I’ll never forget the first time I saw him. It was early spring, the ground still frozen from the cold winter. Buds on trees bursting with the urge to bloom. I was only sixteen and we lived out in the middle of nowhere. Thick forest surrounded the back side of our house. I spend most of my time out there. Sketching and painting, drawing inspiration from nature. I had been in those woods so many times always being careful not to go to deep into the bush but, that day. I wandered further that I ever thought I would. Not noticing how long I had been walking. Trudging deeper and deeper. The sun shone through the tall trees so beautifully, I found a small clearing with a large willlow tree on the north side. It looked so tranquil, so beautiful. I walked over to the large trunk of the willow, almost as if it was meant for me to rest my back on I sat down. Looking around the grass was so lush and green, beautiful dark moss grew over every rock, every trunk. Wild daisies growing all around. It was perfect. I unpacked my art supplies and got ready to draw the peaceful area I had found. When I heard a stick snap as if underfoot. The hairs on the back of my neck stood straight up. I became stiff as a stone, had someone followed me? We’re there bears in these woods ? Chills spot down my spine. My heart pounding in my ears.
“You need not fear me” the voice was even and calm. A male voice that was like warm honey being poured over morning toast. My eyes shot up to see a man like creature leaning against a large oak ten feet away. Just watching me. He had pale pea green skin that looked as smooth as river rock. His hair was dark and soft looking. Parts of it were pulled back in small braids but, most of it fell around his shoulders like a shawl. His eyes were what I couldn’t peel my own away from, they were slightly larger than any human I’d seen. The colour was so stricking I had to refrain from gasping. Icy blue irises staring into me as if an attempt to read my soul. He was dressed in brown leather armour as if he were some sort of ranger. A long bow propped on his back. I couldn’t help but noticed as I examined him that he was quite muscular. If he meant me harm I surely had no chance. The silence between had become deafening. Finally I worked up enough courage to speak.“Who are you?” My voice came out shakier than I had intended. He flashed me a crooked smile. His lips were slightly darker than the rest of his skin and very plump....
“I am Finnic, what are you called ?” His voice stayed smooth and even as if we’re old friends meeting up for tea.
“I’m Clare, what do you want ?” I tried to sound harsh to stand my ground. He gave a short laugh.
“I want nothing. I’ve seen you in these woods many times. I thought I’d better introduce myself” he spoke with such confidence. Like whatever he was, was a normal sight.
“What are you?” His eyes never looked away he just watched me sitting there pressed against the willow.
“That’s an odd thing to say, now isn’t it?” He joked
“Not when you look like that” I managed to say.
“Well I’m an elf, little human.” He chuckled like I had made a good joke. I must be going insane. I’m talking to an elf in the woods.
“I want you to teach me about humans.” He said suddenly.
“What?” I said with shock
“I guess I lied before. I do want something and, I want to know about your kind.” His confidence had vanished. He now reminded me of a child asking for sweets. Hoping to get his way.
“Why...?” He moved closer to me, into a sun beam. I couldn’t help but, notice how stricking he was.
“It is illegal for my kind to talk humans, or to be seen by them but, I find you fascinating. I want to know about human.” He brushes his hair behind his ear, exposing a long sharp tipped green ear that I hadn’t seen before.
“What if I say no?” My fear had mostly faded. There was something about him that had made me feel safe but, I couldn’t risk being wrong.
“Well I’m not going eat you if that’s what you think! We don’t eat humans.” He made a disgusted face and started to laugh, a real laugh this time and I thought for an instant that I wanted to hear it again and again and again.
“I could teach you about us in return”His eyes gazed into mine with a pleading look, much like a puppy dog.
“Alright” I said. With that he looked to the sky as if searching for something.
“I must go now. Meet me here tomorrow, early morning.” He looked at me for a few long moments and then he was gone. Like he’d never even been there. Just gone.
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