Chapter 4

  Trip to the Whispering Falls Conservatory II

  The school transport gently rocked, its wheels gliding over the cobblestone road. The soft hum of conversations filled the air, punctuated by the occasional giggle or snore. Elaine’s head rested against her shoulder, her breathing was steady, peaceful. Her eyes slowly opened, then closed again, before she jolted upright once again aware of what today was. Did I really fall asleep? With that sudden horrifying realization, Elaine frantically, yet ever so gently, patted her hair. Oh, thank the gods. Her fiery red hair, somehow, was unphased by her short nap. With the nonexistent disaster now extinguished, she noticed a slightly damp handkerchief fell on her lap.

  “Elaine,” a familiar voice whispered near her. Sam leaned closer, one hoof tapping impatiently against the floor. “Elaine. You were drooling again.”

  Elaine stirred, her green eyes fluttering open. She instinctively wiped the corner of her mouth with her sleeve. “Was not,” she mumbled, still groggy.

  “Was too.” Sam grinned, crossing his arms over his chest. “You're lucky I noticed so quickly, otherwise there would have been a puddle from your shoulder to your lap.”

  “Shut up,” she groaned, smacking his arm lightly. She picked up the handkerchief from her lap, it was indeed damp. She sluggishly veered towards Sam. “Why didn’t you wake me up sooner?”

  “I thought about it,” Sam admitted with a shrug, “but you looked too peaceful. I figured you deserved some rest, you have looked awfully tired these past few days."

  The words he said were true. Elaine often felt restless at night and had been waking up feeling drained rather than refreshed, yet she'd never learned what the source of that uneasy feeling late at night was. Elaine’s lips twitched into a small smile. She twiddled the piece of cloth between her fingers “That was kind of sweet of you. Thanks Sam."

  “And,” Sam added, grinning mischievously, “I wanted to see if you’d snore loud enough to scare the driver.”

  Elaine's faint smile disappeared as she groaned, burying her face in her hands. “Why do I even talk to you?”

  “Because I’m your best friend,” Sam said smugly, flicking one of his stubby horns. “You’d be lost without me.”

  Before Elaine could retort, the transport slowed to a stop. The chatter around them grew excited as their classmates scrambled to gather their things.

  “Looks like we’re here,” Sam said, leaning over to peer out the window.

  Elaine followed his gaze, and her breath caught. The Conservatory loomed before them, a marvel of glass and stone. Its towering domes sparkled in the sunlight, and lush greenery spilled out from every crevice. Exotic flowers in shades of blue, purple, and gold framed the entrance, their petals shimmering like gemstones. The professors began reminding the students to grab all of their belongings and to be on their best behavior.

  As the class disembarked, the warm, earthy scent of the Conservatory’s gardens enveloped them. Birds with iridescent feathers darted overhead, their songs weaving a delicate melody. A crystal-clear stream wound through the grounds, its waters reflecting the vibrant colors of the surrounding flora.

  “This place is incredible,” Elaine said, her voice filled with awe.

  “Yeah,” Sam agreed, though his focus was more on the enormous tree at the Conservatory’s center. Its trunk was wide enough to fit a classroom inside, and its golden leaves rustled softly despite the lack of wind. “I heard the tree’s supposed to be over a thousand years old. Think it’s true?”

  Elaine shrugged, adjusting her satchel. “Maybe. Or maybe it’s just a really good fertilizer job.”

  Sam laughed, nudging her shoulder. “Always so practical.”

  She smirked. “Someone has to keep you grounded.”

  They joined the rest of their class as Mrs. Lyra, a stern-looking elf with silver hair, began explaining the day’s itinerary. But as they stood amidst the beauty of the Conservatory, Elaine and Sam couldn’t help but exchange grins.

  The class gathered near the Conservatory’s grand entrance, where sunlight streamed through the arched glass ceiling, casting colorful reflections on the polished stone floor. Their teachers Mrs. Lyra and Mr. Inkstone clapped their hands in unison to draw everyone’s attention.

