The Poisoned Garden

    By Storybird

    The Poisoned Garden cover image

    18 Sep, 2023

    Once upon a time, in a quiet, small town, lived a curious girl named Lily. She was known for her adventurous spirit and her dazzling hazel eyes.

    One day, Lily noticed a strange, vibrant dome that seemed to have popped up near the town. It was irresistible and beckoned her with its intense rainbow colors.

    Devoid of any fear, Lily ventured into the dome. To her surprise, a field of flowers spread out before her, with colors she had never seen before.

    Lily spent hours exploring the field, enjoying the sweet fragrances, and mesmerized by the beauty. However, she soon began to feel a strange weakness overwhelming her.

    She realized that the flowers were no ordinary blossoms when her head began to spin. Panic washed over her as she understood she was trapped inside the dome.

    The dome seemed impregnable. Desperate, she tried to break free, but only succeeded in exhausting herself further. Her strength was seeping away.

    The weakness and fear were all-consuming, enough to shatter her adventurous spirit. She fell to her knees, gasping for breath and losing consciousness.

    Before darkness entirely took over, an apparition appeared in front of her. A strangely familiar figure of an old woman, her town’s rumored witch.

    $$C_START_2$$ Wanda || Old woman, long silver hair, pale skin, wears robes, wrinkled face, mysterious smile $$C_END_2$$ The woman, named Wanda, reached out a trembling hand towards Lily.

    Barely conscious, Lily saw a shimmer around the woman's hand that seemed to protect her against the poisonous flowers. It was a sight she couldn't forget before she passed out.

    Lily woke up to Wanda's soothing voice. She was sitting next to her, nursing her back to health and explaining the truth about the flower field.

    Apparently, the field was a magical creation of Wanda's late friend, meant to protect the town. But it malfunctioned, instead started to feed off the life force of anyone who entered.

    Wanda also revealed that Lily was the only one who could help. She had the uniqueness to withstand the poison and possibly deactivate the field.

    Reassured, Lily admitted she wanted to help. Wanda taught her a simple spell, a chant. It was a charm to deactivate the poisonous bubble.

    Lily practiced the chant, letting the words resonate with her heart. She could feel the strengthening spell wrapping around her, protecting her from the poison.

    With fresh courage, Lily, protected by the spell, returned to the field. The poisonous atmosphere felt different now, less threatening. She started chanting the spell.

    As the spell echoed across the field, the flowers began to vibrate. With each word, the dome started to flicker, and Lily's strength started to return.

    With newfound strength, Lily shouted the final words of the spell. The dome shuddered violently, its colors fading. Then, it shattered into a million tiny fragments.

    The flowers wilted almost instantly, their vibrant colors turning dull. The field of poison was no more, the curse lifted, and Lily was free.

    She stumbled out of the field, exhausted but triumphant. Wanda was there, beaming with pride. Her town was safe again, thanks to brave Lily.

    Lily was hailed as a heroine for her bravery. She realized the power of courage and the potency of self-belief. And her adventures in the town continued.

    After that day, Lily never saw the witch again. But she would always remember her as the one who helped her during her most desperate hour.

    She'd often visit the field, which now sprouted regular flowers. There were no domes or poison, but the colors reminded her of that adventurous day.

    As she grew older, her spirit of adventure never diminished. The story of the poisoned garden became a tale told in whispers, adding to the town's local legends.

    But for Lily, it was more than a legend. It was her story of bravery, friendship, and magic. It was a part of her, a chapter she'd always remember.