The Nymph and the Man

Chapter 1

I feel my mothers soft hand touch my shoulder ever so gently. She is a beautiful woman. Long, dark curls spiral to her waist, and her eyes resemble a cloudless sky. Without her, I would be nothing. I turn to face her.

"Mother," I say "things will become better without the burden of me."

"I don't see why you have to leave though. Isn't there any good maidens here?" she sighs.

"The woman here are beautiful and dignified but lack a heart to share our grieves. They would much rather live a life with only happiness, as would I, but at least I recognise that it is impossible." I say.

"I see. Then you best be on your way in the morning. Do visit?" she asks.

"Of course. I could never just leave you by yourself."

"Oh Joshua! I have the ladies and gardeners to speak to." she giggles.

I laugh along with her. I stand up and walk at a fast pace to my childhood home. It is a white mansion, very ornate, with exquisite gardens surrounding it. I kneel down to a small pond to admire a water lilly. A petal curls around my finger as if hugging me goodbye.

As far as I am concerned I have always had a gift. Plants seem to be called to me. My gift is the one thing that I have never told my mother. I was warned that by my father long ago that my mother hates magic and will go out of her way to make sure it stays out of the house. I have never seem my mother like that, but for now, I keep my gift hidden from her.

Once the lilly loosens its grip I continue walking. The flowers reach for my ankle but I carefully continue to walk. A sudden wave of anxiety floods over me the second I put my shoes on. I was born blind and the only way I can see is by touching the bare earth. So obviously, I am unable to see anything until I reach soil or sand or the earth once more.

A butler immediately tends to my side, guiding my every step. I hate not being able to see, if I had a choice I would live outside so I would always have my vision. I am a completely able to care for myself while I am outside.The butler locked his arm with mine and takes me up a flight of stairs to where my bedroom is.

My room is certainly different then most boys my age, which is eighteen. Instead of tile or carpet there is dirt that covers the floor along with flowers. Though my vision isn't as clear inside as it is outside, it is a lot better then nothing at all. Once I take off my shoes the butler is on his way.

I take a deep breath. The smell in my room isn't as comforting as nature. Instead of the smell of sweet fruit it smells near suffocating. All I can think is the poor plants life, not getting their proper nutrients.

I carefully walk to my closet, examining my closet carefully. I can only pack what will fit in a suitcase and a duffle bag. My first choices are my sweaters, and dress pants. Next, I put my good shoes and a tie in. Finally, I put an engagement ring. The engagement ring was my mothers, and she gave it to me once my father died. I hope if I find my love that she will accept the ring.

I place the duffel bag and suitcase and duffel bag next to my door,grab a sketch pad, and collapse onto my bed making sure my feet are still touching the ground.I draw a evergreen using shades of greens and  browns. I admire my work, silently critiquing the things I can improve in my next art session. Perhaps the branches should be a bit longer, or the tree itself taller.

I eventually let myself put the sketchpad down and toss the blanketed over my shoulders. I put my feet on a pillow so my eyes may close. I fall asleep thinking about the soothing sounds of a river.