  “Settle down, class. We have an eventful day planned. Keep up, pay attention, and remember, no wandering off,” Mrs. Lyra said, her silver hair catching the light.

  Elaine and Sam exchanged a glance, smirking. They’d already made an unspoken pact to push the “no wandering off” rule as far as possible.

  * * * * * * * * * *

  The first stop was the Crystal Cavern exhibit, an underground marvel accessed through a spiraling stone staircase. The walls shimmered with crystals in every hue imaginable, and glowing fungi lined the path, casting a soft luminescence.

  The class descended the spiraling stone staircase into the heart of the Crystal Cavern, their chatter growing quieter as the temperature dropped. A soft, ethereal glow emanated from the walls, which were lined with crystals of every imaginable color. Each step seemed to echo, reverberating through the cavern as if the space were alive.

  “Whoa,” Sam breathed, his voice barely more than a whisper. His wide eyes reflected the shimmering light, making him look younger than usual. “It’s like the whole place is glowing from the inside out.”

  Elaine nodded, her gaze fixed on a cluster of emerald-green crystals jutting from the wall. She reached out instinctively, her fingers hovering just above the surface. Her mind was almost entranced, as if the ancient crystals were speaking to her, calling to her. Her pupils fully dilated, little color remained in her eyes say for white and black. A faint kernel glow emitted deep from within the cluster. They look so empty, husks of their former selves. I... I need to...

  “Elaine,” Professor Lyra's sharp voice broke the spell. “No touching the exhibits.”

  Elaine snatched her hand back, gently shaking her head sideways. She blinked, “Sorry, Professor. They just look so... touchable.”

  Sam chuckled, leaning closer to her. “Touchable? That’s the best you’ve got? You sound like you’ve been in the sun too long.”

  Elaine elbowed him lightly. “It’s a real word, thank you very much.” Elaine glanced at the large emeralds once, but the glow was gone.

  The guide, a dwarf with a thick gray beard and a voice like gravel, stepped forward, holding a small crystal. “These here are life crystals,” he began, his tone slow and deliberate. “Ancient legends say they used to grow only in places where the planets magic is pure and undisturbed.”

  Mr. Inkstone silently scoffed at the story, "Magic crystals from the ground? What a bizarre fairy tale."

  Sam raised an eyebrow, nudging Elaine. “Think we can sneak one home?”

  Elaine smirked. “Try not ruin the trip on the first day.”

  As the group moved deeper into the cavern, the crystals grew larger and more intricate. Some seemed to hum faintly, their vibrations barely audible. Others were so clear they looked like frozen water, capturing the distorted reflections of the class as they passed.

  “Over here,” the guide called, gesturing to a particularly massive crystal formation in the center of the cavern. It stood like a pillar, nearly reaching the ceiling, with veins of gold running through its translucent surface.

  The students gathered around, their faces illuminated by its warm glow. “This,” the guide said, resting a hand gently on the crystal, “is the Heart of the Cavern. It’s the oldest and largest crystal we’ve found here. Some say it’s been growing for over ten thousand years.”

  Elaine stared at the Heart, her eyes tracing the golden veins. “Ten thousand years...” she whispered. “It’s older than the Four Kingdoms combined.”

  Sam nodded, his usually playful expression replaced by one of quiet awe. “It’s like it’s been watching the world change all this time. Kind of makes you feel small, huh?”

  Elaine glanced at him, surprised by his sudden depth. “Yeah,” she said softly. “It certainly-” Once again these strange rocks called to Elaine.

  "Interesting isn't she. Quite foreign from this world, yet she wears the face of one of them." A wheezing laugh emitted from the crystals. Elaine's spine went frigid.

  "Sam.. Sam." She tugged at his robe. "You heard that too, right?"

  Breaking the moment, Sam grinned. “No but I certainly smell it. Don't tell me you having stomach problems now."

  Elaine rolled her eyes. “You’re impossible you know that. You seriously didn't hear that raspy voice saying strange things? It seemed like the crystal was speaking."

  "A rock. Talking." Sam looked at her with a serious expression. "No jokes, just truth. Are you alright? You've seemed a bit off recently. Are you telling me you actually heard the crystal speak?"

