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Chapter 14
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Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 15
Five years earlier...Kendrick stood very still as he watched the male human just ahead in the trees. Dressed in simple attire and black leather boots, the human was kneeling at the base of a tree picking mushrooms. Kendrick had atypically gone to the southern most edge of forest territory and had picked up the human's scent. It was close to the border of his forest and the human territory. Long ago he had deemed the forest his territory and decided the humans would reside in the area beyond. He could and sometimes did cross that boundary but for the most part if humans stayed out of his forest he felt no need to invade theirs.This human didn't look like a poacher or a slayer due to the fact he didn't have any weapons on him typical of those professions. However, poacher, slayer, or not, Kendrick didn't tolerate human trespassers in his forest. With a careful step he inched closer, kneeling down in much the same position the man was in. Unaware, the man picked another mushroom and at
Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 16
A week later...Sig had worked hard all week to develop the potion and soak all the produce that Kendrick had requested. He had quite a menagerie of both fruits and vegetables per the giant's request. Sig was nervous. He'd never tried some of these things with the potion, so he wasn't sure how or if they'd work. He hoped they would because his life and the life of his wife were in play. However, if he was successful they wouldn't have to worry about anything threatening them forever.As he was gathering his seed pouches and packing them in a large burlap sack, his young wife Leida approached. Leida was a few years younger than her wizard husband and was a market baker by trade. She had a thick braid of dark hair that fell down the length of her spine. Her skin was the color of mahogany. Uniquely, she had blue eyes that exploded with color against her darker skin. Her build was full and curvy with ample breasts.Of course, Leida had been curious about her husband's activities. She knew
Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 17
Four months later...Sig's wife Leida was heading back from a long day in the market on the outer walls of Rumstead. It was a long wagon ride to and from their home in North Woods. But Leida had had a successful day in the market, selling nearly all of her confectioneries and pocketing a purse full of money. Typically she and her wizard husband would go to the market together but Sig had to remain at home to spend the day gathering the plants he needed to sell.Now bulging with pregnancy, it had become very difficult to stay on her feet for such a long time and she was definitely feeling exhausted. Sig was constantly scolding her for not slowing down and taking it easy. In fact he was trying to get her to stay home while he went to the market and sold his poultices and herbal remedies. But Leida was far too independent and stubborn to give up her trade. She was pregnant, not infirm.She traveled the roads alone, not seeing a soul as she neared the border of the North Woods. No one liv
Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 18
Twillow gave Kendrick an expression of surprise when he told her of the human wizard he had allowed to stay in his forest and whom had made this huge garden possible.Kendrick gestured to his garden broadly, "Fair trade wouldn't you say?""It's...amazing." Twillow stated, gazing around her."It's something I've always wanted." He mentioned as he moved toward one of the apple trees to pick the fruit.Twillow landed on the huge leaf of a squash plant which sank minutely under her weight, "There are lots of beautiful gardens in the Parliel Realm. Not like this one though. I like it. It's very surreal."Kendrick picked an apple and glanced over his shoulder briefly, "Well...you can come here whenever you wish.""I'd like that." She admitted.From behind the apple tree Kendrick retrieved a large basket that looked like it was weaved with paper thin slices of entire trees. He deposited the produce he'd collected into it. Then he knelt down next to the vegetables and began uprooting sapling
Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 19
Afternoon came and Kendrick was awoken by his hunger. He rose up, stretched, and padded over to his kitchen to figure out an afternoon meal. Twillow, meanwhile, was leaning back against the wall of the mantel near the new bookshelf, reading. She heard him get up and she watched as he moved past her shirtless, stirring the air. Her violet eyes peeked at him from over the pages of her book, not missing the gray muscular physique that sailed in front of her. An embarrassed blush lit her green cheeks when she looked a little too long. But he really didn't notice. He scratched the back of his head and turned to look at her. Her feet drew up a bit as she held the book."Oh. You um...found a good one?" he rumbled.+Twillow nodded.He returned the nod, actually sounding pleased, "Good...good. Would you like some lunch?"Again, she nodded, "That-that sounds nice."At her affirmation he began gathering ingredients from his shelves and set to work. Twillow watched him for a moment, moving such e
Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 20
In the weeks that followed, Twillow stayed with Kendrick in his mountain home. The first few days they seemed to be keeping their distance from one another. Kendrick would be gone most of the day checking out his territory or maintaining his garden. Twillow would pass the time however she could, reading, flying around, staying out in the garden, and other activities.They did share meals together albeit they sat at opposite sides of the table. But it was usually how they spent most of their time in each other's company. Kendrick always did the cooking as it was his home and he was the only force able to prepare the vast quantity of food needed to satiate his massive appetite. His meals were simple, but filling and always tasted good. One evening he had prepared a simple meal for them both."Um...Twillow? Your supper is ready." Kendrick announced in a gentle voice so as not to startle her.The winged fae perked her head up from a book she was reading in her bed. Sitting on the end of
Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 21
After a while, Twillow started to worry once it got dark and still her giant friend hadn't returned. She was almost ready to go out to look for him when she felt the first vibrations of his footsteps. A few weeks ago, she might've felt anxiety at his returning but now she felt relief that he was back.He was coming through the entryway when his silhouette paused. She could hear him smelling the air. Twillow flew up off the floor toward him, glowing like a firefly.+"Hello, Kendrick!" she greeted as he started to come in, "You're home...late." She noticed even in the dim light of the starlight flowers he was drenched, dripping like a huge, gray storm cloud, "Why are you all wet?""Oh, um...just took a bath in the lake and washed my clothes on the way home." He explained. He sniffed deeply again, "Something smells nice...you made yourself something?""Vegetable pot pie. I made some for you too." She couldn't hide the mild excitement in her voice as she flew back toward the fireplace whe
Beauty Behind The Shadow Chapter 22
The next morning... After breakfast, Kendrick and Twillow had left for the visit he had mentioned the night before. He hadn't told the fae where they were going or who they were going to see but he was bringing a basket filled with all kinds of produce. Flying just over Kendrick's head, Twillow followed him as he leisurely waded through the forest. After awhile though, Twillow began to slow from fatigue. It almost felt like the air was heavier here in the Lower Realm and she couldn't fly as long as she once could. Eventually Kendrick seemed to notice her falling behind and stopped. "Are you all right, Twillow?" "Just a bit tired. Can we rest?" she asked, wings seeming to stutter with fatigue. He thought a moment and contemplated something he'd never proposed to her. They'd lived together for almost three weeks and other than their first meetings he'd never touched her. But given that she'd made notable strides in trusting him he decided to offer.+ He gently patted his shoulder, "
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