Page 40 of Enchanting the Elf
Adelbert pauses a moment as he thinks and runs a hand along his sharp jaw.
“If I recall correctly, there is a book of fairy tales in my grandmother’s study about the different types of elves. We do not differentiate between our kind today, so I would have to read up on it again. Though, to answer your question, it is said that we could commune with nature once upon a time. It is believed that we were the protectors of the forest.”
“Why do you think elves don’t have the ability anymore?” I ask, saddened that they have lost such a unique ability I’d give anything to have.
“I believe our magic has lessened over time for an unknown reason.” Adelbert pauses for a moment and narrows his eyes as a thought seemingly occurs to him. “It could even be similar to our bond. If the magic isn’t encouraged and nurtured, then perhaps it could lead to diminishing in strength.”
My lips turn down at the corners.
“That’s so sad. Do you wish you still had that much magic?” I know I would give my front tooth to become friends with nature.
“I cannot see a benefit to it in my daily life, but I would not mind expanding my abilities.”
Adelbert is such a pragmatist. If he would allow it, I would love to force him out into nature to just sit and take in the beauty around him. He’s missing out on so much by being stuck in his study all day.
“Wouldn’t it be so cool if you could talk to trees, though?” I ask him, hoping it’s just this angle of questioning he needs to think about the possibilities of being able to communicate with the plants around his house. “Some of the trees in the forest must be hundreds of years old. I can’t even imagine what they’ve seen or heard over the course of their lives.”
Adelbert’s top lip curls back and he looks at me with confusion.
“I cannot imagine what one would like to say to trees.”
“What about what they would want to say to you?”
Eyebrows raised, Adelbert just blinks at me and nods.
“Hm. Interesting observation,” he says with something akin to approval in his eyes. “I have to get back to work now. You’re free to move about the house. Wherever you want. I apologize if I have not stated that more clearly earlier.”
“Thank you. I wasn’t sure if I could, so it’s good to know.” I beam at him.
Adelbert stares at me for a moment longer than usual, then gives his head a small shake.
“I will see you at dinner. I am making schnitzel tonight.”
“Sounds delicious. I’ll stay here a bit longer to study the painting. I might recreate it with thread. There’s something about the way the branches twist that fascinates me.”
“Horns?”
“Horn branches.” I wink at Adelbert and I swear that there’s a smile threatening to tug his lips up.
I turn back to gaze at the painting and give Adelbert a moment to process his emotions. He remains next to me for a few more seconds before quietly returning to his study.
I’m not sure if I imagined it, but it felt like Adelbert’s eyes were studying me instead of the painting.
Chapter nineteen
Adelbert
After I meet Florence in front of the painting of my ancestor, led there by that insufferable cat who is always in her presence, I return to my study.
Florence raised some very interesting observations earlier. My research and what occurred to me about our bond could give me a final connection that ties everything together. If my assumptions are correct, it could mean that the future of elves and our magic will be directly affected.
Sitting down at my desk, I try to jot down some of my thoughts, only to be stopped when my phone vibrates with an incoming call.
I inhale deeply and twist my neck until the joints pop.
“Vater,” I answer and silently brace myself for whatever is coming.
“Adelbert, have you reinforced your wards lately?” my father asks. I internally pat myself on the shoulder for the forethought of strengthening the wards when Florence arrived, and reinforcing them daily. For my own peace of mind, I need to keep her safe from everyone, especially Nithard Alberad.
