Many days and nights followed the visitor's expedition. Fairly sure they were aware of her presence, she refused to let them get close again. Hiding, climbing, or running away each time they approached eventually became tiresome. Staying as far away as she could, they went on despite her watching eyes. As time continued to pass, she felt relaxed and safe once again. Routine softened her sharp awareness, and she lost sight of them a few times, but she quickly lost care. Thoughts of returning home flowed into her mind every day, but curiosity always won out. The first sign of change came when the trees slowly began to dissipate in quantity. Less and less grew until eventually the trees completely stopped. The line ahead of the halted tree growth made way to reveal a beautiful meadow, covered with bright green grass and multicolored flowers ahead. She watched the creatures stop abruptly. They conversed with one another again, much to her annoyance, before they collectively began walking through the lively hills. As fun as their journey was, she didn't want to leave the forest. The songs of birds, mice scurrying through the night, the calming sounds of the river. All she loved was here. Though wishing to know where they were going, her wild love would always persist. Days after their departure, she had gone back to regular life. Catching unsuspecting prey, scaring away competition, wondering what happened to the creatures who'd left. Many ideas came to mind, but none could be confirmed. She visited the meadow often to admire its beauty. Unlike anything else, the winds blowing across the grass carried unfamiliar scents. With no name to place these smells, her curiosity sparked but never caught flame. It all changed when she noticed a figure approaching as she lounged in a tree one morning. It had the same shape as the creatures that'd left long ago, but no accompanying followers were with it. She hid quickly and quietly, watching once again as it got closer to the forest. Its features slowly coming into view, she observed cautiously. Brown hair and blue eyes contrasting in a strikingly handsome way. Her heart fluttered, a light shining in her eyes. Initial instinct encouraged her approach, but he was still too far in the meadow for her to reach. Though she longed to see him, disturbing the world outside her domain, felt wrong, like leaving a warm blanket she'd had forever. The proceedings felt slow and tedious. She was so eager to greet him. Her cheeks had done an odd spreading from ear to ear. Finally, he reached the tree line. Looking around, he continued, passing her without notice. Dropping to the ground with a thud, he quickly turned around with his weapon drawn, held to her chest with no trace of shaking or hesitance. His eyes were cold and unrecognizable from before. She froze in hopes he wouldn't strike, but his expression showed no mercy. That lasted the span of several eyes blinks before understanding dawned on him. His face softened into remorse, and he withdrew his weapon. Backing away in fear, for the first time since birth, she could have died at the hands of a predator. A shield of anger, fear, and protectiveness rose from her aura. He seemed to notice. Instantly, he returned to his kind, gentle self. The strongest, most inexplicable feeling of trust almost tore down her guard. How he was doing this made no sense to her, she wanted to inquire but didn't know how to. For a while, the two didn't move. She remained wary while he seemed to emit goodwill that doubled every moment. His words broke the silence. Though they meant nothing to her, his intentions were easily conveyed with lacking difficulty. He continued to speak as he reached into his cloak. Inside was a rectangular bag filled with what seemed to be blocks of narrow pages of wood. It smelled of trees, yet it wasn't. The words, inaudible to her ears, were strangely comforting. Opening the smallest book, he heedfully came closer. Hoping to not upset or scare her, holding it out to show off the colorful pages. When opened, the object appeared full of colors in her eyes. A wondrous story told through its pages; her captivation blinded her to his closing proximity. They kneeled to the ground to further their comfort. Sitting side by side, he read the book to her. Only as his ability began to subside did she notice him. Surprised by how close he'd gotten without her notice, she disregarded the beautiful pictures. Looking at him closely, she admired his unique features. Traces of freckles under his kind blue eyes, short brown hair curling into intricate waves, and his small nose. Enthralled in his appearance, she stared in awe. His gaze still on the book. He hadn't noticed her piercing gaze. For a while, this went on. He'd glance momentarily at her, then continue reading aloud. She rarely looked away from him except to avoid his returning looks. Midway through the seventh book, he shut it and stood up. She did as well, but for once, their height difference was evident. She was at least a fist shorter while he was surprisingly tall for what appeared to be his age. Unable to ask how long he'd been alive, she tried making the expression she'd made before. Her cheeks didn't go quite as high, and her mouth didn't open either. But he seemed overjoyed by it. She wasn't sure how long the interaction lasted, but by the time he'd gone, the light of the sky began to dim like always. Leaving behind the books they'd read together, he went home. Holding the book in her hand, she wondered what its purpose was and why he came back. She had many questions, but no answers appeared. Frowning, she opened the book and looked through its pages. On each one, unusual symbols were laid out in horizontal lines somewhere. Wondering what they could mean, she started her arduous journey home.

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