Aiden and Isolde's Secret Rendezvous

Aiden hummed a cheerful tune as he secured his horse Apollo to a gnarled oak at the forest's edge. Slipping between dusk-wrapped trees, he scanned the deepening woodland shadows for his clandestine companion. Today he and Isolde planned to harvest rare bioluminescent lichen by moonlight.

But in truth, any excuse served for these private gatherings away from prying eyes. Since affirming their growing affection some days prior, both felt reluctant to expose their unfolding bond to public scrutiny just yet. Lingering restraint still tempered Isolde's display of emotions. And Aiden refused to cause her vulnerability by flaunting a connection not fully defined.

So by tacit agreement they conducted their deepening friendship discreetly for now. Stolen hours working magical experiments or wandering mist-veiled forest byways fed their need for intimacy away from curious stares. These interludes seemed suspended out of time, a fairy bubble insulating them in shared secrets and companionship.

Aiden's pulse quickened as he anticipated Isolde's arrival. Days apart felt lengthened by yearning thoughts of her aquamarine eyes and ready laughter. Her skeptical humor, passion for magical innovation, and dawning trust all enthralled him. That she selected his company for guarded hours free from disguise only heightened his thrill.

A rustle sounded nearby followed by her lilting voice. "Well met, Aiden! I have scouted the perfect place where glowing maples meet the marshland." Grey eyes emerged from the shadows, glinting merrily. "But we must hurry before the light fades completely."

Grasping his hand firmly she drew him along an torch-lit path. Her sure grip sparked tingles up his arm as they navigated countless wooded glens and murmuring creeks, twin will-o-wisps gliding through the spicy twilit air.

At last they reached a secluded hollow tucked between hills. Here shimmering mushrooms and strange night orchids infused the rich loam with spectral radiance. Sprites and fireflies danced ritualistically through the trees, paying the interloping humans no heed. Isolde led him toward the far boundary where eerie silver maples bordered a dim bog.

"Here lies our prize!" She traced with reverence a silvery tracery embellishing the trees' dark limbs. Her cheeks bore an alluring blush whether from their brisk flight or this enchanted refuge Aiden could not guess. But by the twin moons' glow she resembled titian forest queen come to reclaim her mythical realm.

Near mesmerized he queried unevenly, "So how do we harvest this wondrous tree adornment without harm?"

Isolde smiled mysteriously. "By song of course! Haven't you heard that woodland beings guard sacred groves?" Kneeling amidst the spangled plant life, she began crooning a haunting melody that seemed to emanate from the earth itself. To Aiden's awestruck eyes, the glowing lichen pulsed brighter in response.

As she sang, the forest denizens emerged in force. Cervine shapes slipped between onyx tree boles then paused watching. Tiny spritelings peeked from knotholes, and the marsh lights swirled faster about them. All focused on Isolde's lilting voice that swelled to fill the hollow like a sylvan tide.

Moved by strange compulsion, Aiden added his deeper tones to her floated notes. The observers hooted their approval as he harmonized reverent words for this incandescent grove that fed and sheltered them all. Isolde granted him an approving smile amidst her chant.

As the final notes faded into sighing breeze their small audience cheered with rustles and chitters. Reverently then the two mages gathered handfuls of the glowing lichen, leaving ample behind to continue gracing those mysterious trees. Their song seemed acknowledged payment enough for Nature's luminous bounty.

Finally Aiden and Isolde retreated back through blooming thickets now perfuming the air with intoxicating sweetness. Neither spoke, still lost in fey dreams born of the haunted glen. When they regained the hillside keep, twilight had long surrendered fully to night's obsidian mantle.

Isolde halted beneath a massive oak and smiled impishly up at Aiden. "We must celebrate our first harvest by moonlight! And I happen to have...liberated...a fine vintage from my brother's stores that shall serve quite nicely." From her linen shoulder bag she produced an ornate silver wine flask. "Just a small token for all his lectures on propriety" she laughed irrepressibly.

