I slowed to a stop, my breath coming in quick gasps. I reached behind me and unhooked my bow from my shoulder. I glanced around again, making sure I was alone, to make sure no one was tailing me or trespassing this place. As the guardian of Canus Forest, it was my duty to preserve and protect this place.
A rustle.
I whirled around, narrowing my eyes.
I relaxed as a large white tigress stalked around a trunk, greeting me with a deep rumbling purr. Friendly blue eyes met mine, and I let out a sheepish laugh.
"I'm sorry, Lux, I didn't realize it was you following me." I rubbed the back of my neck self-consciously. Just then, Lux snapped her head up and let out a terrifying roar, arching her back; I was slammed into the ground just as a coal-black wolf leaped overhead. Lux scrambled off of me and I groaned as I pushed myself into a sitting position. I whipped my head around and glared at the young man on the large wolf, smirking as his eyes met mine.
"I thought knights were supposed to be chivalrous and gentlemanly," I grumbled.
He grinned, and jumped off his wolf lightly. He strolled towards me and offered his hand to me. Playful amber eyes shone at me though his dark russet locks. Reluctantly, I took his hand and let him pull me up, I ran a hand through my tangled, blue-black hair and dusted off my tunic. Surprised, the knight stared at me before chuckling and stepping back. He fixed his smooth armor into place, and mimicked me.
"I thought guardians were supposed to be haters of society, especially of the knights in shining armor," He sang in a high-pitched voice.
Sighing, I rolled my eyes. "Aeru, you know I'm not like other guardians. For one, I can actually put up with the Royal Guard."
"D'awwww, so you love me? That's cute," Aeru grinned. His wolf made chuffing sounds, almost as if laughing.
I blushed at the assumption and whirled around, turning my back to him."Th-that's not true! Shut up, Umbra!"
The wolf immediately began laughing harder, rolling on the ground like a puppy. Lux looked on at this with barely concealed disdain and disapproval, before cuffing his ear roughly.
"Woah, call off your cat, Salix," Aeru held up his hands in surrender as Umbra let out a yelp.
I sighed, and commanded Lux to stand by my side. "Sorry," I muttered.
Aeru smirked again and stepped forward, bringing his face inches away from mine. My cheeks flushed at the sudden change in distance. Aeru's features softened as he took in my flustered state.
"So you do like me," He cooed softly. Warmth, affection, and kindness glowed in his eyes.
I turned away from him yet again and crossed my arms in front of my chest."I do not," I growled stubbornly.
Aeru laughed and held me tight from behind. I could feel the cold metal of his armor through my leather-padded tunic. A bird cheeped sleepily in the trees, and owls hooted as they woke from their slumber. Shafts of silvery light, the ones this forest was named after, glistened down and turned the world around us to liquid sparks of purity. With the moon awakening, the stars appearing in the sky, and the cool night descending around us, I could almost feel myself relaxing in Aeru's arms; I could almost feel myself resting my head against his chest. I closed my eyes, wanting to break away, yet wanting this moment to last for eternity as well.
"Come on, admit it; you love me."
"...Shut up."
The End
Note: Some Latin words were used in this story.
Salix: Willow
Lux: Light
Umbra: Shadow
Canus: Silver (color)
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