Thorns & Roses

9.

Lillian wasn't understanding what was going on. Once a week, Edric would go to the forest, like in any other day, but he would come back empty-handed and, instead of being disappointed or even angry about that, he was... somehow joyful. It was hard to know, because he didn't show it, but when she looked into his eyes... There it was, a small fragment of happiness. Something was definitely off. She tried to unravel that intrinsic mystery, from talking to him so that, even indirectly, he would reveal something to stalking him every once in a while. But she wasn't able to find anything. A lot of reasons for that attitude crossed her mind, but was a single one, the only one she could not forget, that was upsetting her: the possibility of a rival in love, another woman that had stolen the heart that was meant to be hers. But this theory had a big flaw. She knew every female inhabitant of the village, every possible opponent against her quest. But she wouldn't give up so easily, so she gathered all her courage and asked him, one day after dinner:

- Who is she?

He didn't answer, but she could see a bit of panic on his face. Bullseye, Lillian! He then sighed and talked very calmly, like he was making the answer in the moment.

- I don't really know what you're talking about! But why do you ask?

- Sometimes, you act in an odd way - she replied, stopping washing the dishes and looking in his eyes. He remained silent - From time to time, you come back home without any game, yet you return happy. I can see it in your eyes!

- Why would I return happy, if I didn't go well?

- Exactly!

She returned to the task in hands and he left the house, trying to get some fresh air. It was a strange conversation, but he knew something very important now: he had to be careful with Lillian. He and Briar would have to find some way to get her off their tracks or, someday, the life Briar Rose fought to build and protect in those woods would disappear. On the other hand, Briar Rose was having an existential dilemma. She was beginning to be aware of a feeling she thought she could never feel again, something wonderful, warm and exciting but also addictive, poisonous and dangerous. She knew she was starting to repeat past mistakes. What to do? Follow the heart and take the risk of let it be crush again, but enjoy the brief happiness that comes with it? Or the mind and avoid the pain, but turning into someone she wasn't, someone cold and un-empathetic? Take the chance of living with company or force herself to live a life of solitude, again? Her boiling turmoil of thoughts were interrupted by Edric's arrival, accompanied by an expression of concern on his face.

- Rose, we need to talk about Lillian. She... - he said but was cut by the fairy.

- You don't need to worry about Lillian - her voice was soft but commanding.

- What? You don't even know what I was going to say.

- Yes, I do. But, like I said, you don't need to worry.

- But... You and all your secret world could be exposed and something bad could happen to you.

- I'm already exposed, Edric! - that conversation was starting to get on her nerves and she was getting really tired of it - Since you find me, I'm no longer totally safe. I'm risking myself every time you come here. But I can deal with it. There's no need to think about it.

- How can you not be concerned?

- Because... One, since you first came here, I already fortified the barrier, so no one could find this place anymore. Two, if, and it's a big, huge if... IF she, by some mysterious chance, pass through it, I'll just erase her memory and return her back to her family.