Is it to good to be true?

Paws slowly plod along as Fern looks over the land, enjoying the sights and smells that the magical autumn brings. For now, the gray woman allows herself to hope that this magic will not be malicious toward her and her family. Leaves from the trees of the castle tumble slowly along the ground as the gray couple walk and she watches their passing with a quiet awe. She skirts around the blooming flowers and does her best not crush any plants or bugs as she goes.

Rudy’s voice pulls her blue gaze over to him and a smile appears on her lips. He is right, they might as well enjoy this experience while they can. Fern pulls in a deep breath, allowing the cool, crisp air to fill her sinus with the dozens of heavenly smells that linger in this place. As she exhales, a content sigh rolls out and she says, “I am thankful for this. The life it brings. I hope this bodes well for us.” A bee buzzes slowly by and she stops to allow it safe passage.

Eyes roam over to the huge bones the lay unearthed, noting the way that the vibrant green vines stand in stark contrast to the old, sun-bleached bones. A skull lays on its side, one eye socket exposed and she nudging Rudyard to points a pale paw at it. In the vacant socket, a bright orange flower that has bloomed, replacing the eye for this dead creature. It seems fitting and a lesson for all those who wander the ridge; that there is life in death, beauty even where life is gone.

Her mind turns to her mother and a sad, knowing smile tugs at her lips even as she looks to Rudy. He offers her a purple flower and she grins, nodding at his statement and, says, “It gives us a reason to come back here, to see my flower. But, it feels wrong to claim it as only mine. How about, it is our family’s flower and anyone can come and visit it, if they wish.” Fern does not want to lay claim to something that can be enjoyed by all who pass by.

His added statement about coming here with him is met with a soft laugh and she reaches up to lightly kiss his cheek before saying, “Of course, my love. But, be warned. We will be visiting it. A lot.” Blue eyes sparkle with joy as the couple continues on.


"Fern Carpathius"