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 while Pollyanna racked her mind for a potential solution in separating them. She could think of none that didn't involve disobeying a potential order, therefore resulting in her death.

Pollyanna was brought out of her thoughts by a high-pitched giggle from Kori, seeing the waif nod in response to something Eory asked. The young man handed Gershom to Kori, and then knelt by a pile of snow, digging 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. Impulsively, she sped up her pace and came to kneel by Eory’s side. 

The young man avoided her gaze, looking 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 swallowing it.

Eory grinned, following her example.

Kori watched silently from a fair distance, on-edge the entire time.

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.

They locked eyes, both enthralled for a moment. After that moment, Eory looked away in embarrassment.

She didn’t know why, but she could feel her ancient, closed-off heart beating faster.She waited for her heartbeat to return 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manner, wanting him to be more outgoing, but at the same time, she didn’t. There was something mesmerizing about his withdrawn manner that captivated her in comparison to his rather boisterous ancestors.

“Don’t tell me the waif makes you wear it like this to make it prettier like a woman’s? I think you’d look rather dashing with short hair. You should ask her to cut it.” Pollyanna suggested, rising to her feet.

She glanced over at the waif who was speechlessly looking at Eory and Pollyanna with a furrowed forehead. Without a word, Pollyanna began to take her leave, taking a step forward on the path, but was stayed by Eory asking hastily, “Would you like if…”

Eory stopped himself , realizing how loud he had said it.

Pollyanna waited for him to continue, eyes wide in confusion.

“Would you like it if I cut it?” Eory said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Pollyanna gave him a genuine smile, returning to his side and placing a hand on his cheek, “You look handsome either way. You should make your own decision.”

Eory watched her go, touching a hand to his cheek where hers had been.