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Sera rode Midnight through the dense forest, the first rays of sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled light on the ground. As they went further into the forest, the trees grew taller and the underbrush thicker, alive with the sounds of birds, rustling leaves, and scurrying animals.
The air was fresh and crisp, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers. Sera breathed deeply, taking in the clean, refreshing air. The forest was unlike any she had ever seen, with ancient, gnarled trees covered in moss and vines, giving the area an almost mystical feel. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, dappling the forest floor with light and shadow.
As they continued, they were met with a babbling brook winding through the forest, crystal-clear water allowing Sera to observe fish darting about in the shallow water. The sound of rushing water was calming, bringing a sense of peace to Sera.
Continuing through the forest, Sera marveled at the colors of the wildflowers, textures of the trees, and sounds of nature creating a tapestry of wonder and awe, as if they had entered another world untouched by the outside troubles. She was grateful for this moment of respite.
Suddenly, a faint rustling sound caught her attention. Sera's heart quickened as she pulled the reins, halting Midnight. Listening intently, she strained to identify the source of the sound. A young man emerged from the foliage, clad in forest green with tousled hair and slightly ruffled clothing, as if he had been sleeping on the forest floor.
"Good morning, my lady," he said with a bow. "I didn't expect to see anyone here so early."
Sera was taken aback, not expecting to encounter anyone in the forest, let alone a handsome stranger. She nodded politely, attempting to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks.
She halted her thoughts immediately as they surfaced. Was it her loneliness that made her blush at the sight of a single man? Or was it his attractive appearance?
"I'm Rowan," he introduced himself, stepping closer. Perhaps it was his introduction or his gentlemanly demeanor that made it easier for Sera to trust him, though not blindly. She wanted to know his intentions.
"I'm Sera. Who are you?" she asked.
"Ah, I can be many things," he replied with a smile. "She looks thirsty," Rowan observed, scanning their surroundings.
"Yes, we've come quite far from home," Sera replied as she dismounted from her horse. "What did you mean by 'you could be many things'?" she inquired, curious about this enigmatic young man.
From his appearance, she could tell he exuded confidence in his own identity.
Rowan took the ceramic bowl and closed it with his bare hands. His eyes closed for a moment before reopening.
Sera gasped at what she witnessed.
"Y-you're gifted?" she exclaimed, her face mirroring her surprise.
Rowan shrugged. "Maybe a little. I can't help but wonder why someone like you is out here in the forest. You seem wealthy enough to have your own home, with an abundance of food and clothes," he remarked, almost sounding disgusted by her appearance, as if he himself lacked such luxuries.
Sera glanced at the water bowl from which Midnight was drinking, then back at Rowan. He was gifted.
"I may not know much about that, but one thing I do know is that I've never encountered people blessed with the extraordinary gift of water," she responded, her words carrying weight.
Her emphasis on water being the greatest gift seemed to boost the young man's ego.
She had never come across any mention of the kingdom's inhabitants possessing the gift of water. If such information had crossed her path, she would surely remember it vividly. Hence, she knew nothing of this man hiding in the forest or anything more.
Rowan chuckled, revealing a dimple to the young lady standing before him. "The king may have biases when it comes to distributing gifts, and the queen, well... Anyway, you should return to where you came from. The forest is no playground for a young woman like you," he advised, pausing before adding, "You should consider yourself fortunate."
Sera furrowed her brow at his words, feeling her lips go dry at his question. Why should she feel thankful?
"Why should I be thankful? To whom?" she inquired.
Rowan immediately shook his head. "Oh no, lady. Not to me. To this magnificent nature! I was merely the first person you encountered. I'm not trying to boast or anything of the sort. It's just that this forest... It's beautiful, but it's also dangerous. There are people far worse than me who could be lurking anywhere. And... your horse is too exquisite to let anything harm it. So, be grateful and make your way out when you can. If the darklings find you, they will tear your pretty head apart..."
He turned away and began gathering rocks from the ground.
Sera understood that the conversation had come to an end from the way he turned his back. She mounted Midnight and started retracing her steps back to where she had come from. With a slight nudge, Midnight began walking. Sera couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. She knew it was Rowan, the kind young man she had encountered in the woods.
She passed towering trees and lush bushes until she reached a fork in the path.
"Um, left or right? I can't recall, Midnight—"
With a loud neigh, the horse veered towards the right side. "I hope you know where you're going, Night. We'll both be doomed if we can't find our way home!" Sera yelled as Midnight quickened its pace.
She galloped through the woods, refusing to look back. The familiar trees and branches suddenly made sense to Sera as she realized Midnight knew exactly where they were heading.
"In the verdant woods, where the trees stand tall,
And the birds sing sweetly, to the morning call,
Where the sunbeams filter, through the leaves above,
There lies the forest, that I love!"
Sera began to hum along to the melody she composed in her mind as Midnight continued on. The wind made her hair sway in rhythm with the serene sound of her voice. It was a magical experience—she felt truly enchanted.
"Oh, this forest, it's so serene,
The perfect place, to fulfill my dream,
Where the air is pure, and the streams so clear,
This place fills my heart, with cheer!
"Where the deer roam free, in the open fields,
And the wildflowers bloom, in the summer yields,
Where the magic flows, and the spirits thrive,
This place is where, I feel alive~
"Oh, this forest, it's so serene,
The perfect place, to fulfill my dream,
Where the air is pure, and the streams so clear,
This place fills my heart, with cheer.
"Where the ancient oaks, reach towards the sky,
And the stars at night, twinkle up on high,
Where the moonbeams dance, on the forest floor,
This place is where, I adore~
"Oh, this forest, it's so serene,
The perfect place, to fulfill my dream,
Where the air is pure, and the streams so clear,
This place fills my heart….."
She continuously kept singing until the line of trees where the woods and the village divided came into sight.
She saw her village. It was small, yet alluring. The bright clouds were no longer vibrant but had taken on a darker, grey shade. Instantly, a sense of unease washed over her as she observed the changed environment since morning.
For all her absorption in the song, she hadn't felt a thing. From a distance, while her attention was fixed on the clouds, she caught sight of her little sister running towards her.
She got off the horse and handed it over to the approaching man.
"Take her, she was really good today..." Sera said, noticing the man's shocked expression.
"Oh wow... Midnight isn't usually the friendliest with everyone, so I'm delighted you had a good time." he replied with a slight nod before walking away.
Sera's little sister came closer, and she couldn't help but notice the deep sadness in her little blue eyes. Something felt off, and she sensed that something was wrong.
"You're here! Father wants to talk to you!" her little voice came out loudly, and Sera nodded in response.
"Are you okay?" she asked the little one. The girl shook her head and clung to Sera's legs. Sera bent down and hugged her tightly, her ears filled with the sound of her little sobs.
"He... he is saying... mama is... Mama-" the little girl struggled to speak, interrupted by hiccups that made it harder for her to get her words out.
Sadness enveloped Sera's heart. It pained her to see the little girl, so young and innocent, burdened with something so significant. Guilt suffused her heart as she realized the suffering her supposed family was enduring while she had been enjoying the freedom of the wild.
For the first time in a while, she felt the weight of her actions and the guilt they brought.
"Shh... it's okay, little one. I'm here. Don't cry... Shhh!" A tear rolled down her cheek. "Let's get you inside," she said, lifting the little girl, who wrapped her arms around Sera.
"Let's get you inside," she whispered again.