The Forest Princess [✓]

An Accidental Compliment

I was lying on my back enjoying the sounds of nature while Jessica braided Saria's silky, blonde hair. I was watching the beginning of it, but lost interest a few minutes later. Suddenly, we all hear a growl. We turn our heads to see a grey wolf. Jessica screams but Saria covered her mouth. Jessica's. Not her own.

"Oh! It's just you, Laya. You scared me." Saria said.

"All of us," I added, "Especially Jess here."
Jessica looked as if she was going to cry, but Saria calmed her down and introduced her to Laya.
Finally, there is some piece and quiet, though I giggle to myself as I remember Saria's half-braided hair. She actually doesn't look that bad. After Jess had calmed down, she resumed to braid Saria's hair.

"Hey, Saria," she starts, "Can you control all the animals in the forest or just a few of them?"

"It's not necessarily... control. I just form a special bond with them." The princess answers plainly, patting Laya's head.

"Oh! So it's like--" Jessica started saying. I don't remember the rest of what she said, since I started daydreaming. I do know for sure, though, that it was a good thirty minute conversation. I was busy thinking of the surroundings. The trees, the bushes, the rivers and animals. I clutch my chest. For some reason, it reminds me of my mother.

"Amanda? Amanda, are you okay?" I turn to see Saria extremely close to my face, causing me to blush.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Why?"

"You're crying."
I touch my face, feeling the tears on my face.
"Sorry," I apologise, "I was thinking about my mother."
This caused everyone to frown, and even caused Laya's ears to flatten against her head.

"Anyway," I start, changing the subject, "I see your hair is done. It looks beautiful. You look beautiful."
I hadn't really realised what I said until it really processed. I notice Saria is a blushing mess. I stand up backing away.
"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry. Oh god. I should- I should go!" I say, before running away. I hear Saria and Jessica calling after me, which I ignore. The noise I'm focusing on is the sound of four paws hitting the ground.

Laya's chasing me.