Green Garden (Amor #1)

Moonlit

I've got to get out of here. Thor felt the energy of the party weigh down on him. He scanned the room looking for the quickest exit. The door was his focus. He escaped the human labyrinth and quickly ventured into the foyer and out the door. He closed the door behind him, resting his back against its hard oak surface. The party noise was muffled behind the door. His senses quickly began to meld into the night as he relaxed. His eyes adjusted to the dim, surveying the serene moonlit grounds. The brisk air received him, gifting him the natural aroma of spring. He took a deep breath and sighed in appreciation as he walked towards the pond.

His father, Lord Siegmund had thrown a fundraising gala for Nature conservation. Many of the wealthy and noble had attended. Socialites and business people now inhabited the rooms of his home. He had seen them, carelessly write checks in the pursuit to outbid their frenemies or obtain a shallow image of graciousness. Some just came to have an excuse to drink. There was a dot of a minority who actually cared for the state of the earth. He didn't hate it but dressing up and being in a large crowd never seemed ideal. The variety of miscellaneous sounds and bright lights would give him a headache if he was submerged in it too long.

A thought appeared in Thor's mind, slowing down his steps as he looked upon the manicured lawn. He looked to see if anyone was around. The grounds were empty He chuckled to himself as he bent down to unlace his dress boots and strip off his dark cotton socks. His bare soles made contact with the cool damp earth. He released a satisfied exhale as his stress escaped slowly from him and into the land. Reaching down, he picked up his shoes with his left hand. As he stepped toward the lake in view, he loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top shirt button with his free hand.

As Thor came upon the lake's edge. he scanned the shimmering surface. He stretched his left foot over the water, tempting himself into dipping it in.

"That looks refreshing."

The voice caused a startle in him. He whipped his head as he scouted the owner of the voice. He saw a woman to his left dressed in a flowing cerulean ombré dress. Her left hand was pressed to her lips, concealing her guilt laced amusement as her other hand was outstretched as if to offer invisible support.

"Sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to surprise you." Thor heard her American accent and wondering what brought her here.

Thor nervously chuckled. "No...I just thought I was alone."

"Sorry," she repeated again. The woman looked at the huge edifice behind them.

"Parties aren't my thing. I thought I'd take a walk break."

Thor smiled as he curiously studied the guest. "What brought you here then?"

"I'm a plus one. My friend was invited and knows how much I love stately homes. It's a beautiful place. Figured why not come," she shrugged.

Thor observed the woman as she spoke. She's beautiful. The night's shadows created a mystique that only entranced him more. Her dark satiny skin seemed to glow in the moonlight. Her brunette hair was in long ringlets that floated in the gentle breeze. He noticed her toned body that wasn't draped in clothing. She was shorter but met his face by a few inches. Probably five foot ten or eleven. He took into account that she was wearing heels.

The woman noticed Thor staring and chuckled nervously. "I'm sorry. I never introduced myself," She placed her hand over her heart. "I'm Amara Gawoni."

She stepped forward with her hand outstretched. Thor walked up to meet her hand. "Thor Siegmund."

They shook hands. Amara glanced down and noticed his bare feet. Thor felt his cheeks and ears warm. "I, uh,...I felt the need to just..."

"You're earthing." Her tone betrayed surprised but she gave a smile of understanding.