Odd Friendship
Arabelle heard the maids talking earlier but decided to just ignore them. Maybe they're just talking about something that doesn't concern her. She can't help herself but to try the snack platter. It looks harmless and safe to eat. She noticed the black rice cakes on the snack platter. It looks good but she remembered stories about the fairy world. Never eat the black food from there if you still want to go back to your own world.
“Better to be safe than sorry.” she told herself and skipped the black rice cakes.
The stories her grandma told her before seem to come back to her. As if she knew that she will be going to another world. Fairies are beautiful creatures as long as they're happy. When they get mad, you can see their true ugly appearance. She's not planning on seeing that while she's in their world. They can also use magic to harm someone if needed. It's not going to be good if that will happen. She needs to be careful around the fairies.
“Miss, lunch is ready!” one of the maids announced while she peeks on her door.
“Okay, thanks!” she replied and wondered how she could still eat lunch after the snacks she had.
Arabelle stood and followed the maid because she didn't want to offend the fairies. She doesn't have any idea that Enrico is a prince around here. Maybe it will be easier if he's just a commoner. The maid brought her outside the fairy castle. She then saw the feast was waiting in the middle of the garden. The greenery looks more magical out there. She saw unfamiliar types of flowers around that seemed to be humming a tune she never heard before.
On the long table, there are so many different kinds of dishes. She had no idea how they were able to cook so much food in such a short time. Of course, there's no other way they can do that but with the use of magic. She's excited to taste all those dishes and suddenly feel hungry even after eating a lot of snacks. The maid offered her a seat and she immediately complied. Although she noticed that she's just alone facing the lunch table.
“Excuse me. Where's everyone?” she can't help but ask.
Before the maid can reply, Enrico arrives by himself. The maid vows her head as a sign of respect to their prince. Arabelle can't help but admire how handsome Enrico looks. He's literally glowing as he walks towards the table. She smiled at him and felt relieved that he's around. At least she doesn't have to eat lunch by herself. Enrico takes his seat right in front of her. She wonders if they are still waiting for the queen and other fairies to join them.
“My mother will not be joining us for lunch but she will for dinner. Let's eat!” Enrico said as if he could read her mind.
~~
Ralph and Justin reached the east side of the enchanted forest. All they can see around them are plants that seem to move even without the wind. Justin caught Arabelle's scent around there but she's nowhere to be found. They know that they have to be careful around the enchanted forest. As immortal creatures, they know that the fairy realm can be dangerous. Once they find Arabelle, they have to get out of there. That's after they find what they need from that enchanted place.
The two of them noticed the garden guardian was already present. They decided that it's time for them to leave the area. Justin was able to catch Arabelle's scent from another direction. He signalled Ralph to follow and they both went there. It's better to avoid the guardian so that they can make sure that they can leave. They noticed that one of the plants seemed to be screaming. Ralph seems to recognize that voice but still decides to leave. They need to find Arabelle as soon as they can and go home.
“Whoa, that stream is so bright!” Justin gasped, feeling mesmerized by the stream of lights.
“Careful kid. It looks dangerous.” Ralph warns him.
The moment he said it, they immediately heard voices coming out from it. As if the stream of light has souls trapped in it. The louder the voices, the brighter the stream becomes. Ralph decided that it's time for them to leave this place as well. Although it seems like Justin is still mesmerized by it. He can't leave him here to die so he doesn't have a choice but to drag him away. Once they are already at a safe distance, Justin seems to wake up.
“Are you okay?” Ralph asked.
“Yeah, I guess. Thanks for dragging me.” Justin replied.
An unexpected bond seems to be forming between the two. They may not be able to see it yet but somehow they are getting closer along the way. Justin catches Arabelle's scent again from a distance. He immediately informed Ralph about it so they could go on their way. The two of them proceed on their way to find Arabelle. At least they are able to help each other out along the way. An odd friendship seems to form between the two enemies.
“Wait, I have to take this first.” Ralph said and took the tears of mushrooms as they walked past them.
“What's that?” Justin asked curiously.
“Tears of mushroom. Arabelle needs them.” Ralph replied but not giving away too much information.
“I see. Wait, what are these?” Justin suddenly saw some fairy dust floating in front of him.
“I'll take those as well.” Ralph catches the fairy dust and puts them inside a small pouch.
Justin thinks he's weird to need to take those unusual things. Although he's aware that Arabelle is looking for ingredients for a spell. She told him about that back from the resort. Although he's not planning to share it with Ralph for now. He suddenly worries that he might get jealous if he knows about that. Ralph looks like he's so into finding the things Arabelle needs. He might really like her that much so he's considering not to interfere with them.
“Justin…whatever you do…don't move!” Ralph suddenly told him which made him freeze.