The morning light was heavenly when it shone off the dew drops from the plump green leaves of the trees and the delicate blades of grass on the forest floors.
The birds sang through the forest as they had woken up to go about their daily routines, the same with all the other creatures of the forest, each one waking up shaking off the night's strange occurrence. It had been a noisy night that sent many into a frenzy even if they were miles away from the epicenter.
That creature was akin to the very sky falling on them, but no matter, it was another day to go about their various things, and that included survival against their predators or hunger, finding a mate, or giving birth to offspring as it was after all the season of spring.
Speaking of spring there was a strange creature moving about the woods with a spring in its step that startled the now easily scared creatures of the forest, making them all scramble for a place to hide.
But the moment they saw what or more specifically who it was they all felt a hint of relief, it was this female human again.
Her yellow-like hair shone like flowing gold from the light that pierced through the treetops, her sharp and angular face was akin to a sculpture, her purple eyes were like gems her rose red lips had a soft smile, her slender and elegant frame was almost angelic as she hummed while calmly walking by, enchanting the agitated creatures that seemed to be mesmerized by her.
Some having been calmed carried on their earlier activities, others mostly the young or carefree followed her.
She was like a young goddess of the forest as birds in the sky chirped happily with her hum, and cute little rabbits bounced around her feet adorably.
The reason for her happy mood was that she finally had time to leave her house early and the best part was that she could now stay out longer. Reason?
Well, her guardians were up all night long in some sort of paranoia and fear about something she didn't even understand or feel, now they were sleepy and tired.
'Those silly little old ladies, there is no danger out here today at all. The animals did appear a little startled but not hiding.' Though young she was observant and knew she was supposed to be obedient towards her guardians.
Yet still, she couldn't resist the urge to go out and have a good day out, it is stuffy being stuck in that cottage with three old ladies who are on top of your head all day.
In her black bodice with a gray long-sleeved calf-length frock, she had a white petticoat and a black headband with a purple shawl. On her dainty feet, she had a pair of black flats, even in such a simple almost peasant girl outfit she had a magnificent appearance that enchanted all, even the animals of the wild.
Suddenly a sweet tune reached her ears halting her footsteps, it reached deep into her soul and tugged her towards its origin, the tune made her feel as if she was free within the sky like a bird overlooking all drifting between the clouds and feeling the breeze in the air.
Oh, such peace and freedom were so seductive that her footsteps didn't resist, instead moved faster to the sound, as if she was afraid that if she was any slower she would miss it.
The music got clearer, telling her that she was in the correct direction. Only a thicket was in her path, calming down slightly she remembered the warnings of her aunts and crept over slowly to take a peek, and by the heavens, she swore that her breath was lost from her chest and words stolen from her mind.
Holding what seemed like a large lute, a master-crafted piece of work of six strings, a long slender neck, and a large black and gold patterned body; this made that tune that seemed to lift her soul out from her body.
Yet the being that played it was the one that made her feel her heart shiver so strangely for the first time in her life and had her blood feel like it was boiling, she was taken in for the first time to see such a beautiful and handsome man.
If she hadn't seen him, she would have doubted that a man like this existed, those locks of hair that seemed like they had been made from the purest snow of the whitest of clouds wafted gently from the breeze. His smooth and fair skin was like it was not made from flesh that made every other human, and those lips glowed with such allure that she was tempted to find out how they felt, and those eyes, it was like staring into the sky itself.
'Is this love?' She questioned as she observed him, small animals and birds flocked around him like a divine being listening to the soul-stirring tune he played.
To be honest she longed to even be the instrument he held in his arms so gently and carefully.
Soon the song stopped, making her wish to hear more but before she could do anything else a voice so sweet, deep, and resonant called out.
"You know, it's pretty rude to just stare at someone like that. Come on, step into the light stranger."
Frozen and not sure how to respond for a few seconds, she took a breath and did just that.
He looked even more breathtaking closer, the morning sun shone on his form like jewels and his white short-sleeved shirt sat well around his chest and arms that showed off the explosive yet aesthetic muscles. His lower half was covered by long black pants with a silver and gold belt, he had dark brown boots that were ankle-high.
His sword-shaped brows lifted in surprise before easing as a small smile that was too dangerous for a young maiden like herself shone on his lips.
'Not fair.' She muttered deep in her heart that seemed like it was going to fly out of her chest before she took another breath to ease her nerves.
With an elegant and gentle movement, she tugged the hem of her dress and performed a small bow.
"I am sorry for behaving such, sir, but the music was just too beautiful that I couldn't resist coming over and listening as well as being fearful that I would disturb you hence me hiding." Her voice smooth and had an angelic touch, she then straightened up as her purple eyes shone while she took in this man.
"All is forgiven young miss and thank you for the praise, I just showed up here and was touched by the piece of nature before me and like you too couldn't resist myself and had to play. I didn't know there were people so deep in this forest. But enough of that, where are my manners, my name is Dominic or Dom for short if you feel like it, what might be yours lovely lady?" He asked as he stood up with a hand on his chest and gave a small bow of his head.
'He is tall and big' She exclaimed in her mind, seeing the man, now known as Dominic to her.
His stature was something she could compare to a great tree, no a mountain, wait! The sky, yes, that word was better, he felt as if he was all-encompassing, boundless. Making her to be honest, a little fearful.
Yet also a little curious.
"Nice to meet you Dominic, my name is Briar Rose" She gave a beautiful smile at the introduction of her name.
Though she failed to notice that the pair of light blue eyes, shifted into slits for a second before being normal again, while the owner had a brighter smile on his face that stunt her for a moment as he reached for her hand and gave it a little kiss that seemed to send a shock around her body, making her face flushed at the gesture.
"It is a pleasure as well, you have no idea how lucky I am to meet you." He said as he gently released her hand.
'… So soon, my sleeping beauty.' He added in his mind.