Page 21 of The Nephilim's Touch
“I assume this is the wood nymph?” Van asks, jaw clenched. His tail snaps behind him as it whooshes from side to side so fast it’s a blur.
Nef chuckles. “Oh, I’ve seen that look before. Don’t be jealous, we’re just friends and willstayonly friends. I’m not one for romance. Ever.” They shiver and stick their tongue out. “I’m Nef, they/them.”
Van introduces himself. “Sorry for… the growling.”
Nef lifts a shoulder. “Used to it. But I’m not about to steal your man. Unless it’s for a night of music making. Literal music making, not a euphemism for sex. Ew.” Nef shivers again and shakes out their hands.
Van’s eyes go wide. “I cannotimagine a life without sex.”
“I getthata lot, too.” Nef laughs and more leaves shake from their hair.
“Wait.” Van turns to me. “You—” he waves his hand between me and Nef. “Play music together?”
“Gabe has the voice of an angel.” Nef’s lips twitch and I let out a fake exasperated sigh.
“That’s so cliche,” I say as I pinch the bridge of my nose and shake my head in jest.
“You still love me.” Nef blows me a kiss and I catch it as they climb back on stage.
“Of course.”
Which causes Van to bristle beside me. I nudge him with my shoulder and hold out my hand as I take my seat. He looks at it, then me, then takes my offering and settles beside me. His tail wraps around my waist, pulling me closer. I don’t mind one bit.
I lean in. “I also play cello, and Nef is kind enough to let me keep Henrietta with them since she’d take up a lot of space in my apartment.”
“You named your cello?—”
“Dear friends, new and old,” Nef starts with a twinkle in their eye. “I welcome you to my beloved arena. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy the treat I have for you tonight.” Saplings rise up behind them and I suck in a gasp as I applaud with the rest of the audience. Usually Nef utilizes the magic light balls, but to add another element to their show will truly bring everything to life.
Nef’s long skirt sways as the wind picks up. I’m not sure if it’s their influence or not. Nef’s eyes close and I breathe in the fresh outdoors as I do the same.
Van leans in. “Question. Why’d we have to wait until dark?”
“Nef’s a tree until the sun goes down. The moment the sun doesn’t touch them, they wake up.”
“Ah, okay.” He settles back and scoots just a smidgen closer while Nef starts a beat knocking on their chest.
The sound is hollow and haunting with the rustling of the saplings behind them. The magic lights sway above the stage, illuminating everything. Nef opens their mouth to let out a deep rumbling of song. It’s like the earth bubbles up from them.Sometimes there aren’t any words to Nef’s music and you have to listen for the story within the sounds. Within the thumps of the bark. Within the sway of Nef’s body. I want to close my eyes again, but if I do, I’ll miss half the show.
Roots push through the ground of the stage as Nef raises their arms and limbs to the sky. I swear thunder rumbles around us, but I’m sure it’s part of the show. The magic balls flicker, mimicking lightning and the saplings howl.
This is one of Nef’s best shows since I’ve started coming and I wiggle in my seat with the biggest grin. I can’t take my eyes off the stage as the musical storm makes way for a gentle, soft spring day. Flowers pop up from the ground of the stage, bringing gasps from the audience as Nef’s voice changes into something light and airy, still wordless, but happier nonetheless.
I don’t know how long the show continues for, but we follow through the four seasons until everything appears to shrivel up and die for winter. The sounds and visuals fade until no one can see Nef on stage anymore and a single flower rises from the dirt.
I bounce to my feet, dragging Van with me since we’re still attached by his tail, but I’m not worried because we’re both clapping and hooting so loud Nef starts laughing in the background. I shove my fingers in my mouth and whistle.
“That was amazing!” I shout. It’s like the entire show was catered to me and kept my brain engaged. Sometimes I get distracted during a performance, but not tonight. Tonight was breathtaking.
“Nef… wow,” Van starts.
“I know!” I keep clapping even as the crowd starts to disperse. When the magic light balls brighten, I spring from my seat and hop on the stage to give Nef a hug. “That was your best show yet!”
Nef swings me around and around until we’re both dizzy. Van watches us from the seats. I can’t read his expression, but it doesn’t seem like jealousy this time.
“Join us, Van!” I plop to the ground and wave my arms and legs in the dirt of the stage as if I’m making a snow angel. It helps pack the dirt back in, though I know Nef will do what needs to be done to make the stage properly useable for next time.
Tenativley Van climbs onto the stage. He’s been so sure of himself that his hesitation makes me pause.
