The Red Queen - (Alice In Wonderland)

Chapter 11 - Isles in the Sky

After setting up camp once more and enjoying a simple meal of canned soup, Alice and Cat eagerly changed into their swimwear and made their way to the hot springs.

The pools were a marvel in themselves, set upon a series of terraces carved into the mountainside. Each tier was filled with steaming, crystal-clear water that cascaded gently down to the pools below, creating a stunning sequence of shimmering waterfalls. The air was filled with a soothing mist that mingled with the scents of fresh pine and wildflowers, making the atmosphere both refreshing and calming. The girls climbed into the highest pool, where the warm water enveloped them in a luxurious embrace, easing the strains of their journey.

Alice sighed with pure contentment as she leaned back against the edge of the pool. "I could stay here forever," she murmured, her voice carrying a tone of blissful surrender. "This feels like heaven after that climb! I can't even feel my legs anymore. I'm just going to melt into this water and never leave."

Cat chuckled softly, stretching out with a relaxed smile. "Just wait," she said mysteriously. "These springs have healing properties. You'll feel better than ever soon enough."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky erupted in a spectacle of colors—deep oranges, soft pinks, and fading purples. The clouds, now bathed in twilight hues, seemed close enough to touch, their fluffy forms drifting lazily in the sky. The pools glistened in the twilight, their waters catching the last rays of the sun and creating radiant rainbows that danced across the surface.

Alice marveled at the beauty around her, feeling the soothing warmth of the water seep into her tired muscles. As the moon rose, larger and closer than Alice had ever seen, it cast a silvery light over the landscape. The sky turned a deep indigo, dotted with sparkling stars.

Alice leaned back and closed her eyes, letting the serenity of the moment wash over her. Suddenly, she felt a gentle, tingling sensation beneath the water, like a soft caress. Curious, she opened her eyes and looked down. To her amazement, she saw a delicate weave of luminescent threads within the water, shimmering with a soft, iridescent light. The threads seemed to pulse gently, moving with a rhythmic grace.

Cat noticed Alice's fascination and smiled. "The water's healing magic is woven into the very essence of these springs," she explained. "It seeks out and mends any weariness or pain. Just let it work its magic."

Alice watched in awe as the healing threads danced around her, gently seeking out the areas of her body that ached. She could almost feel the threads weaving through her muscles, soothing and easing away the tension. The sensation was incredibly soothing, and soon the aches and pains of the journey began to melt away, replaced by a profound sense of relaxation and rejuvenation.

With each passing moment, Alice felt her exhaustion dissolve, replaced by a warm, comforting energy. She sighed contentedly, feeling as if she were being embraced by the very essence of the springs.

"This is incredible," Alice said, her voice filled with amazement. "I can actually feel the pain and tiredness fading away. It's like the water is wrapping me in a healing embrace."

Cat nodded, her smile wide with satisfaction. "I told you these springs were special. Enjoy it while you can. Tomorrow, we'll be ready to face whatever comes our way."

As the night deepened and the stars twinkled above, the two friends continued to relax in the hot springs, the warm water and stunning views providing a perfect end to their adventurous day. Their laughter and conversation mingled with the gentle murmur of the cascading waterfalls, creating a serene and magical ambiance that would linger in their memories for a long time to come.

Alice grinned, her fatigue momentarily forgotten. "So, speaking of journeys, tell me more about your adventures before we met. You must have some incredible stories."