Inheritance

Chapter 19: Docile

Pollyanna let the waif and Eory walk ahead so she could keep a better eye on the pair. They talked and laughed together about silly things as Pollyanna continued to try and think up a plan that would allow her to get Eory away from his caretaker. She could think of none that didn't involve disobeying an order and therefore resulting in her death.

She was brought out of her thoughts, however, by a giggle from Kori and saw the waif nod in response to a question Eory asked. The young man then knelt by a pile of snow on the side of the road and dug his hands in with a smile.

Pollyanna forgot just how new to the world he was and was somewhat charmed by his sweetness and innocence as he looked up at the snow falling from the sky with immense, unblinking intrigue.

I wish I could be that amused by a snowflake... Pollyanna thought to herself. She walked a little faster and then knelt by Eory's side.

The young man avoided her gaze and looked a little flustered.

"You like snow?" Pollyanna asked.

Eory nodded silently.

Pollyanna leaned her hand on her cheek thoughtfully. I've never met an Arrozan like him before... They don't have an appreciation for nature or the simple things in life.

"You can eat it, you know." Pollyanna suggested and demonstrated--scooping up a pile in her gloved palms and chomping it.

Eory grinned and followed her example.

His pupils dilated with delight and he chuckled. "It's so cold!"

Pollyanna noticed a speck of it still lingered on his cheek. Her eyes scrunched up in a smile as she thumbed it away with a gloved finger.

Eory stared at her in a daze for a moment before looking away in embarrassment.

She didn't know why, but she could feel her ancient and closed-off heart beating faster. In a moment, her heartbeat returned to normal and she found herself looking over the fairy curiously.

She snatched the long, golden braid which hung down to his lower back and said, "you know, male fairies don't typically wear their hair like this. This is more of a style for females."

Eory gave her a shy, sidelong glance and said quietly, "truly? I didn't know."

Pollyanna sighed at his quiet manner and wanted him to be more outgoing, but at the same time, she didn't. There was something mesmerizing about his withdrawn manner in comparison to his rather boisterous ancestors that captivated her.

"Don't tell me the waif makes you wear it like this to make you more docile like a woman? I think you'd look rather dashing with short hair. You should ask her to cut it." Pollyanna suggested and then rose to her feet.

She glanced over at the waif who was looking at Pollyanna and Eory with worried eyes.

He rose to his feet quickly and asked hastily, "would you like it if..."

Eory stopped himself when he realized how loud he had said it.

Pollyanna waited for him to continue with confusion on her face.

"Would you like it if I cut it?" Eory said with his voice barely above a whisper.

Pollyanna touched his cheek lightly as she walked past him, "you look handsome either way. You should make your own decision."

Eory watched her go and touched his cheek where her hand had lingered.