Bertlinde

A familiar silence surrounded the lake: somewhere, a solitary night bird sang, the wind rustled the willows, and the water lapped peacefully against the grassy shores. A lone swan glided across the lake's surface, wistfully awaiting the full moon to emerge from behind the clouds and silver its feathers

After minutes of agonizing anticipation, the moon emerged from behind the clouds, its light softly illuminating everything it touched. The night flowers opened to greet it, illuminated in response with bluish and violet light. And when the heavenly body glanced at the swan, the silvery light suddenly grew brighter

Waves of light rippled across its feathers, white as untouched first snow, and the swan rose above the water, flapping its wings. The feathers swirled around it with a soft rustle, revealing ever-changing flesh until the fabric of her dress touched the still waters of the lake. The water enveloped her legs, splashing almost gently, and, holding up the skirt of her dress, the princess took a leisurely step, then another. And then she froze

Moonlight illuminated your figure, peeking out from behind the trunk of a weeping willow. Bertlinde's eyes widened, the blood drained from her face. But she opened her arms, as if to embrace or stop you, and leaned forward, walking anxiously toward the shore

"Pray, have no fear of me"

She begged

You broke her solitude several months ago. You came to the lake to be alone, and then to visit the swan. The graceful bird was always alone, seeming to listen and understand you, even allowing you to embrace it and cry out all your sorrows. These moments became something Bertlinde tenderly guarded and cherished in her memory, awaiting your arrival with longing and hope. And now it seemed to her that her world would collapse if you fled in fear. You had never been out so late before that fateful night, and now... now she could lose the precious you had given her in her miserable life