The full moon shone through the blossoming trees and onto my makeshift pallet of a torn-up velvet gown, lighting my face, and making me glow with pleasure for the first time in many days. I sighed, and closed my eyes. I cannot live forever running from them. They will find me eventually. The Evil ones, Xhadum especially.
I let my memories of that horrible day rush into me, when they took Mother, Lady Elaine, away, and burned down our home. They tied her hands, set her on a mare, set the house on fire, and then rode away. I cannot go around tromping in this wilderness any longer. I do not grieve for my velvet gowns and capes, which I have ruined here. But oh, how my heart aches thinking of my mother's screams of pain, and telling me to run to Camelot and seek Arthur, my parents' king and faithful friend. I had run into the magical forest, and here I remain. A traitor of King Arthur had already killed my father because he, Sir Gareth of Orkney, was very loyal to him.
Living here in the forest is tough; I can't help but worry for my future. The trees and bushes produce food nearly everyday, so I have enough to live on, but is this how I'll live now, forever? As a hermit? There was a sudden rustle of branches above my head in the tree, and I felt my skin crawl, my body stiffen. There was no wind. It must be a rat.
Rats don't live in trees, a tiny voice inside me whispered.
A squirrel then.
It was a big rustle. The noise it made must have been the rustle of a panther.
Panthers are stealthy, I argued.
Then you had better keep your guard. I could have sworn that the despicable voice inside me smirked.
Ay, lass. Arguing with yourself again? My father's voice. I sighed with frustration at the memory, when he'd tease me for my deep thinking and imagination. If only he was here to mildly scold me of my daydreaming, I wouldn't mind. I had alarmed myself for no reason. Again.
I sank deeper into my velvet gown with a sigh, exhausted from my worry. I surrendered myself to sleep, knowing perfectly well I would wake up with nightmares. Again.
"Clarine, Clarine! Listen to me, Clarine," whispered a soft, musical voice in the midst of water?! "You must save Arthur. He is in danger. You must rescue your King.
The mist of the Lake transformed into a shape of a beautiful woman. Instantly, I knew who she was. My gaze quickly dropped of shyness. "Lady of the Lake, how must I fulfill your wish?"
Vivian smiled. "Hold your head high, Daughter of Elaine. It is your decision whether to save your King or not. You are not to 'fulfill my wish' if you do not want it."
My chin up, I replied without hesitating, "I shall do it. But… why have you summoned me? Why not Sir Lancelot? The one whom you have raised with your own hands and soul. Surely he can do much more to help and has a much greater chance of saving King Arthur than me."
Vivian smiled sadly, and for the first time, her beautiful features looked worried and distressed about the future. "Troubles are arising, Clarine. Too much evil is being done for your innocent heart to bear at once. You will learn throughout your quest. It will help you as much as it will to save Arthur. Now go, you have a long journey ahead. You are courageous and brave, Clarine. You will never fail. Beware Clarine. Beware." And with that warning, she faded into the mist.
I woke up suddenly from my dream, and seeing it was far past dawn, began to pack and wash up. I splashed in the stream and gasped with delight at the sparkling, cold water. I closed my eyes, letting the sun warm up my face, and floated. The air felt so fresh, and the blossoming cherry trees smelled so wonderful… I could almost hear someone singing softly with the birds. I swam to the bank and stood up, my ears straining for sounds. There was someone singing with the birds! Another human in this forest! Oh la! How grand! I gathered my pack quickly and quietly walked into the direction of the sound. I was scared and excited. What if it was one of The Black Knights of Xhadum? But I didn't think a Black Knight would care for singing with the birds. If it was though, I bet he ran away from Xhadum. The singing was too beautiful to be from one of evil.
I silently sheathed my sword, and crept slowly behind a huge tree until the singer came into view. His back was turned to me, and several colorful birds were perched on his shoulders. He had bright, blond hair that came down to his shoulders. I sat on a stump and listened. Suddenly, a twig cracked beneath my foot. He abruptly stopped singing, and whirled around. He looked surprised, and angry. Oops. I swiftly unsheathed my sword. "I come in peace," I said in my best grown up voice.