Forever Forest

Chapter 15

Reuel led Terra down the winding stone path and further from the festival.

Mushrooms distorted here, larger than the rest. Some had guards stationed at their entrances, guards that looked more like demons that had arisen and grown limbs of wood and ivy. They could be statues, their twitch and slight movement even when there was no wind proved otherwise.

Their faces were cut in the shape of large splintering smiles.

Terra looked ahead to where the path led and was shocked to find it was leading them directly to a small pool of water with koi fish and lilypads spurring from its silky blue depths. The path did not continue around the pool, though a strange silvery green bridge was laid across it for them to walk on.

Reuel paused again, and soon enough she learned why.

"Welcome Mage." Upon hearing the voice, and seeing the form that emerged from the depths of the pool, Terra soon realized the bridge was not one at all, for an old lake green haired man, with a green grey beard and grayish mustache, towered above them.

She nearly choked.

Upper body human, lower nothing but snake. What she assumed was a bridge was in fact a long scaled snake tail. The only thing keeping the more human half of his body upright was a crooked swirling staff encased in green gems, its tip sinking slowly into the mud.

He spoke to Reuel, his words slurring as though his very ancient existence was grown from a reptile.

"Your dancing was delightful to our villagers as always. Welcome to Fernfoss."

Terra kept her eyes low, the man's colorless eyes glittered as its head surveyed her.

Reuel quickly grabbed her arm. "We'll be on our way to the sunken palace now, farewell Lord Grindel. Condolences on your wife's recent disappearance."

"Indeed..." The man snake hissed, eyes narrowing to the crowd behind Reuel, the festival that seemed hypnotised by an infinite dance.

Reuel dragged Terra forward as the man slid it's long scaled tail through the water. Terra was horrified as Reuel shoved her onto the tail and the two walked across.

She supposed his tail really was a bridge after all.

Terra found she could not walk faster as she felt his scales move under her feet.

Finally the two leapt off the tail and continued into the village beyond. They walked on past the window and lantern lit mushroom homes, past gnomes, elves and creatures of all sorts.

There were lantern lit tree houses and bridges and more pools of water with fountains and fish. Her 7 year old self would call it magnificent. Though the current Terra was horrified.

She stopped walking.

Reuel paused, turned toward her slowly, nervously. The lantern lighted village illuminated his profile. She darted her gaze to the vines wrapped around her mouth, he obeyed her silent command and reached around her head to gently untie the vines. They slithered around his arm like a pet. "Do you believe it all now Terra?" He folded his hands behind his back patiently letting her collect her thoughts.

"I believe I am going to vomit."

Which she did, Reuel's smile only widening.

With a few heaving breaths she stood and regained herself enough to face Reuel once more. "I thought you said you were a prince."

"Was, though I am no longer one. That is all you need to know."

"Fine. If you won't explain yourself then explain to me where the hell we are right now."