The Forest Guardian

There was still no one in the garden. Since the laborers needed to climb the high hill every day with all the building material, they would arrive at that location in the afternoon. A difficult task for even the strongest men, she thought as she looked around.

As far as the garden's appearance was concerned, the king had truly kept his word. The redirected water was used to create a waterfall, which filled a large pond. The water was so clear, you could see the tiniest of fish shimmering underneath its crystal surface. The walls and bottom of the pond were decorated with small stone mosaics depicting forest life. Different flowers and plants, brought from all parts of the kingdom, were painstakingly arranged on the ground. Flowerpots dangled from iron pillars covered in climbing plants similar to those that destroyed the new castle walls with ease. Zora assumed the forest guardian put them there herself. Walking through the garden, she clutched the wreath she had been holding.

The young princess got the shivers. If her plan fails, she will become the final decorative piece of this place. The only person who could help her was too far away to do anything. "How will he react after discovering what happened to me?" she pondered solemn. "Will he get into a fight with his brothers? Will he cry for me?" Her eyes filled with tears. "How cruel. I didn't even have the chance to say goodbye. I would give anything to see him again," went through her head in the calm and seemingly idyllic sight.

A loud frustrated shout shook her from her thoughts. Zora quickly hid behind one of the trees and, with her eyes wide open, observed the area. There were only large trees and a couple of boulders covered in moss. Sneaking a little closer, she notices the female outlines among the tree trunks. She carefully advanced in order to see better. The forest guardian was sitting on a flat rock, covered from top to bottom in moss. Trying to fall asleep, she turned from side to side with her eyes clenched shut. With an occasional yawn, she would rest for a moment before grumpily changing her position. A few tries later, she let out a growl, pounding her fist into the rock. As she sat up, the miserable-looking creature buried her face into her hands.

Zora gulped. She slowly stood up and whispered, "Excuse me?"

The stunned forest creature looked up. "Who said that?"

The girl flinched and thought of running away. "Forgive me," the princess stuttered. "Perhaps, this is not the best time," she added with a high-pitched quiver.

The magical being sneered irritated. "Either you tell me your name right now, or my vines will squeeze you like a peach!"

Zora squeaked even more terrified. "My name is Zora. I am the girl you asked to be sent to you," she stammered.

The creature gave her a dirty look. Her lips let out a scornful puff. "Aren't you a little early? The king told me he would be sending you in two days."

"I..." Zora uttered trying to muster up her courage. Her throat was dry while her palms were covered in sweat.

"If you came to beg for mercy, it will not do you any good!" she said with a sly voice. "I have already made up my mind. Your faith is sealed. The best thing for you, right now, is to not make me even angrier."

Zora quivered, but kept standing. "I am not here to beg, my good guardian. I brought you... I brought you a gift," she said frightened and presented the flowers. Holding it with both hands, she brought closer the beautifully made wreath. "I learned from stories that forest guardians love flowers," she added.

The fairy-like creature observed her creation carefully. "So you picked the ones from my forest and you did so without my permission?" she said with a raised lip.

The princess blinked and raised the wreath up to her face as a way of protecting herself from her cold expression. "I did not mean any harm. Honest."

The sitting creature saw how terrified the girl was. Her child-like response made her smile. "It is alright, the wreath is beautiful. Give it to me," she said softening her voice.

"Of course," she uttered and placed her hands forward. The magical creature took the circle of flowers from her and carefully observed it. Afterward, she slowly headed to the pond. Completely speechless, Zora watched her every move. The guardian smiled, admiring her reflection in the clear water pond. The blue ribbon in the wreath complimented her vine hair well. "I must say...despite all of your flaws. You humans have an innate sense for beauty," she turned towards the princess, content.

"It does look breathtaking on you. But then again anything would," Zora said timid.

"Oh, you flatter me," she said honored. "So, you read about me, haven't you?"

Her smiling expression gave some confidence to the frightened girl.

The princess spoke, "Yes. And the stories are truly unbelievable. Sadly, I could only get my hands on a few preserved parchments."

"What can you do. Paper is so easily destroyed," the creature scoffed.

The princess took in a breath and timidly spoke, "If I may... I would love to hear more about you. I read some fantastical legends about the magical creatures of this kingdom. And your powers! The way you command plants is astonishing! Would you tell me more about it?"

The guardian exhaled and sat back on her stone. The waterfall murmured in the background. The young princess sat next to her, excited as a child awaiting a bedtime story. Thinking for a while, the green forest creature smiled and asked her guest, "What do you wish to know?"

Meanwhile, on the other side of the hill, prince Aidan rode on his horse at full speed. He was grinning as the air massaged his face. His entourage followed, less enthusiastic. Their horses could not keep up with the prince's valiant steed.

"My Lord. My Lord. Please slow down. The horses are tired," one of the knights yelled.

"Nonsense! We rested enough for today. Where is your competitive spirit men? It's like you want to avoid returning home. Are your wives mad at you? Do your children cause you worries?" he joked.

"Mine is. Especially when the in-laws come to town," one knight grumbled.

"If that is the case, I pity your bad fortune. But with me, it's not. I cannot wait to see my loving princess and family," he shouted joyfully over his shoulder.

His men looked at each other concerned. Their horses galloped, unhindered by their riders' state of mind.

"Come on! Wine and a grilled feast awaits us back at the castle. Last one there is a donkey's uncle!" the prince shouted again with glee. The knights exhaled. They had delayed the prince long enough. At this pace, they would reach the castle in two days. By that time, in their opinion, the terrible deed would have already been done.