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Viviane leaned forward to stroke her white horse’s mane.

“Many of the women among the Little Folk are skilled at spinning wool from the sheep they tend, knitting warm blankets for the villagers. They also weave the fabrics we need for our clothing. When we care for their sick loved ones, they often pay with the products they create. The Goddess provides for us all.”

They continued on, riding through the thick, verdant forest. In the distance to the north, Issylte perceived a clearing beyond the edge of the forest, where a flat-topped hill emerged from the grassy plain.

Upon its summit, a white stone building glimmered in the afternoon sun.

A wide, smooth, cobbled stone path led from the base of the plateau to the entrance of the structure at the top of the hill.

Abundant trees were blooming everywhere, a profusion of white flowers lining each side of the stone path.

The chateau itself was surrounded by smaller trees, with delicate white blossoms. A vine-covered trellis, resplendent with fragrant white flowers, graced each side of the entrance door.

The sweet scent of jasmine wafted through the fresh air as a flock of white gannets cawed to each other in the brilliant blue sky.

“These trees will produce delicious red apples in autumn,” Viviane explained, referring to the lovely white blossoms lining the path as they rode up the hill.

“The smaller trees produce my sacred flower— les aubépines —which in Britain are called white hawthorn.” Viviane indicated the delicate white blossoms surrounding the gleaming white stone building.

“We use the leaves, berries and flowers of les aubépines to treat ailments of the heart.”

The Lady of the Lake pointed to the fragrant white blossoms on the vine-covered trellises.

“These jasmine flowers perfume the air that we breathe and provide natural medicine for diseases of digestion. We extract essential oil from the blossoms, which we use to produce sweet-smelling soaps and treatment for skin ailments.” With a knowing smile, Viviane crooned, “The Goddess has indeed blessed us with Her bounty.”

To the west of the clearing, Issylte glimpsed a large lake, extending behind and beyond the hill which supported the white building.

Its deep blue surface was covered with water lilies; a pair of white swans swam gracefully amid the pearly white blooms. Taking in the apple blossoms, the hawthorn flowers, the water lilies, and the jasmine-covered trellises, Issylte marveled, everything is white—pristine and sparkling in the sunlight.

She took a deep breath, filling her lungs with fabulous floral fragrance.

Viviane seemed to notice Issylte’s wonder at the white stone chateau , the hill resplendent in white flowers, and the lake covered with white blossoms. “I chose the name Lilée for you because of these water lilies. You are beautiful and pure, like they are.” With an impish grin, Viviane chuckled, “White is my favorite color…as you may have noticed.” Her white moonstone necklace sparkled in the sun.

They rode up the cobbled stone path to the top of the hill, finally arriving at the gleaming white limestone building.

The High Priestess dismissed the four Avalonian Elves who had accompanied them, and they rode off into the forest, back to their village.

Nyda, Cléo and Viviane dismounted, followed by Issylte, handing their horses to grooms who led the animals into nearby stables.

The two priestesses in deep blue gowns entered the chateau , with Viviane walking beside Issylte as she familiarized the princess with her new surroundings.

“This white building is our center for healing, which we call Le Centre . It is here that we cure the sick and tend to the wounded, where we store our herbs and remedies, as well as the sacred stones we use for healing.” As the four women walked down the hall of the enormous white stone building, Issylte noticed the spacious, open rooms with large windows overlooking the apple blossoms and white hawthorn flowers.

“This is where the priestesses care for the ill and injured who seek treatment,” Viviane explained, indicating the six rooms on either side of the wide central hall.

Issylte was amazed at the expansive rooms, the glistening white stone walls, and the sunlit windows which revealed the trees in bloom. Serenity and calm washed over her.

“This next building is the library,” Viviane continued, indicating a gray stone building just beyond the windowed exit doors of Le Centre, “where we store the sacred books of herbal lore.”

Viviane paused as Issylte gazed out the window to examine the library.

“Many of our most valued treasures are kept there—the ancient scrolls and manuscripts which contain spells for protection and healing.” A gleam sparkled in her wise blue eyes.

