34 The Waterfall (1/2)

He pulled his hat off revealing messy hair that he combed quickly with his fingers. He turned back to the hawk and untied a roll of cloth from her saddle, opening it in one quick motion.

A bag, Isilla thought as he tossed in his hat and gloves. ”We won't need these heavy clothes,” he explained and Isilla followed, removing her own hat and jacket.

The bag filled, he tied it tightly.

”Thank you, Lady,” he said softly, holding his hand out. She touched her beak to his palm and bowed low, he rubbed her neck briefly. ”Go back to roost.”

She took off in a burst of air, pushing up from the ground with one powerful sweep of her wings. Arren grabbed Isilla's hand, moving her back away from the clearing before Gray Wind came back, quick, a blur, for the bag.

”They're all trained to carry sacks like that when they see them. They look out for them during flight. Which has caused some problems. She once returned with sack of laundry while she was training. I think it might still be in the aerie.” Arren explained.

Isilla hid her laughter behind her hand, unused to the lighter side of Arren. Even in his visits he kept a certain distance but here, he relaxed.

”There is something else I want to show you,” he said picking up her hand and pulling her gently towards the trees.

She looked around at the forest as they walked, leisurely through the trees. He smiled as she stopped to pick up the fallen leaves, their dry bodies crumbling in her hand. Around them small animals peeked out from their homes.

”I didn't consider it before but walking with you, the animals are not startled by our approach,” he hummed as he helped her over thick roots.

She stopped, the strange four legged beast with horns that had been on her dress stood between the trees further off. Isilla pointed at it as another, smaller one, this one without horns joined it. Their coats were the same reds and oranges of the leaves. She pointed at them, turning to Arren for an explanation.

He stopped, a smile on his lips. ”That is a shifting stag. They say it's good luck to see one, they're very hard to find. In a few weeks, their coats will be all white, with the snow.”

She stood very still, watching their calm movements as they searched for food among the fallen leaves. Arren stroked her back through the heavy dress, waiting for her to take her fill of them. Slowly the animals moved on, walking deeper into the trees.

”We're almost there,” Arren said softly, pushing her gently into movement.

A rushing sound filled the forest. It started faintly but it had become, during their walk, louder and louder until it drowned out the call of the birds.

The trees broke suddenly, revealing a pool, where, from above, water came tumbling down into it. Stone rose on either side, the water a white ribbon, almost mist as it fell. Arren released her hand and she walked curiously to the bank, where the water lapped the edge in gentle ripples.

”In the summer it will be warm enough to swim here but I wanted to show you now. I've wanted to since you told me you'd never seen a waterfall before.”

Her breath caught in her throat, still in awe at the sight before her but more surprised at Arren's words, that he had thought of her. He watched her with amusement, his head tilted to the side. His stare on her she blushed, feeling somehow more exposed in that moment than she ever had with him.

The cloud of shadows at his feet transformed into a blanket, ”Will you sit with me?”

She nodded and he helped her down to the ground, taking his place beside her. He opened his hand and summoned her book and pen, returning them to her. ”You should teach me to read your hands,” he said handing the items back to her.

I didn't know you wanted to learn, most people don't, she wrote.

”I want to communicate with you and it seems that would be better,” he replied.

Thank you for showing me all of this. It was very nice of you, she wrote.

”It was nothing. I'm happy you enjoyed it but if such a simple thing can make you happy, then I am at fault for not doing it sooner,” he replied.

I can't really say anything to that, she wrote frowning. I am just happy, I don't expect anything from you.

”Perhaps that is what makes me unhappy,” he said.

She looked at him, the question on her face clear.