She's flawless from head to toe, and her sculpted figure is twine-thin. Her hair is as white as snow that flows gracefully down her back. I envy her smooth textured blemish-free porcelain skin. Her eyes were the color of a newly bloomed bluebell from the valley, enchanting, delicate. She's undeniably the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.
And she's a fairy.
Her wings drew from her back, wings that look as soft as petals, and its color matches her eyes and her dress. I used to be just a little girl, seeing pictures of fairy wings in books that my mother reads to me. Now here I am, in a castle with a live fairy, sitting in front of me, sipping her cup of tea.
Her eyes closed for a moment savoring the herbal tea before opening them once again, this time looking right at me. She puts her cup down, her eyes never leaving mine, and smiles. I can't seem to catch my breath.
"Rose, are you alright? Do you not like your tea?" she asks, her silvery voice still keeping me speechless, "do you prefer hot chocolate, coffee, or any other snacks?" she continues, worry laced her voice.
I finally snapped from admiring every aspect of the fairy and redeemed myself from my quiescence. Remembering that there were still questions left unanswered. The elves brought me here for my questions to be fulfilled and maybe get myself back home with the help of Blossom.
"No, ma'am, this is fine," I say, trying to find my own voice back. My fingers wrap around the small handle of the teacup, and I bring it right below my nose to smell the flowery aroma of freshly cut flowers that helps calm my nerves. I bring it to my lips, taking a sip.
Blossom's eyes twinkled as she tilts her head as if she was admiring me. A smile made its way to her lips as she says, "You really do look like Rosetta with different hair color and skin."
"You must have come here the same way Rosetta did, and from the human realm," she wonders. I nod at her setting down my cup.
She crosses her hands on her chest, wearing a solemn expression on her face, "Rosetta never told us how she came here. We always wondered that it was because of the prophecy foretold in the past. Yes, it was Rosetta in the prophecy."
I gasp at the thought that my mother was part of a prophecy, and that is why she ended up here. Would that mean that another prophecy has been told with me in it?
"She was in a prophecy, does that mean-"
"No, there hasn't been any other prophecy ever since, Rosetta."
I see Blossom's eyes filling with curiosity as she continues, "the Kingsto tree was the only portal that connects to the human realm, and it's been destroyed since the war of the deities way before Rosetta. The fact that you got here would only mean two things; there is an active portal that we have yet to discover, or the fact that you are Rosetta's child means you're bound to this realm."
My right-hand lands on my upper chest, feeling the necklace's pendant inside the thick fabric of my dress. My mother must have worn this necklace when she got here. Blossom doesn't seem to know about the necklace, and the fact that my mother kept this necklace a secret must mean that she has been protecting it.
A flashback suddenly clouded my mind, and I hear my mother's voice crystal clear in my head, "Take good care of it, alright? and we'll need that for later."
I run up to my mother's arms, hugging her tightly, thanking her over and over again. We lacked a lot of things. We don't own any expensive jewelry or fine clothing. I never had once received any gifts from anyone at all. For my mother to pass down a valuable item to me filled my heart with delight. I now have something that will always remind me of my mother's love and that she's always by my side.
My mother looks at me, tucking my strands of hair behind my ears, "oh, and one more thing, Rose. You must never show this necklace to anyone. Promise me you'll protect it, hide it here," mother tucks the necklace underneath my dress, "always have it with you, and I shall always be with you."
"Rose...Rose-" I feel Blossom's hand on my shoulder, snapping me away from my memory. She gives me a reassuring smile before sitting back down.
She crosses her legs, her eyes still locked on to mine, "I know you're overwhelmed with all this, it's hard to take in, and there is still more for you to know. At the same time, I have a lot of questions for you too. But if you'd like, you can rest for today, and we can talk once you're at peace. You must be exhausted."
I couldn't help but sink to my seat. I look at Blossom apologetically, "thank you I'd like that very much."
