Page 41 of Journey to the Elderoak
They continued back and forth, talking about Mosshaven,its people and the things Ava loved about it. When she was excited about something, this look of wonder came over her. Her eyes brightened and she gestured with her hands while explaining her passions. He found himself captivated as she gushed about the beauty of their kingdom and couldn’t tear his eyes away for the entire meal.
16
“Where are we going now?” Ava asked as she walked next to Casimir.
They had spent a couple hours talking and eating while they drank their tea. She adored the teahouse and was taken aback by his excitement as he explained each tea while she tasted them.
And now, he claimed he had something else to show her, and she couldn’t control her excitement and curiosity.
“You’re impatient,” he said. “We’re almost there and you’ll see.”
They walked through the main road, turning onto a smaller cobblestone street winding through dozens of houses built among the trees. While some homes were at ground level, others were high among the boughs with stairs wrapping around the tree trunks leading to the front door. Lush flower gardens lined the houses on the ground and the citizens waved merrily as the two of them passed by. Children chased each other through the streets, laughing as they played their games while black and white spotted rabbits with silver eyes hopped along the road, pausing to munch on the bright green grass.
“This is beautiful,” she said. “What is it?”
“It’s one of the districts where citizens live. We’ll be at our destination soon.”
They continued through the neighborhood before stopping in front of a fenced-in piece of property with a sign that readThe Leaping Frog.
Casimir opened the wooden gate and led Ava inside. They walked through a tunnel of yellow-leaved trees with purple blooms before the property opened, revealing a variety of enclosures, fenced in sections and large cages. It reminded her of a medieval-looking zoo.
“What is this place?” she whispered.
“It’s a healing facility for animals,” he answered.
She turned toward him, unable to stop the giant smile on her face and met his eyes. “Are you serious? Like a wildlife rehab? This is amazing!” She clapped her hands together. “Can I pet them? Can I feed them? Oh my gosh?—”
Casimir grasped her hands and laughed. “Slow down. Let’s go find the owner and he’ll let you feed any animal you want.”
He let go and they walked down the gravel path to a small hut built inside a giant old tree providing shade for part of the property.
“Durim!” Casimir called out.
The door opened and a short gnome with a brown beard and pointy green hat emerged and smiled as he greeted them. “Hullo, hullo! Are you here for your monthly visit, general?”
Casimir returned his smile. “It’s good to see you. Actually, I brought the princess to show her around.”
Durim turned to Ava and shook her hand as he bowed. “Your Highness! I’m honored to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you too.”
“Well,” Durim said to Casimir. “You know where everything is. Why don’t you give her the tour yourself?”
“Alright.”
“I have some work to do. But please, do let me know if you need anything,” Durim said before wandering off.
Ava turned to Casimir. “Monthly visit?”
He rubbed the back of his neck, a subtle blush on his face. “I come once a month to volunteer.”
The general volunteered at an animal rescue? All the fae in Monterre cared for animals, but she was amazed at the gruff general taking special interest in this.
“That’s incredible. Okay, give me the tour. I want to seeeverything.”
“Follow me.”
He led her to a nearby enclosure and opened the gate. Shrubs, fallen logs and bright green grass filled the area with a small stream trickling through the space.
