The silent stream whispered its secrets as we crossed to the other side. My steps were confident, comfortable in the leather boots that had traversed many landscapes. However, beside me, she struggled with the confines of her gown, delicately folding its ends to navigate the uneven terrain. A noble lady lost in a forest, she carefully focused on the stream, avoiding sharp rocks beneath.

"Are you okay?" I asked, watching her determined yet pained expression.

With a nod, she continued, and so did we.

As the first light of dawn delicately pierces through the dense canopy of the Forest of Ulnar, a realm shrouded in mystery begins to stir. The ancient trees, adorned with moss that glistens with dewdrops, stand tall and proud, casting long shadows that dance upon the forest floor. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves, creating a soft, haunting melody that echoes through the serene glades.

The air is filled with the intoxicating fragrance of blooming night flowers, their petals opening reluctantly to embrace the morning sun. Shafts of golden light filter through the intertwining branches, illuminating patches of wildflowers that carpet the ground in a vibrant mosaic of colors. The chirping of waking birds adds a symphonic layer to the peaceful ambiance, heralding the arrival of a new day.

Yet, despite the picturesque scene, an underlying sense of unease lingers in the air. The forest seems to hold its breath, as if concealing ancient secrets within its depths. The play of light and shadow creates an intricate pattern on the moss-covered ground, hinting at the duality of the forest—both beautiful and foreboding.

It is in this delicate balance between beauty and mystery that the Forest of Ulnar comes alive with the promise of adventure and discovery.

I felt even the girl behind was intoxicated by it's beauty. Slowly by slowly, looking here and there, taking a small bite of every view, she adorned everything with her eyes. A capital lady, unaccustomed to nature's embrace, found solace in the wilderness.

Well, Good for her! I thought it was her first time witnessing a jungle. Well of course, she lived in the capital where getting in touch with nature is quite difficult and on top of that, she is a noble lady, restricting her even more to this gigantic world.

Occasionally glancing back, I matched my pace to hers. Her gown slowed her, but she stopped not out of fatigue but wonder. Standing upright, emerald eyes fixated on a butterfly resting delicately on her hand, she radiated a timeless beauty. Her smile, a canvas reminiscent of an old painting, touched my heart.

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

She looked like one old painting I witnessed a long ago. I wonder where?

"Ah, see what a wonderful butterfly it is, sir-," she began, pausing as if realizing something.

I stared in her eyes looking for an answer.

Ah!

Pretty Dumb of me.

"My name is Francis Leo Forbes." I introduced myself.

In all of this mess, we forgot to introduce ourselves. Well, it's not that much important. But at least we should have something to call each other. Isn't that what names are for?

"My apologies, But Sir Francis, are you someway related to those noble families of the eastern province. If I remember correctly, Sir Lysander Leo Forbes became the new lord of the province after a massive power struggle."

"Call me only Francis. Firstly, let's continue and talk on the way. I do come from a noble lineage. But I am not all that noble. Forbes are rulers of the eastern province for centuries. But until right now, Leo branch was destroyed to dirt few decades ago. And me and my family, have nothing to do with it. We live a commoner life in the Woodland hills. I've only heard of the glory of those giant castles but never had got the chance to visit them."

She listened silently. Seemingly interested, she asked.

"I see. So It may be a personal question, but how do you manage to make the ends meet?"

"My father owns a large portion of the woodland hills. And he gave it to the dairy farmers for money. This sustains the family. As for me, I do whatever job comes to me. For a long time I was a body guard for a big merchant in Verdia. But now.. "

"Hmm what happened? Are you okay? You had a pained expression over my face?"

"Ohh! that might be cause of your hard fists..."I said while passing an awkward smile.

"I apologize again! I am extremely sorry!!" She said bowing to me.

"No it's okay. I told you so much about myself but I haven't got your even name in place. From your emerald necklace to your beautiful pink gown, you seem to belong to a wealthy family, are you?"

"Yes, you can say I am from a affluent family. My parents are merchant and I live in the capital. My name is Claire Ester."

Claire? Isn't that..

"You said you are from a merchant family. Then how do you have the name as the same of the royal family. Not even the noble families can take the name of the royal family."

It's incomprehensible.

"Yes. You do have a good knowledge of this. But the royal name Claire is actually taken from queen side. Her name before marrying was Arabella Claire but after marrying, King let her have her name. But also took it and then added it to the royal family as a sign of love for her." she continued. "And my family comes from the same lineage as hers. But my mother married a merchant, my father who named me Claire."

That seems digestible.

But I still don't understand one thing?

" You lived in the capital!? How far is the capital from here?"

"I don't know precise, but If I have to guess it would take us almost 4 days to go there, only and if we travel all day and night."

"And you said, you lived in the capital. If you lived in the capital, how did you came here?"