Melinir and Nystar Walk Through the Woods

“How far is it to Woodhouses?” Melinir asked.

“We should arrive by nightfall,” Nystar answered.

They walked through the woods in silence for a short while, the stream to their left. Nothing else but trees in all directions for miles.

“You still feel bad about the girl, huh?” Nystar asked.

Melinir nodded and sighed. “Meilind. I wouldn’t normally remember a girl’s name. But I’ll never forget hers now. I’d rather we went around Woodhouses, if there’s a way.”

Nystar stopped and thought for a moment. “There is a way, to the east of the village. But dark elves use the path from time to time.”

Melinir stopped and thought for a moment, looking at the stream to their left. A single leaf floated in it, and riding on it was a gold fairy. Her transparent wings glittered. Nystar spotted her too, and they watched in fascination as she floated downstream.

“I’ve never seen one before,” Melinir said.

“Me neither. Perhaps it’s a sign.”

“But what does it mean?”

“You’re the prince, Melinir. You tell me.”

He watched the stream a while longer, then looked at the path that forked ahead. There were stones in the stream to allow them to cross it and take the eastern path, should they wish to. Could it really have been a sign.

“I’ll follow you,” Nystar said. “Wherever you go.”