"Okay then, I shall have Faye escort you to your sleeping quarters" Blossom snaps her fingers, then, in an instant, a knock came from the door. The door opens to reveal someone that appeared to be an elf, but not the same as the elves I have met.
This elf took the form of a beautiful woman with pointed ears, fiery red hair, and emerald green eyes. She wears a long, white flowery dress. She's about the same height as Blossom, which makes me feel like I'm the shortest person here.
The elf stops right in front of us and bows to Blossom. Right after, she turns toward me, her eyes widening at the sight of me. It took her a few seconds to recover before she reaches out a hand for me to take. I take it as I stand up.
"Faye, please have her get a change of clothing and lead her to her sleeping quarters," Blossom instructed; Faye nods obediently. Blossom Wrinklewing really seems to be respected around here.
"We'll resume our talk tomorrow Rose, have a good rest."
I nod, still unable to utter any word. I don't know what suddenly made me mute, but I know that the memory appeared for a reason. Blossom doesn't seem to know about the necklace. My mother has kept this a secret even from her close friend, Blossom, would mean that this object is not just an object but something worth to be protected at all cost.
Right now, all I know is that this necklace could be a portal from the realm I'm from and here. Who knows what else this necklace is capable of. If my mother had protected and kept it her whole life, then I shall do just the same.
We are now away from the sitting room where Blossom and I had our short conversation. The outside of the castle looks simple and organized whilst the inside is not as different, but it was far more elegant than expected. Plants and flowers were everywhere. Statues, ornaments, frames, and all kinds of furniture were mostly made of gold.
My eyes trailed everywhere as we pass the hall where two massive staircases meet us. Even on the inside, bushes of leaves and flowers hanging on the walls. We go up the stairs as I run my hand on the bright, golden-colored railing.
This castle is completely silent; I have not seen anyone or any creatures around, which reminds me of where the elves and Talus are. I remember going to the castle gates with Blossom, but they stayed outside. Are they not allowed to come in?
We are now walking past a long wide hall with multiple doors on every side. Faye hasn't spoken a word to me yet; she's leading the way with me following right behind her. Since there wasn't anything much to see, I keep my head down.
Keeping my head down is a bad idea, for I didn't realize Faye has stopped walking, and I crash right behind her. I quickly recovered myself, feeling embarrassed.
"S-sorry," I stuttered, feeling the warmth crawl on to my cheeks.
She doesn't respond but instead, she pushes open a white door that differed from the other plain wood doors. I followed as she heads inside, my breath taken away by the size of the room.
The brick walls were covered by old-looking white floral wallpaper. There are two large arched windows on each side of the big well-made king-sized canopy bed. There is a sitting area, vanity, two large wardrobes, and bookshelves. Flowers and plants in pots are arranged beautifully to give the room more life. On the left side of the room is a door that I'm guessing leads to the bathroom.
Faye went straight towards the wardrobe, opening it letting out a white dress similar to her style, but the designs are much more intricate, like it was made to be worn by nobles. She approaches the bed laying the dress down neatly.
She turns to me with her hands together just below her chest as she speaks for the first time "head inside that door to wash your self, then you may change to this dress. I will come and pick you up for dinner later. Please refrain from going out of your room, for you might get lost."
"Okay, thank you, Miss Faye," I reply, using my manners. She looks much older than me, and I am only seventeen.
Faye nodded and was about to head out when I called for her "wait-" she stops.
"Did you know my mother, Rosetta?"
She takes a second to turn towards me before answering, "I used to serve Rosetta until she disappeared that day."
My mother disappeared. That's right, she went back home, but why would she leave this place?
"You look so much like her," Faye says softly and almost admiring.
Her eyes watch me longer, and she smiles "have a great rest, excuse me."
And she was off, closing the door behind softly behind her.
I stood in the middle of this massive bedroom. Inside this castle. In a world full of mythical creatures. A world my mother used to live in.
I breathe. I feel exhausted.