Bride To His Darkness-Chapter 295: Home Of The Elves

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After getting some sleep and waking up to face the world’s harsh reality, Samantha gripped the oars once more, steering the boat into a promising spot with unwavering determination. The water rippled softly beneath her efforts, and as the boat approached a sheltered nook that was hidden amongst the reeds and overhanging branches, she carefully guided it into a gentle stop.

Still exhausted and very much hungry, Samantha stepped onto the mossy shore, her breath visible in the crisp autumn air. She carefully secured the boat to a sturdy overhanging branch, ensuring it wouldn’t drift away in case there was a need for her to return. Her pet plant was perched on her right shoulder, and it assisted her with securing the boat firmly before they continued their journey.

The sunlight filtered through the thick dry canopy, casting a dappled glow on the mossy ground. Her golden-blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders to her back, disheveled and uncombed, whilst if one saw her, they’d assume she was a homeless fairy that had stepped into an unfamiliar realm– however, her presence alone seemed to automatically awaken the rustling leaves.

"Oh!"

Samantha’s stomach gently growled as she ventured deeper into the forest, and her hands instinctively clutched her belly when it made that sound that proved she was hungry and yet to eat anything. The rustle of fallen leaves beneath her bare feet echoed through the quiet woods, and her eyes searched the tall trees for any fruit she could find– at least something to take into her crying stomach before she could find a good meal to eat.

’Master, you do know you’re capable of summoning a fruit of your choice.’ her pet plant reminded her succinctly, and Samantha’s eyes shook as if she had truly forgotten she was capable of performing such wonders. She hadn’t eaten for two days, and maybe it didn’t lead to her death, which was still surprising, considering how much she loves food, but it was clearly affecting her ability to think properly.

"You’re right!" She exclaimed and immediately halted in her gait. Using the little energy she could muster, she extended her delicate hands, palms facing upward as her eyes were aglow with pure magic.

A soft hum filled the air as her powers awakened.

With a whispered wish, Samantha envisioned a cornucopia of fruits. The air shimmered with energy as plump grapes instantly materialized, hanging like jewels in the air. She then conjured apples, their crisp scent mingling with the forest’s fragrance. A swirl of magic brought forth succulent strawberries, glistening with materialized dewdrops.

The forest immediately responded to Samantha’s call, and soon, a feast of fruits surrounded her. Juicy peaches, exotic kiwis and velvety plum joined the array. The ground beneath her transformed into a living tapestry of colors and flavors. Her mouth was already starting to water at the sight before her eyes, and she almost cried.

Samantha didn’t hesitate before digging into whatever her hands reached for, satisfying her cravings. She dropped to her knees and ate as much as she could until she couldn’t eat anymore, and there was a satisfied sigh that escaped her lips when she was done. If her eyes weren’t closed in bliss, she would have noticed her pet plant shaking its head helplessly at her behavior– and for one to assume her as a Queen in this state was just freaking hard for the plant.

"I will never say no to fruits or food in my life." Samantha promised, as she couldn’t imagine what her life would be without eating. Her golden-blonde hair framed her face as she enjoyed the succulent feast, the taste of each fruit a sweet respite from the hardship she had escaped from. Once she’s had enough, she’ll have a quick look to see if it is possible to find a shelter, and if there are people around who are capable of helping her return to her Kingdom.

Amidst the peaceful solitude, a rustle in the underbrush caught Samantha’s attention, including the attention of her pet plant. Her senses were instinctively heightened, and she paused mid-bite, whilst scanning the perimeters as she wondered what made that sound. The forest seemed to hold its breath as she strained her ear– the air carried an unfamiliar presence, and a chill crept down her spine as she assumed it might be a wild animal.

"Do you hear something?" She whispered to her pet plant, hoping that she wasn’t the only one perceiving the eerie rustles coming from the bushes around her.

"We’re not alone,’ she heard Viney say in a quick voice, but before she could react, two male figures suddenly emerged from the underbrush. Their eyes glowed with an otherworldly intensity as they stepped forward, each wielding a weapon crafted from the essence of the enchanted wood. The hum of the forest responded to their arrival, leaves whispering a cautious warning that Samantha shockingly understood... However, what gained her attention was the pointy ears that exposed their supernaturalism.

Caught off guard, she stood slowly, but the two unfamiliar elf men held out their weapons, a silent command for her to cease her movement. The wariness in their eyes did not go unnoticed, as though her presence had triggered caution, and Samantha’s wisely stayed put. This was her first time coming across such creatures, and she wasn’t sure if they posed a serious threat for her to summon her Viney.

"You are not from our realm. Who are you?" The taller one curiously demanded, his voice like a gentle breeze weaving through the branches.

Samantha’s gaze flickered between both elves, taking in their appearance, and she nervously raised her hand in a gesture of peace, "I promise I mean no harm." She genuinely explained, "I’m lost, and I’m only seeking a way out... please, if you can help me." She implored.

The other elf-eared sentinel, with a crown of leaves woven into his hair, exchanged a silent communication with his companion, their eyes narrowing in scrutiny before returning it back to her.

"You are not of our kin, yet the forest does not reject you." The second man observed, his voice holding a measure of caution. Surely, the fruits he was seeing did not grow by themselves, and it was rare since it had been a long time since his land witnessed this many harvest. With all the Forest Fae’s that had mysteriously gone extinct, wonders like this never really occurred.

"Who are you?" He demanded.

"I’m Samantha." She quickly said her name, "if you can help me... please? I recently escaped from the clutches of the Palace and I need help to return to my Kingdom. I was brought here without my knowledge, I just want to go back to my home."

"The Queen of the South abducted you?" Asked one of the elf men, and Samantha nodded quietly. She was still in their Kingdom, which means the Queen of South had to be their Queen as well, but if she lies about the reason behind her trespassing, it definitely won’t get her anywhere. To her surprise, the elf men exchanged communicative glances, and they lowered their weapon, as if reaching an agreement that was hidden from her.

"Come with us." And they turned to leave, without saying more or less.

The elves led her deeper into the heart of the forest, where the air seemed to shimmer with magic.

After what felt like hours, Samantha was led to a hidden clearing bathed in the golden light of the late morning sun. A quaint Hamlet, with treehouses, thatched cottages and smoke rising from the chimney, appeared before her. The hamlet seemed to harmonize with nature, a testament to the elven’s craftsmanship.

The villagers, who were going about their daily task, paused to gaze at the newcomer. Samantha couldn’t deny that she expected this attention, cause her dress was a bit torn and stained with dirt. Her hair was disheveled, and she was sure there had to be some dry mud sticking to her face and skin.

Approaching cautiously, Samantha greeted them with a hesitant smile. The villagers, who appeared to be elves as well, welcomed her with warm hospitality, despite their curiosity. She was led to a small cottage nestled among the trees, and an elderly woman, who happened to be an elf as well, glanced at both men who had brought an unfamiliar lady to her cottage.

"Brian? Woodluck? Who is she?" Asked the old lady, and the two elves exchanged glances before the taller one moved forward to whisper something into her ear. The old lady’s eyes took on a look of recognition, and she held out her hand for Samantha to take, her gaze warm and welcoming.

"Come with me child. You’re safe here." She said to Samantha, and although she had no idea what had been exchanged between the elves and the old woman, she didn’t sense any negative energy. Rather, she felt she could trust them, whilst she took the old lady’s hand and allowed her to lead her into the comfort of her hut.

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