“Many of which belonged to the famed wizard Merlin, who taught a trio of fairies in the enchanted Forest of Brocéliande .”

Issylte’s breath caught in her throat as her eyes locked with Viviane’s. The trio of fairies!

Viviane’s eyes were the deep blue waters of the lake, flooding Issylte with fluid magic.

“ La Fée Verte de la Forêt —the Green Fairy of the Forest, our beloved Maiwenn. La Fée Blanche des Rochers —the White Fairy of the Sacred Stones, the powerful Morgane. And La Fée Bleue des Eaux Sacrées —the Blue Fairy of the Sacred Waters—I, the Lady of the Lake.”

Issylte’s hands were damp. Her stomach quivered. The wings of her magic fluttered in her chest, a white dove soaring in her heart.

“Maiwenn followed the love of her life to the Hazelwood Forest of Ireland.” Viviane pushed a long blond lock from Issylte’s face.

“But Morgane and I came here to Avalon, to establish this Center for Healing. We brought with us the sacred knowledge of our venerable mentor. A priceless treasure for you to discover as you learn to wield the healing power of our sacred waters.”

Issylte swam in the limpid eyes of the mysterious Lady of the Lake.

They exited the rear of the white limestone building through the windowed doors, emerging onto a cobbled stone courtyard where a bubbling underground spring sprayed froth high into the air.

The central fountain was enclosed by smooth stones and encircled by welcoming stone benches.

The roar of the cascade, the fragrance of white flowers of apple trees, les aubépines, and jasmine vines, the glimmer of the deep blue lake, the lull of the distant, crashing ocean waves—all flooded Issylte with an aura of peace on this beautiful island of Avalon.

The High Priestess gestured to the ebullient water.

“This is the sacred Fontaine de Jouvence, the Fountain of Youth. It flows from the same underground source as the one in the Forest of Brocéliande , where I was born. Where I studied, as part of the trio of fairies under Merlin. Where I developed my sacred powers of healing. And where I raised my son, Lancelot.” Viviane gazed pensively into the waters, her expression as dreamy as the cottony clouds scattered over the lily-strewn lake.

“When I first came to Avalon and discovered this sacred spring, I knew that it would be at the heart of the healing center I wished to establish on this island.”

The Lady of the Lake locked her Blue Fairy eyes on Issylte.

“In Brocéliande , the Fontaine de Jouvence bestows a long life to druids such as Merlin.” Her graceful white hand flowed to the water before them.

“This sacred fountain is not only a source of healing the sick and injured. It also grants the Avalonian Elves—the otherworldly inhabitants of this enchanted realm—the same extended lifespan.” Viviane’s smile gleamed like the trio of gems glimmering at her throat.

From her perspective atop the plateau, Issylte examined the surrounding buildings and panoramic view behind Le Centre .

To the west and north lay the enormous lake, covered in white water lilies, extending far into the distance, where the forest began anew.

To the east and south were more dense woods, surrounding the grassy plains at the base of the gently sloping hill where they now stood.

And, beyond the forest, to the east, Issylte could perceive the jagged rocks and cliffs of the far-off coastline and the white-capped waves of the turbulent turquoise ocean.

Mists rose from the lake, shielding the healing center of Avalon with the divine essence of water.

Encircled by thick forests, high stone cliffs, and the waters of the lake, the thrum of magic called to her.

The three sacred elements of the Goddess that Tatie had told her so much about.

You are safe here, Emerald Princess , the voices of Nature whispered.

A latent power was awakening, pulsing in her verdant heart.

Viviane interrupted her reverie as she held her palm towards the blue expanse in front of them.

“This is le Lac de Diane , named after the body of water in the Forest of Brocéliande where Merlin built my chateau .” A sorrowful smile clouded the Lady of the Lake’s face as she observed the gleaming white building of Le Centre .

“The white stone of the palace he built for me—the Crystal Castle—glistens in the sun, just like this beautiful center of healing.” As if collecting herself once again, the High Priestess of Avalon said to Issylte , “Come, I will show you to your quarters.”