The sun streamed down, trickling through the tall trees of the woods as she rode through the forest on her steed, Chandra soaring high above her.

They were off into a forest just outside of Vesuvia, taking a much-needed break from her duties as Countess.

The ride was quiet and peaceful, with only the sound of the babbling brook, that is until she heard the snap of a branch off the path.

Chandra let out a hoot and swooped down to meet Nadia on the branch of a nearby tree. Nadia came to a halt, cautious of the sound and who it was that was also this far into the woods.

With a cautious apprehension and her hand on her blade, Nadia dismounted her steed and pushed through the brush, hand outstretched.

Passing through, Nadia stepped into a quaint clearing surrounding a section of the brook and the littlest of waterfalls pouring crystalline water into the small pond beneath.

The clearing was speckled with wildflowers and such diverse plant life that radiated calm and serene energy.

However, the sound of the branch snapping originated from the creature who knelt next to the pond.

It was a centaur, half-horse, half-human. And they were breathtaking.

The sound of the rustling brush that Nadia had parted had alerted the centaur to her presence. Spooked, they leapt up and began to canter away.

"Wait! Please, don't go!" Nadia called out, hoping to stop them.

Upon hearing her voice, calm yet stately, the centaur looked over their shoulder as they slowed to a stop and turned around.

"I mean you no harm," Nadia reassured, hands open in the air in front of her as she slowly stepped further into the clearing.

With slight apprehension and curiosity, the centaur also stepped forward, meeting Nadia in the middle, near the edge of the pond.

"I do so apologize for frightening you," she began. "I meant you no harm, I was only curious as to what I had heard."

The centaur nodded, understanding her curiosity.

"I am Nadia, Countess of Vesuvia," she continued.

"I am MC," the centaur stated.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, MC," Nadia said with an outstretched hand.

MC too extended their hand.

"May I sit?" Nadia asked, gesturing to a rock near the pond.

"Of course. The forest belongs to all." MC stated as they knelt back in their place by the flowing waters.

The two sat in the sunlight, making conversation. Nadia told MC of Vesuvia and of all of its wonders. MC in turn told stories of the forest and all of its magics.

In the exchange of stories, MC found themselves ever curious about this Vesuvia, but knew they could not leave the forest, for most folk are not fond of what is different from them.

"You should come back with me," Nadia offered.

"I cannot," MC replied, looking towards the green grass beneath them.

"You would be safe with me. I wouldn't let anyone say a word against you," Nadia insisted.

"I'm afraid people are not so easily swayed to accept that which is different," MC said with a sigh.

Seeing the discomfort on their face, Nadia dropped the subject and moved on to brighter topics.

The two chatted long into the afternoon and into the evening as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden light on the pair.

They bid one another farewell and Nadia returned to the palace of Vesuvia, the centaur MC not once leaving her mind.

"My lady," said Portia as she came to draw the curtains in Nadia's quarters.

"If I may, there seems something that's weighing on your mind. Are you alright?"

Nadia sighed and nodded. She confided in Portia, telling her all about her trip into the woods, the clearing, the beautiful MC, and how she wished they could return to Vesuvia together.

Portia nodded and listened to the countess, her friend. She offered her council and her support and bayed Nadia a good night.

In the following days, Nadia returned many times to the forest, each time meeting MC under the sun by the pond. They chatted, rode out together, explored the forest and took in the fresh air.

One afternoon, chatting yet again by the side of the pond, Nadia stood to take her leave and MC stood with her.

"Nadia, wait," They said, as she mounted her horse.

"What is it, MC?" she asked.

"I want to come back with you," they said, cheeks reddening as they pawed at the floor with their hoof.

"Darling, I thought you'd never ask," She said with a smile.

The two cantered back through the forest and into Vesuvia.

As soon as they reached the palace, Nadia called out to Portia, who happened to be outside.

"Portia, please ready some tea and confections, we have a most esteemed guest,"

Nodding, Portia took off.

When Nadia had finished giving MC a tour of her city-state, MC felt relieved, noticing how no one treated them any differently, nor gave them any stares or comments. With Nadia, MC felt safe and well looked after.

Tea was prepared outdoors, in the gardens that afternoon. Warm and sweet, with a hint of wild fruits.

"Nadia," MC said sipping their tea. "Thank you. For everything. For talking to me that day, for visiting me ever since, for convincing me to come back and for treating me no differently than anyone else. You have a lovely city here, and you yourself, are even more lovely,"

"My dearest," Nadia said, placing her hand on MC's. "You are most welcome. I am honoured you find comfort here with me. You are free to stay as long as you'd like, and to always return when your heart desires,"

Often since, the couple found themselves revisiting the clearing, exploring the nearby woods or sitting down for tea in the palace, always together, never apart.

~*~*~*~*~*~*

I have returned with the last short chapter in the Mythical Creature series. I just want to say thank you for the continued support, even though I haven't been active all that much.

Thanks again guys,

fandoms <3