Page 22 of A Winter Admire
“Like in your notebook? Yes. I would like to see that.”
Sinoe pointed out the plants as they continued walking, the awkward moment thankfully having passed. Edwin’s heartbeat returned to normal, and he could breathe properly once again.
“Do you know why the humans didn’t stay here in the valley?” Edwin asked.
“I’m not sure,” Sinoe said. “We sometimes get a lot of water pouring down through it in the warmer months. Perhaps that is not so good for growing food. Or maybe it can be problematic when you build houses.”
They approached a group of oreads sitting on the ground amongst the snow. Edwin couldn’t suppress the shiver that wracked his body at the sight of them.
“Are you cold?” Sinoe stopped short, looking Edwin up and down.
“No. I’m fine.”
“Are you sure?” Sinoe frowned. “I would not wish any harm to come to you. We could go back to the village. You’ll be warm in your cabin.”
“I promise, I’m fine.”
Sinoe stared at him for a few more seconds, as if assessing whether Edwin was telling the truth. Finally, he nodded.
The group of oreads had stopped speaking and watched their exchange.
“Edwin, these are my parents, Nireen and Pelan. And these are my cousins, Yael and Yurem.” Sinoe’s cousins were clearly twins. They wore elaborate crowns of twigs and leaves, contrasting with their hair, which was a mixture of white and pale grey. They lounged almost catlike.
“And this is Suroth, Yelan, and Lela.” Sinoe gestured to three older female oreads.
Edwin smiled as he was introduced, trying to remember all the names.
Sinoe gestured to Edwin. “And this is Edwin.”
Sinoe’s father and then mother spoke.
“They are pleased to meet you,” Sinoe said.
“Thank you. I’m pleased to meet them as well.” Edwin smiled at Sinoe’s parents as Sinoe translated.
“What do you think of the valley, Edwin?” One of the older oreads, Yelan, asked.
“It is beautiful.”
She nodded. Beside her, Lela and Suroth whispered together, gazes flicking back and forth between Sinoe and Edwin. Lela giggled, hiding her mouth behind her hand.
“You’re a pretty little human,” Yurem, one of the twins, said. He leaned towards Edwin, gaze slowly running up and down his body. “Wherever did Sinoe find you?”
“Ummm.” The tips of Edwin’s ears burned.
“Will we be seeing more of you, Edwin? I certainly hope we will.” Amusement twinkled in Yael’s eyes.
“Ah. Maybe.”
“Well, we are definitely looking forward to it,” Yurem said. “Aren’t we, brother?”
“Indeed,” Yael said.
Edwin’s face burned like it was on fire. Yurem said something to Sinoe in the oread tongue. Sinoe glared at his cousins.
“We should continue,” Sinoe said. He said something else to the oreads and placed a firm hand on Edwin’s elbow, guiding him away.
“Goodbye,” Edwin said.
