Rosenrot oh Rosenrot...

Chapter 04

It was her stunning brown eyes and dark brown hair that caught my attention. Of the six of us, she looked directly at me, smiling. I smiled back, but couldn't take my eyes off of her even as she looked away. "Father Lindemann, hold back those thoughts." Flake nudged my elbow and gave me a look saying 'I know your intentions.' I looked down quickly. As we approached the village, an old woman came to us and smiled, extending her hands to us.

"You must be from the church! I am Nycolej! I am the leader of this small village." We looked at her in shock and awe. A woman leader? It was unheard of! No wonder this village needed saving. "Please, do not be shocked. It is quite common around here."

"It is?" Father Christoph spoke.

"Quite." She nodded and smiled. "Allow me to introduce you to my daughter. Idolem!" The girl I had shared eye contact with ran up to greet us.

"Hello, Fathers!"

"Pastor, but please, call me Flake." Our skinny acquaintance smiled as he stepped forward, offering his hand, which the women shook happily.

"I am Father Lindemann."

"And I am Father Rik-hard."

"I am Father Christoph, and this is Father Oliver."

"I'm Father Paul." The short humble man smiled. "We've traveled a great distance, as I feel I should tell you. Would you be so kind as to give us water?"

"Of course!" Nylecoj smiled. "Idolem, please fetch them something to drink." The girl nodded. I couldn't help but watch as she walked away. Was I in love?

"Watch yourself." Father Richard gave me a stern look. "If you are to look, look with your heart, not with your eyes. It is less obvious that way." He then smiled as he walked away. Was I really being that obvious? A loud fuss drew my attention to a secluded area of the village. A man and a woman were yelling at each other, and the man went to strike her, but I rushed over and stopped him.

"Please, brother. Do not harm this fair maiden."

"She disrespected me!"

"Or perhaps you disrespected her." I looked him in the eye, then glanced at her. "Are you alright?" She nodded and quickly left, quietly thanking me. "Please tell me what had happened. God would not approve."

"She told me my son is not good enough for her daughter. I told her love is love, but she refused to listen."

"God loves us all equally my friend." I patted his shoulder and smiled. "He will show her eventually that they are meant to be."

"Do you believe that?" He looked at me hopefully and I smiled.

"I do." I then saw Idolem out of the corner of my eye and smiled. She was so beautiful...