An expanse of flowers reach out across the fields and a familiar scent lifts across the air - The scent of nectar mixing with a cold breeze. Although it's still a bit chilly out, I couldn't help but notice a warm sensation spread across my chest.

An idea pops into my head... Grinning, I tap Crescia's shoulder quickly before running off, "You're it!"

Looking back, I realize he's standing in the same spot… I guess he doesn't understand. Walking back dejectedly, I explain the rules of tag to him.

...Huh?

Apparently, he's still confused. What is it supposed to be? Why do people run away from it?? Maybe it just wants to make friends??? Please stop asking me questions that I can't answer, Crescia...

Deciding this was more trouble than it was worth, we hop around instead. Pollen and petals kick up as we spring around aimlessly. I don't think either of us know what we're even playing, but it's still fun.

"Aeriea, it's time for lunch!" Mommy peeks through an open windowsill. "W-What-!?"

Er, if you keep leaning forward, you're going to fall straight out mommy.

"What happened!? How did all these flowers-" Oh, she finally notices me and Crescia holding hands and spinning around in a ring.

She disappears with a swoosh, and the sound of frantic footsteps crackle inside the household.

"O-Oh, I think I should leave Aeriea."

"Huh? Why? Don't go Crescia, I'll introduce you to my mommy. She's nice I promise, so please stay!"

He looks troubled, "Sorry... The wise ones are always telling us we shouldn't talk to strangers, especially Children of Man and Children of The Dark."

That's surprising, "Why'd you speak with me then?"

"Oh... Well, you seemed..."

"Right, warm and cold or something?"

"Haha..." His ears and nose become a bit pink, is he embarrassed? But I wonder what he means. Getting a bit lost in thought, I look back but Crescia is already halfway towards the forest.

"Wha-!"

"I promise I'll come back soon!" He sings out cheerfully, a warm smile on his face as he bounds away like a deer.

*

"I've arrived to a pouting little blossom." Mommy says in confusion when she arrives.

"You scared my friend away."

"Who was your friend?"

"His name is Crescia, he wasn't going to lead me astray or trick me if that's what you were thinking. He made all these flowers bloom!" My mood rising steadily as I remember it. "And and uhm, he's part of a nomadic tribe that brings spring to people!"

"Oh my, how lovely. It sounds like Crescia is part of the Folletto." She swoops me up, "I'm sorry I scared him off, dear. That wasn't my intention at all. The next time you see Crescia, please let him know he's welcome in our home."

Her bright smile is contagious and I smile right back, "Okay!" I know she was just worried, I shouldn't have been mad. "Sorry for being mad mommy." I hug her tightly and snuggle into her chest.

Warm and softtttttt.

She shows a dazzling smile and holds my hand, walking to the entrance where daddy is waiting. "You spoil our little blossom too much, Eve." Daddy chides mommy and sternly reprimands me. "You shouldn't talk to strangers, Aeya."

I grumble as he pokes me on the forehead. Mommy and I explain to daddy about Crescia as we walk towards the dining hall for lunch.

*

The next day, I wait in anticipation underneath the flowers. There's so many, my entire body can be fully hidden! I thought up a game we could play when Crescia gets here. It's a variation of hide-and-seek where we hide in the flowers and we have a few guesses to try to find the other person.

I'll also ask him where he's staying and if I can visit and what sort of food he eats since he's similar to a deer and I wonder if he lives like one too and and...

A couple hours go by, before mommy calls me in for lunch.

He didn't come...

Disappointment lingers in my chest even as I sip my favorite black tea with exactly one teaspoon of milk and sugar. Oh, what if he's in trouble. He did say the wise ones told him to not talk to strangers and Children of Man...

Mommy and daddy look full of worry, since I'm sulking about.

*

The next day, I lie in wait like a predator awaiting its prey underneath the flowers. I've decided to scare him when he arrives as punishment for not coming to play yesterday. But I'll make sure he's not in trouble with his family and and- He's here!

I wait for him to get a little closer before jumping up with my hands shaped as claws. "AHHHHRRRR!"

Crescia looks at me with wide, droopy eyes.

...Before laughing so much, tears fall from his face. "Why do you like being a bear Aeriea?"

Uuu, I failed again.

He innocently smiles, "Being a bear doesn't suit you at all."

His pure attack is too strong...!

Uuuu, I'll forgive him just this once...