Last Episode: The gate opened, but as the girls went to step inside, the sun's brightness and heat seemed to intensify times ten. It felt as if they had just been thrown into an open flame. The girls were blinded by the sun's rays and collapsed to the ground screaming.
"Help!" Emmeline screamed in terror.
At that moment, the girls were released from the sun's powerful shackles. They began to regain their vision and the pain started to subside. As they're eyes adjusted to the light, they saw the hazed figure of a tall prominent man, wearing long flowing robes. They couldn't quite make out any other features, and his presence perplexed as they were still lying there on the ground.
"Why have you come here?" the man bellowed in a strong authoritative voice.
"Wuh- We, uhm . . ." Susanna stuttered, petrified with fear. She still couldn't clearly see this mysterious man nor did she have the ability to stand.
"Well sir, we saw the trail of flowers and followed the path to explore," Lily chimed in, attempting to mask the fear in her voice with confidence and self-assurance.
"You have had quite the journey, I assume," he said in a disapproving, yet sympathetic voice, "But your kind are not permitted to be here," the man said, returning to his previous tone, "You must leave here immediately."
"We'd better listen to him, guys," Emmeline said in a small, hurried voice.
Their eyesight began to clear up more, and the shapes of a long beard and a silk golden yellow robe began to present themselves.
"Woah, woah wait." Lily interjected, sitting up. "We've come all this way. You're not seriously gonna send us back?"
"You can not handle the dangers that lie beyond this point." he warned them, "Once you enter, there is no guarantee you will return to home!"
"Lily come on," Susanna flared under her breath, "Don't be ridiculous!"
"I'm not leaving," Lily said with a sparkle in her eye, "I want to know what's beyond here."
"You may wish to stay," said the man, "But keep in mind that you have been warned."
By this time the girls' eyesight had fully cleared up, and they slowly rose to their feet. They scrutinized the man who owned the voice that had been with them after their traumatizing entrance into this mysterious land. He had pure white hair that sat upon his head like a spider's web. He had mildly wrinkled skin, and look of wisdom and knowledge in his eyes. He stared attentively at the girls, waiting on their decision.
"Let's go guys," Lily persuaded.
Susanna and Emmeline exchanged a glance.
"We're going back, Lily." Emmeline said, with a slight apology in her tone.
Lily looked as if they had physically wounded her. She had nothing to say to them.
"Be careful," Susanna pleaded, as she turned away to get back on the dirt path.
The man nodded towards the two girls as they started on their long journey back, then turned to Lily, opened the gates, and waved an arm out allowing her to enter.
"I wish you luck." he said solemnly.
