Under the vampire Lord's protection-Chapter 199: Lake Vaelmere

Where were they heading? What was this special place Silas so wanted her to behold?

Such questions swirled her mind, siphoning the life out of every other voice that dared as much as graze their path before gobbling them whole.

Beyond the whooshing and whistling of wind that threaded the greenery around them, past the melodies sang by daytime loving creatures, accompanied by the steady cloppering of hooves against dry dirt... The warmth that enveloped her had a soul but also a clear origin.

Silas’ arms held the reins on each side of Arabella, eyes ahead, only dropping to steal a quick glimpse at her from time to time.

The two of them basked in each other’s essence under the balmy sun that enlightened their way.

Neither said a thing for no words were needed. Peace of mind alone sufficed until something new sailed with the fresh breeze that grew colder the more distance they traversed. Little by little, the air turned saltier, carrying a heavier tang of minerals.

That was when new questions began to sprout, pushing to the front and demanding to be voiced.

The young woman cleared her throat first before giving him that upside down glance that made his head spin, "May I ask where we are heading?" although meek at first, her voice grew more confident throughout her question.

"It won’t be long before it becomes visible," it was all he said, and with a soft and calm voice in response as his diamonds returned onto the horizon.

Images of his wood sculptures came to her mind momentarily, seeing how the sun cast its light upon his features, brightening one trait while darkening another to deliver the perfect carvings. A masterpiece only nature bestowed.

It didn’t take long before his words came rushing back, raising more enquiries than there once were.

What would become visible? Was it their destination? Or was it whatever earned the air that struck them right in the face such a crisp and clean scent?

Judging by the restrained manner in which he’d answered her, it seemed as though Silas wouldn’t give any further hints or indicative responses.

Arabella bit her tongue and waited with bated breath until the sight before her provided the reply she so desired.

From afar, its blinding brilliance forced the young woman to squint in order to spare her eyes.

But the sooner her vision had gotten used to the scintillating, the more her eyelids spread for those green gemstones to take all of that beauty in.

Sunlight collided with its highly reflective surface and fractured only to bounce in every direction allowed.

"Oh dear!" the whisper left her lips, "Is that the...," she trailed off just as unable to speak as she was incapable of blinking.

"Lake Vaelmere," Silas finished it for her, "The greatest Umbrarian lake that treks directly from the northern ocean,"

"How beautiful!" her voice breathy, dragging the words along.

Beautiful indeed! The body of water extended beyond her eyes’ reach. After all, it wasn’t dubbed the greatest lake for nothing.

Almost the same shade of blue as the sky, Arabella had been so taken by the majestic artistry of nature that the ships moored at the port to their far left had completely been eclipsed.

Silas gave two gentle tugs at the reins in his hands, stopping Chance in his tracks, "I should have asked this question before coming here, but I suppose no matter your answer, the journey out here would’ve still been worth it," he paused before adding, "Do you suffer from seasickness at all?"

"I am afraid I wouldn’t know for I’ve never been allowed on a boat or ship before," she slowly shook her head, eyes still on the sheepish little tides bumping the shore.

"This seems as good a time as any to find out," the vampire sighed, "Are you willing to try?"

Those words seemed to rock her out of whatever daze her mind had been lulled into, "Will we be boarding a ship?" there was more life, more energy in her tone.

"We most certainly will," he looked down at her sparkling eyes.

"Raise the anchor!" a hoarse and deep voice blared from the deck the moment Arabella’s feet touched the wooden bridge linking dry land to the ship.

She did not say a word, merely admiring the men that zoomed in all directions like bees in a hive as the wood creaked beneath their heavy and careless steps.

Grayish and dull, the state of the ship confined in Arabella that it had probably been sailing for years and years far before she saw her first day in that world.

"This one had always been my father’s favorite," Silas accepted the salty air blowing through his silver hair.

Hands gripping the railing surrounding the deck, the young woman’s head went from left to right so that her eyes soaked everything in.

"Your family also conducts business at sea," she half asked while tugging a few rebellious strands of hair behind her ear in order to clear the view in front of her face.

"Yes," he started, "Simply trading like many others do,"

Arabella barely reacted, it was as though her previous question had been rhetorical, her attention compelled to latch onto the faraway horizon which drew further the closer they sailed towards it.

"Is this the place you wanted me to see?" she asked, finally turning his way.

"Not even close," he practically muttered, "There are many places I’d love to show you, but our destination today is special,"

Special, he said...

As curiosity gnawed at her insides, Arabella couldn’t help but look back at the docks. Along the shore, the silhouette of a man walking Chance away grew smaller with every inch of water that the ship crossed.

"In what way is it special?" her voice was frail but steady, "Does it have history or is it particularly dear to you?" surprising even herself, the young woman dared ask.

"Both," his diamonds lingered on her every trait, his own begging to deliver a smile that he subconsciously reeled in.

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