And strangely, instead of floating to the surface as one would expect, I found myself sinking towards the bottom of the lake, thereby defying logic.
And added to the fact that I had no experience in swimming, a crucial piece of information which I may have temporarily forgotten due to my current circumstances, made it difficult for me to swim back to the surface.
Fortunately, a beacon of bright yellowish light penetrated through the dense liquid, guiding my gaze upwards. And before I knew it, several vines emerged from beneath the lake's floor and entwined around my body, effortlessly lifting me towards the surface.
As soon as I resurfaced, I clung to the land, pressing my palms firmly against its surface to keep myself afloat. Despite the absence of any perceived need for air, as the lake had provided me with an ample supply of one, as if I had never been deprived of it, I exhaled loudly, relieved to be back on solid ground.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Don't worry, It's a common experience during the first time," Anara reassured me, her voice breaking the silence. I turned my head to face her, charmed by her ever-amused expression.
My attention then shifted downwards, drawn to her slender, exquisite legs that were now fully revealed as she squatted down. At that moment, all nonsensical thoughts dissipated from my mind, allowing me to focus on what truly mattered.
But, suddenly, a peculiar sensation washed over me, as if the water has transformed from a chilling cold to a soothing warmth, caressing my body and alleviating any traces of frostbite. Choosing to let go once more, I observed with surprise that I could now float effortlessly in the dense water.
Anara, observing my actions, asked, "How do you feel now?".
I responded, "It's refreshing," feeling an enjoyable sensation coursing through my body.
As my gaze remained fixed on her, I watched her dip her feet into the liquid before settling on the soft grass at the edge of the lake. "Well, I can't keep you here for too long, or the Village Chief might suspect that I didn't fulfil my promise of returning you to the village before the end of the day."
Seeing the seriousness etched on her face, I grasped the earnestness behind her words. Nevertheless, I couldn't deny that my current state of mind urged me to stay here a little longer, postponing whatever awaited me beyond the serene confines of this place.
Observing Anara as she leisurely played with her legs in the water, patiently waiting for me to conclude my time in the lake, a sudden thought ignited within me, compelling me to propel myself towards her with a gentle combination of arm and leg strokes.
Reaching her position, Anara tilted her head, meeting my gaze, and asked, "Are you done?" Shaking my head, I replied, "No, I'm simply curious about how you guys managed to fill this lake with just your flowers," feigning a touch of interest in my voice, even though a genuine spark of curiosity still lingered within me.
Anara provocatively parted her legs in front of me, and my eyes were drawn to the sight of her mini net dress tightening around her slender, perky thighs as they peeked through the dress's openings. I watched with genuine interest as she delicately touched her flower, her gaze never leaving mine.
In response to my question, she began to explain, her voice laced with a hint of wisdom.
"Well," she said, "In order to ensure that this lake remains filled for the benefit of the farm and doesn't run dry, we Tree nymphs have to focus on maintaining a steady release of our essence. And, as the current oldest Tree nymph, it's my responsibility to make sure my flower releases several times a week to keep the lake replenished."
Realizing that she had to contribute to this lake's maintenance several times a week, to keep it at a specific level, I didn't dwell on asking her why only the oldest tree nymph was responsible for such a task. Instead, as my curiosity heightened I couldn't help but ask, "Can you show me how you release it from your flower?" now that I had the chance to.
Anara shook her head, an amused smile playing on her lips, "When the Village Chief mentioned your insatiable curiosity, I thought he might be exaggerating," she sighed wearily. Placing her hand in the eye-sized holes near her buttocks, she dragged it up, and unsurprisingly, her net dress came alive, unravelling thread by thread from her inner thighs until she could freely widen her legs.
The dress stopped just above her flower, exposing her lower stomach. "But since you've made such a tremendous contribution to the village with your idea, I suppose I can satisfy your curiosity this one time," she said, extending her hand toward me and beckoning me to come closer with her finger. "Come closer, so you can have a better look. I won't be repeating this, though."
I didn't need to be told twice. I immediately positioned myself at the gap between Anara's open legs, near her knees, and eagerly watched as she cautioned, "It may take a little time for the release to occur, so please be patient, okay?"
I nodded with understanding, "Don't worry," assuring Anara, "I'm ready to witness the full process of how you fill up the lake." Anara's smile widened as she glanced down at her flower, her eyes filled with amusement and confidence. She extended her right hand toward her flower, delicately pinching it between her thumb and index finger.
With gentle movements, she began to move her fingers upward, as if she were gently straightening the petals.
Suddenly, her left hand joined the movement, reaching forward to hold the tip of her flower. My expectations grew, as Anara's right hand, with its nimble fingers, glided sensually against the back of her flower. Each movement seemed smooth as if she were coaxing something precious from within it.