Everywhere

Magic abounds

She was the most beautiful creature. I watched her every day from the high trees when she came to the lake to bathe. Sometimes alone, or with her sisters, she would run joyfully into the lake and splash water above her head. Her sisters, however, screamed like banshees and I had to cover my ears.

I reveled in the moment she emerged onto the beach. I watched the water course down her body and disappear into the ground. Then she would shake her head like a wild creature and droplets would fly, catching the sun like crystals. She enchanted me. She slowly dressed and sat with a faraway expression, until her sisters came to her and ruined her distant smile.

They would chatter and play as they walked back to the castle. I flew high to get a last glimpse of her before she entered the barricaded walls. I couldn't come closer. The guards would sound an alarm and they would shoot arrows at me. Little did they know, I was infused with a special magic. I could choose whatever size I wished to be.

So, I would become small. As small as a mouse. And I would run up the stone wall and peer into her rooms. While her sisters had free roam of the castle, she did not, her rooms were locked and meals were brought to her unless it was a special occasion. One time, a bird landed on the ledge while she was brushing her hair. She set her brush down and slowly walked to the window and watched the bird peck about on the sill.

"Oh, you're so pretty!" She cooed.

I'm not pretty. I've seen my visage in the lake. With a craggy face and scales on my neck, I'm definitely not pretty. One day, I was peering around the edge of the window and she spotted me.

"I knew it! I knew someone was watching!" She gasped. "Show yourself!"

I lowered my head and stepped out onto the sill.

She moved closer and inspected me. I felt my skin burning and my eartips stung.

"A little lizard, eh?" She smiled as I looked up to her and nodded. "I think you're harmless enough. I'll bring you a crumb, wait there." She dropped a bit of bread on the ledge and watched me expectantly.

I swallowed hard. I had no idea if I could digest this. I usually ate sheep and goats in my large size. But I didn't want to disappoint her, so I took a bite. It wasn't too bad, a bit dry though.

She smiled and nodded. "There's a good little lizard. I hope you come to visit again."

I nodded again and scurried down the wall, through the grass, and into the safety of the woods where I could be large again. I took to the sky and rose high above the castle. She'd captured me, without ever laying a hand on me. I wanted to be with her, everywhere.

500 words

"Note: 48-HOUR CHALLENGE : Media Prompt Deadl..."