Third person's POV
In the misty forest, a massive snake carrying a little girl emerged slowly.
A beam of sunlight pierced through the dense canopy overhead, landing squarely on the girl.
Her skin was as fair as snow, and her delicate features were strikingly beautiful.
Most notably, she had a pair of emerald-green eyes, deep-set and chiseled.
Clad in rustic, colorful attire, she was barefoot, with ankle bells woven from threads of five colors, adorned with tiny jingling pendants.
This girl was exquisitely beautiful, her features complemented by an aura of ancient mystery.
Perched high on the scarlet snake, she lacked the innocence typical of her age, instead bearing a demeanor of superiority, as regal as the Muse herself.
The beam of light falling on her shoulder only enhanced her divine presence, making her seem like a saintess from a novel.
The girl regarded the group with caution, her gaze inquiring why they had intruded upon this sacred space.
Alban quickly explained, "We have a companion who's been poisoned and urgently need an antidote. We mean no harm and seek only to pass through."
The girl remained silent, merely patting the snake's head. The serpent, seeming to understand, bore her toward Derek on the stretcher.
Even Rolf, known for his courage, felt a chill run down his spine, but duty kept him rooted to the spot.
As the snake drew nearer, its enormous form and fiery red scales inspired awe and terror.
The girl dismounted and approached Derek, her gaze piercing through his protective gear to his closed eyes.
Rolf hastily lifted Derek's clothing to reveal the red marks and pleaded, "Our boss's been hit by the Nine-Heart Wolfsbane. We have but a day left. Please, let us into the village—we mean no harm."
The girl still did not speak, only stroking the snake's head and playing a tune on her leaf as she slowly moved away.
To the group's relief, smaller snakes and venomous creatures scattered from their path.
Alban's eyes lit up. "Quick, she's granted us entry," he urged.
The group's spirits soared, hopeful that Derek's cure would be within reach.
Guided by the girl's leaf melody, they emerged from the forest into a village that felt like a paradise on earth.
Nestled near the equator, the climate was a balmy twenty-five degrees year-round, with fruits and flowers blooming in every season.
Streams babbled through the village, where wooden bridges connected quaint cottages. The structures, built from wood and bamboo, were surrounded by vibrant flora.
Rolf, who had visited places like Hawaii, had never seen anywhere quite like this.
The air was fresh, and wildlife roamed freely, as if humans and animals had reached a harmonious understanding.
The girl waited for them on a hillside, the scarlet snake now vanished.
The village was pristine, free of any venomous creatures, suggesting a mutual respect between humans and animals.
As the group followed her, villagers greeted her with deference, addressing her as "Miss."
She simply nodded, maintaining her silence.
Alban, recognizing her high status, felt fortunate to have gained her favor.
The girl led them to a bamboo grove and signaled for them to wait. She vanished into the bamboo, leaving the group to marvel at the serene surroundings.
A stone bridge spanned a nearby stream, and an ancient tree stood not far off, its branches adorned with red ribbons and tiny bells that chimed softly in the breeze.
The setting was tranquil and inviting.
Misha whispered, "Does this girl not speak?"
Alban silenced her with a stern glance, warning of potential danger.
Suddenly, Alvin pointed to a flicker of red in the distance.
Misha followed his gaze and gasped— the serpent from the forest had followed them!
Before long, a frail old woman emerged from a wooden hut. Alban hurried forward.
"You're Mrs. Atkinson. I'm Alban. You saved my life years ago. Do you remember me?"
Alma Atkinson, though advanced in years, moved with agility and had clear vision and hearing.
Dressed similarly to the girl, her white hair was neatly pinned with a wooden hairpin. She exuded vitality and grace.