Ethereal

Alph

Oliver ran out of the room and out of the manor. He ran across the vast yard of flowers and trees. The flowers all were in full bloom today. 'They looked beautiful, but not as beautiful as her.' Oliver smiled to himself , thinking of Astrid.

"Oliver? Where are you going?" asked a curious young voice.

Oliver looked around, searching for the source of the sound. "Who said that?" He continued looking around until he saw a small child laying in the flowers. The child had short dark hair and a petite face. The child wore a pair of brown shorts and a shirt which seemed to be fashioned of a bunch of types of grass and leaves woven together by an expert hand.

"Alph? What are you doing here? Also, what are you wearing?" he said, leaning down and poking the small child's head. The child smiled and laughed.

"I'm just laying in the flowers, and if I want to make my own clothes, that's my choice. What's with Astrid? She came out of the manor running like a madwoman."

"Oh, we were running to the Springs.."

"Oh, I see.. but wasn't she mad at you when you first went into there? I mean, she has only been staying a week and I thought it was already going bad between you. Like, really bad."

Oliver sighed and sat beside Alph. Everything that Alph said was true. Astrid had come to stay a week with the promised family (as was customary of old traditions), and in a week's time, Oliver shall have to go to visit her family for a week. "Hey, Alph. I have a question for you."

"Hey Oliver, I might have an answer" replied the child, flashing a Cheshire cat grin.

"Well, you have known Astrid longer than me. I mean, mother used to take you over to her house when I was too busy with training.. What.. What should I do?  I mean, to make her happy. I want to see her smile and happy, but I feel like i will never be able to do it myself."

"Oliver. First, don't doubt yourself. Women hate lack of confidence." said the young boy, pulling himself off the ground. "Next, you have to be tough! Act strong and manly!! he said, hitting Oliver's arm. "Come on, let me see those muscles!"

Oliver laughed and pulled up his arm and began to flex it.

"Wow Oliver. It is like a limp stem of a dandelion."

"Gee, thanks." he said, putting his arm back at his side.

"Well, if you want to impress her and make her happy, ask her about herself. Learn about her. Do things she would be interested in. Most importantly, above all else, make sure to listen. Chicks dig that." he said as he nudged his brother with his arm.

Oliver laughed and stood up and brushed off his long pants. "Thank you, brother."

"No problem. Just come back when you need more lady advice. We both know you'll need "

"Oliver!" cried a voice coming from in front of him. The owner of the voice began running toward him and he instantly recognized them as Astrid.

"Astrid! I am so sorry, I was caught up talking to Alph."

"No, Oliver, you don't understand, I can't believe it."

"I know, I know.. I'm awful. I am trying though, I swear."

"Oliver! Listen to me!" she shouted as she grabbed his arms. "T-the Springs.. T-they're.. T-they're.." she broke down sobbing. Oliver caught her and held her in his arms.

"Astrid, please calm down and explain to me what happened."

"They saw me."

"They? The Sirens? Astrid, that's completely fine, they like you and-"