Page 17 of A Winter Admire
It was the first time Edwin had ever given voice to the full reason he’d returned. He’d given a basic explanation to everyone back in the village, but embarrassment that he hadn’t thrived like his family had caused him to hold his tongue. It felt freeing to finally be able to talk about it properly.
“My parents and sister kept saying I didn’t put in enough of an effort to get to know people. And that was true. But I hated it there. The smell of dirty bodies, human waste, and factory smoke.” Edwin wrinkled his nose. “I missed the fresh, clean mountain air. And the never-ending noise was terrible! Even in the middle of the night, there were carriages and drunken people yelling in the streets. I missed the peace and quiet.”
Edwin gazed up at the treetops. “And I just missed the mountains.” Now that Edwin was talking, he couldn’t seem to stop. “I missed them so much, like a constant ache.” Edwin took a breath, letting the cold, clean air fill his lungs. “I think my family were glad when I told them I wanted to return. They thought I was too boring for their new city lives. I could tell I had become a burden to them.”
Hesitantly, he looked at Sinoe, uncertain how he would respond to Edwin’s rambling confession that he was too dull for the city and his family.
But Sinoe’s eyes were kind. “I’ve never been to a human city. Nymphs don’t handle cities well. But even if I did, I don’t think I’d like them. I like these mountains. Nothing soothes my soul like being amongst the trees.”
“I feel the same way.”
“I like to watch the trees change with the seasons,” Sinoe said, elegant limbs moving gracefully as he walked on the snow with ease. “I like the smells of the river and the trees. I like to watch the animals running around during the mating season and then see the babies emerging from their nests or burrows in the spring. These mountains are my home, and being here fills me with energy and joy.”
Sinoe paused, eyes meeting Edwin’s. “I think your family were right,” Sinoe said. “You don’t belong in some city. Of course you should have returned. You belong to these mountains. This is your home.”
Edwin smiled, nerves fluttering in his stomach.
“And I, for one, am glad you returned and that I had the opportunity to meet you properly,” Sinoe said. “And I don’t think you’re boring or dull. Not at all.”
“Thank you.” For the first time in his life, Edwin felt seen by someone and not found lacking.
They followed the path until they reached a small, flat lookout where the trees cleared, overlooking a narrow valley. A single eagle hovered over the pine trees that filled the valley, sharp eyes no doubt searching for a rabbit, mouse, or some other small creature to catch in its claws.
“Have you ever been to Rorrin’s Peaks?” Sinoe asked, pointing to the other side of the valley, towards several large peaks covered in ice and snow.
Edwin shook his head. “No.” He couldn’t conceive how he could possibly get there. “You’ve been?”
Sinoe nodded.
“And you’ve climbed to the top?”
“The views are incredible.”
“I can imagine. Pity I’ll never get there. I couldn’t climb that.” And it was a pity; Edwin would love to stand on those peaks, seeing out as far as he could.
Sinoe took a breath. “I could take you?”
Edwin startled. “Really?”
“It isn’t an easy climb for a human.” Sinoe continued staring straight ahead, not meeting Edwin’s gaze. “In winter, it would be practically impossible. But in summer, we could go. There will still be some snow on the highest peaks, but I believe we could do it.” He paused. “If you wanted, that is.”
“I want,” Edwin blurted. Sinoe turned towards him. Edwin cleared his throat. “I would like that a lot.”
For a second, they stared at each other, the connection between them tentative. It was on the tip of Edwin’s tongue to ask if Sinoe was his admirer. He felt in his gut that it had to be him.
But the memory of how he’d been mistaken once before burned in the back of his mind. So he swallowed the words and instead focused on how lucky he was to be here with Sinoe at this very moment. And to finally have found someone he could talk to. A friend.
ChapterFourteen
“You’re a healer?” Edwin asked.
He and Sinoe had taken to meeting by the river and walking every day. It had never been explicitly agreed upon, but the next day when Edwin had turned up, Sinoe had stood by the river, waiting for him, a serene smile gracing his dark-grey lips. He’d suggested they walk again.
Edwin only sometimes bothered to collect samples, scrawl in his notebook, or do any botanist work. How could he focus on any of that when Sinoe wanted to spend time with him?
And still, each morning, the Solstice gift lay on his doorstep. In the past week since the first had arrived, he’d tried to watch for his admirer from his window at night, face pressed against the glass, peering out into the darkness. But he never saw a glimpse of them, just snow, darkness, and the lights from the other cabins. He wondered if he’d keep receiving them until the Solstice next week.
Several times now, he’d felt almost sure that Sinoe must be his admirer. They’d been spending so much time together, and Sinoe genuinely seemed to like him. But Sinoe had never even hinted at the gifts. So Edwin kept his mouth closed. Especially when considering Sinoe was the only friend he had in the mountains. He didn’t want to ruin that.
