The Willow Maid

Chapter 2

     The young man walked through the forest a second time, retracing his steps back to the beautiful willow tree that cloaked the girl. But this time, he had left his hunting bow and quiver behind, this time carrying only a small yellow flower from the palace gardens he had picked.

    He wore a coat of green and boots of leather as he strode onward through the thick, towering trees. Birds sang in the branches above, but he no longer cared for their song. 

    The young man paused as he listened for the trickling of the stream, and he smiled when he heard the bubbling faintly through the trees, carried on the whispers of a warm wind. He continued onward, tracking the sound with the same intensity and determination he had previously used to hunt deer.

     His thoughts were occupied with the girl he had so quickly become obsessed with. Her red hair so fiery it matched that of the sun. Her eyes such a shocking green that no emerald even at its purest could compare. Her beauty was incomparable at worst, and at best was undescribable. Her fair face, gentle hands, everything about her was so young and so serene. She was perfect.

    Soon, his trudging steps were satisfied as he found himself beside the blossoming willow. He grinned in satisfaction, pushing through the slumping branches to gaze upon the willow maiden.

     The girl was humming softly, her fairy friends swaying around her head as their voices matched her tune. They quieted as the man entered, looking up at him. The fairies looked unhappy, but the girl was just as calm as always.

      "Here," the man offered her the yellow flower, and she blinked in surprise. She gently removed it from his hand, bringing it close to her face to smell it. The pleasant aroma made a faint smile cross her lips, and she glanced up at the man, who was completely taken with her beauty.

    She gave him a nod of thanks, tucking the flower behind her ear. She seemed truly touched by his giving of the pretty yellow bloom, and gave him a shy smile.

     Struck once more by her perfection, the man crouched in front of her, "Girl, you've completely captured my heart. May I be the one to take your hand and be your groom?"

      The girl stared up at him, her emerald eyes startled. Then she sighed softly, "I will wed you never. I'm sorry, but not near nor far nor soon."

     "Why?" the young man demanded, his heart pounding with longing.

      She slowly shook her head from side to side, her voice rising up in a gentle melody as she sang with the accompaniment of the three fairies:

      "See me now, a ray of light in the moondance.

       See me now, I cannot leave this place.

       Hear me now, a strain of song in the forest.

       Don't ask me, to follow where you lead."