The Dewdrop Kingdom

Chapter Nine

Hi all! This one is a reeeaaaally short chapter! But is more of a filler chapter to get to where I want it to. I hope you enjoy it all the same!

~Happy reading :)

Soon the waterfall came into view, just over the ridge of an empty space of ground. The chopped edging was unusual from what I had seen so far. In this part, the ground seemed completely different. Ominous in some way. The air around it felt heavy, thick with the feel of death. My head spun with what could have happened, already having been warned of what could be lurking. I let my feet guide me forward my eyes scrutinizing every corner before we passed.

Along the floor littered around were bones, tunneling out through the dried mud giving a peek of how serious the situation was. Until this point I was sure Drew had just been trying to scare me by making out the beasts still existed. But from where we were now, I knew it wasn't that far-fetched.

It didn't take us long to reach the other side, where one lone tree stood, gracing us with shelter and shielding us from what we just walked through. Drew sat down putting his back on the tree and facing the waterfall. I turned seeing the stunning view. Late night sun was hitting the water, making it glisten. The water running softly through its path, lapping at the rocks as it went. The river was nearly silent, a gentle trickling being heard from this far away. Dense flowers covered the floor leaping up higher into the night the more the sun darkened.

An arch rested just before the water's edge, as a large boulder stood slightly to the left of it. I couldn't help the feeling of tranquillity taking over my body. It was the most amazing place I had ever seen.

Turning, I could see Drew already staring at me. Wonder filling his eyes, an unreadable expression taking over the rest of his face. Instead of giving him much thought I stepped closer to the magical place, letting my feet slide from my shoes at the same time. The grass and flowers feeling wonderful under my bare feet, tickling at my ankles.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" I didn't even turn from Drews question, feeling how close he was.

"No words could describe it." I replied back.

"It's why the king originally chose it. This place has its own myth as well, besides the one I've already told you. An origin story If you will."

"I would love to hear it." This time I did turn around to face him, history and myths were one thing that I loved listening to, they told and held so much promise.

"Another time maybe, you look exhausted, you should go for a dip before getting some sleep." Was all he said before giving an encouraging smile and walking back towards where he was sitting, pretending their conversation didn't just happen.

Kiree's head emerged from the water just as I was stepping into it, I hadn't noticed that she had even gone into the water. Forgetting about them both as soon as my eyes landed on the place. Giving her a sheepish look, I sunk myself further own into the water loving the cool touch it had. My clothes floated around me as my body did the same. All I wanted to do was close my eyes and let the moment take me. Although I knew I couldn't. Not at the moment, drew was right about me being exhausted, it had only been a couple of hours, but it more felt like days I had been here for with how much had happened already today. I knew if my eyes closed that would be me asleep for a while.

'Well, that's not such a smart idea, you'll drown yourself.' sarcasm flowed through me, not quiet ever being able to escape it in tired moments.

Finally having all the mud, I was caked in wash away, I moved to the edge pulling myself up and out, the water deeper than expected even here than expected.

"I'll have to fully dive in when I'm awake." I mumbled.

My eyes started to betray me before I knew it. Just outside the lake I managed to crawl forward a few more feet before tumbling onto my back letting the sleep take me as I felt the safest, I ever had among the flowers.