The Sentinels There once was a village

His laugh settled itself deeply in her bones. She shivered with it, a sigh escaping her, disguised as a need to intake a deep breath.

A little flirting is harmless, and she found it quite enjoyable to see the red bloom along his cheeks. The tree can indeed be shaken, she thought, amused. But, she also enjoyed the steadiness of him, similar to the guardians of her home.

That’s what he reminded her of—home. She shook her head, trying to dislodge such thoughts. He would indeed think her crazy—as if she already wasn’t with this blighted curse.

No need to thank me for the truth, Rodyn. And then her own cheeks responded to his return of flattery. Careful, some would say you’re flirting.

She laughed, it bounced off the trees and around them as it echoed. 

But her laughter died as his pack unfurled, something glistened in the dappled sunlight caught her attention. A quartz, rose—hued, sat amongst the goods. She bent to eye it better, enraptured by the way its beauty.

Rodyn, she breathed, what beauty you have brought.