We ride in silence, Everly’s eyes catching on the array of sprites moving about, their tiny wings fluttering rapidly as they dart from branch to branch. Her amazement, knowing that this encounter is a rare and magical moment for her, brings a smile to my face.
The sprites' curious eyes are focused solely on Everly. They seem both fascinated and cautious, their bodies shimmering with a soft glow as they keep out of reach. They’re whisperingamongst themselves, their voices barely audible to us, almost like a whisper in the wind.
“It’s not much further,” I say.
Gently, I tug on Storm’s reins, and he obediently stops, his hooves dancing restlessly beneath him. With a swiftness that comes naturally from years of riding, I gracefully dismount and land, immediately extending a hand to assist Everly in her descent.
“We have to go the rest of the way on foot.”
Everly nods as she takes in her surroundings. I quickly unstrap my sword and tie it to Storm’s saddle.
“You won’t need that?”
“No, I have a weapon.”
“Where?” she asks, running her eyes over my body.
“Right here.” I gesture to myself.
Everly tips her head back, laughing. “Coming from any other man, that would seem absurd, but from you, I totally believe it.”
Grinning, I give her a wink. “Come on, we still have a way to go.”
As we make our way through the dense forest, Everly’s hands brush along the vibrant ferns that densely populate the surroundings.
“They have really grown wild here,” she breathes in wonder.
I tilt my head and study her, wondering what it is she finds so beautiful. The ferns especially have completely engulfed the area, rendering it nearly impossible to navigate without difficulty. I think they are more of a nuisance than anything else.
I can't stop my eyes from drifting back to Everly’s face as we maneuver through the lush foliage.
“The tree’s here are so different from the ones in the human realm.”
“How so?”
Everly pauses and tilts her head back, looking up at the majestic trees. When her gaze returns to mine, there is a spark in her eyes that has my chest tightening. “Here, they just seem magical. The way the branches twist around, reaching for the sky, as if seeking the heavens. Vines and flowers delicately coil and embellish the earthy tones with vibrant bursts of color, and beams of sunlight that filter through the dense canopy, creating a dappled tapestry of light and shadow. It’s just beautiful.”
I cast my eyes up, searching for the scenery for what she has described. I have seen this my whole life, and never appreciated the true beauty that surrounds me.
Everly begins walking, her fingers brushing the back of my hand as she passes. The touch, though fleeting, has my pulse thundering. How is it that she is able to provoke such extreme emotions from me?
As we walk, I try to see the things around me as Everly does. The soft symphony of rustling leaves and chirping birds that accompanies our every step. And how the air carries the distinct scent of earth, mingling with the refreshing fragrance of wildflowers.
“Tell me what you see and feel,” I ask, wanting to hear more of how she describes my world.
Everly smiles. “Well I see so many vibrant hues of green. I wasn't aware there could be so many shades. You’ve got the moss-covered rocks and fallen logs, the leaves from the different trees and ferns.” Everly’s eyes close, and she takes a deep breath before opening them again. “I feel the gentle breeze as it whispersthrough the trees, causing the leaves to dance and shimmer like emerald gems.”
“What else?”
“Birds of various species flittering from branch to branch, their melodic songs filling the air. The occasional scurrying of small woodland creatures add a touch of whimsy to the already enchanted atmosphere.”
“I love the way you see the world.”
Everly drops her face so her hair covers the blush I know is spreading across her cheeks.
Up ahead, there is a massive fallen tree that stretches across the path. With one effortless leap, I land on the soft, cushioned surface. The moss and rot contribute to the crumbling texture. I look down and see Everly’s gaze roam over the area, trying to find a way over. I squat down and hold my hand out to her.
Her bright eyes smile up at me. “Why thank you, good sir,” she teases, placing her soft palm in mine.
