**Tatiana's perspective**
Her aquatic form had changed too; her once fierce appearance softened into a graceful and regal demeanor. The lake seemed to glow with a gentle radiance, reflecting the newfound tranquility that enveloped the forest.
Our eyes widened as Lamia emerged, her transformation remarkable. The lower half of her body still retained its serpentine form, a long and powerful tail that rippled with strength. But her upper body had taken on a distinctly human form, with a graceful, feminine physique. The merging of her features created a being of striking beauty.
"This is incredible," I murmured, still trying to process the stunning revelation. Lamia, the very creature we had encountered and battled, was now the benevolent guardian of the forest. It was a testament to the power of redemption and transformation, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude and hope in my heart.
Sakuya's eyes sparkled as she observed the harmony between Lamia and the forest. "It seems that the forest has truly found its protector," she remarked, admiration evident in her voice.
"Yes, indeed," I agreed, feeling a deep sense of appreciation for Lamia's dedication to the forest's well-being.
"Once again, thank you, Tatiana and Sakuya, for your deeds," Lamia said, bowing deeply, her smile a beacon of fulfilled purpose.
Intrigued, I asked, "How did this transformation happen, Lamia?"
Finding the words to explain her remarkable metamorphosis proved difficult for Lamia. But she tried her best to convey what had transpired.
Her mother's gemstone was instrumental in her evolution. Its energy, combined with her innate potential, led to her transformation into the forest's guardian. The moment she evolved, life surged back into the forest. The vegetation flourished, and the forest's wildlife returned in abundance.
"That's such wonderful news, Lamia. I'm sure your mother would be incredibly proud," I said, reflecting on the Lady Guardian who had laid the foundation for this moment.
"Undoubtedly," Lamia agreed, her voice a gentle whisper. "She foresaw this path for me. I won't let her efforts go to waste. I will continue to protect the forest in her stead."
Her determination moved me. "Lamia..."
Her influence extended beyond the guardian's role. "That includes us too, Miss Lamia," Mr. Kobold chimed in, affirming their trust and allegiance to Lamia.
"Indeed," Lamia agreed, a soft smile gracing her features. "The responsibility of the forest extends to all its inhabitants."
Lamia's evolution was astounding. She was no longer just a mythical creature; she was a guardian, a symbol of protection, and an embodiment of maturity and wisdom.
"Moreover," Mr. Kobold added, beaming with pride, "humans have started to visit the forest to see Miss Lamia. Some have even started to worship her, offering donations in her honor."
"Really? That's very kind of them," I responded, pleasantly surprised.
"Yes, but I couldn't possibly keep all the donations for myself. I share them with everyone in the forest," Lamia confessed, indicating the array of offerings that lay nearby. Fruits, crops, toys, and even pieces of jewelry formed a small treasure trove, a symbol of human faith and gratitude.
I was taken aback. "Can you do that?" I questioned, concerned about the sanctity of the offerings.
"I can't take all the credit for this. All the inhabitants of the Forest of Tremaine contribute to its well-being," Lamia chuckled, referencing the name the town had given to the forest, much to my embarrassment.
"Lamia..." I pouted slightly, the reminder of the forest's new name — and the revelation of its connection to me — still felt odd.
But in the spirit of the moment, I suggested jokingly that we have Sakuya hoist Lamia out of the lake like last time. Lamia immediately shot up, hands up in protest, clearly not wanting a repeat of that experience. Her horrified reaction broke the tension, and we all ended up laughing, our hearts filled with joy.
As we immersed ourselves in conversation, we suddenly heard footsteps approaching from behind. Turning around, we saw a man making his way towards us.
"Oh, here he comes again," Lamia muttered, appearing slightly troubled.
The man, Agen, greeted Lamia with a polite apology, sensing that he might have interrupted something.
"Ugh! Agen, how many times do I have to tell you that you've been coming to this place far too often?" Lamia scolded him, clearly annoyed by his frequent visits.
Agen, however, seemed unfazed by her anger. "But I always come here after work, just as I promised," he nonchalantly explained.
Rolling her eyes, Lamia retorted, "Sheesh, you should take a rest sometimes, you know..."
We observed the exchange, feeling like background characters in their interaction. Lamia's reaction surprised us; it was unlike her usual demeanor.
Curiosity getting the better of me, I whispered to Mr. Kobold, "What's going on with Lamia and Agen?"
"I'm not entirely sure, but Agen has been a regular visitor to the forest lately," Mr. Kobold replied, equally puzzled.
