Housewarming PV

A single leaf detached itself from the rugged branch it belonged to, the scarred wood stripped bare by the promise of the upcoming winter. Twirling, its fall was slowed, as though time had cupped the stray in its hand, accompanying its final moments until finally it hit the ground, inert body forever bound to the intricate cycle of the earth. More will bloom in its wake, until winter returns once more.

You're going to have to enter at some point, you know.

Addressing an annoying sigh at her own conscience, Elena torn her eyes away from the towering oak tree near the lake, and the pile of golden, cranberry and burnt orange leaves creating an odd halo around its decaying figure. It had seemed an excellent idea, for which she had quickly obtained the approval from her parents. With the assurance of safety provided by her trusted silver arrow, soon the tiny raven was gazing, marveled, at the eerie beauty of Marunweem Lake. The water shimmered under the dying sun, reflecting the ever changing colors of the sky slowly crumbling above their head, bursting open with hues of melting honey painting the once cristalline blue canva. And here she was, shifting weight from one feet to another, hesitating.

She was bound to step inside at a given moment, that she knew, but the iron claws of anxiety had once more pierced the tender skin of her stomach, and had now a firm grip over her bowels. Her thoughts could not even pinpoint a specific reason for such worry, only the certainty that passing through these gates demanded a certain effort, one she was unsure she could afford as of this minute. Whether it was her age, or how reduced the period of time she had known the white sea-bellied eagle for appeared compared to the long lasting relationships forged with the rest of the guests, something whispered in saccharine voices she would be the odd one out, a feeling she loathed above all.

After another minute spent blankly staring at the void, she decided she was ridiculous, and pivoted on her feet, taking long strides towards the entrance.

Upon pushing the creaking, rotten assortiments of vertical bars that once wore the appellation of gate, the blonde stepped foot into another world. Herbs climbing up to one's waist, ivy covering every visible surface — vegetation had taken over man, conclusion of a dispute started centuries ago. Slate blue tiles once carefully aligned on the rooftop scattered across the property ; cracks running across dirtied chessboard floors ; windows smashed in half by time ; even the air carried this distinct smell of something abandoned, yet to be discovered. She loved it. Nose high up in the air, she took a few steps in, mouth open in an amazed smile, slowly pivoting on herself to make sure to catch a proper glimpse of every tiny detail. Decaying houses were every bit as beautiful, if not more, than pristine and imposing estates. Frozen in time, testaments of a story that once was, only waiting to be discovered, and cared for once more. It was no surprise one such as he had taken an immediate liking in this piece of history, presenting simultaneously a challenge and something to repair, to tend to. Something to make his.

Fully absorbed in her contemplation, she had failed to notice two characters already lingering next to an already charged table. One, sat, looked like a flower blooming in morning light. Features distinctively korean, she carried a regal assurance that sparked visions of pearl necklaces and silken gloves, lingering fragrance of roses and a smile as sharp as the edge of a dagger. The other, considerably older, somehow perfectly balanced an uncanny aura with a sunlit behaviour — a puzzle, as though the crimson glimmer she thought she noticed in his eyes was outshined by a smile brighter than our sun.

Turning to their host, her trail of thought was interrupted by his odd attire. It took a few seconds for her to link the impressive alignement of potions he carried, and the seemingly untouched house standing behind him. "One ought to warn upon dragging innocents into a war," she remarked, eyes narrowing into a playful expression. Had she known a combat was programmed, she might have dressed differently, and brought concoctions instead of baked goods. "It looks- made for you," she added after a quick reflection on how to formulate her thought — there was no better definition, this house was quite literally what she would have pictured upon being asked about his dream home.

Suddenly remembering she was carrying two boxes filled with freshly baked muffins and two large serves of coffee, she made her wait to the table, laying down everything. "Hi," she smiled to the two other guests, though one could hear a hint of nervousness returning underneath the light tone. A mechanic introduction, though a heartfelt one. While the elder man gifted their host with- a report?, she took a seat near the elegant woman, eyes landing on the heels strapped to her feet. "Aren't those going to hu- she started, worried, before mentally punching herself in the stomach and interrupting herself — who in their right mind make such comment before at the last introducing themselves??. "Elena. I mean, my name is Elena, nice to meet you."

Perhaps she should have kept staring at the tree.