Heart of a rogue

Chapter 26 -

Lucille stepped from her poarch, her mind still echoing with Leo's words. The early morning sun cast gentle rays through the trees, creating dappled patterns on the forest floor. Leo had offered to guide her in exploring the natural anomalies that might lead her to the spirits of truth he had spoken about. She felt a mixture of anticipation and nervousness as she followed him deeper into the woods.

Leo moved with a confident grace, his eyes scanning the surroundings with practiced ease. He even touched the trees he passed, seeming to feel them. It was a strange sight to see him so in tune. He ad always been very aware of his surroundings, he always knew where to go as if he always was guided. I thought he was just a good tracker, a good hunter, but he was already very in tune with nature. He gestured to her to follow, leading her toward a grove of ancient trees. The forest seemed to come alive with each step, the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls creating a serene backdrop.

"Look here," Leo said, pointing to a circle of mushrooms that had appeared on the forest floor. The mushrooms were a vibrant, otherworldly shade of blue, and they formed a perfect ring. "This is a common sign of fae activity. The Little Folk sometimes create these circles as markers or for gatherings. It's a sign that the area is infused with spiritual energy."

Lucille crouched beside the circle, observing the delicate mushrooms with fascination. "I've seen these before! How do I connect with the energy here?"

Leo's gaze softened, and he nodded encouragingly. "The best way to connect is through meditation. It helps you to tune into the natural energy around you. Find a spot where you feel comfortable, and allow yourself to become part of the environment."

He led her a little further into the grove, where a large, gnarled tree stood with its roots sprawling out like ancient fingers into the ground. Leo motioned for her to sit against the base of the tree. The ground was soft with moss and fallen leaves, creating a comfortable seat.

"Sit here and make yourself comfortable," he instructed, his voice gentle. "Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Let the energy of the tree flow into you. Feel the connection between you and the earth, they have been here for a long time and they know more than we ever will."

Lucille settled against the tree, feeling the cool, damp moss beneath her. She closed her eyes, taking deep, measured breaths. The initial moments were filled with the usual distractions of her thoughts, but she tried to let them drift away as she focused on the sensations around her.

Leo knelt behind her, his presence a comforting anchor. He placed his hands gently on her shoulders, his touch warm and reassuring. "I'll help you ground yourself," he said softly. "Feel my energy merging with yours. Let it guide you."

The contact of his hands on her shoulders was unexpectedly soothing. Lucille could feel the warmth of his touch seeping into her, and her body responded instinctively to the closeness as she leaned into him. She felt a blush creep up her cheeks, a mix of warmth and embarrassment at the intimate contact. It had been a long time since she had felt such a comforting presence from him, and the sensation was both reassuring and distracting.

Leo's voice was a low murmur in her ear as he guided her. "Focus on the rhythm of your breathing. Imagine yourself as part of the tree, with roots reaching deep into the earth. Feel the stability and strength of the tree. Let it anchor you."

Lucille tried to follow his instructions, her mind beginning to calm as she visualized herself connected to the tree and the earth below. The warmth from Leo's hands seemed to enhance her connection, making it easier to let go of her tension and focus on the natural energies around her.

The forest seemed to grow quieter, the sounds of the outside world fading away as she sunk deeper into the meditation. She could feel the gentle pulse of the tree's energy, and it was as if she was merging with the very essence of the forest. The sense of grounding and stability was profound.