Without warning she slammed the book shut and folded her hands politely on her lap catching his attention at how quickly her demeanour changed thanks to his comment.
"It does pay to study you know, for example like theory it maybe just the basic knowledge but it can help you. Especially when you're trying to practice magic since you don't know what to expect. That is unless you gain an idea of how things works. You know... brains does beat brawn, not that you care about studying since you would rather play with your wooden stick than stick your nose in a book for more than two minutes" she spoke bluntly before resuming her drawing of the area.
Startled Skye's face went red from the comment knowing that she had called him out on how he treated his studies and his outdoor activities.
"I-uh... I'm going for a swim" Skye stammered as he hastily took his jacket and boots off laying them against a nearby tree.
'Called it' she muttered dryly before hearing a splash minutes after the comment, her brows went up as she eyed her book before her chest went up and down thanks to a sigh that exited through her nose.
"Might as well get back to it" she slowly packed away her sketchbook before picking out her book on the History of Magic, thankful for the peace and quiet despite hearing a few slaps of water caused by the prince swimming.
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