The Waterfall of Stars was just as he had expected it to be.
It was dazzling, mystical and breathtaking.
Alden stared at the landmark from afar, his eyes reflecting shimmering starlight.
The ethereal lake was nestled inside the draconic maw, making it seem like the diluted lifeblood of the supposed former ruler of the skies. Peering closer, it took Alden a minute to realise that the pillars towering above him, protruding upward into the heavens, were actually the dragon's jaw joints and razor-sharp teeth.
He unconsciously shivered.
Alden couldn't fathom how such a large creature could exist.
Maybe…
Alistair was right, and this was indeed the maw of an esteemed dragon.
After hesitating, the young man suppressed his dread and walked closer to the giant mouth.
Navigating through the rocky terrain Alden paused at its entrance.
Up close, the maw was even bigger. Alden felt like an ant compared to the sheer size of the bone structure. The sensation was similar to how he felt after the Monarch of the Depths had sent him a curious gaze.
Gritting his teeth, Alden stepped inside the cavernous abyss. The walls shone softly under the Waterfall's influence.
Similarly, the roar of the rushing water also echoed incessantly within the bony confines. Alden had become accustomed to the loud noise almost tuning it out in its entirety.
Almost.
He hid a wince.
Happy that there was some illumination on the path - not that he needed light as he could just use the sharp vision of his familiar - Alden made haste.
After a few minutes, the celestial lake finally came into full view.
'Woah…'
Alden stood frozen to the spot.
He blinked tentatively, afraid to find that the mesmerising sight before him was just an illusion cast by his mind.
He swallowed silently, overcome with awe.
In front of him, in all its otherworldly splendour, the Waterfall of Stars sparkled like a radiant gem. Its ethereal water shimmered like mystical starlight.
Alden broke out of his daze and slowly walked closer towards the lake, eyes trained on the sparkling pool.
It was as if he was hypnotised.
And it wasn't wrong to think so, for this was the most beautiful thing Alden had ever seen.
Apart from maybe Celeste.
His childhood friend would forever hold the number one spot in that regard. As far as natural landmarks went, though, the Waterfall of Stars most definitely topped the list.
Finally, Alden stopped just as his feet were about to touch the radiant water.
He bent down, scooping a handful of the liquid into his palms. Then, in one smooth motion, Alden drank the mystical water.
'Ah.'
He unconsciously let out a relaxed sigh, a portion of his fatigue melting away.
And it wasn't just his physical exhaustion alone. Alden discovered his mind had become a little clearer and sharper.
'Neat.'
It seemed he had underestimated the rejuvenating effects of this mystical waterfall.
'Haha!'
Alden laughed happily to himself.
A broad grin split his face.
'Ignia, come try this.'
He beckoned his familiar.
The small phoenix released a small cry, gliding beside the ethereal lake.
Then, tentatively, she moved her adorable frame, taking a tiny sip of its water.
Ignia froze.
Alden feared the little bird disliked the sparkling liquid. But in the next moment, his doubts evaporated as he watched Ignia greedily devour the magical water.
She cried joyfully through their bond and Alden showed a soft smile.
A light chuckle escaped his lips.
Observing his familiar and her palpable excitement, an idea struck Alden.
Since the water from the Waterfall was so good at rejuvenating both him and Ignia, why not go for a relaxing dip, similar to the hot baths he had at home? This would also help wash the accumulated grime off his body.
Suddenly very eager, Alden dove into the radiant lake without stripping. All around him, underwater, celestial starlight twinkled softly.
He internally grinned.
The mystical light occupied all his senses, showering him with nebulous radiance.
Alden felt like he was a little kid again.
He internally giggled.
The young man swam through the lake, wonder in his gaze. He noticed a group of small fish a few meters away from him.
The creatures glowed softly. It was as if they had adapted to life within the Waterfall of Stars, and now gained some of its properties.
'I bet they'd also have a rejuvenating effect if I ate them.'
Alden's eyes shone.
Eating some fish would be a nice change of pace.
Although…
He would have to make sure there wasn't any tuna, on the off chance one miraculously found its way here.
That slimy and revolting thing.
Alden almost gagged at the thought of the food he loathed the most.
Shaking his head furiously as bubbles exploded to life around him, he hurried up to the surface for air. Once there, he took a large lungful of air and showed a content smile, letting himself float on the water.
'Ah, this is the life.'
Alden thought blissfully.
'It's a shame I can't share this with Celeste.'
His excitement dimmed.
Maybe in the future, he could take her on a date, and show her around the Waterfall.
Alden could use that opportunity to have some fun with Celeste in the mystical pool. Perhaps even picking up from where they left off before he left the Sanctuary, and splashing each other silly.
A bittersweet grin coloured Alden's face.
With the magical water rejuvenating him, the young man allowed himself a moment to dream.
…Dream about holding Celeste in his arms, and giving her all the love she deserved.
Alden closed his eyes and sighed.
***
A while later, Alden jolted awake.
'Where am I?'
Alden gazed frantically around him.
When he saw that he was in the middle of a sparkling, mystical lake, he relaxed.
'Ah, that's right.'
It seemed the rejuvenating effect of the Waterfall was so strong that he had inadvertently dozed off.
He suppressed a yawn.
From the corner of his eyes, Alden found Ignia floating on the radiant water, in the same exact pose he had just been in.
He cracked a wry grin.
Alden woke the small phoenix softly.
Just before he could apologise and dote on the little bird to make it up to her, he suddenly stiffened.
All the colour seemed to drain from his face. Alden snapped his neck in a certain direction, his eyes going wide.
Goosebumps erupted all over his body as his senses picked up on the ominous aura.
He cursed.
In the next moment, his gaze constricted.
'A dire horror.'
That harrowing abomination…
It was heading towards them.
'Blasted Asterons!'
Thinking quickly, Alden grabbed Ignia and dove into the lake.
Only this time, it wasn't with awe.
It was… with fear.