The Herds; New Members

As the sun rose, its faint glow struggled to pierce through the thick veil of yellowish clouds, like a dim candle trying to illuminate a foggy room. Despite the blockage, the dense foliage of the forest absorbed what little light managed to filter through. The trees stirred to life with a gentle rustle of leaves, their branches swaying in a mesmerising dance, as if whispering secrets to one another. Shafts of golden sunlight filtered through the dense canopy. The air was crisp and cool, carrying with it the earthy scent of pine and damp moss, mingling with the sweet fragrance of wildflowers in bloom.

Tall, majestic trees towered overhead, their trunks reaching towards the sky like they were guarding the secrets of the forest. Thick undergrowth carpeted the ground, a lush blend of ferns, wildflowers, and tangled vines. Beneath the canopy, there were dried up, fallen leaves.

Vincent and Isabella, carrying ropes, walked cautiously through the dense undergrowth, their footsteps muffled by layers of moss, blending seamlessly with the crunching sound of stepping on crispy leaves. Every now and then, they paused to listen, scanning the forest for any signs of danger or sheep. When suddenly, they heard the bleating sound of sheep— 'baa' and 'meh'— echoing through the woods, like a distant melody calling them forward. They quickened their pace, pushing deeper into the woods until they emerged into a small clearing bathed in dappled sunlight, the warmth of the sun's rays kissing their skin.

Before them stood a scene straight out of a storybook—a serene grassland nestled amidst the towering trees, its lush carpet of green stretching out like a peaceful oasis amidst the forest. Patches of wildflowers dotted the landscape, adding splashes of colour to the verdant expanse, like jewels scattered across an emerald coloured cloth. And scattered amidst this setting were several sheep, grazing contentedly on the grass, their soft bleats and the chirping of crickets filling the air.

Isabella gasped, and shook Vincent with her hands on his shoulders. "Darling— are those… the sheep?"

"Yes… I think so. White, decent in size and… adorable." Vincent said, in awe.

"They really are adorable…" she said.

"Come, Bella. Let's take a few home."

"You sure they won't hurt us, Vinny?"

"Well, father said not to worry, as long as we don't threaten them, they won't do anything." said Vincent, as he grabbed Isabella's hand and ran across the grassland to the herd of sheep.

The two of them approached the sheep cautiously, their steps careful not to startle the peaceful creatures. As they drew nearer, the sheep raised and tilted their heads, casting curious gazes in their direction but showing no signs of fear or aggression. Vincent and Isabella reached out tentatively, their hands extended in a gesture of friendship. One by one, the sheep allowed them to approach, bleating as they felt the touch of the couple's warm and gentle fingers on their woolly bodies, like they approved of them in some way.

"They're so calm," Isabella remarked, her eyes sparkling with wonder as she patted the back of a sheep, her hand feeling the soft wool.

"Let's choose a couple to take home." Vincent smiled.

Vincent and Isabella walked slowly, guiding the sheep with gentle nudges and soft words of encouragement.

"Come on buddy… that way— yes! Yes that way!" said Vincent.

"You're so cute with these sheep, Vinny." Isabella giggled.

"You know who will be cuter? Lily." Vincent chuckled.

"That's right!"

With each step, they kept a watchful eye on their new companions, ensuring they stayed close and didn't stray away.

As they ventured deeper into the woods, the forest enveloped them back in its embrace, the dense canopy overhead filtering the sunlight into patterns of light and shadow. The air was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves.

After a while, they reached the outskirts of their homestead, the village path carved amidst the regular grass. With a sense of relief, they led the sheep inside, the villagers glared at them— some unable to look away, some had their mouths agape, and some were frightened, but they all still welcomed the two warmingly. The couple then led the sheep to the fenced enclosure beside their farm, where they would find safety and shelter.

Once the sheep were settled, Vincent and Isabella smiled at each other. Then they pulled each other in for a hug. Then the couple shared a kiss. Their kiss was like the first sip of hot cocoa on a chilly winter evening, warming them from within and filling them with a sense of belonging.

Eventually, Vincent broke away, chuckling. "Alright enough." he said. "Lily's probably dying of waiting. Come!"

Vincent and Isabella's steps quickened as they approached their hut, the familiar sight of smoke curling from the chimney welcoming them home. As they entered the cosy interior, the warmth of the hearth enveloped them, chasing away the lingering chill of the morning air.

"Lily! Lily, darling, we're home!" Isabella called out.

A few moments later, the sound of small footsteps echoed from grandpa's room, and Lily came running.

"Mama! Papa!" Lily squealed, rushing into their arms.

Vincent scooped his daughter up into a tight embrace, his heart swelling with love for the little girl who meant the world to him. Isabella joined them, wrapping her arms around both Vincent and Lily.

"We have a surprise for you, sweetheart." Vincent said.

"A surprise?" Lily's eyes widened, as she jumped up and down. "The sheep!?"

"Yes!" Isabella chimed in. "Come! Come outside!"