Chapter 6 Coming Up Roses

Breathing a sigh of relief, I realize that that should be the end of the pleasantries and birthday greetings. I can finally go look for Crescia.

I ask my mommy if I can go out to the garden for a rest. She pets my head and gently whispers, "Go on. You did well tonight, little blossom."

Hehe! My face breaks into a wide smile. Mmn, feels good to have your hard work appreciated. I place both arms on my hips in elation. Oh, my parents look like they're enjoying my reaction. I run off before daddy can nag at me though.

Excuse me, pardon me. I cut through the crowd, all smiles.

Spring is in full bloom right now, so mounds of flowers have woken up. I scan my eyes through the petals in search of a pair of familiar antlers.

Ah, there he is!

I tap on his antlers lightly, but Crescia doesn't move. Peering through the gardenias, I see he's fast asleep. Haha, he looks exactly like a resting doe. Crawling in, I seat myself beside him and look at the rising moon. I peer beside me. His face is so serene... The moonlight reflects off a nearby pond and swirls of light dance off his face. It looks like his freckles are playing ring-around-the-rosy.

"Today has been a great day, Crescia. I would even go so far as to say my birthday has been a huge success!" I breathe out through my nose in triumph.

"Mmm~ Happy birthday Aeriea."

Oh, looks like he's awake. Crescia rubs the sleepiness from his eyes.

He holds up a barren branch to my face. "I heard Children of Man give each other presents on their birthdays."

"..."

Wow, I was surprised for a second there since that caught me off guard. I quickly begin laughing and nodding ecstatically though. Only Crescia would get me such a silly present. Even though it's just a stick, I'm genuinely happy. "Thank you Crescia."

"Ah no, your present isn't finished yet!"

Tilting my head, I wait for him to continue his explanation. He doesn't say anything else though, so I furrow my eyebrows in confusion and continue looking at the full moon. A while passes. We're just silently sitting beside one another, gazing at the night sky. But, somehow it's comfortable and warm.

The moonlight gradually gets brighter and brighter, its large magnanimity also seeming to wholly wish me a happy birthday. While thinking such thoughts, I hear a soft, airy voice engulf me. I look at Crescia, his eyes are shut as he faces the moon and sings. The branch's bark seems to flake off and a white interior is shown as if it's being painted with moonshine. It encircles itself, branching together naturally as if all trees grow at such a fleeting speed. Buds pop up and unfurl into translucent flowers. I feel my heart thump softly.

A trance comes over me as I wait until Crescia finishes singing. I can't help but notice his long, light brown eyelashes as they flutter open.

He places the crystalline crown on my head and smiles.

"Happy birthday, Aeriea."

Even in the night air, my face suddenly feels too warm. What is this gripping feeling in my chest?

"You already said that, Crescia."

"Hehe, I guess I did huh?" Tilting his head, I can't help but giggle too.

"Thank you."

“Ah, you already said that too!”

We look at each other for a moment before both breaking into laughter. I'm giggling so hard, my stomach cramps and tears begin gathering in my eyes. I wipe them away and begin eagerly telling him all about the wonders of today.