Our playful banter lightened the mood, but the underlying tension of our mission remained. I glanced back at the dense forest, the eerie atmosphere still tugging at my senses.
"Let's head back for now," Karun suggested, rubbing his cheek where I had slapped him.
I nodded in agreement, and we made our way back towards the villa. The maid, who had been waiting at a safe distance, guided us through the green tunnel of trees back to the more familiar, manicured grounds of the estate. The change in scenery was a welcome relief from the oppressive feeling of the forest.
As we returned to the villa, I couldn't help but think about the path beyond the gate and what lay deeper in the Forest. It was clear that our journey was just beginning, and the sense of adventure mixed with a hint of foreboding was ever-present.
Back inside, the villa felt like a sanctuary. The luxurious surroundings were a stark contrast to the wild, untamed forest. I found myself standing again by the large glass wall, gazing out at the calming sea. The rhythmic sound of the waves provided a soothing backdrop, helping to steady my nerves.
Karun joined me after a while, looking more rested. "Ready to explore the inside of this place?" he asked with a grin.
"Absolutely," I replied, eager to see more of the villa.
We decided to start with the ground floor, exploring the spacious living areas adorned with elegant furniture and tasteful decorations. Each room seemed to offer a new surprise, from the library filled with old, leather-bound books to the music room with a grand piano.
Our exploration continued, with Hemma occasionally appearing to provide insights about the villa's features. Her presence was reassuring, and her knowledge about the estate was impressive.
Finally, we found ourselves in the dining room, where breakfast had been served earlier. Hemma was there, overseeing the preparations for lunch.
I must have overlooked the grandness of the dining Hall in the morning as I was it sleepy but as I was fully awake now looking at it whilst our lunch being served.I Realised it's grandness The dining table was a long, polished mahogany piece that could easily seat twenty people. Intricate carvings adorned its legs, and the chairs were upholstered in rich, velvet fabric. Overhead, a magnificent crystal chandelier hung, its prisms catching the light and scattering it in a dazzling display across the room.
Large windows lined one side of the dining hall, offering a breathtaking view of the gardens and the sea beyond. The sunlight streaming in through the glass bathed the room in a warm, inviting glow. The walls were adorned with tasteful artwork, each piece telling a story of its own. A fireplace on one end of the room added a touch of coziness, its mantle decorated with antique vases and ornate candleholders.
The meal itself was a feast for the senses. Hemma had outdone herself, presenting a spread that included a fresh garden salad, a creamy mushroom soup, and a selection of gourmet sandwiches. The main course was a perfectly cooked roast chicken, its skin golden and crispy, served with a side of roasted vegetables. The flavors were rich and comforting, a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
As we ate, Hemma occasionally stopped by to ensure everything was to our liking. Her attentiveness and warm demeanor made the meal even more enjoyable. Karun and I talked and laughed, the familiar comfort of good food and family easing the tension of our earlier adventure.
After the satisfying meal, we decided to explore the beach. The walk was short, and soon we found ourselves on the soft sands, the sound of the waves crashing gently in the background. The beach was picturesque, with clear blue water and a few scattered shells glistening in the sun.
I couldn't resist picking up two of the largest shells I found, imagining how much my mother and sister-in-law would love them. As Karun and I strolled along the shore, memories of our childhood surfaced. We both laughed, remembering how I had been terrified of the water on our first beach visit as kids, crying and running away while Karun tried to coax me back.
We went back to the resort, where Hemma had prepared a special island drink for us. She took the utmost care in making sure we were comfortable, and I felt truly happy with her attentiveness. As we savored the last sip of our drinks, a guard from the front gate entered to report that the guild members of Elite Guard had arrived.
The mention of the Elite Guard jolted me back to reality. For a moment, I had forgotten the reason we were here, and now the reminder hit me hard. I choked on my last sip, sputtering and spitting it out.
"Eww, gross," Karun commented, but I ignored him, focusing instead on Hemma, who quickly handed me a towel to block my runny nose.
"Thank you, Hemma," I said, grateful for her quick response.
She gave me a reassuring smile. "You're welcome, dear. It's understandable to be a bit nervous."
Elite Guard - These were professionals, skilled and prepared to handle the challenges we were about to face. More like trained people to fight the game.
After my little disturbance, Karun, who was also nervous but managed to keep his composure, informed the guard that we would meet the guild members in the front hall. The guard quickly ran out to invite them inside. I took a moment to clean up my mess and gather my thoughts.
Karun and I exchanged a look, both of us steeling ourselves for what lay ahead. The carefree moments of the day were now overshadowed by the seriousness of our mission. With a deep breath, I stood up, ready to meet the guild members of Elite Guard and begin the next phase of our journey.