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  'No jokes, just truth' was a phrase they coined a long time ago when they were kids. The two often made jokes are rarely took anything seriously. Bringing up this phrase meant that whatever the situation entailed they would give their complete focus and only speak what they truly felt. It was a confidential pact they formed, and it further solidified their bond.

  Elaine's lips thinned as she made eye contact with Sam, the world nonexistent outside of the two of them. "I heard it speak. Maybe it was some voice activated system they have set up here for tourists, but the voice... it felt dark like it was missing something. Those emeralds earlier felt like empty husks too. I can't explain it, but I felt them somehow."

  Sam's eyebrows dug deep. "I believe you Elaine, even if it's some silly trick the conservatory set up. But I didn't hear anything. Do you think you're just over tired. Your eyes, they look exhausted, they have all day."

  Elaine gently rubbed her eyes, "Maybe your right, maybe I just need some rest."

  "Should I get Mrs. Lyra? I'm sure she could take you to where were going to be sleep-"

  "No," Elaine quietly snapped, "I don't want to miss today just because I might be tired. I'll be fine, seriously."

  "You promise?"

  She let out a steady grin, "Yes Sam, I promise."

  The two broke out of their mental lock and returned to the world once more. They looked over their shoulders to where their class had formerly been, only to notice that they had been left behind.

  Sam began tapping his hooves, "So much for the no wandering rule."

  * * * * * * * * * *

  Sam and Elaine eventually reunited with their class and got quite a serious talking-to from Mr. Inkstone. Elaine was unbothered by his stern words, after all their next stop was The Sky Garden.

  The class ascended a series of spiral ramps lined with carved stone reliefs of plants and animals and finally, they emerged onto the Sky Garden. The moment they stepped outside, the air felt lighter, almost electric, as though the suspended greenery defied the natural order itself.

  Elaine stopped mid-step, turning in a slow circle. “This… this is incredible.”

  “Yeah,” Sam said beside her, his usual joking demeanor replaced by quiet awe. “I feel like we stepped into one of those ancient elven stories your dad’s always rambling about.”

  Elaine smirked. “You mean the ones you pretend not to like but secretly enjoy?”

  The pair wandered over to a platform filled with flowers that seemed to glow faintly. Each bloom was a different color, their petals translucent and shifting like liquid in the breeze. Sam crouched to inspect one, his hoofed legs folding awkwardly beneath him.

  “You think these are edible?” he asked, plucking one of the petals that had fallen to the ground.

  Elaine raised an eyebrow. “You want to eat a flower that glows?”

  Sam shrugged. “You know me. I like to live dangerously.”

  Rolling her eyes, Elaine leaned in closer. “If it turns your stomach into goo don't cry to me."

  He popped the petal into his mouth, chewed thoughtfully, and made a face. “Tastes like grass.”

  Elaine burst out laughing. “I don’t think flowers were meant to be a snack.”

  A soft voice interrupted them. “Would you two mind paying attention?” Professor Lyra stood a few feet away, arms crossed, her expression mildly annoyed. “The Sky Garden is more than just a mystical marvel. Each plant here plays a role in the ecosystems of the Four Kingdoms. These flowers, for instance, provide healing properties when distilled properly.”

  Sam gulped. “Good to know,” he said, his tone sheepish.

  Elaine listened intently but found her attention drifting to the view beyond the garden. The sky seemed impossibly close here, as if she could reach out and touch the clouds. She nudged Sam. “Look at that,” she said, pointing to a flock of shimmering birds flying in synchronized patterns around one of the platforms.

  Sam squinted. “They look like they’re glowing. Are those birds or floating lanterns?”

  “Birds,” Elaine replied. “I think they’re enchanted, like the garden.”

  “Think I could tame one? You know, take it home as a pet?”

  Elaine laughed. “You can’t even keep a potted plant alive, Sam. What makes you think you can handle a bird?”

  “Potted plants don’t have personalities,” he shot back, grinning.

