"This way, this way!" the fairies shouted with bright smiles.
Maisie shook her head slightly with a small sigh and looked at the fairies with expecting eyes. However, what came from the way was a dark cave. Noting could be seen in that cave which made her shiver from its appearance…
Maisie glanced at the fairies expectantly, unsure why they had chosen to lead her toward the ominous darkness of the cavern entrance. She swallowed hard as a chill ran down her spine at the prospect of venturing into those unknown depths. Yet even as she hesitated, the fairies danced forward, their ethereal figures melting into the shadows within. Uncertainty gnawed at Maisie's gut, urging her to turn away and abandon this quest altogether.
"What?" She lowed her eyebrows and gazed the fairies.
"This is the way to the city! It will teleport you there, Surely!" All of the fairies said as they buzzed around her.
Maisie paused, gaze lingering on the ominous darkness of the cave entrance. Memories stirred within her mind flashed, 'And Mom, remember. Not all things are as they appear in the cover…..' The boy raised the book as she showed the name. [Snakes in Heavenly things.]
With a slight furrowing of her brow, Maisie posed the inquiry while wearing a cheerful smile on her lips. "Are you absolutely sure," she repeated slowly, emphasizing each word with care, "this is the correct pathway towards city?" It mattered little whether her mannerisms projected confidence in her direction-finding abilities or not; Maisie yearned to hear assurances from her guides to ease doubts creeping into her thoughts. Though her mind remained open to alternative routes or means of transportation altogether, the notion of getting lost within uncharted territories filled her with trepidation.
All of the fairies stopped with slightly happy expressions, "Yes. Do you not believe us?" Each word said slowly.
'.…As expected. This world is dangerous as I thought. Heavenly as it is…'
Raising her voice in response to the accusatory questions, Maisie answered calmly, her eyes fixed intently upon each of the tiny figures hovering before her. "Of course I trust your guidance!" she clarified emphatically. "It just happens that my instincts occasionally lead me astray," she added apologetically. Despite her reassurance, doubt still plagued her mind regarding the validity of their proposed pathway. However, a fleeting glimpse of genuine concern flashed across her countenance as though struggling against deep-rooted apprehension concerning matters entirely separate from their current predicament. Forcing away lingering qualms momentarily, Maisie attempted a facade of composure to address the assembled fairies once again.
"I wanted to make sure...because! I wanted to make a party with you all, with my friends!" Maisie said innocently.
"A party?" All of the faces asked with curious expressions.
"You don't know a party? It is a gathering between loved ones to celebrate with each other." Maisie said with a playful expression.
"So, is this the way to the city?" Maisie queried with subtle intensity masked behind a veneer of joy. Her tone held hints of suppressed apprehension lending an almost anxious quality to her speech despite her outward joviality. Fear may have whispered its influence within her mind, yet she refused to give in completely to her nerves and maintained her disguise of happiness to put others at ease. An underlying tinge of caution colored every step taken under Maisie's watchful eye.
The miniature fairy-tale creatures exchanged glances between themselves in eager anticipation, communicating silently through shared facial cues indicating mutual agreement. Their collective body language hinted at elated acceptance rather than nervousness at embarking on their new undertaking.
"No, nevermind! We wanted to play with you but If you want to bring more….friends! Then we should help you down the mountain safety!"
The fairies ventured deeper into the darkened cave, their ethereal forms casting dim light onto the walls. Some of them scampered further inside, leaving Maisie uneasy about the lack of visible illumination. When one fairy approached her, making odd hand gestures near her ear, Maisie noticed worry lines furrow her brow.
"You want me to cover my ears?" Maisie questioned which the fairy nodded robotically.
With a small shrug of resignation, Maisie pressed her palms against her auditory organs as instructed. The sudden soundless void engulfed her like a heavy blanket, isolating her from the outside world. Though uncomfortable, the enforced silence allowed Maisie to focus solely on observing her surroundings. Without distraction from extraneous noise, she could better discern potential hazards lurking beyond her field of vision.
Maisie studied the muted fairy curiously, trying to decipher the reason behind her unusual behavior. Wondering if there might be something more profound underlying the fairy's demeanor, Maisie reached out tentatively to touch the fairy. Upon contact, she felt a slight tremble before the fairy swiftly pulled back her limb as its body became seemingly transparent.
'Why is that fairy look like a spirit unlike the others?'
Despite feeling alienated by such cold indifference, Maisie continued scrutinizing the unresponsive fairy. Suddenly, disturbing her thoughts, a chilly scene appeared.The little sprites opened wide and revealed rows of razor-sharp ivories. Next came an obscene metamorphosis where their countenances morphed into diabolical visages complete with pointed ears akin to those belonging to bats. Such hideous transformations sent shivers down Maisie's spine, causing her to stifle a yelp whilst the mysterious fairy vanished right before her very eyes.
The fairies then abruptly wailed loudly upon and the cave begun to radiate an angelic violet radiance. Then emerged from within, resembling a majestic lion yet possessed of fluid attributes likened to flowing aquatic essences. Indeed, this enchanted being appeared less conscious of itself or its actions than Maisie would expect, seemingly operating under some divine directive rather than typical animal instincts. Its fey nature only added to its mystique, evoking images of watery spirits trapped within its own elemental essence.
The fairies abruptly ceased their wails, returning to normal expressions, though not without first flashing delighted smiles indicating all had transpired according to plan. Through silent glances directed towards Maisie, these ethereal beings now awaited her next move or reaction.
"This animal will guide you the mountain….so hurry!"
"O-oh, yes…" Maisie said with a fake smile and climbed over the creature.
"Remember our promise, Maisie!" The diminutive sprites shouted triumphantly for Maisie to recall her pledge, their words echoing throughout the forest as the enigmatic entity moved with impossible velocity. Only through great effort did Maisie manage to remain steady despite the daunting display put forth.
As time passed, both Maisie and the mysterious creature ventured further away from the sprite enclave until Maisie's former cheerful disposition transformed into a brooding countenance riddled with concerns about what exactly occurred among the otherworldly fairies who had played such crucial roles in her experiences thus far. Her mind raced with questions concerning the peculiar events and strange occurrences she witnessed during this adventure.
"What hell have I been placed to?" Maisie's once animated features transitioned into stoic composure, devoid of emotional nuances save for a faint grimace curving across her lips. Her eyes betrayed no hint of feeling beneath their blank exteriority, leaving observers unsure how best to interpret the restrained, ambiguous woman before them.
However, amidst the erratic motions generated by the unusual beast, Maisie found herself flung haphazardly about its back like a rag doll. Each unexpected jolt forced a terrified cry from her lungs, adding to the surreal atmosphere surrounding her unlikely ride.
Eventually, Maisie managed to overcome her fear and calm her racing pulse. She steadied herself against whatever surface presented itself and focused her thoughts to piece together the scattered fragments of understanding regarding the recent sequence of events. Now armed with newfound clarity, Maisie endeavoured to actively engage with the curious circumstances beyond simple passive acceptance.
"So here we are... Riding a mythological creature," she mused aloud while simultaneously attempting to maintain a sense of tranquillity amidst the chaotic journey. Despite her inner turmoil, Maisie continued to marvel at the fantastic turn of events unfolding before her and relish each moment of excitement along the way.
"This is a new start and a new beginning."
"This is the start of my story…" With a determined look etched across her face, Maisie repeated those sentiments internally as she continued to clutch onto her steed-like companion. Upon catching sight of the legendary metropolis looming ahead, the thrill of exploration ignited within her chest once more as anticipation of fresh discoveries drove her forward. And so, they rode onward toward what promised to become a cherished tale waiting to unfurl its secrets.