Page 8 of A Winter Admire

“They really cohabited?” Oscar asked. His golden eyes gleamed. His eyes matched the streaks of gold in his otherwise brown hair. “How interesting. But they don’t now?”

“Not anymore. We live in the village, and they live in the valley. But we still interact. Sometimes. Some oreads will visit during Winter Solstice for the festivities.”

“Interesting.” Oscar stroked his chin. “You must tell me more! I’d be very keen to visit and see this for myself.”

But Oscar hadn’t visited, not yet anyway. Edwin didn’t even know if Oscar had received his last few letters; he was so often travelling.

Trying to distract himself, Edwin picked up Wrin’s journal and opened it. Perhaps Odara had lent it to Edwin in the hopes of inspiring in him a desire for a romance with an oread.

But if that was the case, it was unnecessary. His meeting with Sinoe was still at the front of his mind. But it didn’t matter. Nothing would come of that. Wrin was made of better things than himself. Wrin was brave and strong, one of the leaders of the travellers. He was someone worthy of love and affection. Snowflake hopped up on the ottoman beside Edwin, and he reached over to pet her soft fur.

“At least I have you.”

The cabin was cosy, bathed in the warmth from the fire. It would be perfect, if only he had someone, other than Snowflake, to share the nights with. He snuggled beneath the blanket, but still, he couldn’t escape the feeling of loneliness that surrounded him.

ChapterSeven

Please let him be there today.

Edwin trudged through the freshly fallen snow. The gentle sunlight filtered through the trees. Nerves buzzed through his body at the thought of seeing Sinoe again. He tried and failed to shove down the hope.

No doubt Sinoe wouldn’t be there again. It had been a one-time thing. It wasn’t like Sinoe would seek Edwin out again. Why would he do that? Sinoe would surely have better things to do than see Edwin.

But still, no matter how many times he told himself not to, he couldn’t stop himself from seeking movement in the forest, hoping for a glimpse of Sinoe. Nor did Edwin question his plan to return to the same place as yesterday. He’d finished drawing the firasen trees, but there were berries in that part of the forest that he needed to document and pick. So really he needed to go to the exact spot he’d met Sinoe.

A gust of wind blew, stinging his ears and nose. Edwin hunched inside his coat and pushed his hands as deep as he could into his pockets. When the wind died away, the forest lay still, no sound but the crunching of the snow beneath his boots. He didn’t see anyone. No movement disturbed the stillness of the forest.

Of course, that didn’t mean Sinoe wasn’t nearby. The oreads who lived in these mountains were difficult to spot, and so quiet were their footsteps that they could easily sneak up on a human, especially a clumsy, unobservant klutz such as himself.

Still, he continued searching as he walked. After several minutes, he reached the firasen trees where he’d met Sinoe the day before. He paused and circled on the spot. But there was no sign of Sinoe.

But it is still early in the day. Perhaps he will come later.

He waited several more moments before forcing himself to stop his search. He continued to the gurgling river and pulled out his notebook. He glanced around one more time. Still no Sinoe.

He sat on a large, flat rock and began to draw. The small, hardy cira plants poked up through the soft snow. In spring the plants first appeared, a reedy, vibrant green growing alongside the riverbed. In summer the flowers, berries, and leaves grew. In autumn the plants turned a deep amber.

In winter the leaves and flowers fell away, and the reeds became brown and tough, but the small, shrivelled red berries clung to the stems. Once he’d finished drawing them, he’d set about picking them. Edwin had written to Loran about them, and she was eagerly awaiting the samples.

“Hello again, Edwin.”

Edwin startled and turned towards him. Sinoe stood a short distance away.

“Hello, Sinoe.” He’d come!

“I was hoping to see you again.” Sinoe walked towards him. Today, around his neck, he wore an elaborate choker necklace of twigs and reeds woven together, with dried berries of varying colours spotted throughout. It draped downwards from his neck, ending between his nipples.

Edwin inhaled sharply, forcing himself to keep his focus on the nymph’s face rather than stare at Sinoe’s slender torso and dark, wide nipples.

“Are you drawing again today?” Sinoe gestured at the notebook with a slender hand.

Edwin nodded and stood, stumbling to his feet. They were of a similar height, which surprised Edwin. For some reason, he’d thought Sinoe was taller.

“And what are you drawing?” Sinoe glanced down at the book in Edwin’s hands.

Edwin closed the book and clutched it against his chest. “Ah…just some plants.” He gestured at the cira plants. “I’m going to send the drawings to my mentor.” His brain struggled to work, like it was filled with soft, fluffy snow. He couldn’t believe Sinoe had approached him twice now.

“I see… And are you finished for the day?” Sinoe asked, stepping even closer to Edwin.