Agen's apparent delight at being scolded by Lamia made me wonder if he was one of those individuals who enjoyed being verbally abused. I recalled similar characters from my previous encounters in Catherine.
"It seems Lamia might be fed up with him," Mr. Kobold added, sharing my concern.
"We should be cautious around Agen," I agreed, nodding in agreement. Troublesome people could pose a challenge for us.
Suddenly, I felt a strong gaze behind me, and upon turning, I saw Sakuya leaning against a tree.
"You two... It's rude to talk about another person behind their back," Sakuya chastised us, making her disapproval clear.
"Yes, ma'am!" We both replied, taken aback by Sakuya's sternness and quickly falling silent.
As we composed ourselves, Agen turned his attention to me and said, "So, you're the rumored princess who saved the forest, Princess Tatiana, if I'm not mistaken."
"Haha... Yes, that would be me," I responded, trying not to let his misconception bother me.
A sudden growl from Agen's stomach interrupted our conversation. "That's quite a rumble..." I said, attempting to defuse his embarrassment.
"It's been a long day, sorry for that," he explained, holding his stomach with a sheepish smile.
Lamia, growing more irritated by the moment, interrupted, "Now, if you have nothing to do, go back already and take these with you."
She pointed to a small package wrapped in a flower, which Agen gladly accepted. "Thank you, as always, Miss Lamia," he said appreciatively.
"Make sure you finish it, you hear! And don't come back before you do," Lamia scolded him once more, waving her hands to shoo him away.
Though her behavior seemed harsh, it reminded me of someone, but I couldn't quite place who.
Watching Agen and Lamia's interactions, I found it interesting to see the dynamic between a human and a forest guardian. As Agen waved back and made his way, Lamia called out to me.
"Actually, Tatiana, I've been looking forward to meeting you again because there is something I wanted to gift to you," Lamia confessed, her voice trembling slightly.
"A gift? But you don't have to," I protested, but she was resolute.
"No, I insist. This was also my mother's wish," she insisted firmly, and I glanced at Sakuya who nodded her approval.
"Well, if that's the case, I will gladly accept your gift, Lamia," I said, succumbing to her insistence.
Lamia gestured to a specific spot within a circle of water she had conjured. I stepped into it, the cool sensation of the water creeping up my ankles.
She began to chant in an unfamiliar language and a magic circle appeared beneath my feet. I felt a strange sensation as my body began to rise slightly above the ground, the warm light from the circle washing over me, instilling a sense of calm.
"Tatiana, focus on your heart and your soul, and call upon it…" Lamia instructed. Following her direction, I closed my eyes and delved deep within my consciousness.
The name came to me then, clear as a bell, "Lumina!" As I opened my eyes, I found a small fairy resting on my open palm.
With a sigh of relief, Lamia said, "Thankfully, it went well."
Lumina was a small, radiant creature with delicate, translucent wings and a shimmering, silvery-white cascade of hair. Her cherubic face had wide, azure-blue eyes that sparkled with wonder. She wore a gown made of petals and leaves that swayed with her movements. Lumina carried an ethereal glow, emanating tranquility and enchantment.
I looked down at the tiny creature glowing on my palm. "What is this? Lumina?" I asked, puzzled.
"That is your spirit, which has answered your call. It's another part of you, eager to assist you on your journey," Lamia explained, her voice soft.
"Is that true, Lumina?" I asked the fairy. It nodded in affirmation, but remained silent.
Sakuya stepped in, "She is still a newborn now; it seems she can't even utter a simple human speech."
Understanding dawned on me as I regarded Lumina with a gentle smile. "Is that so, Sakuya?"
Just then, Sakuya turned her attention back to Lamia, "We should return now. You seem tired."
Lamia gave Sakuya a curious look, "You are quite mysterious to know about all this. Who exactly are you?" But Sakuya simply ignored her question.
As I tried to stand, my body gave way, making me lurch towards Sakuya, who steadied me with a firm hand.
"Be careful," she warned, holding me upright.
Lumina, concerned, tried to help but lacked the strength to do so.
"What just happened? My body suddenly feels weak," I mumbled, struggling to stay conscious.
Sakuya quickly responded, "Your magic has been greatly depleted, leaving you weak and vulnerable."
She then turned to Lamia, "Thank you, Lamia. We should return to our camp now."
With that, Sakuya helped me back to the camp, Lumina fluttering close by, radiating a soft glow in the growing darkness.
-Chapter 27 End-