I stood transfixed by her. There was something in her that was drawing me to her. Her presence caught my attention every time.
I could not stop myself from staring at her, from watching her. Her presence is magnetic. Under the moonlight she looked like a creature of the night, a spirit of the moon, and for a moment, it seemed as if anything was possible in her presence.
Her hair, dark and glossy, flowed in gentle waves around her face and down her back, like an inky black river that shimmered in the moon's light. and her skin seemed to glow with a luminous quality that spoke of other worlds and ancient magic.
She sat on a bench staring at the sky, the soft glow of the moon bathed her in a silver light, casting shadows that danced around her delicate form. Her features were softened and illuminated by the cool light, casting shadows and highlights that gave her an almost ethereal appearance.
There was a deep longing etched on her face. Who was she missing? Is there someone in her life whom I have separated her from by bringing her here?
As I stood on my balcony staring at this strange girl, it seemed like for a moment, the whole world was frozen in time.
My hands shook slightly, I clenched them into fists. Why am I drawn towards this strange girl?
-----------------------
There was a feeling in the back of my mind that someone was watching me.
Could it be a guard? I turned around to see if there were any guards who had spotted me breaking into this garden but there was no one in sight.
But the feeling of being watched was still there. It was then, from the corner of my eye I saw a silhouette on the balcony.
I looked up.
but there was no one.
I shook my head I must have been imagining it.
That is when I heard rustling in the bushes, I spotted a small, shimmering form moving amongst the bushes.
Is that a creature?
I sat still, not wanting to startle whatever was not wanting to startle whatever creature was hiding inside. I could see a small shimmering form peeking out from the foliage.
Then big green eyes appeared in the darkness.
Is that?
Then a small head popped out from behind a bush, spiraled horn on its head.
It was a kirin.
It looked up at her with an expression that seemed almost curious.
A kirin is a mythical creature, a horse-like creature with the horns of a deer and scales covering its body. Its body is usually slender and graceful, with a long flowing mane and tail. The kirin's hooves are cloven like those of a deer, and it has a regal and dignified presence.
The kirin is often associated with good fortune, prosperity, and wisdom.
It was a Kirin - but unlike any Kirin I had ever seen before. It was much smaller than a typical Kirin, no larger than a large cat, with delicate scales that glimmered in the moonlight. Its eyes were large and bright.
The Kirin sniffs at it warily then its eyes fixed on the fruits on my plate. They love fruits. I extended my hand with a piece of fruit towards it. It approached me its eyes regarding me warily, but then took a tentative bite. As it chews, its eyes widen in delight, and it quickly devours the rest of the fruit.
A smile made its way to my lips, at Kirin's enthusiasm, I offered it another piece of fruit. The Kirin eagerly accepts it, and soon I am feeding it bits of my meal, delighted by the tiny creature's eager appetite.
"Who do you belong to little one?" I asked softly as it nibbled on the food. It was the cutest little creature I have ever seen.
They are rare. They are only ever owned by royalty.
Maybe it belongs to the king.
or maybe the princess, or the prince.