Holly snapped her fingers and the wall of thorns suddenly sprang to life. They twisted themselves into human-like creatures that traipsed to the sides of the path. They bowed to Holly and Janine as if they were royalty and Holly nodded her head in response.

She walked profusely by the tree-men and kept going, with Janine in tow. Janine stole a glance backwards and saw that the men were no more, only the twisted wall of knarled roots and what looked like two hooked faces smiling at her.

As they rounded the last bend in the path their eyes were met with a wonderful sight. A small, cozy cottage with emerald green moss practically dripping over the sides. Ivy was growing up the sea of stone snaking upwards to form a chimney. There was a circle of light around the cottage that had a homey glow that was not shared by the surrounding forest. It looked like the only clearing for miles.

Sunlight spashed down in golden pools at their feet. Then Janine noticed something strange... There was no snow to be seen, only a lush green field dotted with flowers in widely varying colour. There were crimson roses, and white daises, and bright yellow sunflowers saluting the sun.

There were lilacs and orchids all over the rolling hills, and one smell could've told you this was a place of peace. "Um.." Janine muttered once more.

"Do you like it?" Holly asked with a glint in her eye. "Oh I love it!" Janine exclaimed, "But I have one question, where's the snow?" Holly looked confused for a moment, then comprehension dawned on her features. "Well, you see, I haven't been totally honest with you. I'm not exactly a person."

Janine was puzzled, "What are you then?" she asked. "Let me show you." she responded with a smile. She walked over to a thick pine tree, it smelled like the definition of Christmas to Janine. Every smell here was so enchanting, it just made her want to lay on the soft grass and sleep.

Her curiousity, however, got the better of her, and she kept watching. Holly turned to face Janine with a toothy grin still in place. She leaned against the tree and suddenly, she didn't seem to be there at all. Her skin had become like the bark. It was streaky and lots of different shades. The knots in the wood had become where her eyes had been. The colors and streaks flowed with her body and the tree's trunk, making it impossible for her to be spotted.

Janine gasped as Holly came back out in totally different clothes. She was wearing a brilliant white toga with a crown of flowers. Graceful golden and silver bands hung from her wrists and a silver necklace with diamonds sparkled at her neck. Her long brown hair fell gracefully to her hips and her tan skin stood out clearly against the landscape. Her brown doe eyes sparkled as she smiled wider.

"You see, I'm a Nymph. The Nymph actually. The Nymph of these woods." she stopped, giving Janine time to process what had just happened. "Does that mean magic's real?" Janine asked as wonder filled her eys.

"Of course Janine, but only those who can use it!" Holly responded with a wink. "I'm the protector of the forest here. Or, as I like to call it, the Woods Of Admirari."

Janine smiled and said, "I think I'm gonna like the Nymph of the Forest as my sister."