The Treacherous Land

prolouge

"Hey sweetie! Done packing your things?" My Dad asked me peeking over my room's door.

"Yes Dad! Noong isang araw pa! Excited na ako eh! Birthday ngayon ni Inang Dad!" Masigla kong sagot dito na ikinatawa nya. Bumaba naman na kami papuntang garage.

After we loaded our things into our car, we went straight to the airport since we might miss the flight.

We're going to Canada for Inang's birthday. I wanted to arrive early, at least a week before Inang's actual birthday because we weren't present last year since our schedules did not fit with the date and I'm really excited to si Inang. She's my favorite.

"Inaaaannnnggggg!!!!" Masigla kong sigaw at natatakbo papunta sa kanya ng makarating kami dito sa Vivior Manor.

Natawa naman ito ng dambahin ko sya ng yakap na agad nyang ginantihan.

Narinig ko rin ang tawa ni Papa kaya napangiti na lang ako.

"Advance Happy Birthday Inang. Sorry wala kami noong isang taon." Marahan kong paghingi ng pasensya.

Niyakap na lang ako ni Inang and reassured me that it's alright.

"Siya, halina kayo at makapagpahinga na. Malayo ang byinahe ninyo. I'm sure you're already tired."

Vivior Manor is located in the middle of a mountain. Of course, it's surrounded by nature. There's basically trees and trees, and nothing but plant and trees for more than a couple of kilometers. Especially that it's located really deep inside the forest.

We used to play here in the forest when we children so I kinda get to love wandering around the forest every time I'm bored, which is exactly what I'm doing right now. Inang told us to rest but I don't really feel that tired at all. Maybe because it had been quite a while since I've been here so I couldn't sit still.

I'm not really scared of the forest, even if Mama always say I shouldn't wander around here alone. I just felt like the forest is my ally so I'm comfortable. I spend some of my most wonderful summer in here. I can't help but to let my guard down. Besides, it's not like there's any wild animal in here, anyways.

For some reason, the forest animals are kind to us. In all of my time here, they have never once attacked, or any of the members of my family in that regards.

However, she did say that there are otherworldly creatures that might attack me around here. Well when I was a child I believed those, but I'm already 17 turning 18 next month. It would be stupid.

Habang naglibot libot ako ay may narinig akong mahinang tunog, parang may kumakanta.

Kumunot naman ang aking noo at sinundan ang tunog na iyon.

Following the sound, I ended up in front of an abandoned looking gate. The forest is already hugging it but it's still standing. It has rusted all over but you can still make out its former prestige. 

The sound that I heard continues to echoes around the place so out of curiosity, I entered through the gate. I saw a stone pathway. I was captivated by the sight so I decided to follow that.

At first there's only dead plants and trees, a bit creepy but in whatever, well deal with this place, the plants I'm passing started to have life, like those fantasy movies.

I walked cautiously but breaming with anticipation and awe. I continued walking the stone path walk until I arrived in a place that left me stunned.

It's a very breathtaking garden fill with different kinds of plants I have never seen before. It's under a perfect lighting, under the sun that seemingly illuminates the entire garden like place, beautifying it even further.

"Wow" mangha kong bigkas, sandaling nakalimutan ang tunog na nagdala sa akin dito.

Habang naglilibot ay diko namalayan na nakarating ako sa harap ng isang pavilion.

A silver pavilion.

And there I saw a man playing a harp while singing. Namangha ako sa nakita ko at wala sa sariling napaatras dahilan para may maapakan akong bato. Napatigil naman ito sa pagtugtog at akmang lilingon na kaya naman tumakbo ako paalis.

I was scared so I run before the man could see my face. I could hear him calling me but I was so scared I didn't care. I just run back to where I came from, fear and confusion engulf my heart.

I ran and ran. Hindi ko na namalayan na dinala ako ng aking mga paa sa tree house namin dito.

Our tree house is another attraction of our property, the whole family made it during our 7th birthday. It holds a very special part in my heart since that was the last time we went out with mom. After that, she fell ill and a year later, she left us.

"What happened to you Ella? You seem like run in a marathon." I heard someone spoke from above. I looked up only to my sister sitting comfortably in our tree house, her feet are even dangling around the edges.

"Nothing..." I said, regaining my breath before looking around, noticing that the flowers were about to bloom.

"Spring is here." I said amazed. My sister hummed in agreement as she stated to climb down.

My mind wandered again about my encounter in that garden.

Who is that man? I couldn't see his face since I ran and what is that garden? In all my times in here, I never knew about that. I have never been there or even encountering that gate.

I know this forest like the back of my hand and I know that place wasn't here before and what would a gate doing in the middle of the forest?

I was caught up with my thought that I didn't notice my sister who's now in front of me.

"Seriously, what up with? Is your dream still bothering you?" She asked, a frown is visible on her pale colored face.

"No, really, I'm fine. Nothing to worry about." I answered, giving her an assuring smile.

"If you say so." She said, shrugging off.

"Anyways, welcome back, Ella." She added softly, I just smiled at her in return as I let my eyes wander around the familiar space once more.

A peaceful silence embraced us. I'm finally back.