“You're telling too many horror stories,” Craig said.
“What do you think about this creature? You probably know a lot about it too?” Megan asked him.
“I prefer the theory that the Loch Ness Monster is a vision that appears under the influence of hallucinogenic gases. The lake is located on a huge earth crust fault. This fault facilitates small earthquakes, and the release of gases from underneath can cause hallucinations in people. However, it's unclear why these hallucinations are similar among different people. Or perhaps it's a supernatural entity that penetrates our world through astral tunnels.”
Duncan continued the theme, “Also, Loch Ness and the creature living in it are a local attraction that draws many tourists. And that brings substantial money to hoteliers and the city administration. It's quite possible that all the tales about the monster are made up to keep visitors interested in the place. Tourists will visit the lake in hopes of seeing an unknown creature to humanity, meanwhile leaving quite a sum of money behind.”
“Regardless, for several centuries, scientists have been trying to get to the truth of whether something large and unexplored lives in Loch Ness; locals and tourists try to photograph it… But so far, there's not a single convincing explanation for this phenomenon,” Warren concluded his story.
“Yes, Scots are indeed unique people,” Megan said.
The group members dispersed in different directions around the stone circle, examining the ancient megalithic slabs. Megan approached one of the megaliths and ran her hand over its rough, cold surface. At that moment, a strong wind blew from the sea, and strands of hair blew onto her face. Craig, who stood beside her, carefully moved the strands away from her face. This gesture seemed quite intimate to her. Unexpectedly, out of nowhere, a black raven flew between them, brushing the young man's face with its wing.
“Damn bird,” he snapped, stepping back slightly startled.
It was so sudden that they each got a fright. The raven made a few circles above their heads and flew away.
“I've noticed that these ravens are very bold around here. One constantly circles around Castle Mal. Once, it even landed on my hand when I was trying to pick flowers in the field. These birds scare me,” Megan said, looking disdainfully after the departing raven.
“Pay no attention to them, Megan. They're just birds. Maybe they're going through some kind of nesting frenzy right now, who knows,” Craig said, annoyed at being robbed of an intimate moment with the girl.
“You're right. It's just a bird. But it's very unpleasant when it suddenly appears everywhere I go,” Megan sighed, stepping away from the giant stone.
“Guys, come here!” called Glenn, spreading a picnic blanket on the grass outside the circle.
The diligent hostess had prepared everything for a picnic in advance. She placed a checkered basket in the center of the makeshift table, from which she took out cheese, sandwiches, apples, and a bottle of wine, which Warren immediately opened. Pouring the contents into glasses, he handed each person their share.
“Here's to a good, warm day! Such weather is rare around here,” Duncan said.
They clinked glasses. After taking a sip of wine, Megan noticed a raven sitting nearby on the grass, watching them attentively. Glenn followed her friend's gaze and said, “It's staring at us so strangely; it's probably hungry."
