I'm almost there. I've been here before. This familiar boulder, the calming sound of that stream. I know this place well, but why can't I remember the name for it? Maybe because it only exists in my mind.

Barefoot and loosely clothed, I walk through the forest path, the cool earth almost tickling my feet. I duck under a branch and sigh, at peace with the world. I'm almost to my favourite portion of this mysterious area, a pleasant river. It's clearer than the waters of my home, and seems to sparkle on bright sunny days like this. It's the best relief from the hot sun that I can feel through the leaves. I'm not fairly dark skinned, more of a light tan, so I try to avoid sunny patches for the most part. They are very comfortable though, so every now and then I walk through one, soaking in the warmth before hiding from the burn.

I have arrived, and it appears I have a bit of company. A few critters are convening nearby, some squirrels. Their lively chatter brings a smile to my face as I climb on top my rock, a large one overlooking the river. It's perfect for me, a bit bigger than I am every which way so I can sleep and not fear falling off. It's a good one to jump off of as well, lifting me up enough so that I can decide how I'd like to land in the water instead of flailing for a few seconds and falling in. The river is pleasantly deep in this section, I imagine about 7 feet.

I only contemplate for a moment before hopping in, sliding quickly and pushing the rock with my arms to propel downwards. I open my eyes underwater, ignoring the slight sting and focusing on controlling my breathing. I know I can last under here for a long time, longer than most people I know. My feet touch the gritty bottom, and I can't help but release a small bubble of laughter from the feeling. The rocks are small and very flat, and the sand underneath is smooth and squishy almost. I bend at the waist and kick carefully behind me, tipping myself so that I can reach my hands to the ground. I'm running out of air, so I know I must go quickly for whatever it is I'm looking for. My hand feels something unusual, a heavier rock than the others, and it closes around it tight. I curve my body to right myself and swim upwards to the surface.

After a few light gasps for oxygen, I study the object in my hand. It's not quite a rock but definitely something from the earth, in a shape I recognize immediately. It's a small metal heart, like a locket. I can't get it to open, even smacking a rock on top of it like an otter with an oyster. I give up and toss it behind my base rock, figuring I'll open it later.

I duck back under again, but this swim is short lived. A... Creature, the likes of which I'd never seen before brushes up against my leg and I can feel it's teeth. I lurch up onto my rock and climb out quickly, heart beating a bit faster. The thing seems to be following me, but I can't make out it's limbs. My forest paradise seems to get a little darker as it comes up on land a few feet in front of me, dark and hairy looking. I try to kick at it, but my foot is caught in the hair. It's pulling me in!

As I desperately reach around for an anchor, my hand finds the locket and clings to it, causing me to slide closer to the water without something to stop me. I'm screaming now, calling on the critters to save me, Father, someone! I roll off the rock back into the water and the creature keeps pulling me down, down into the cold water. I forgot to take a breath before being pulled in, so I am already dizzy from lack of air. I feel I am about to surrender and open my mouth to take a lungful of water when the creature is suddenly in front of me.

…..

I could never forget the look of such deep sorrow in those eyes.

My eyes are scrunched tight and I fight to escape the creature." It's alright now! Nothing can harm you here, girl!" exclaims a warm voice, and I'm held down by two pairs of arms. I stop fighting and open my eyes, eventually calming myself to a normal heartbeat pace. It's not real, I'm safe now, the dream is over. My nanny Miss Charlotte has my legs, and a young girl I don't recognize has my arms by the wrist. When they realize I'm awake and relaxed, they let me go and the girl leaves the room.

" Uhh... Hi there Miss Charlotte, how are you?" I ask, laughing lightly out of embarrassment. She replies with as shrug then leans in, grinning.

" Did you hear about your visitor? That fancy young man from Chitleveres? He's come to visit you~.". My eyes widen and I smile bright. "Really? When is he coming?" I close my eyes and grin, thinking about what I should wear. He's really nice, and I want to impress him so much! I have to get married apparently, and he's the one I want. His dark hair and amethyst eyes give him an unusual air, like a high ranking official. We were friends casually as children, but I was focused on exploring and play fighting, and he was more introverted, preferring to be inside while his officials taught him about politics and developed his sense of culture.

I opened my eyes to the sound of his voice replying " I'm already here... Well it looks like you had a nice rest, how are you doing?" . His eyes moving around my bed and over me. I pulled my blanket up to about my shoulders, face burning. He cleared his throat and backed up a little, standing in the doorway to my room.

" If you'd like, breakfast is supposed to be served soon and I'd enjoy eating with you." His cheeks seemed to be reddening in color,though it might have been my imagination. I nodded and tossed the blanket aside, starting to follow him. His eyebrow raised and he asked " Are you used to walking around in such thin clothing?". I looked down, realizing what he meant, and ran back to bed, covering up again. " I'll meet you out there!" I exclaimed, hiding my head under the blanket until I heard Miss Charlotte chuckle and say " He's gone girl, it's safe to come out and change."

I peeked out for a few seconds then got back out of bed. " Augh, why did I do that Miss Charlotte?! I bet he thinks I'm weird now, and will never marry me!" I slumped into a human ball and sat there, not crying but silently yelling at myself. I felt her hug me and I leaned towards her.

" Hormones, that's why. I wouldn't worry about that, he already knows you're weird." She started cackling quietly as I struggled to escape her hug and regain some dignity. What a great start to our long loving marriage in the works. Not.

First chapter ho~! So, feedback? I know it's a silly place to leave off at for the first chapter, sorry .w." . Hopefully this is enough to give you(the readers) a feel for my writing style, also hopeful that you like it. Reviews are absolutely loved, even negative ones are okay, as long as it's not " boo you suck! Go die in a whole you waste of flesh!", or something to that extent. Have a pleasant day/night~!