Page 18 of The Anointed's Paladin

He shrugged, smiling, and I flew towards his chest and wrapped my arms around his neck in a hug. His skin felt warm, and my heart filled with joy. I’d always wanted to hug someone, and now that I was doing it, it was the best feeling in the world.

“Thank you!” I said, peeling off and looking up at him. He looked surprised, so I backed off a bit. I thought big folk were used to affectionate touching, but I had zero frame of reference. Sprites didn’t touch each other like that.

“You’re very pretty,” I whispered, blushing. I tucked a loose curl back behind my ear.

“What a lovely compliment from a lovely little lady,” he said, going back to his handsome grin.

I giggled, the tension inside me breaking. He tucked the dagger back into its sheath. I came closer again, hovering by his head. “Can I touch your hair?”

He laughed and nodded, spreading his arms out.

I landed on his shoulder, sinking my hands into his soft curls. They were lovely.

“I’m Kaine,” he said. Right. We should probably know each others’ names.

“Oh. I’m Nidori. I’m here on a secret quest.”

“Whatarethe chances, my dear?” he said, showing me a golden brand on his palm.

I lifted my own brand, pressing it against his giant hand. “It’s perfect,” I said, grinning.

“Indeed. And you must be someone very special to be chosen by a deity.”

I practically glowed with pride. “Yes! They say I’m the most talented woodweaver they’ve seen in centuries,” I said, desperate to make sure he didn’t change his mind about marrying me.

“I think we’ll make a very effective team,” he said, beaming. It made him even more beautiful, which I didn’t think was possible.

“All right!” I replied, flying into the air and clapping my hands. “This is a great day,” I said. “I'm free, I'm on a quest, and now I haveyou.”

His eyebrow quivered, and he hesitated for a second before replying. “It’s a very great day, indeed. But here’s a tip, darling. If we meet anyone else, don't stop for pleasantries. Just stab them.”

11

Dinner

Kaine

The night wore on, and I found myself pleasantly surprised to find that Nidori was not a burden to travel with. I didn’t have to worry about feeding her, and she would be able to provide both of us with shelter. The only downside was that she would definitely not be helpful in a fight. But perhaps I could teach her to be a bit more fierce.

“I’m so relieved to find someone out here who I can count on. Especially one so brave, too.” Nidori did a little swoop in the air and giggled. I rubbed my forehead as I felt a spark of warmth in my chest. She was good. I thought I was a master of flattery, but it seemed I could learn a thing or two from her. She almost seemed to mean it.

“Hey, watch this!” She said, approaching a giant tree. Its roots clung to the slope we were approaching, winding down and she shrieked as she used them as a slide. She ended up thrown to the side and landing in a giggling heap.

“Not a great way down.” I observed, a small smile on my face.

“Pfft. Like you could do better.” She called back up.Excuse me?

I glanced at the roots. They weren’t too high and the stope wasn’t very steep. I felt comfortable around trees, especially around the lowerbranches. High enough to be safely out the way but low enough that I could handle a fall. Before I could think twice, I vaulted onto the smooth roots and launched myself down them. My face split into a wide grin as the wind whipped past my head and it took everything in my power to not get thrown off like she had. The end raised into the air, and I landed on both my feet on the ground, my heart racing and a grin on my face.

“Ha!” I said triumphantly and she clapped her hands together as she came towards me again.

“Youhaveto teach me how to do that.”

When had been the last time I’d smiled like that? What on earth was Nidori doing to me?

I glanced at her again, barely stopping a frown. Was she casting her own enchantment spell? Enchantments were usually subtle, making you feel someone was more likeable and attractive. Not that Nidori needed much help in that department. She was tiny, with glittering eyes and a dress that was short enough to show a lovely view of her slender legs, particularly as she took to flying above me. She was much too small to do anything with, but no harm in appreciating a beautiful lady, even one that only came up to my shin. In fact, it was quite nice to be with someone I didn’t have to worry about seducing. It was still possible she was enchanting me though.

We carried on our way. She was humming to herself, fluttering back and forth in front of me. Every once in a while, she would flutter to the ground and pause, then announce we were heading the right way. She headed down now, resting her tiny hand on a root. She turned and gave me a small smile, which turned into a yawn.

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