  As they moved to another section of the garden, a large fountain caught their attention. It was shaped like a spiraling tree, with water cascading down its branches in streams that sparkled with faint light. Around it, students were encouraged to dip their hands into the water.

  Elaine hesitated, but Sam dragged her forward. “Come on, you’ve gotta try it.”

  She rolled her eyes but followed his lead, plunging her hands into the cool water. A strange tingling sensation spread through her fingers, and she pulled her hands back with a gasp. “It’s like… like it’s alive.”

  Sam shook the water off his hands. “It’s kind of relaxing, don’t you think?”

  Elaine nodded, her gaze softening. “Yeah, but it feels sad almost, almost like these are tears." She felt it, deep within herself, that this cool water was weeping. Mourning, as if it lost something precious.

  * * * * * * * * * *

  The group made their way to the Elemental Fountains, a sprawling courtyard surrounded by ancient stone arches, each inscribed with runes reflecting off the faint afternoon light. In the center of the courtyard stood four magnificent fountains, each representing a natural element: fire, water, earth, and air.

  The fountains weren’t ordinary by any means. The fire fountain roared with bright flames that danced and twisted like living beings. The water fountain glistened, its surface unnaturally still except for the occasional ripple that seemed to flow upward. The earth fountain was covered in layers of moss and soil, with tiny plants sprouting while others withering, in a continuous cycle. The air fountain emitted a gentle breeze that carried a soft hum, rustling through the hair and clothing of the gathered students.

  Elaine and Sam stood near the fire fountain, their expressions a mix of awe and curiosity.

  “Do you think the flames are hot?” Sam asked, leaning slightly closer to feel the heat.

  “Probably, it's a flame Sam,” Elaine replied. “But knowing you, you’re about to find out the hard way.”

  Sam smirked, extending a hand cautiously toward the flickering fire. Just as his fingers came within an inch, a spark shot out, making him jump back.

  Elaine burst out laughing. “What did I tell you? You’re the king of bad ideas.”

  “I call it experimenting,” Sam retorted, shaking his hand as if to rid it of the sting. “And I’d like to point out that I’m still standing. No harm, no foul.”

  Elaine moved toward the water fountain, drawn by the serene stillness of its surface. Unlike the chaotic energy of the fire fountain, this one radiated a calming presence. As she gazed into its depths, she noticed faint images appearing in the water—reflections of clouds, forests, and flowing rivers.

  “Look at this,” she called to Sam, who had wandered off to inspect the air fountain.

  He joined her, peering over her shoulder. “What exactly am I looking at.”

  Elaine reached out to touch the water, but it rippled before her fingers could make contact, as if the fountain itself were alive and reacting to her presence.

  “Did you see that?” she asked, her voice hushed.

  “Yeah,” Sam said. “Water moved when you touched it. Pretty mystical huh?” Elaine didn't look at him this time, eyes permanently fixed on the fountain. Sam noticed and observed her with concern but said nothing.

  The professor clapped her hands, drawing their attention. “Students, gather around,” she said. “The Elemental Fountains remind us of the balance we must strive for in life. Fire brings energy but can destroy. Water sustains but can overwhelm. Earth gives life but can smother, and air provides freedom but is suffocate. Respect the elements, and they will respect you in return.”

  As the class moved on to their next destination, Elaine and Sam lingered for a moment longer, both transfixed on what they were previously looking at. A vague sense of fear settled in Sam's stomach unsure of what was going on with his friend.

  * * * * * * * * * *

  The class followed a winding forest path, the canopy above growing denser with every step. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting shifting patterns of green and gold on the ground. The air smelled of moss and earth, and the occasional birdcall echoed through the trees.

  At the end of the trail, the Ancient Tree came into view, and the group stopped in awe. Towering above the rest of the forest, the tree’s massive trunk was so wide it would have taken a hundred people holding hands to encircle it. Its bark shimmered faintly, as if tiny flecks of silver were embedded in its surface. Branches stretched high into the sky, disappearing into the clouds, while its roots snaked across the ground like massive veins.

