laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

Lericanin awoke to a presence. His face was touched by something wet and as he opened his eyes he was staring up at the damp snout of a horse that had come to investigate him. A quick glance allowed him to take note of a fine saddle and reins though he didn’t recognize the work. It wasn’t his specialty anyway. A splash in the pond turned his attention as he gently pushed the animal away from him. Another glance skyward told him it was about midday or just past. He had been asleep for a little while. The bottle of wine had fallen off the rock and came to rest next to him. Removing the cork he took another big swig and then watched the water for the source of the splash. He could barely make out light ripples across the crystal water but could not find the cause. Suddenly there was a rush of water as a head broke the surface only a few feet from where he sat. Lericanin froze when he saw her.

He had heard more than one tale of about wood nymphs from his grandfather. He knew about tricks the liked playing on the unsuspecting traveler or how they would lure men away to bewitched places so they could play with them at their leisure. He had been told that most of those taken had never returned and those that had had gone mad with desire for those who took advantage of them with their magics. All of those thoughts raced through his mind as he stared into the emerald eyes of the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

Sunlight danced unnaturally upon her auburn hair highlighting what looked like golden strands of fine silk. The light played upon her eyes as well causing them to sparkle and shimmer like highly polished gems. Her skin was smooth, like fine porcelain, without a single blemish. Droplets of water cascaded slowly down her cheeks coming to rest at the corner of a small mouth, her lips were the color of ripening raspberries which he longed to taste. Her nose was small, like a bud of a rose just before blooming. He watched as she swept a strand of hair from her face with a delicate hand. Her fingers were long and narrow without a single indication of blemish or callous. Upon her wrist was a tightly wound gold chain that shimmered in the sunlight. He noticed a charm hanging from it but did not recognize what it resembled. His attention returned to her face as she locked eyes once again with him. The spell had been broken though.

“My apologies.” His voice wavered. He had never been nervous around a girl before.

“None required.” Her voice was soft, almost angelic. She continued watching him, unsure of the feelings that were stirring inside of her. She was enjoying the way he was looking at her which was different that the other young men she had met. It was as if he didn’t know or didn’t care who she was.

Lericanin looked around nervously then began to rise. “I…I should go. I’m sure you want to be alone.”

She smiled while continuing to watch him, even her teeth are perfect he thought. “You were here before me. I am the one who should leave.” She waited while gauging his reaction, “I would like it if you stayed however.”

Lericanin stood motionless listening to her speak. It was as if he was in another realm altogether. He began thinking of those who were lost at the hands of the fairy folk and imagined himself under their spell. If this is how it happens then it isn’t bad so far. Her voice brought him back. “Will you stay?”

“If that is what you wish then I will remain. I did not want to offend you.”

“There is no offense. I saw you sleeping there when I discovered this place. I have never seen water so clear and inviting and couldn’t resist. I made sure you were really sleeping and then got into the water. It has been fun watching you sleep.” She reached up and pulled her hair back as she spoke allowing her bare shoulders to rise above the water. The swell of her breasts was evident as she leaned back to allow the water to drain from her hair. Lericanin could resist looking her over again as she did so. His desire was becoming more evident and uncomfortable.

“Are you from around here?”

Her question brought him back to the pond. “My family works the grove to the north of here.”

“It’s beautiful. This area is amazing. There certainly isn’t anything like it back home.”

He watched her look around enjoying her movements. She was very graceful, her every move was fluid and with purpose. It was then he realized she was alone. “You came out here alone?”

She returned her attention back to him as he watched her posture change ever so slightly. “Yes. My father is conducting business nearby. I haven’t been allowed to travel on my own so I decided to take some time for myself. He will be too busy to notice I’m gone anyway.”

“Sounds familiar. I have little desire to tend to the trees or work the farm. I know I should be helping my family but my heart tells me otherwise. Its like I don’t belong there.” He was amazed to finally meet someone who understood how he felt. A sense of relief washed over him as he watched her nod her head. Finally someone like me.

“I understand completely. I have the same feeling all the time. There is some other purpose for you outside of the life you know but you can’t see or feel it yet. Its almost like your…”

“Trapped.”

They looked at each other as he finished her sentence. A strange recognition had struck both of them. For several minutes they remained motionless just staring at one another. Neither one of them wanted to break the silence.