The kingdom of Fey lay nestled within the Silverleaf forest, hidden by a veil of magic since the beginning. At least, that was the tale told by the queen, and it held weight, considering I had flown near the Silverleaf forest countless times without catching even a glimpse of the kingdom.

"How did we enter the kingdom if it's hidden?" I inquired.

"There is a particular waterfall within the forest that only reveals itself when its guardian is present. A deer with fur the color of grass and antlers resembling trees. This creature has existed since the beginning and will persist until the end. When the waterfall and its crystal-clear pool appear, every mortal must drink from its waters to enter our home. It purges the darkness from the soul, allowing only those pure of heart to perceive the kingdom beyond the waterfall," the queen replied, her words laced with a hint of mystery.

Her explanation evoked memories of that fateful night when I was carried through the Silverleaf forest and drank the water from the pool.

"Then what about all the darkness that emerged from me? Was it evil?" I pressed further.

"Evil doesn't even begin to describe what it truly is. Some might call it the origin of all evil," the queen responded solemnly.

"And is it gone now?"

"For the time being, yes. But it will return, and truth be told, I fear what will happen when it does," the queen admitted, her expression clouded with concern.

"Why must I bear this burden? Why me, of all people?"

"Some are born burdened more heavily than others; it is not your fault, little one. I will explain further after the trial," the queen assured me, her gaze filled with sorrow.

With her words hanging in the air, the queen led us deeper into the kingdom in a profound silence.

Leaving behind the grand hall, which served as the queen's castle and residence, we found ourselves atop the kingdom's highest point. From this vantage, a breathtaking panorama unfolded before us, stretching over the forest and beyond the fields. Below lay the bustling heart of the kingdom, with its towering white structures adorned with branches that intertwined like roots. Each building boasted at least one tree atop its roof and many more at its base. The city, perched upon a modest mountain, was traversed by a network of steps leading in various directions and wooden bridges stood high above the ground. Waterfalls cascaded from the cliffs into the river below, some gentle trickles and others thundering torrents, while some even flowed freely from the open walls of the buildings. The entire city seemed to meld seamlessly with its surroundings, a testament to the harmony between nature and civilization.

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The sun cast its radiant rays across the kingdom, casting a golden hue over everything it touched. As we descended the steep stairs, my legs began to ache from the strain of the descent. The path twisted and turned, sometimes even doubling back upon itself, causing Silas to let out desperate sighs of exhaustion as he followed along quietly, his protests now long gone.

The locals dwelled in the lower reaches of the kingdom, nestled at the mountain's base. Homes varied in construction, some were built from sturdy stone while others were crafted from wood. Moss-covered roofs provided shelter, while towering trees stood high beside each dwelling, casting expansive shadows that shielded the Fey from the sun's relentless rays. Some homes were even nestled within the hollowed trunks of massive trees, their round windows carved intricately into the wood. Cobblestone roads wound their way through the village, bordered by wooden fences that guided travelers along many different paths. The streets bustled with fairy folk, each bowing respectfully at the sight of the queen before casting curious glances at me and Silas.

It must have been a remarkable sight for the Fey, encountering outsiders in their midst. Silas, with a stone snake clamped over his mouth, likely appeared as a villain of some sort, and I couldn't blame them for their wariness.

"Please forgive their caution; they are simply wary of outsiders. Many are young and have yet to venture beyond our borders or encounter other races. Those who have are now either old or have departed to the Great Realm Beyond. Your father was the first visitor from outside, and the last, a thousand years ago," the queen explained.

"A thousand years? How is that possible, and how old does that make you?" I asked, astonished.

"Surely your mother taught you never to ask a lady her age?" the queen replied with a teasing smile.

At her jest, Silas mumbled something through the stone gag, which I suspected was along the lines of, "Yeah, right, a lady my ass."

"The Fey who spend most of their lives in the Silverleaf forest are expected to reach up to eight hundred years before departing for the Great Realm Beyond, the afterlife for all fairies. As for me, I have lived well over three thousand years. I can't provide an exact number; I lost count long ago," the queen explained.

Silas chuckled behind me, his words clearer this time as he jokingly muttered, "Granny."

"Guards!" the queen commanded, and immediately, a dozen or so soldiers appeared out of thin air, forming a battle-ready line with their spears at the ready.

"At your service, Your Grace!" the soldiers bellowed in unison.

"Remove this sharp-tongued fool from my presence! Lock him up in one of the guest rooms and don't allow him anywhere near me until further notice!"

"Should we take his life for disrespecting Your Grace? Or perhaps torture would be more fitting?" one soldier inquired.

"No, that won't be necessary. Place him in his room and treat him as a guest; just ensure he stays away from me. He's bad for the heart," the queen replied.

With those instructions, two soldiers seized Silas by the arms and swiftly flew him away until his protests faded into the distance.

"Now that we are rid of the bard's chatter, we are nearing our destination. Follow me," the queen continued.

As the sun began to set, casting a soft glow upon our path, we finally arrived at our destination.