A Tale of the Swan Lake [On Hold]

1.2

The grass has never been greener compared to the outer skirts of Estonia's region. It's as if you've stepped into a fantasy world. Your mind itself is unable to grasp the magic bestowed.

There are many slanted hilltops will trees planted at the top. They are the colors of dark green. A large tree trunk with beautiful vines and sage leaves covered with a scattering of peonies and white roses. 

The moon you saw earlier can be seen from here. You admire how the reflected light is apparent on the subtle ripples. The reflection was like shining diamonds and gems. You were enchanted by the mere subtle waves.

You didn't realize how you were walking forward without a thought despite the mesmerizing beauty of nature. The stream from the hushed, transparent and heavy waterfall creates beautiful ripples.

Kneeling down, you dip and move your fingers around the water. It is cold, but not icy which would send shocks to your spine. It is a comforting coldness that you can plunge into for a while. 

Your stomach rumbles, but you ignore the hunger. 

"Hush, stomach," you whisper.

Glancing forward, the tree with its huge trunk seems to be inviting you in. You wonder what's on the other side. You ponder what secrets could be held in between those slim branches. It is the one and only isolated small island with a large surface of water around it.

Did it want to be known? Are there other people living in this wonderful garden? Have you, somewhat crossed the line to get here? Was this fate for you to come here?

You are hesitant to go there. No one seems to be here but you. Even as you wait for someone to come out from the shadows. The wind whispers quietly through the trees and you can't make out any suspicious movements.

Placing both the quiver and bow down next to you, you loosen the laces of your boots. Once your feet are free, you slowly dip them into the shallow water. 

Time ceased to exist here. Not knowing what the time feels both worrying and a relief. Your toes bask through the dirt under the water. It is a comforting sensation that exists beyond the skies. Your heart thrums calmly and the white noise is bliss to your ears. 

You glance at the waterfall. It sparks like falling diamonds and crystals before plunging down into shattered particles. 

'Why hadn't I noticed this sooner?'

You let out a hollow sigh and wonder.

'How am I going to go back?'

When you look around, you ponder where you can return back to the kingdom. Apparently, you walked quite a bit far to be able to reach this place, a concealed garden that finally bestows its presence upon you. You really hope it is an unfortunate fate that led you here. 

You sit in silence for the time being until you notice a distant quack. Your head raises to see a glowing white existence, with its regally curved long neck. You quickly assume it to be a swan swimming in the lake you're dipping your legs in. 

'Since when did it come out? How did I not notice it?'

The swan glides across the distance, close enough to the island. You observe its feathery wings beat up and down, yet the water droplets seem never to touch its feathers. The swan digs up food in the water, which you can assume to be fish. It circles around, searching for more prey.

You admire the white noise and almost fall into an unwanted slumber. 

Your hands reach for the bow and arrow. You see white flashes every time you blink your eyes. Sometimes, the swan is coming closer to you, but the next second, it swims further.