To Love and Be Loved

The rustling leaves from the emerald trees served as a magnificent sound accompanying the gentle laughter she let out. A huge smile bloomed upon his face as he looked deeply into her eyes.

"That wasn't even funny!" He called out in indignation.

"Was so." Was her simple childish response as her grace and beauty once again won him over, earning her a gentle smile from him.

She continued to laugh, charming all that could hear. Which was only him, for the two of them sat alone under the trees in this hot summer day. Basking in the gentle rays of the morning sun and the cool wind left over from spring.

The laughter died out but the serene smiles on both faces remained the same. She looked out to the endless miles of trees before her, ending the trance she casted upon the boy with her eyes.

"I wish we can go far away fron here. Where no one tells us to stay away from each other." She gently said.

The boy only looked at her face. No words needed to be told between the two any longer. They both knew the time has come for them to part once again.

He relinquished the delight of laying down upon her lap as he sat upright, "It's time to go. Our servants will notice if we are gone too long."

She didn't reply, only offering him a weak nod before looking down. Her beautiful red hair cascaded down in soft curls creating a waterfall blocking him from looking upon her beauty.

He let out a sigh before reaching out and pulling her to his embrace.

His rhytmic hearbeat completely made hers beat faster as her face continued to be pressed against his chest.

"I love you."

Was his genuine and sweet reminder.

She sobbed agaisnt his chest, unable to reply. He only held her closer, hoping to stop her shaking shoulders.

A few minutes passed and she stopped. Crying was useless. She looked up, her tear-stained face breaking his heart into a million pieces but her next words completely healed him.

"I love you too."

He placed a quick, lasting kiss upon her rose-bud like lips. Before he pulled her up and held her small hand in his.

It was time to go. Without a word they hugged each other once again and went on their own ways, hearts aching but hopeful.

She passed through the trees and rocks nimbly, as gentle as a fairy flying through the forest. Her steps were quick and precise, the path has long been engraved in her mind and heart. There was no need to double-take or look onwards, everything was memorized. This has been happening for so long.

The sad thought quickly flew from her head as she saw the worried look upon her handmaiden's face waiting for her at the small back door.

She went faster than she normally would and the look of satisfaction swept pass her handmaid's face. The lady quickly took her in her arms and led the way to go inside the imposing house.

"The master has been looking for you! Any longer and he would have suspected something was amiss and looked for you himself! Cease from giving me any more scares, my lady!" Was the handmaid's worried reminder.

"Worry no more, Leila. I shall not be late again." She replied with a calm smile before they finally reached her quarters.

"Let me quickly patch you up! Your face is stained with tears! And your hair!" Leila continued to fuss in frustration for every detail and helped her mistress change into better clothes before the duo went to greet the master of the house.

The day was long ahead, but the girl was in peace. The feeling of loving and being loved was really special. With that thought she smiled and the darkened halls once again had life.