"Don't mention it," he said flatly. "We need to figure out the cure. This is the fastest way to do it." He pursed his lips and eyed her suspiciously. "Is that it?"
"It is," she admitted. "But still. Thank you. I'll see you around." Her hand brushed his arm before she hurried off.
He raised his brow before he looked down at his arm for a moment, a slight flush on his cheeks. His frown returned instantly and he muttered under his breath before turning away and heading down the hall.
"Eden, Eden!" She glanced up from braiding the young pixie's silky brunette hair, one brow raised. Magnolia, one of her younger Tyria, flew over to her, her eyes wide. "Eden, Meg said that you promised to braid her hair next, but I know that you promised me that I was next. Tell her, Eden, tell her!" Eden frowned, squinting at the girl in front of her. "I told both of you that I'd do it later," she said, although her tone was affectionate. "I have an appointment today, remember? I have to meet up with Sam." The pixie's eyes lit up and she beamed, coming closer with a mischevious glint in her eye. "Oooh. Saaaaam. Your booooyyyyyfriend." Eden glared at her, pursing her lips. "Mags, he's a human. It's not like that at all." "Is he coming here?" "Of course not. You know how Alyndar Aspen is." "Where are you meeting, then?" "Close by. In the woods." "Can I look at him?" Eden glared.
Sam grabbed the leather bag and headed out, his eyes bright as he started for the trail in the woods.
As he walked deeper and deeper, he would begin to hear a beautiful, haunting melody begin to float through the forest, quietly at first, but growing louder and louder.
Eden's head snapped up when she heard the song and she stood up, flapping her wings. "I'll be back," she told the others, kissing the top of Magnolia's head. She flew off, ducking between the trees and heading into the woods.
After a few minutes, he would become aware of a distant light in the otherwise gloomy forest. The light was approaching him quickly, a warm, golden color.
The light hovered at the edge of the trees before Eden stepped through, holding a ball of light in her hand. She sighed with relief, extinguishing the flame and giving him a warm smile. Her hair was back in intricate braids done by practiced hands, one loose lock falling in front of her face. There was a fresh, less professional flower crown on her head. "Hey, Sam," she said easily, tucking the lock of hair behind her ear. "You find your way alright?"
"Oh! Right. The song. Well, remember when I told you about the defense mechanisms we have for protecting our areas?"
