The next morning they awoke to find that their bodies had bruised from sleeping on such hard and desperate ground. Soreness struck all three all over.

Still the sunrise eased their pain as they quietly opened their eyes to see the sky set aflame, as if painted with the most expensive paints of pink and gold. Such a beautiful sight was nearly worth the discomfort.

Ella woke the easiest and first, having been used to rising early to start chores and have time to herself before Marabeth started barking orders at her.

Chase woke quite easily as well, having been unable to sleep comfortably- not due to the ground, although the rocks didn't help- but because last night and worry sat heavily on his mind.

Viola took her time waking, reluctant to face the day. Something one who writes about the deeds that fall upon this story  should find quite relatable on a daily basis. In any case, Viola awoke, but was not joyous about the rising sun, despite the beauty of the sky.

"My head is killing me." Ella mumbled, rubbing her temple. "I don't imagine I've ever slept poorer. And my bed is made from a cushion stuffed with straw."

Chase glanced at her, worry in his eyes. "Your bed is what?"

"Made from straw, Chase." Viola rolled her eyes. "Keep up, won't you?"

Ella shrugged. "Stepmother... You know."

"We should probably get going." Viola injected, pulling her hair into a bun and tying with ribbon. "In case the king's men come round to find us wasting time upon the forest floor."

Ella stood up. "Strange... I never recalled a forest here. Just a few trees and a little brook."

The twinkling sound of laughter chimed from the brook. Three heads whipped around to stare.

"Naïveté can be cute you know." The voice of the twinkling laughter sang. A head peaked out from the river.

It was a young maiden, with skin bluer than the sky. Her wavy hair reminding those who saw it of navy ocean waves that curled against the beach at low tide. She was lovely in the air mysteriousness she gave.

Immediately Ella's legs told her to run. Another woman of magical ability could not be anything good.

"We were just leaving. Sorry to disturb you." Ella growled, turning her back to the brook maid.

"Oh don't leave so soon." The brook woman smiled. Her eyes shined and sparkled grey like wet pebbles.

"We don't have time to stay and chat I'm afraid." Ella's eyes narrowed, not about to trust another magical creature.

"Stay!" The river nymph stated. Immediately Ella's feet froze in place. She groaned. "I so rarely get visitors. Let me give you some help."

"We do not-" Ella grunted, attempting to shift her feet. "-need any help!"

"Sure you do!" The nymph persisted. "I can read you. You need aid in the areas of love, travel, and family. Don't argue, Rosella."

Ella stopped. Nymphs were perhaps more powerful than that of fairies. Which meant they were more dangerous.

Chase scowled. "Travel and family I understand, but I don't see how any of us struggle with matters of the heart."

The nymph smiled, brightly. "Oh, Chasen! I can't believe you don't realize all three are struggling with that." She paused, in thought. "I know... This might help you realize it. When you meet your true love, you shall be stuck to her side at all times, no further away than one hundred paces."

The nymph flicked water at his feet, grinning. A swift breeze blew around him.

"Funny joke. None of us have time for true love, though, so I think we must be on our way." Chase gritted his teeth.

"I'm not done yet. Ade-"

"My name is Viola. Do not mistake me." Viola's eyes narrowed.

The nymph shrugged. "Viola then. If you succeed in your journey, you will owe the fae your future for you will not find happiness without them."

Viola frowned. "I... I don't think I like what you're implying."

"Perhaps not, but I do not lie. Rosella-"

"I don't want to know anything. I don't want any spells. I do not want you to assume what I want. I just want you to let me go." Ella huffed.

"You'll find your answers in the forget-me-nots. That is all." The nymph released them, her joyful attitude having disappeared rather quickly.

Ella, Chase, and Viola all turned their backs on the brook, continuing on their journey. They weren't far enough out of town to keep from hearing the clop of the king's horses on the cobblestone.

"One more thing, Rosella." The nymph stated, worry in her voice. "Your sister will find you, swiftly. Delay your meeting but do not be wary."

The nymph disappeared, melting into the water.

Chase immediately knew this was caused by his unfortunate luck. Why else would Viola and Ella get predictions whilst he practically got cursed?

"Let's just avoid magic until we cannot any longer." Ella frowned, lost in thought. "Fairies, elves, nymphs, the lot of them."

"Agreed." Viola nodded.

Chase scowled. Did they even have the option to?

So far, it did not appear so.

Dedicated to PaigeBStorey for being such a supportive and loyal reader/friend throughout my writing experience. I just want you to know I appreciate it a lot. Thank you!

I hope you enjoyed and let me know what you think! What will happen next?