Kayse (prime)/Vignette:Growth

The sun was just high enough to cast dappled rays of light between the leafy canopy of Noralgar Hollow; though the morning air still captured the remnants of winter with a slight chill.

The door opened to the vine-covered bungalow and a figure appeared, her form draped in just a button-down shirt that grazed her mid-thighs. Making her way towards the side of the structure, the aelotoi walked barefoot along the earth before stopping in a clearing.

Standing before her, a sapling peaked out from the soil, its tiny stem already boasting three vibrant green leaves. She sat on the forest floor with her legs crossed under her as she regarded the plant, picking away any stray debris around it.

“I can not wait to see what you become,” her voice adoringly whispered. Her pear green eyes roaming over each inch of the future tree.

“It will not grow any quicker by watching it,” a voice teased. A pair of tanned hands wrapped a wool blanket around her shoulders as he sat behind her on the ground and pulled her inward to his chest.

Kayse smiled as she leaned against Drazaa’s chest, the faint smell of cedar radiating off his skin as her head fell against him.

“I am aware, but it is hard to not be excited. Can you imagine how big it will be in ten years or even one hund--...?” Kayse hesitated a moment as she considered the weight of the words she said.

The sylvan leaded forward and pressed his cheek to hers, nuzzling it. “What is wrong, beloved?”

Kayse released a long contemplative breath, “I realized how silly I must sound to you. Over four hundred and ninety nine years, I imagine you’ve watched many trees grow.”

Drazaa canted his head to examine the sprout, his gray eyes then scanned the treetops surrounding them. “I have, but it is different this time, my winged one.”

The aelotoi’s brow furrowed but before she could speak his lips pressed against her temple and his arms squeezed her even tighter. “This time, we get to do it together.”