"May I?" I say, holding out my hand as one last final urge takes hold of my body, inviting her with a low sweeping bow to take me up in a dance. I suddenly find myself desperate that she should take my offer, but equally confused by the reason why. What sort of frivolous wanton had compelled me to ask for her hand in dance- in the middle of the forest no less- I cannot rightly tell. But there is some irresistible beauty about her that draws me to her like a moth to a flame, unwilling to move away.
If I had a heart, I am sure it would have pounded.
The girl looks up, her mossy eyes meeting mine, glittering like emeralds under the golden light of the flame, until after a moment's deliberation, she takes my hand.
And just like that everything explodes inside me.
