Jade Fern Grove lay upon my big brass bed

he lifted his muzzle as the pale girl approached, droplets falling down like a gentle rain into the stream. a fine shiver ran through him, and he shook himself as if soaked through, smiling sheepishly. she hadn't exactly startled him, but he hadn't expected company, either. quickly, he tried to gather his sense of self before opening his mouth to speak.

you live around here, miss? cortez asked, cocking his head. beautiful little forest—you're lucky if you do. not quite as beautiful as the willows, he thought, but still fine enough for merit. but then, cortez was so fond of nature, there were few places that didn't catch his eye. beauty could be found in anything if you looked close enough.