The Swan Princess

Chapter 26: Fortune Favors the Bold

Outside the castle walls, I walk towards the enchanted forest. I need to clear my head after what I saw today. The sunlight bakes against my back until I reach the secluded woods. Once I cross the threshold to be inside, only small rays of sunlight can stream through the dark foliage.

I know I'll be alone here. Most people avoid the haunted woods. The trees here are solid black, mimicking the color of the underlying soil. Trunks reach into the sky, overhead leaves glistening like onyx, making it look as if I entered an alternate universe.

The black-and-white pattern of life and light is soothing. Leeched of color, the woods make it seem like it's twilight, the sun falling beneath the horizon and bringing all the colors of the world with it. Superstitious serfs from my hometown worry that once you enter these woods, you'll either be cursed by forest magic, or blessed with their generosity. I'm not afraid. My mother always told me that as long as you treat the towering blackwoods with the respect they deserve (no carving names into trees, or leaving trash behind) they will be grateful to have any visitors.

As I walk, I keep my eyes open. Nightbirds fly through the woods, chirping in foreign song. Emerald snakes slither along the trees, but avoid the ground where I walk. A shimmering beetle lands in a meadow of dark purple night flowers, and as I crouch to inspect it, I stumble forward. A rough and strong vise wraps around my waist, leaving me suspended midair. I glance down, and a black tree branch has coiled around me, preventing my fall.

"Thank you, tree." I pat the bark reassuringly, and she uncoils her branch. As I watch, the tree moves its branch toward the right, extending it out in a straight line. The leaves hop down to the very tip of the tree, layering and folding outwards to make an arrow pattern. An invitation to follow.

"I will trust your judgement, friend." I move towards the direction the tree urged me. It's off the main path, so I brace myself to climb through the foliage, until I see it shaking on its own. The branches bend outwards, the rocks slide to the side, and the forest itself parts for my journey.

Wow. This place must really like me. Or maybe it's leading me to be eaten by a fearsome monster. I nod my head in thanks as I walk through the newly revealed path.

The air is cool, and I feel myself finally start to relax. All thoughts of blood have left my head, and right now it's just me and the woods. My shoulders ease, and my churning stomach ends. I start pulling out the pins in my hair, putting them in a bag at my side, and let my hair fall in cascades down my back. I must look like a forest sprite. Hair untamed, wild, and free.

Trickling water tickles my ears as I travel forward. In the distance, I can see the silvery glow of a body of water, illuminates the tree curtain surrouding it in shades of grey. When I reach the edge of a clearing, a shining waterfall pours into a glittering lagoon. The sun is setting, but the moon is rising beside it, and the dual reflections shimmers on the surface of the water.

Stepping out into the clearing, my sounds are muffled by the dark moss growing on the water-sprayed boulders. The waterfall echoes its rush into the clearing, magnificent and serene. With the soft, rushing water of the falls, and the silence in the clearing beyond, I feel like I've entered into a dream. I feel — enchanted. This must be what the trees wanted to show me. The best feature in these woods.

I rotate, and plant a kiss on the nearest tree. "Thank you," I whisper. I spin again, tiptoeing to get a closer look at the lake.

Black obsidian lines the edge, but the water has smoothed it out. Desiring to touch the cool water, I bend onto my knees, letting the refreshing waves lap against my skin. I wish to enter, but I don't know if that would be impolite to the forest.

My clothes are undadorned pajamas I've changed into, and I haven't washed them recently. I assumed nobody would see me during my late night trek.

I tug the hem of my shift dress. Would the forest think I'm sullying the water by entering with my worn clothes?

The wind rustles the trees in front me. When I look up, the nearest tree shakes all its branches at once. The black leaves shimmy off, leaving the bark bare.

Undress it is, then.

I peel off my dress, folding it neatly by the shore. My long hair falls past my breasts, so I don't feel fully exposed yet. Then I slide off my undergarments, and I swear the wind whistles past my bare legs in appreciation. Scandalous things.

I start by dipping my feet in, and sigh. The water feels wonderful. My legs make waves as I step forward, toes digging into the soft, delicate sand. I keep sliding forward, embracing the lagoon, and my belly flutters as the waves lap at the sensitive area between my thighs. As I step deeper into the water, I close my eyes and breathe in. Any angst and debate I felt from the earlier events of the day dissipate once the water reaches past my breasts and to my neck. I am truly content.

"I've heard of tree huggers, but I must admit, a tree kisser is new," my depraved lover calls.