eternal souls (closed)

'I do, lovemaking is exertion and my body requires to eat in order to be active. I do not need meat, but it is good and filling.' He paused, was there a good way to approach the eating of plants, given what this dryad was!

'I can get sustenance from fruit, berries, plants. We can even turn them into other foods, like bread'
 
Phoebe offered her new friend a reassuring smile. "Are you fit for walking? I know many good trees for fruits. I even know where the wild vines grow, fat with grapes, but they are distant in the wood. I could go and bring somethings back for you. I cannot hunt, but I could summon game animals for you."

She caressed his cheek with gentle familiarity. She enjoyed this man, enjoyed the lessons he had offered her. She was pleased to offer him something in return.
 
'Fruit would be wonderful' he smiled. Her touch was affectionate, he felt different than he had when playing with the girls if the village. Sex then had been a means to an end. But with this dryad there was something more. He realised her manners were a reflection of innocence, a desire for experience and knowledge. It felt so much more satisfying to him to help her and learn himself.

He stood, reaching for his robe and spear. 'food is good but I also need shelter and water. I should go to my house and get some provisions. Fresh clothes, tools, a blanket. I would then enjoy spending time in your home'
 
She nodded with understanding, part of her wanted to follow him to see his home, but she was too shy of the human village yet, so she agreed to stay there and wait for him to return.
 
He ran, fast as he could. It took a few minutes to find his bearings but from then he was able to get home. Once there he grabbed clothing, a blanket, wine and a water skin. As he left he turned, not sure if he would ever return.

As he got back to where they had parted he slowed, letting his breathing calm. As he stepped out into the clear area he wondered if it had been a dream, he could see nobody there. He walked to the place they had made love, seeing the flattened ground he knew it must have happened. He stood scanning the tree line
 
Phoebe emerged from the forest her arms laden with figs, apples, olives and grapes. She could not manage all of them easily, and she left a trail of ripe fruit behind her as she came. She smiled when she saw the human returned to join her, and she wished to wave her welcome, but her arms were too full. She looked around for a place to unburden herself of her load.
 
He smiled and approached 'looks good' he smiled and lay a cloth out for her to fill with the fruits. He took an apple and bit into it, the crunch satisfyingly loud. 'I thank you , its really good' he smiled

'so what brings you to me? It seems strange, a creature like you being interested in man'
 
Phoebe hesitated before answering his question, mostly because she didn't know why she had shown herself to him. "I was curious. I've never seen a man up close before, and I wondered about you. We aren't supposed to speak to humans. They tell us you have become dangerous, that you hate the forest, but you seemed... good."
 
He looked sad 'I fear it's true, the village is growing and the people demand more food and fuel to burn. My own animals were penned for safety but allowed to roam in the day. We are not robust creatures and need shelter and warmth.' He looked in her eyes, Could we teach each other our ways?'
 
A puzzled look passed over Phoebe's face at the man's question. "Trees have very simple ways... slow ways... quiet ways. I don't know how to show this, but I could show you the forest. It has many beauties, secret places that people do not go. I can take you, but it is good if you go lightly. Take only the gifts of the forrest that you require for living, and offer always something in return."
 
He nodded, dropping his spear. 'I put my trust in you' he checked his pack emptying the things that tied him to the village. Keeping only a spare robe for warmth if he should require it
 
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