Autum walked gracefully beside me, her presence a calm, steady force, while Cassie skipped along with carefree joy, darting between the frost-covered plants with childlike enthusiasm.
Autum turned to me, her emerald eyes filled with curiosity. "Rosé, this place… it's unlike anything I've ever seen. You've built such a harmonious balance here, between nature and your power. I can feel the pulse of life in every inch of this land. It's breathtaking."
I smiled, appreciating her words. "I've always had a connection to nature. But here, in Elaris, it's different. The bond with the land is deeper, more profound. Especially with spirits like you and Cassie around."
Cassie hopped over, her glowing tattoos flickering as she tugged at my arm. "You should've seen how excited I was when I first woke up! Rosé made this place feel so alive. It's like we're a part of everything here."
Autum's gaze softened as she looked at Cassie, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. "I can see why you're so attached to him. He's not just a protector of this land; he's its heart."
I couldn't help but chuckle. "You're giving me way too much credit. I just do what needs to be done."
Autum's gaze lingered on me, her eyes gleaming with something deeper. "Perhaps. But there's something about you, Rosé. You're not just a caretaker. You breathe life into everything you touch, like the trees that stand taller because of your presence."
There was a quiet intimacy in her words, something unspoken but palpable. I met her gaze, and for a moment, the world seemed to still. Autum's aura radiated a calm, ancient energy, yet there was a spark of playfulness in her eyes, a contrast that intrigued me.
Cassie broke the tension with her usual exuberance. "Hey! Are you two flirting without me? That's not fair!" She pouted, crossing her arms with an exaggerated frown.
I laughed, ruffling her hair. "Flirting? Us? Never."
Autum smirked, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "I don't know, Rosé. You seem to have a natural talent for charming spirits."
Cassie giggled, bouncing back to my side. "It's true! You're the master of charm. First, you bond with Seraphina, then me, and now Autum! What's next, huh?"
I raised an eyebrow, teasingly. "Well, I suppose I do have a certain effect on spirits. Maybe it's the tattoos."
Autum's gaze flickered to the intricate, bioluminescent patterns on my arms, her lips curving into a soft smile. "It's more than just the tattoos, Rosé. It's your presence. You make us feel… seen. Like we're more than just spirits tied to the land."
Her words struck a chord, and I felt a warmth spread through me. There was something deeply fulfilling about connecting with these ancient beings, sharing more than just power but something personal and intimate.
"Is that why you decided to bond with me, Autum?" I asked, my tone light but curious. "Because I make you feel 'seen'?"
Autum's eyes held mine, a flicker of amusement dancing in their depths. "Partly. But also because I see something in you, too. Something powerful, yes—but also kind. You have the ability to shape the world around you, and you choose to do so with care. That's a rare quality."
Cassie grinned, tugging at my arm again. "See? Even Autum knows how special you are, Rosé! And she's, like, super old and wise. She doesn't just say that stuff to anyone."
I chuckled, though there was a part of me that appreciated their words more than I let on. "Well, I'm glad you two think so highly of me. But let's not forget, I still have plenty to learn. Especially about managing a farm full of magical crops and tree spirits."
Autum's lips quirked in a half-smile. "You're doing just fine, Rosé. And with Cassie and me by your side, I think you'll manage just fine."
Cassie puffed out her chest proudly. "Yep! We're the best team ever! Right, Autum?"
"Right," Autum agreed, her voice filled with warmth. Then, she glanced at me, her tone turning playful. "Though I'm still curious. You've bonded with quite a few spirits now, haven't you? Do you have a type, Rosé?"
I smirked, leaning in slightly. "A type? Now that's an interesting question. I suppose I'm drawn to strong, intelligent spirits who can keep me on my toes."
Cassie giggled, nudging Autum. "That means you! You're strong and smart."
Autum chuckled softly, her voice low and smooth. "Hmm, I suppose I fit the bill then. But what about you, Rosé? What's your type beyond spirits? Do you have preferences when it comes to Lumeras?"
I raised an eyebrow, enjoying the direction of the conversation. "I'd say I appreciate confidence. Someone who knows what they want and isn't afraid to go after it."
Autum's gaze held mine for a beat longer than usual, her smile deepening. "Confidence, huh? I think I can handle that."
Cassie giggled again, jumping between us. "Okay, okay! Enough flirting, you two! Let's focus on farming or something. Or maybe we can play a game!"
I grinned, grateful for Cassie's lightheartedness breaking the moment. "A game, huh? What did you have in mind?"
Cassie beamed. "Let's see who can find the coolest plant in the field! Winner gets to ask the others a question, and they *have* to answer honestly!"
I glanced at Autum, who looked equally amused. "What do you think? Up for a challenge?"
Autum smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Why not? But don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're charming."
We all laughed as we made our way deeper into the farm, the teasing and flirting continuing between us. The conversation flowed naturally, playful and intimate, as we shared stories, laughed, and grew closer.
Cassie darted off, her laughter ringing through the air as she began searching for the "coolest" plant. Autum and I walked side by side, our conversation flowing with a comfortable ease.
"You know," Autum said after a while, "I wasn't expecting to enjoy this as much as I am. Usually, spirits like me keep to themselves, guarding their trees, protecting their domains. But you've made me feel welcome here."
I glanced at her, my tone sincere. "You're part of this place now, Autum. You're not just a guardian—you're family."
Her eyes softened, and for a moment, the playful air between us gave way to something deeper. "Family… I like that."
I smiled, feeling the bond between us grow even stronger. "Good. Because you're stuck with us now."
Autum laughed softly, the sound like leaves rustling in a gentle breeze. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
As we continued walking through the fields, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. The farm, the bonds I had formed, the playful flirtation—it all felt like a part of something larger, something meaningful. And with Autum and Cassie by my side, I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them together.