The Line

Away from her tears and broken heart. My tree and light call to her heart. A heart that is so strong. Oh, so much stronger than she knows.

She reaches my domain, hand on eyes so blue the sky would be jealous of their beauty. Hair of a lion's mane, her curls spiral out of control. What they would call a true king of the jungle. She wears the breaches of a man that resembles crow black; and a strikingly light seeming white linen blouse. When she spots my tree, it startles her. Like all other humans I expect a shriek, but one does not come. The line of blessing that keeps my home protected from those who would destroy me, it has not been crossed for a very. Very long time. Many cannot even cross it, least of all find it. But after three long breaths she is here, touching a blossom. Eyes in disbelief.

How... How could a small human like her cross the line? How can she not be cowering in fear? I've seen those of tremendous power somewhat like me get turned away by the line. What is it I'm missing? What am I not seeing in her?

"Lovely."

What. Was that her voice?

"You are magnificent."

Is... is she talking to me?

"Well so are you," I said.

A gasp.

Well I've done it now.

"So, a magical Cherry tree."

"So, a human with a broken heart" was my reply.

That made her turn away.

"What trouble's you so? And what made you come out into the forest" I asked.

"I could ask you where you are and how you got here also, though I'm not entirely okay with sticking my nose into other people's lives."

"You are the one in my presence, and messing with my blossoms; the entitlement to ask questions is indeed mine" I said with more edge than necessary.

"I… I love the forest. Nature calms me. Its beauty is something to behold. I'd prefer it to anywhere else in this world."

"You find this tree to be beautiful?" her statement astonished me.

A breath, then she moved to look at me.

"Beautiful is nothing compared to this tree."

Oh, the heavens have cursed me with her. For torture I'm sure. I cannot stop admiring her beauty, so turning my gaze away was the only option. When I did not answer she just stood there, still waiting for my response, but I did not have one. She started walking away.

"You my dear, may sit at the edge. I don't believe that broken heart will get you anywhere right now" not a very kind response I know but it made her stop. She whirled on me.

"How do you know what lies in my chest? Surely I did not tell you anything."

I chuckled. This mere girl. This mere beautiful, and outrageous girl has me wanting her company so much, so I'll bait her enough to stay here. Past the blessing line.

"The edge and no closer" was my answer. Then, maybe out of her mortal curiosity she moved closer, brushed past a blossom, and sat near my roots. The sensation sent me seething, bearing my teeth at nothing but air.

"You are a thousand questions and more. Do tell me how you speak, I never guessed nature would speak back if I spoke first."

Nature? As if Nature was a thing and not a who.

"Your gravely mistaken, I am but a Cheery tree. Nor am I a 'it' but a 'he'" I replied.

"He?"

"He" I said.

"He as in a man?"

"He. As in a male."

"So not human."

This was not a question, she said it more like a statement.

"I did not think a Cheery tree could be male. Especially this beautiful tree."

Another reference to my beauty, she had given me truth about my beautiful tree. I could at least give her one truth back.

"The beauty of my true reflects my beauty in and out" I said.

"Oh? So, you are as beautiful as this tree?"

"I would not call myself beautiful just good enough to behold" I smiled even though she did not see it.

"Well that's misleading."

The silence that followed unsettled me. How do I speak to her? How do I look at her? How should I respond to her questions? She is not a mere mortal; how could she unravel a force of nature like myself. If 'N' was here she would lose her wits.

"You…" I started but then I realized she was breathing more steadily than before, eyes closed, sound asleep. Hmm. Curious specimen, to fall asleep so fast in an unfamiliar place. She might catch a cold. I took it upon myself to come out my tree and with me a blanket. Her head is slouched, I move it slightly. She is beautiful, the man who left her for whatever reason is not the lucky one. Anyone who lays eyes on her is blessed. Why do I feel like I could stay holding her forever? As I brush a lock of her hair away from her face, her eyes snap open, lips parting. Those eyes, so blue. They remind me of a time when I would see them in my…. home. The rare and beloved plump, oval emasir's, etched into her soft almond skin. I don't believe I've ever been so in love with any color other than the ones that represent my blossoms. The number of moments that pass are long and lighting, she needs to be home I cannot keep her safe here at night.

"Your home awaits you" I say.

"Who are you?"

"I am but a male" I said with a smile.

"Not what but who? As in what is your name."

I picked her up and held her against my chest, our eyes never leaving each other's. It was easy to get lost in the depth of those eyes, I could not see myself looking at any set of eyes that weren't hers. So entranced into her eyes I was that I hadn't known I used my key, my being subconsciously throwing open those forbidden, ancient doors. I couldn't think of that now, not when I was looking at her so intently. Then her home was in front of us; a small cottage though I could feel the presence of several floors below. I did not stop looking at her as I sat her on the porch and turned on my heel walking away.

"Al… I'm called Al."

Still walking I whispered what she had been wondering this entire time.

"Rhen" and willed the wind to take it to her, as I turned into oblivion.

Emasir: blue gem with gold flecks said to be close to a human Sapphire.