The Willow Maid

Chap. 1

"A young man walked through the forest

With his quiver and hunting bow

He heard a young girl singing

And followed the sound below

There he found the maiden

Who lives in the willow"

The summer sun shone down mercilessly upon a young man who threaded carefully through the trees, boot claded feet not making a sound. The birds chirped as the trees swayed with the slightest breeze causing the male to pause, bright red eyes surveying the area.

Trees. Proud and ancient. The young man hummed softly putting the hand that wasnt holding his bow upon the tree he had stopped by as he closed his eyes and let himself feel.

The air was different in these woods, light yet heavy in a way he has only ever felt around the dragons his King has. The light that filtered through the branches and leaves brighter while the trees themselves felt as if they have been untouched by human influence. Opening his eyes the male sighed as he ran a hand through his red hair before continuing on his way. Quiver full and bow ready.

The young male moved through the forest, feet not making a sound as he searched for signs of prey and frowning when he could not really find any.

"I thought for sure there would be some deer or rabbits around. Maybe some squirrels." The male grumbled quietly, stopping to crane his head up to squint at the sun. Sighing he began to make his way back when a noise caught his attention, causing him to pause.

The male held still with bated breath, bright red eyes wide as he strained to hear the sound once more.

His heart jumped in joy when the soft notes reached his ears, a grin froming easily on his lips as his eyes shined. The male could now hear the song for what it was, the beautiful voice ensnaring him the more he listened. The young man swiftly started making his way in the direction he had heard the soft sung song come from determination to meet the person who had sung so beautifully fueling his long strides.

It was not long before the tree line broke into a small clearing, a willow with branches and leaves that brushed the ground stood proudly in the middle of the clearing the sound of a stream nearby, red toadstools surronding where the branches touched the grass.

Stepping further into the clearing he looked around for the person who had been singing not long before.

"Hello?" He called into the silence, eyes flitting everywhich way, taking in and observing his surroundings. "It's ok. I hadn't meant to startle you. I just wanted to say that you sing beautifully."

Now further in the clearing the red head could see how bright it was, almost as if magic floated in the air itself. Taking another look around the silent clearing the male sighed slouching slightly in disappointment and beginning to turn around when a quiet voice called out to him.

"Thank you..."

Swiftly turning around to the sound the red eyed boy gasped at the sight before him.

There peeking out from behind the willow branches was the face of a male who stared at the redhead. Fingers clutching at the branches of the willow as he shifted slightly exposing more of himself. The young hunter sucked in a breath as he stared at the other male.