SOLVED. YA Fantasy- Dangerous Pool, Magic Staff, Worms [s]

[Justin]

This has been bothering me for years and I greatly appreciate any help!

This was a book I read in middle school back in the 90's... I remember a girl looking into a pool of water (or perhaps it's a hollow full of fog/steam), she's mesmerized by it and doesn't realize it's dangerous. Eventually this magic walking stick or staff she has falls into the water and reveals a mass of worms (for some reason I remember them being green).

I don't remember anything else, and I know it's a long shot, but here goes!

Thanks all.

[Melanti]

The Ancient One by T.A. Barron

By a strange coincidence, I'm reading this right now...

[Justin]

yes!!! Thank you so much Melanti! :)

[Cheryl]

And it's already on our shelves, from another request, in which the OP focused on very different details. Must be a memorable & provocative book!