Red Within The Forest

Chapter Two: A Witch's Anger

The two young ladies finally arrived at Asena's home; Lieve couldn't feel more relieved. Asena opened the door, "Hello? Father are you here?" she called out. A loud grunt was heard, the back door opened and there showed a man with dirty blonde hair. He was carrying a dead deer over his left shoulder. His hazel eyes glanced up, "Ah, Asena! How's your day been sweetheart?"

Asena smiled, "Just the usual, Father. Nothing interesting for these past few hours." She laughed lightheartedly. Her father joined in her laugh and looked over, "Oh, Lieve, I almost didn't see you there. How have you and your grandmother been?" Lieve breathed out a light smile, "We're doing just fine for the most part. We did get into a little argument this morning but it's nothing serious." She explained. Asena's father nodded his head, "Well if there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask us." He told her. Lieve nodded, "I'll keep that in mind." She replied. Her eyes slowly trailed up and down his body, taking in his figure. She could smell the cold sweat from this morning's hunt still stuck on his skin. The way his chest was calming down after heaving the carcass made a chill crawl up her spine.

Asena lifted the basket slightly, "I'll put this down row quick and we'll be out of your hair Father!" She told him and trailed away out of view. Lieve waited for a few seconds before a seductive smile played on her berry-painted lips. She strolled up to Asena's father. His eyes trained on her hips as she swayed towards him. Lieve started to stroke the dead deer's fur, "Speaking of keeping things in mind as well..." she trailed off. Her other hand trailed up his chest and behind his neck, "Have I by chance been on your mind lately...Piran?" She teased.

Piran straightened his back as his eyes glanced over to where his daughter disappeared too. He glanced down and clenched his jaw. He gently grabbed Lieve's hand and brought it close to her, "This needs to stop." He told her. Lieve frowned and tilted her head, "What?" She quietly asked. Piran sucked in a deep breath, "We cannot keep doing this. I...you are a beautiful young lady but...this is wrong." He told her. Lieve flared her nostrils as her eyes bore into his. She chuckled, "You say that, and yet..." she whispered and brought her lips close to his, "You still think of me." She taunted. Piran stepped back, "Enough." He sternly said. Lieve stood still, her eyes never leaving him. She tilted her head down, "It's true. And you know it. You can't go to sleep without me by your side. You need me." She stated.

Piran felt his body slowly becoming hot. His mind became fuzzy and the scent of Lieve filled his nostrils. Her oils mixing with her scent gave his body small goosebumps. For a split second, it seemed as though Lieve's eyes glowed green. No, it must have been his imagination. Right? He shook his head and took a deep breath. He slumped the carcass on top of the table and turned his face towards Lieve. Lieve raised an eyebrow, "Midnight at the fourth tree of the blueberry bush tonight. Don't keep me waiting." He told her. Lieve smiled at him, her eyes glowed lightly once more. She grazed her lips onto his, "Of course...just don't rush me." she ordered.

Lieve quickly stepped away from him and Asena came back, "Alright! I'm good to go, everything is ready for dinner tonight." She announced. Asena grinned at Lieve, "Ready?" She asked her. Lieve smiled, "Yes. Let's get going shall we?" She asked. Asena waved goodbye to her father and while Lieve walked away, towing behind Asena, she could feel Piran's eyes burning at her body. Lieve straightened her back as a smile of pride stretched her lips. Asena couldn't help but notice that Lieve had a slight bounce to her step during their stroll but she couldn't be happier now that her friend was in an amazing mood.

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 Laughter chimed against the sky of void. Many people were dancing around the bonfire; each young woman wore either a white peony flower crown to symbolize that she was available or a blush pink peony crown to show she was already taken. Asena and Lieve laughed as they watched some of the young men, each one trying to see who could chop the most wood. Lieve glanced through the corner of her eyes to see another young man coming up to Asena. The young man gave Asena a bright yellow calla lily flower to compliment her smile as he put it. Asena placed the flower in the basket she was given with all the other assortments of flowers from different young men. Lieve glanced down at her basket to see only seven flowers and one of them was from Asena.