Aiden joined her mirth as she reclined gracefully against the grand tree and patted the mossy spot beside her. Settling shoulder to shoulder they passed the rich cherry wine between them, savoring this private interlude away from prying eyes and wagging tongues.

"However did you sway those marshtide fey to trust our harvesting?" Aiden asked after some minutes appreciating the wine and her sleek warmth beside him.

Isolde chuckled low. "Can you not guess? Magic must serve magic, and all nature heeds the divine feminine." She gave him a slantwise look through inky lashes.

Aiden nearly choked mid-swallow. Coughing he managed, "Well your 'magic' proved indeed formidable in that haunted glen, my enchanting winnower of wondrous prizes!"

Isolde granted him a smoldering glance then tipped her head coquettishly back against soft lichen-bearded bark behind them. Aiden's pulse leapt wildly. How easy to lose himself forever in this sorceress who commanded ancient powers, mortal men, and his own formerly steadfast heart alike!

To distract himself he redirect conversation to casual matters - the various potion recipes they might explore using the glowing lichen or philosophical discourse on the nature of magic. Isolde matched him thought for thought, their intellectual rapport evident in lively debate.

Late night insects trilled somnolent melodies around them as the second flask was emptied and third stories swapped. A companionable silence enfolded them. Gazing sidelong Aiden traced the fine arcs of her profile limned in that pagan moonlight - elegant brow, straight patrician nose over full lips curved softly now as she studied the glade's tranquil beauty. His chest constricted sharply with overwhelming fondness.

As though sensing his attention Isolde shifted subtly closer until their arms brushed, sending sparks dancing wildly through Aiden's veins. Her nearness made restraint sheer impossible torture now with desire flaring hot and insistent.

With utmost care, giving her chance to retreat, Aiden reached to tilt her chin toward him. Isolde met his fevered gaze readily. Eyes languorous but smiling she leaned into him granting tacit permission. Heart thundering Aiden covered her willing mouth with his own.

For endless moments they moved together in hypnotic synchrony - ancient rhythms embedded in blood, bone and breath even before mortals discovered fire or speech. Isolde welcomed him with encouraging fervor that quickly inflamed Aiden's long leashed longing. Like iron to lodestone he responded, skimming his hands feverishly along her lithe curves as she arched responsively against him.

At last reluctantly he forced himself to slow their shared pace before passion immolated all rational thought. Breathing raggedly Aiden gently disentangled himself though his pounding pulse urged full surrender to this magic enchantress.

Isolde's kiss-bruised lips curved knowingly as his conflicted eyes traced her disheveled beauty. Tracing one hand down his chest lightly she murmured, "We play perilously with powerful forces tonight, dear heart."

Though desire yet smoldered in her gaze, her wry smile held understanding. She drew slightly away to smooth clothing and tumbled ebony hair back toward order. Aiden sighed regretfully but respected the unspoken request for restraint.

Isolde flashed him a rueful half smile then patted the ground again inviting his return to her side sans additional temptation. With the ease of long friendship they relaxed together once more conversing softly of inconsequential things, rebuilding emotional equilibrium.

Eventually Isolde stirred reluctantly against his shoulder. "Though I savor every stolen moment here, we both have duties awaiting our return." She gathered up the flask with resolute care.

Rising fluidly she extended one hand to pull Aiden up beside her. He kept her hand snugly clasped in his, heart brimming with unspoken sentiment. Halting beneath the venerable oak he raised her palm fervently to his lips.

"My fair enchantress, surely some benevolent goddess dispatched you to grace my life. That you gift me any moments of your precious time feels miracle enough."

Eyes softening Isolde cradled his cheek with fond familiarity now. "And I remain astounded by your steadfast heart cherishing this thorny witch." Stroking his jaw lightly she added gently, "But we must take care, Aiden, never to become carried away by passion. Much depends upon our disciplined restraint."