| “Thank you, mother.” Selindria smiled warmly. “Mother, where are the girls? And Krane?” “Krane is working late at the mines. As for the girls, Naomi and Mara are picking night jasmine for the wreath and Loleiah is asleep in the bedroom.” Mother explained. “Night jasmine? What’s so special about that? They should get star roses.” Selindria said. “Oh, come now, Sel. Star roses don’t exist. Do you expect me to believe that there is a hidden meadow of glowing red roses?” Dram asked in disbelief. Before Selindria could respond, the door flew open and Krane walked in. He was jubilant and he picked up Dram, hugging him. That was a sight. Krane towered over the entire family so Dram’s feet were dangling when Krane picked him up. Krane had black hair like Selindria’s, while Dram had red. Working in the mine gave Krane large muscles, which nearly strangled Dram’s skinny, lanky body. Suddenly, he put down Dram and picked up Selindria, whirling her around. “You look more lovely every time I see you, sister!” He smiled wide. “Flattery gets you everywhere, dear brother. I see why the ladies love you so.” Sel laughed. Krane set her down and laughed heartily. “I hope you are right. I have set my sights on a fair one.” “When do you not?” Their mother giggled. Krane opened his mouth to respond when a knock sounded. “Go get that.” Sel said simply. Krane glared at her playfully and opened the door. Standing there was an elf about Selindria’s age. He had flaxen hair and eyes green as fresh spring grass. “Hello, Krane. I have come to see Selindria.” The young elf-boy said. “Certainly, Camden. Enter, if you wish.” Krane gestured inside. “If it doesn’t bother you, I shall stay out here.” Camden bowed his head. “I cannot deny you.” Krane shrugged. “Selindria, Camden is here to see you.” “Hello. What brings you by?” Selindria went up to the door. “Would you like to walk with me. It is a lovely night.” He glanced at the door. “I would. With your permission of course, father.” She looked behind her at him. “I don’t see why not. Go ahead. Just don’t be long.” Her father nodded. “Thank you. I’ll be back soon.” She yelled out, closing the door. “Seems like Camden has set his sights on our fair one.” Krane mused. Their mother and father just laughed, but Dram looked worried. “I think I shall walk as well.” Dram left before anyone could respond. Camden led Selindria to a moonlit clearing in the woods. They sat where the light was brightest and spoke softly, as if in fear of spies. “What spurred you to bring us here?” Selindria looked around. “I came to be alone with you. You, who have stirred my heart.” His sweet words held something else and the peculiar gleam in his eyes made her uneasy. “No need for flattery. Surely there must be something else.” She inched away from him, slowly. “Seeing you sparked desire in me. Desire which only you can fulfill.” He closed the space between them. “Desire?” She gulped. “Desire for what?” “Not what, whom. You.” His shining green eyes turned black and he tried to overtake her. She screamed and struggled. He held her forcefully, trying to kiss her. She finally was able to get mobility in her legs and her knee landed in his stomach, causing him to cry out in pain and double over. She took this chance and ran. |