Faerie Redwood

"You're going back, right, Lady Beauty?" Dan's eyes shimmered with hope as he looked up at me.

I couldn't resist the urge to embrace the adorable little boy. "Yes, of course, Dan," I reassured him, brushing his hair gently. "I'll come back here. I'll visit again, and I'll bring your favorite Sourdough Scrolls."

Dan's face immediately brightened, the earlier hint of tears replaced by a wide smile. "Really, Lady Beauty?" His excitement was palpable.

I nodded, returning his smile warmly.

"Dan," called Yuri, stepping closer, "let go of Lady Louise now. She still has other errands." She gently took her little brother's hand, her own expression radiating kindness.

Yuri, despite being fourteen years old, appeared much younger due to her petite frame and delicate features. Her vibrant orange hair complemented her lovely face, adding a touch of uniqueness to her appearance. 

Yuri held a special place in the hearts of the children at the orphanage, especially among the girls. Despite the presence of adults responsible for their well-being, Yuri naturally assumed a motherly role within the group after their parents tragically passed away in a brutal attack by the Emberocks.

Noah, the eldest boy in the orphanage and Yuri's younger brother by just one year, stepped forward to express his gratitude. "Thank you, Lady Louise. We won't forget all your kindness."

Yuri and Noah shared a strong sibling bond, their family heritage blending the mystical with the natural. Their mother was a Witch, passing down her magical lineage to Yuri, while their father was a Fae, granting Noah the gifts of his fae ancestry. Noah's protective nature towards Yuri stemmed from her past experiences of being bullied due to her status as a Witch, making him fiercely defensive of his sister.

The air of curiosity filled the room as I retrieved a small yet weighty centuries-old book from my sling bag. Its leather cover bore the marks of time, hinting at the wealth of knowledge it held within.

Yuri's expression mirrored her surprise and skepticism as she accepted the book from me. However, before she could inspect it further, Dan, curious as ever, took it from her and eagerly flipped through the pages. "What's this, Lady Beauty?" he inquired with a puzzled expression. "Why is it blank?" Each page he turned revealed nothing but pristine whiteness. After his quick investigation, he returned the book to Yuri, realizing there was no visible content within.

Even I couldn't hide my confusion as I examined the open book. The absence of any writing or illustrations puzzled me. Perhaps there was an error or misunderstanding with the book provided by Alexa.

"I spoke with my friend, a skilled witch, about you, Yuri," I elaborated. "She recommended this book to help you with your studies. Since you're not at the Willows, where formal education is provided, you'll have to carefully study on your own. If my friend finds some time, she might even come to visit us here. However, I'm puzzled as to why this particular book appears blank. I may ask her for a different one."

Yuri's smile widened, radiating gratitude. "Thank you, Lady Louise," she said appreciatively. "But this book isn't actually blank. Its contents are simply concealed from those who are not witches. The wisdom contained within is meant exclusively for us. I apologize for any confusion."

I blinked in fascination, realizing the incredible potential hidden within the book's concealed contents. My mind raced with possibilities - perhaps it contained secrets on teleportation, healing techniques, or even methods of mind control. The thought was both thrilling and daunting.

After bidding farewell to the children, I lingered a bit longer at the orphanage. Despite visiting only a handful of times, I had formed a strong bond with the kids, learning about their individual stories and growing to care deeply for each of them.

As I exited the orphanage, guarded by Ludwig's vigilant knights, I made my way toward the bustling town center where an array of shops and stores awaited.

As I strolled through the town, I noticed the bustling activity among its diverse inhabitants. Creatures of various shapes and sizes were engrossed in their daily tasks, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. The impending royal wedding added an extra layer of excitement, with preparations underway for Prince Ludwig's union with Princess Amethyst of the Water Fae Kingdom, scheduled just a month away.

The heart of the town held a remarkable feature—a centuries-old tree that spanned a mile, its sprawling branches reaching toward the sky. This majestic tree was to be the venue for the royal marriage ceremony, a location steeped in history and significance.

Initially, I had mistaken this central area for a simple park, akin to those commonly found in our human world. However, I soon learned that it was far more than that. The Faerie Redwood, as it was known, held a sacred status among the residents of Fortunalia. It was revered as one of the ancient portals that once connected their world to ours, a link dating back four hundred years.

The scene before me was nothing short of enchanting. Everywhere I looked, the town was alive with preparations for the momentous events that would soon unfold. The Faerie Redwood stood tall and proud, its ancient presence overseeing the bustling activity with a sense of wisdom and tranquility.

The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and joy, palpable in the air as townsfolk hurried about their tasks with enthusiasm. Decorations adorned every corner, from elegant floral arrangements to intricate ribbons that danced in the gentle breeze. The soft glow of fairy lights intertwined with the natural beauty of the surroundings, creating a magical ambiance that felt straight out of a fairy tale.

Elaborate archways served as portals to this enchanting world, leading to shops adorned with colorful displays and welcoming entrances. Lanterns hung gracefully from branches, casting a warm and inviting light that illuminated the cobblestone streets below. Each detail, from the shimmering tablecloths to the ornate centerpieces, spoke of the care and dedication poured into making this celebration truly extraordinary.