Cora squealed childishly.

She ignored the bewildered gazes of the prince and his friend, and waved frantically at the creature.

"You are winged nymph! I can't believe it!" Cora screamed again.

The nymph stared at her with confusion, and then her eyes widened.

"You are a merrow. Wait, Princess Cora?" The nymph asked in shock.

Cora's excitement died a little. How could this land creature possibly know of her existence. She looked at Lucas, who was just as confused as herself.

"Lucas, please put me down," she asked slowly.

He nodded slowly and did as she asked him. Ella held her hand to prevent her from tripping over. The nymph stood rooted to her spot, watching every move Cora made. Straightening her long shirt, Cora pushed the strands of her wet hair back and looked at her.

"How do you know me?" She asked.

The nymph hesitated, but answered slowly.

"You should not be here! You should be back in sea!" The nymph yelled at her.

"I said," Cora began hotly, " how do you know me?"

There was dead silence. The nymph looked at her with a tinge of hatred.

"There was a--a prophecy. About you. It wouldn't have come to be if you hadn't left the sea!" The nymph yelled.

Cora stared at her. What prophecy? No one had warned her about any prophecy. Not even her grandfather. What was she talking about?

"What prophecy? I haven't been told about it. I don't even know what's going on!" Cora yelled.

Lucas' hand placed itself firmly on her shoulder, to stop her from bursting out. Cora drew in a deep breath. The nymph then stared at her apologetically.

"They--they didn't tell you?" She asked.

Cora shook her head. The nymph sighed and muttered curses.

"Come with me. It's best if I show you." She commanded.

Cora limped forward, but Lucas stopped her and spun her around. She hissed in pain.

"What the hell are you doing?" He whispered furiously.

Cora stared at him blankly.

"Trying to find out some personal information," she said innocently.

"Cora, look. You can't trust her, given the condition you're in. I suppose you have just as no experience with land creatures as us?" Ella chimed in.

Cora stared at Ella's face, and turned to watch the nymph walk away, wings folded in. But winged nymphs were friendly! She'd read about them, and she knew enough. Though, the nymph's hostility was quite unexpected. She nodded.

"I mean you no harm. Please, come with me. The prophecy might be solely about the princess, but there are others included," the nymph interrupted.

The three looked up at her, and then looked at each other. Lucas didn't seem any happy about it, but he knew he had no say in it. Ella pursed her lips and nodded her head. Cora turned to face the impatient nymph and nodded at her to lead the way. The nymph turned around and began walking through the woods, leading them to who knew where. For a moment, Cora thought it was a very bad idea to believe the nymph. It was her first time on land, and she had no experience with its creatures. All she had was theoretical knowledge from books Mermonte gave her.

"You would do well to walk a little more faster," the nymph commented.

Before Cora could comment something rudely, she was swept off of her feet in an instant. Cora yelled as Lucas carried her again, staring straight ahead and clenching his jaw.

"Thanks," she murmured slowly.

He didn't respond, and continued to walk as fast as he could, Ella right beside him. Cora put her head against his warm chest. His heart was beating wildly. She wondered if he was afraid of something. She closed her eyes, trying to forget that she wasn't home, but in an unknown land, filled with trials and dangers she'd never even imagined.

"We didn't catch your name!" Ella called.

Lucas looked furiously at her and hissed at her to shut up. But Ella ignored his harsh attempts. The nymph didn't stop or turn.

"Tori. My name is Tori." She answered monotonously.

Cora looked around, looking at the trees in awe and wonder. Branches growing out of one single strong trunk, the leaves, how the cluster of them have them shade from the hot sun. The dirt had felt so damp and nice between her toes. Cora had forgotten the real reason she was here. To enjoy the world above. To explore as much as she could. Yet, fate had other plans for her. Tori stopped in front of a small, cosy clearing. She raised her hand, signalling them to stop.

"Wait here," she ordered and stepped into the clearing.

The nymph cupped her mouth and let out a series of chirps, louder than those of birds. Ella leaned in slowly.

"What do you reckon she's doing?" She asked.

"I think she's calling the others," Lucas answered.

Cora couldn't have agreed more. She watched as small heads emerged from the hollows of trees, or from amidst the branches, or from burrows in the ground. More nymphs came out of their hiding, some of them wingless. A few fauns trotted forwards as well, grazing the overgrown grass. Tori turned towards the trio and smiled softly.

"Welcome to the Glen." Tori welcomed, and ushered them forward.

Cora looked around, full of awe and wonder. Tiny sparkling creatures buzzed past them, small, stout and chubby little ones hobbling up to the trio with bunches of beautiful flowers she'd never seen.

"Seems a little too small for a glen, don't you think?" Lucas snorted.

Cora felt Ella nudge him with her elbow, but the nymph shook her head with a knowing smile.

"I never said this was it, now did I?" She answered, and asked them to follow her.

They walked past the clearing, careful not to step on any of the tiny little creatures that were strolling about. Tori brushed away a few giant leaves that blocked away their view. Cora put her hands on Lucas' face to try and see, but Lucas pulled her down angrily. Tori looked at them as she pulled back the leaves.

Never had Cora even imagined to see beauty so perfect. She heard Lucas and Ella gasp as well. Waterfalls that shone with colours of the rainbow as the sun's rays passed through it. A valley, so green and lush, Cora thought she would never see a greener and beautiful place in her life. Eagles soared high above them, winged nymphs flying along them and cheering. Deers and rabbits trotted and hopped around peacefully.

"Come, we don't have time to stay and gape around," Tori interrupted.

She led them down a path down to the valley, and stopped them in front of a cottage. It was well kept, with smoke coming out of the chimney. Honeysuckle climbed the walls of the small house, and the scent of something hot, sweet and appetising lingered around. Cora's stomach grumbled. She hadn't realised she was starving. Tori knocked on to the door and waited patiently.

"Who are we meeting?" Lucas asked.

Tori rolled her eyes, gestured for him to wait. The door opened a few moments later, revealing a woman of around twenty, dressed well for the woods, and dark, red cape draped around her shoulders. Her dark brown hair were left open over her shoulders, in soft curls. She furrowed her brow in confusion.

"Tori?" She asked in confusion, nodding towards the trio.

Tori nodded.

"Red, this is Princess Cora, the merrow princess. And her--er--friends," she told.

Cora and Ella waved their hands, while Lucas stared at everything like it didn't make any sense. Red gave them an unsure smile.

"Cora, Red. My friend. She's been living here with her grandmother since forever," Tori told her.

"Nice to meet you," Cora replied.

Tori turned to Red again, who still seemed confused about all the fiasco.

"We have a problem." Tori emphasized.

"Which is? Because you've interrupted me in the middle of my very important...."

"The prophecy is in action, Red." Tori cut her off.

Cora's was impressed by the way Red's face changed colour. She looked at them gravely.

"In that case," she started,"I'd like to have a little chat with you all."

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Hey there darlings! Sorry for being gone so long, but been a little too occupied with things other than writing. Forgive me if the quality of writing has reduced, I'm in no condition to come up with proper ideas. Still, I'm trying to make things work. No, I have no plans on abandoning this project just yet. I want to further deep in this journey, and then we'll see.
Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I dedicate this to my supportive friend katemalwrites.
Thank you for always making my day! Do comment, vote and share!
Until next time,
Tutz!