The year: 2023

Lastshire: The Birthplace of Magic

[Marty's POV]

The Melusines Phoenix guided me to a place that was no less enchanting than King Gregory's garden at the Pendragon Castle. 

The garden- with its lush greens, minty blues, and bright yellows and reds- looked regal and sophisticated; I could sense the thought and dedication the caretaker must have put into it.

The firefly made itself comfortable on a blue petal. 

"Hey, you are real, aren't you?" I inquired, forgetting that though this was a realm of magic, not all its creatures were capable of human speech; nonetheless, it felt good not to worry about hurting feelings or breaking laws; I continued my one-sided conversation, watching the tiny magical creature bury its head in a drop of shimmering dew, "Say, Phoenix, this place looks magical, but I am sure that this is not the work of magic."

"How insightful you are, young one." I heard Nimueh's voice and turned. It brought a young woman with large bluish-gray eyes into my line of sight. 

Wearing a bright yellow gown- with flowing sleeves and a hem that kissed the ground with every step she took toward me- she smiled. I could see her better now. The woman's hair, adorned with the flowers like what I was admiring not a moment ago, made it look like she was wearing a ruby and sapphire-encrusted crown. Her thick dark locks lined her heart-shaped face giving her a Goddess-like youthful look. 

I caught myself staring; how could I not? But then I recalled Merlin's warning and dropped my eyes to the ground. Where was Merlin? And the woman that bore the high priestess's voice, who was she? Was that how Nimueh looked, or was it an illusion created by her to trick me? 

Keeping my eyes lowered and hoping it was not too late to escape a death sentence or worse, I said, "My apologies, ma'am. I didn't mean to stare. It won't happen again."

The woman chucked, and melody filled the air around us, "Is that what Merlin told you?"

Any doubts I had about the girl's identity seconds ago were put to rest, for it was evident that she had read my mind. Moreover, only the high priestess could speak of the sorcerer so casually. I bobbed my head. "Yes. He did. But I shouldn't have done it anyway. It is rude."

"Finally, a Wyllt with some manners. So tell me, why do you think this garden was not a work of magic." She demanded and gestured to me to follow her. 

I contemplated for a few seconds before replying, "I don't know how to explain it, but when I arrived here, I felt that this place and every plant in it was cared for, like every one of them had received love." 

Nimueh said nothing and continued to walk around the garden; time and again, she crouched next to a plant and caressed its leaves and thorns before moving on to another. I watched her with silent curiosity and followed her obediently. 

I lost track of time and only realized how late it was when the sun set under the horizon. Still, I couldn't bring myself to speak.

"Don't you want to know where your master is?" Nimueh asked softly. Standing up, she scanned the garden and snapped her fingers. 

The ground beneath me vanished, and panicking, I held on to the only thing in my sight, Nimuhe's outstretched arms. Together, one more mentally stable than another, we began our descent. Though, unlike the last time- when it felt like a rollercoaster- this time, it was slow and steady. My cowardly act- grabbing her without consent- made my cheeks heat up, and I let go of her nimble limb and muttered a heartfelt apology. 

"That's fine." She waved her hand dismissively, "After the rocky welcome I gave you, I would be surprised if you didn't do that. If it means so much to you," she raised her hand and waved it, "I forgive you!" she said as if she was making an announcement; lowering her hand, she smirked, "Now, tell me, don't you want to know where your master is?" 

My master? 

Surely, she was not referring to Merlin.

I shook my head, "I don't have a master."

Nimueh quirked her head, "You don't?"

She looked genuinely surprised, "Don't you?"

And I wondered, 'Do I?'

"Nevermind. It doesn't concern me one way or another." She shrugged, flipping strands of her dark hair over her shoulder. "But it's best that I tell you that Merlin has filled me in on what's happening in Albion." The downturn of her lips pained me. I wanted to make her smile. I wanted her to smile, always. 

"He asked me for help, and I gave it to him. It will be a while before he returns; till then, if you don't mind, can you cook me something?"

"As long as I can get my hands on supplies," I bowed deeply, "I can cook anything you wish for, ma'am."

"What kind of supplies are you talking about?"