Bramblepoint k e l t e n t r a u e r

He laughed at her indignation, his youth truly showing. And yet, he felt a certain thrill in their little game of chase, and a yearning flutter for something beyond. As though this were a shadow of something greater - though a happy, bright, and blessed one at that!

Stratos wouldn’t make the game easy for her. He heard her breathe hot behind him and he called back a teasing jeer, you need to fly quicker than that, little songbird! and he laughed, taking a few longer strides before he saw the glimpse of brighter light through the trees ahead.

Only here did he slow, enough for her to catch him and send them rolling into the field on the other side, if she played into his game.