Fountain of Innocence |
 |
The trail leads towards water, you can hear it trickling merrily. As you approach the source, you can make out through the thick, moss wrapped trees, a small golden fountain. It appears miraculously well kept, despite the harshness of the environment, with its continuous damp. Feeling quite thirsty, you approach the fountain.
It is a beautifully made fountain, intricately carved with all manner of fish, birds and other such delights, you pause for a moment to admire the carvings and suddenly feel that something is watching you. It is then that you notice the unnatural silence of the area. You turn, and find yourself gazing into large brown eyes, set in an equine face, with a short muzzle. Between the creature's large ears, a curved horn rests, it glows in the light, a silver-white glow. The creature's resemblance to a horse ends with its shape, for silver scales, also glowing in the sunlight, cover its haunches and back, terminating in a huge, flamboyant tail. Its mane is likewise flamboyant, surrounding its neck much the way a lion's does. It simply stares at you, its eyes seeming to bore into yours.
"I mean no harm," you say carefully, approaching it to try and touch it and calm it. It does not appear aggressive in any way, more... curious than anything.
Suddenly a strange thought flashes into your head. I must not drink the water.
You realise it is not your thought, and stare at the horse-creature. "Who are you?" You ask, awe in your voice.
I am the Guardian of the Fountain. Only those pure of intent may drink from it. I can see your intent is pure, but your knowledge is not.
"I am afraid I don't quite understand," you point out.
The Fountain of Innocence takes away ones loss, heals you on the inside. You should not drink of it, if you do not know what effect it will have. You could lose too much.
You nod. "I must ask you, what type of beast are you?" You feel rude even asking this noble beast that, but you have come here to learn, so learn you must.
I am Ki-Rin, it replies, we are an ancient, noble race of dragons that have been gifted with the important task of guarding such places of importance.
"And this really heals lost innocence?"
Emotional innocence, yes, physical innocence,no. Try it.
Curiousity gets the better of you, and you bend over a take a sip. The water is clear and so pure, with the icy tingle of glacier water. It tastes faintly of lemon, sweet lemons. It is divine.
And suddenly you feel your woes and your worries melt away. You feel healed, cynicism is banished. You feel terrific.
"Thank you, Ki-Rin," you say, bowing (or curtseying, whatever you prefer) to it, and then depart upon your way.
Feeling much happier would you now like to travel
West ,North,, South East or East?