  “Whoa,” Sam whispered, craning his neck to take it all in. “That’s... a big tree.”

  Elaine nudged him, her eyes sparkling. “That’s all you’ve got? ‘Big tree’? It’s ancient, and probably older than anything we’ve ever seen!”

  “I was saving my deep thoughts for later,” Sam replied with a grin. His shoulders slackened a bit, as if the tension in his body was eased by her words.

  The guide, a satyr elder with a long gray beard and a staff made of twisted wood, stepped forward. “This is the Elderwood,” he announced, his voice carrying a sense of reverence. “It is said that the Ancient Tree was the first tree to grow in this forest, planted by the gods themselves. Its roots stretch across the land, connecting the planet to all living things.”

  The group approached cautiously, their steps careful as if afraid to disturb the tree’s ancient serenity.

  Elaine’s eyes fell on a low-hanging branch with leaves that shimmered like liquid gold. “Do you think it’s alive? Like, really alive?” she asked Sam.

  Sam shrugged, then tapped one of the glowing roots with his hoof. “Probably very much alive. And maybe a little grumpy if it doesn’t like being poked.”

  Elaine rolled her eyes. “Don’t annoy the ancient tree, Sam.”

  The guide gestured for the group to gather near the base of the trunk, where a hollowed-out section formed a natural archway. Inside, the bark gleamed with silvery patterns resembling constellations.

  “Legends say this hollow,” the guide explained, “is said to hold the tree’s memories. Those who place their hands upon it may catch a glimpse of the past, moments the tree has witnessed over its long life. Though no one has ever actually confirmed these old tales, you can still feel a steady warmth beating throughout the tree's interior.”

  Elaine and Sam exchanged excited glances.

  “Do we get to try?” Elaine asked eagerly.

  The guide nodded. “Yes, you may, please be respectful.”

  Elaine approached, stepping into the hollow and placing her hand against the glowing bark. A warm sensation spread through her fingers, and suddenly, her vision blurred. She saw flashes of an ancient forest, untouched and wild. Great beasts roamed the land, and early settlers built their homes in harmony with nature. Then, the image shifted to a wild unending storm, lightning splitting the sky as the tree stood firm against the elements. It was a beautiful story of one who endured all, faltering to no one. However, that warmth soon became a chilled frosty sensation. She witnessed brief violent visions. A group of tall Elves carrying devices and stones she was unfamiliar with, roots being ripped from its base, branches being severed from its body. Brutal quakes destroying towns and mountains. She experienced the tree grow tired wishing it could retract into itself. Such vivid emotion flaring into her mind.

  When Elaine pulled her hand back, she was breathless. “It’s like... it’s seen everything,” her voice hoarse in fear, stepping aside for Sam. She grasped her hand, still cold, still numb.

  Sam hesitated for a moment, then placed his hand on the bark. His usually confident expression softened as his eyes unfocused. After a few moments, he stepped back.

  “What did you see?” Elaine asked.

  “Nothing. It's warm and I could feel it's connection to the planet. But... did it actually show you things.” He noted her face had paled. Elaine already had pale skin to begin with, but he noticed, nonetheless.

  Elaine noted the fear written on Sam's face. She mentally shoved her thoughts in the back of her mind. "Seems like it only wants to have conversations with intelligent people. Probably why you got the cold shoulder."

  Sam didn't bother to retort her comment. He could still see that look on her face, the fear. Something is definitely going on, but would pestering her about it really help? He thought to himself.

  "I'm fine Sam, really. Don't start acting like my dad now. This is all just a tourist attraction after all." But not even Elaine believed her own words. Something is going on and I don't know what.

  The group continued to explore around the Ancient Tree, marveling at its intricate carvings, which looked natural yet deliberate, as though the tree had grown its own stories into its bark. Some students sat at its base, sketching the massive roots and branches, while others gathered leaves that had fallen, each one shimmering faintly.

  As the sun began to set, the guide led the class in a moment of silence to honor the Elderwood. The air seemed to hum with energy, and even the most boisterous students were quiet, as if the tree’s ancient presence commanded respect.