Meadow

☁

Sabran smiles and nods in response to Zevulun’s advice. She is glad her sheltered life experience thus far is not met with shock or disappointment. Her mother, of course, has made it clear that the Forest would be a home to her and her sister as long as she rules there, but that does little to ease the uncomfortable knowledge that most young women had usually left their birth homes by now. Eadaz often teases her about her reluctance to explore, and though her sister is also still at home, Sabran has the feeling that will not be for much longer.

Not to mention that she is Eadaz’ senior.

She pushes the thought away and tries to focus on what Zevulun is saying. She tilts her head a little as she listens, curious. Of a quiet and self-conscious disposition, Sabran does not always pick up on the subtleties of male attention and flirtation, but she senses a certain weight to Zevulun’s offer, in the way he chooses his words carefully.

A flush of heat brushes her cheeks at the thought and her stomach flutters nervously. She ducks her head and gives an uncertain smile, attempting to disguise her brief embarrassment.

“I-” she begins, stumbling a little. She thinks of Eadaz telling her to get it together, and makes an attempt to steel her confidence before continuing.

“I think I’d like that,” she says. “It would be nice to take a tour with someone who knows the land.”

There is a brief pause then, as Zevulun casts his gaze around. She is slightly surprised by his words as he offers her an exit from the encounter. Although unexpected, this chivalrous offer does more to enamour Sabran than honeyed words and prolonged conversation might. She smiles again.

“That’s alright,” she replies, a small chuckle bubbling from her lips. “The company is fine. Sure, let’s walk a little.”

She begins to move from underneath the tree, allowing her gaze to wander around the Meadow a little as they stroll.

“So, have you ever visited any of the other islands, aside from Tinuvel?”