In the quiet village of Eldermoor, nestled between rolling green hills and dense, whispering forests, there was a peculiar legend that every child grew up hearing. It was the story of the Crystal Forest, a magical place hidden deep within the woods, where trees shimmered with luminous leaves and rivers sparkled like liquid silver. Many villagers believed the forest was just a myth, a fairy tale told to keep children from wandering too far, but Lily, a curious and adventurous girl of twelve, had always felt there was more to it. One bright morning, with her trusty satchel packed with bread, a notebook, and a small lantern, Lily decided to find the Crystal Forest. She had read old books in her grandmother’s attic that hinted at its existence, describing trees that glowed with colors unseen by ordinary eyes and flowers that hummed softly like lullabies. She knew that if she could find the forest, she might uncover its secrets and prove that the legend was real. As she entered the woods, Lily felt a thrill of excitement. The trees here were taller and thicker than any she had seen before, their branches twisting toward the sky like ancient sculptures. The air was filled with sweet, floral scents, and the sunlight filtered through the leaves in shimmering patterns. She followed a narrow, winding path that seemed to beckon her deeper into the forest, her heart pounding with anticipation. After walking for what felt like hours, Lily noticed something strange. The leaves on the trees began to glow softly, casting a gentle, multicolored light that danced across the forest floor. Suddenly, she stepped into a clearing where the ground was covered in glowing moss, and in the center stood a tall, crystal-clear pond. Its water was so pure and still that it mirrored the sky perfectly, reflecting clouds that looked like floating cotton candy. Lily knelt beside the pond and peered into its depths. As she did, she saw something extraordinary—a tiny figure, no bigger than her thumb, emerged from the water. It was a fairy, with shimmering wings that sparkled like diamonds and eyes that glowed with a gentle light. The fairy smiled warmly and introduced herself as Mira. Mira explained that the Crystal Forest was a sanctuary for magical creatures and that it thrived on the belief and kindness of those who visited. She told Lily that the forest’s magic was fragile and that it needed protectors who understood the importance of respecting nature and its secrets. Lily listened intently, feeling a sense of awe and responsibility. Before she left, Mira gifted Lily a small crystal pendant shaped like a leaf. "This will remind you of the magic that lives within and around you," the fairy said. As Lily made her way home, she felt a new sense of wonder and purpose. She knew she had discovered something extraordinary, and she promised herself to guard the secrets of the Crystal Forest and share its magic with others—always with kindness and respect for the enchanted world she had uncovered. From that day on, Lily visited the forest often, each time learning more about its mysteries and its guardians. The legend of the Crystal Forest was no longer just a story—it was a part of her, a reminder that magic exists where belief and kindness come together, waiting to be discovered by those brave enough to seek it.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.