FOREVER KNIGHTS: #12 Primal Intent
Lost Beauty

This morning was warm. No wind to taint the heated air. It won’t last long.

Though there was not yet any hint of snow, the Fall days were already growing shorter. Deragan kept Nora in view as he strolled a distance behind her. Wearing a loose shirt and breeches tucked into his boots as he ensured nothing bothered her.

She’d walked the border of the land and now stood by the fence thoughtfully.

Today she wore a plain white muslin with white slippers. Her hair bound in a loose plait. She’d gone over much of the grounds and the borders of Rosewynn.

Avoiding the fairy ring though. Deragan noted. I don’t blame her for that.

He took advantage of her pause to step next to her. “Good morning.”

“Good morning.” She nodded toward him in welcome. The sun’s rays shining of the gold tones in her light blonde hair. “How are you this morn?”

“Enjoying the sunshine. Yourself?”

“The same. Care to join me?”

“I’d love nothing more.” He stepped as she did. “What are you assessing?”

Her gaze carefully inspected the lawns. “They still need a lot of work. Despite all you and my brothers have done.”

“Well, thank you for the thanks.” He gave a half smile.

She tilted her head with a warm smile. “I meant it as thanks.”

I know.

“It’ll be winter soon. Sure you want to keep pushing it now?”

“Yes.” She said decisively. “Better now than when all is wet from the melting snow. And-can I tell you something?” She faced him abruptly.

Anything.

“Please do.” He offered a half bow. Dark hair shining in the daylight.

“I really want to see what it looks like when tended well.” She said conspiratorially. “Besides,” she sighed. “Nicholas said the grass will be greener next year if we take care of it now.”

“He’s right.”

Rounding to the back of the house she gasped at the sight. Most everything was cleared off other than the dead vines over the fountain and the dead leaves strung atop those. But now the overgrowth was gone. The grass already well-tended and green despite that everything surrounding Meadowbrook had browned in preparation for the oncoming cold.

Meadowbrook can be bitterly cold in the Fall and Winter. Nearly the opposite of Dread Country which is like perpetual spring and summer.

“It’s been a strange Fall this year.” She remarked.

“It has.”

“Many storms but little wind and snow.”

He blanched slightly. The storms are my fault.

“Look here.” He gestured behind her as if just noticing himself.

Spinning she gasped.

The walls of the manor were covered in vines that’d appeared dead when they’d arrived. In-front they were unchanged but back here…there was pink, yellow and white blooms climbing the expanse of the wall. Up to the vaulted windows and stone arches.

Covering her mouth she stared at them. “They’re breathtaking!”

As are you. He thought. Lowering his head to hide that he took in her profile from the side of his gaze.

So nice to be next to her. And hearing her excitement made his heart swell with pride for the work he’d done.

Both physical and magical.

I’ll reveal it to her again. Like new.

“My heart fair skipped a beat at its beauty.” She breathed. Moving closer. Putting a palm to one vine she jerked her hand back and examined it.

“What’s wrong?” He stepped next to her.

“I forgot about the thorns.”

“There are none on these. Pick a rose whenever you wish.”

She stroked the vine and realized he was right. There was only tender leaves. The smooth wood of the vine and the velvety petals. “Why has no one mentioned this! I’d have thought they’d have come to get me to show me.”

They didn’t know.

As if on cue Marcus rounded the corner. “Nore you’re never up this-whoa.” Pausing he took a step back, eyes wide. “What the hell?”

She turned her wide gaze to him.

“That-that was not like that yesterday.” He pointed a wavering finger. “They were dead.” His gaze trailed them up the house. “Oh, William is going to-William!” He shouted vanishing around the back of the house.

“They hadn’t noticed either.” She said. Still stroking the vine in awe.

They couldn’t have. I worked on it last night. He smiled softly as he watched her joy.

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