The Lake's Edge

India e Gremide stepped carefully along the smooth stones surrounding Crystal Clear Lake. Her royal blue gown caught the morning light as she watched colorful fish dart beneath the surface.

"How beautiful," she whispered, kneeling to touch the cool water.

Across the lake, she spotted something unusual. A grand English castle sat nestled against rolling green hills, its towers reaching toward puffy white clouds. Smoke curled from two separate chimneys.

"I wonder who lives there," India said, standing and brushing pebbles from her dress.

As she gazed at the mysterious castle, two figures appeared on a high balcony. Even from this distance, India could see they were watching her. When she raised her hand to wave, both figures quickly stepped back inside.

"How curious," she murmured.

The Castle's Invitation

India e Gremide walked around the lake's edge, searching for a way to reach the castle. The smooth stones ended at a wooden dock where a small boat waited, its oars neatly placed inside.

"Perfect!" she said, stepping into the boat.

As she rowed across the calm water, a woman with short gray hair appeared on the castle's front steps. She wore a dark green dress and watched India approach with worried eyes.

"Turn back!" the woman called across the water. "This place is dangerous!"

But just then, a beautiful hummingbird with emerald feathers landed on India's shoulder. It chirped sweetly and pointed its tiny beak toward the castle.

"Even the birds want me to visit," India laughed, continuing to row.

The woman on the steps threw her hands up and hurried inside, slamming the heavy wooden door.