1 Prologue
In the middle of a forest, a young woman lay on a bed of emerald moss. A symphony of birdsong filled the air. Sunbeams, like golden threads, filtered through the verdant canopy above, casting a gentle glow upon her porcelain complexion. A light breeze gently danced over her form, coaxing her from her slumber. Fluttering her long lashes at the disturbance, she awoke, banishing the remnants of sleep from her eyes.
As she rose to her feet, the glade burst into life, teeming with a kaleidoscope of vibrant butterflies. They flitted and danced around her, tugging at strands of her hair, filling the air with vibrant hues. Their wings, like shimmering silk in an array of radiant colours, mesmerised her. One butterfly, delicate and ethereal, alighted upon her nose, causing her to cross her eyes in amusement. Its wings, reminiscent of delicate rose petals, shimmered in a brilliant shade of blue, while its tiny body bore a striking resemblance to that of a miniature human, complete with two arms and two legs.
Startled yet intrigued, the young maiden reached out a slender finger, and the peculiar butterfly delicately perched upon it. She marvelled at its intricate features. The strange little butterfly smiled at her before flying off to join its friends.
Intrigued by this mystical encounter, the young maiden followed the swarm of butterflies as they led her deeper into the enchanting forest. The verdant canopy above seemed to quiver with anticipation, the trees whispering secrets known only to them. Though she stepped lightly upon the mossy path, the ground trembled beneath her feet, causing small mushrooms to spring forth in their wake.
As she ventured deeper, the forest seemed to transform before her very eyes. The trees grew taller and more majestic, their trunks adorned with exquisite carvings. Sunlight danced through the leaves, casting ever-changing patterns on the forest floor. Moss-clad stones formed delicate archways, leading her into a hidden clearing where crystal-clear streams whispered with enchanting voices.
The serene moment was abruptly interrupted by the sound of a twig snapping nearby. Turning her body towards the noise, her hazel eyes widened with awe and disbelief. There, just a few feet away, stood a large white stag of incredible stature. At least ten feet tall, with magnificent antlers twice the length of its body, the stag seemed otherworldly. Its ethereal presence emitted an aura of tranquillity, leaving the girl spellbound.
The beast, seemingly unbothered by her presence, slowly approached her with graceful steps. Its hooves barely made a sound on the moss-covered ground. The maiden's heart raced as she watched the magnificent creature draw near, her fingers trembling with a mix of fear and curiosity.
Summoning her courage, she reached out her arm and gently brushed her fingers through the stag's soft white fur. It felt like snowflakes melting against her skin, cool and rejuvenating. With each caress, a calmness spread through her veins, as if the stag's enchanting essence was seeping into her very being.
To her astonishment, the stag lowered its enormous head down to her level, its piercing sapphire eyes meeting hers with intelligence beyond that of a mere animal. The connection between them was undeniable, a palpable thread linking their souls in a magical harmony.
"Who are you?" The whisper escaped her lips, her voice filled with wonder and curiosity.
Before she could receive her answer, the fragrant air shifted, and the scene folded into darkness, and the stag and forest disappeared behind her.
