Upstream

Aster quickly tired of carrying Bowen but he refused to let her leave his side, the prospect of being left alone on the ground so far from his home was obviously terrifying to him.

"Y'know we could just walk upstream? Nothing wrong with that."

She rolled her eyes, "It's slow and tiresome, If you'd let go of me I'd just fly up and back in no time."

"What if something happens to you?"

Though somewhat touched that his first thought was of her safety, Aster continued to argue the point as she set them down in a clear patch by the stream.

"Fairies aren't designed to walk, I'll get tired much faster this way!"

This statement had the opposite of the desired effect as Bowen beamed, "Then I'll carry you!" and scooped her up without further discussion, setting a speedy pace upstream.

"Woah! Put me down you walking plant!" She fought reflexively for a few moments before resignedly settling into his arms. His big, muscular arms...

Minutes later, Bowen spied a strange pile of dead wood through the trees.

"What's that?"

"Hm?" Aster had been dreamily nestled against his firm chest and it took a moment for her to get her bearings.

"You alright? You look sorta..."

She flushed bright red and sprung from his arms, self-consciously dusting herself off. Pleased that Aster seemed back to normal, Bowen waited for her to regain her composure before pointing to the strange object.

Aster peered inquisitively through the trees, automatically taking to the air to get a better view.

"That's a house you dimwit." He stared up at her, uncomprehending. She rolled her eyes, "Something humans make to live in."

He wrinkled his nose, "The giants? Why are they living here? They're so..."

"Loud? Obnoxious? Destructive?"

"Yeah."

"Wait here and I'll go find out."

"Wait! Aster!" She felt a little bad about leaving Bowen all alone but he was being a baby and she'd be right back anyway.