Chapter 19

"You have come to the right place."

Alice and Chiki felt confused after hearing the river guardian fairy's words. The fairy did not explain anything but released a bit of power towards Chiki. The golden yellow light entered Chiki's body and slowly transformed her into a human figure. She was very surprised because all of this was full of magic.

Chiki's eyes closed, and she felt something start to enter her body. Alice was overjoyed when she saw that Chiki had returned to her original form.

"Chiki, you've changed." Said Alice, who immediately hugged her.

Chiki was very happy and thanked the river fairy. Finally, she was free from the curse that had plagued her for years. Thanks to drinking the water in the river, Alice felt recovered. Even though her strength last night had been drained by fighting the evil witch.

"River fairy, what's your name?" asked Chiki with a happy look on her face.

"Eldoria."

She and Chiki looked at each other. Alice kneeled before the river fairy, followed by Chiki. They were overwhelmed and expressed their gratitude.

"Your strength has been restored to its original state." Fairy Eldoria pointed at Alice. "And you have become fully human."

There was no mistake that they were heading to this place. They did not know what region it was called. What was clear was that she and Chiki were already outside Vestinel's territory.

"Fairy, can we stay in this territory for a few more days?"

"Alice, don't you want to go back to Vestinel territory?" Chiki asked Alice. "They must be worried about us."

 Alice let out a long breath, seemingly thinking about something seriously. She looked at the fairy Eldoria and then turned to Chiki. "I don't want to go back to Vestinel territory after seeing this wonder. This place seems very special, and there might be something we can learn more about."

"You are free to stay here as long as you wish. This place is part of a very hidden magical forest kingdom. I, as the river guardian here, am very protective of this Forest Kingdom." Fairy Eldoria smiled gently, showing white teeth that shone in the morning light.

Alice and Chiki exchanged glances, then looked at fairy Eldoria curiously. "Well, we will not disturb the comfort of this forest."

"I was named 'Eldoria' as the guardian fairy of the river. This region is very safe, but not completely free of danger. There are magical creatures that can help or harm you here, so be careful." Fairy Eldoria gave a warning to Alice and Chiki.

"Alright, we understand," said Chiki, who looked a little worried but then hardened her resolve to stay here with Alice.

"Very good. I'll show you a place where you can rest." Eldoria smiled wider at Alice and Chiki.

Eldoria raised her hand and gently blew the wind towards Alice and Chiki. The wind led to the forest, where a previously unseen path appeared among the trees ahead.

"Follow this path," said Eldoria. "It will lead you to a safe and cozy place. You can stay there as long as you like, and if you have any questions or problems, don't hesitate to look for me here."

Alice and Chiki followed the path shown by the Eldoria fairy, and they soon entered a deeper area of the forest. The more they stepped, the more the beauty and serenity of the place became apparent. It turned out that getting to this place was not bad. It was her decision to get away from Vestinel's territory for a while.

After a few minutes of walking, they came to a beautiful area, where there was a small wooden house surrounded by colorful flowers. In front of the house was a well-maintained garden and a small pond with crystal-clear water. Alice and Chiki were very happy to be in such a magical place.

Alice and Chiki were mesmerized by the beauty of the place. "This is amazing, Chiki," Alice said as she looked around.

"I feel very peaceful here, Alice. I think staying here for a while is a very good idea." Chiki nodded in agreement.

They entered the wooden house and found that it contained everything they needed to live comfortably. There was cozy furniture, soft beds, and a small kitchen equipped with cooking utensils.

The sound of the little birds gave them great tranquility. She and Chiki sat together.

"Alice, I didn't expect at all that we could be in such a beautiful place," Chiki said.

"I didn't expect it either. It turns out that there are still many beautiful places that we don't know about."

"Are you still angry with me because I came with you?" asked Chiki while playing with her lips.

"Of course not. Why would I be angry with you for so long?" Alice replied to Chiki's words with a big smile. "Besides, this trip is a lot more fun with you around."

"Thank you, Alice. I know I was a bit rash with my decision to come with you before. But, seeing how beautiful this place is, I feel very lucky to have come along." Chiki looked relieved to hear Alice's answer.

They both fell silent for a moment. The sound of the water gurgling and the sound of the wind gently blowing made the atmosphere even more peaceful.

***

Alice and Chiki enjoyed their happiness in this wooden house with great joy. They explored around, mesmerized by the magical flora and fauna found in this magical forest kingdom. She and Chiki had encountered trees that could move slowly, as if welcoming their arrival in this region.

Suddenly, they heard the sound of soft footsteps. The two of them exchanged glances before getting up from their seats. 

"Who's there?" asked Alice, who was getting suspicious.

From behind the trees, a beautiful, tall fairy with silver hair and brilliant blue eyes approached her. The fairy wore a green robe that almost blended in with the surroundings.

"Good afternoon," greeted the fairy in a soft and friendly voice.

"Who are you?" asked Alice in a soft voice as well.

"I am the fairy Lorian, guardian of the northern part of the Magical Forest Kingdom. Fairy Eldoria has informed me of your arrival here." Lorian said while bowing.

Alice and Chiki gave a respectful greeting to the fairy Lorian. Fairy Lorian's arrival here was to offer help if they were in trouble. She and Chiki were very grateful for the kindness of the fairies who lived here. Besides, there would be creatures who might not be friendly if they saw them coming.

"Alright, we understand."