THE ROMANTICIST | C. GRIMES

01 | CHAPTER TWO

Another day, another walk around the outside. This time, Mollie was accompanied by Ben, as he wasn't needed for patrol today. The pair walked side by side in silence, stopping every so often as Mollie picked up a new plant. They continued walking, a loud bird call making Ben jump while Mollie kept moving as if she hadn't heard it at all. Finally, they stopped as they reached a larger clearing next to the stream.

"See, this is what I was telling you about." Mollie stepped out into the clearing a few steps, stopping on the outside of the large fairy circle that filled the space. "I found this out here a few weeks ago, I couldn't believe it. It's so well preserved."

"What do you mean?" Ben shifted on his feet, glancing around for dead. When he didn't see any movement, he refocused his gaze on Mollie. Golden sun beamed down through the trees once again, illuminating the clearing in an almost otherworldly glow. Mollie slipped off her shoes before stepping into the center of the circle, the soft grass padding beneath her feet.

"So many circles, just like this one, have been destroyed because of the dead." She explained, slowly spinning in a circle as she observed each element of the circle itself. "They're made far out in the woods on purpose. Away from the hustle and bustle, where they're less likely to be discovered, to be ruined. But now, the dead walk where they please. And they care not where they step, they just...trample them." She sighed, looking back at Ben. "This is the first I've seen since leaving home."

"Really? I thought you said they were common." Ben wasn't exactly new to the whole witch thing, he'd known for about a year now. But still, it wasn't easy for him to completely wrap his head around.

"They're common where we are." She corrected. "They spring up from natural power in the area. You see a ring of mushrooms. I see a well of stored power." Another thing Ben couldn't wrap his head around, the way Mollie saw the world. However weird it was, and however much he didn't get it, he loved it all the same. "This one must've appeared due to me being here so frequently lately. And there's no room within the kingdom otherwise I'm sure many would have by now."

"One more question." He took a few steps into the clearing, stopping outside of the ring. "Why'd you want me here? I mean, I am just a human right? I can't do anything special with this, this well." She laughed at his words, shaking her head lightly.

"Oh, just trust me." She said. "Now, get rid of your gun and your armor and your shoes." She sighed seeing the look on his face. "Just do it."

"We're outside the walls, alone, and you think I should just totally let my guard down?" He asked incredulously. "No way, what if we get ambushed? We'll die!"

"You forget I have powers! We'll be totally safe." She insisted. "Besides, I'll be able to tell if any are coming way before it'd be a problem." She watched him for a few more moments. "Benjamin, come on! You promised you'd go along with this!" She whined.

"Okay, fine." He gave in, setting his gun on the ground. "But you better be right about this being safe. I can't let anything happen to you, the King would kill me."

"And you like me too much to let anything happen." She commented, to which he laughed as he shrugged off his armor.

"Yeah, maybe a little bit." After finally stepping out of his boots, Ben looked back at Mollie expectantly. "Now what?"

"C'mere." Mollie reached forward, grabbing his hands and pulling him into the circle. He stumbled inside, catching his balance just before he fell on her. "Now just relax. My mom always told me about this."

"About what?" He asked, an amused chuckle in his voice.

"Well, just...you'll see!" She insisted, her eyes once again aimed down. After a few moments, the ground beneath their feet warmed slightly, and the sunlight around them glowed a light brighter. "Ah, I knew it!" Golden warmth swirled and surrounded them on a honey scented breeze, Mollie looking back up at Ben with large, excited eyes.

"What is this?" Ben was always amazed whenever he saw any magic, who wouldn't be? But something told him this wasn't exactly her doing, as much as she knew it would happen.

"It told me everything I needed to know." One of her hands rested on his chest. An old ritual her mom had told her about, simple as simple could be. You and the person you're with both consume rosemary-they'd had rosemary chicken for dinner the night before-and step into an intact fairy circle. Should the love be true, golden light will surround you, and guide your hearts together. "Ben, I think I love you."