[ P ] I Still See Your Bright Eyes

C

lover invited him to show the way before he could join her from her high perch, her snout touching his flank, nearly causing him to jump with surprise. After all, affection and closeness were hardly the traits of a soldier, not something he was accustomed to, when most physical contact came in the form of fighting spars.


For a second, the youth hesitated, uncertain that he should be the one to lead the way, given that he was still not entirely sure that he would be able to see a wisp. But then again, if he did not try, then what was the use? Why would the wisps want to show themselves to someone who did not necessarily know of their existence, beyond stories? ”Alright,” he answered, in part to convince himself and his confidence that it was the right choice.


Hurriedly, the boy darted off in the direction of the glimpse of light, fiery eyes set with determination. He wanted to see a wisp. He also wanted Clover to see that he could, yes, was capable of seeing that wisp, that he had an open mind – and an open heart. He called over his shoulder: ”This way!” Red-orange eyes narrowed to get a better look in the darkness. Then, another flicker of light, barely discernible, but Cian was certain that he saw it. His pace quickened until he reached a clearing in the forest, bathed in the light of the rising moon. ”Did you – did you see it?”



@Clover

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

S

he noted the hesitation, but she nodded encouragingly, watching him expectantly with bright pink eyes as she waited for him to take the lead. "You can do et! I believe in ya, Cian!" It wasn't long before the young man found his courage and scampered off ahead of her.

She giggled and chased after him with hops, skips, and jumps as she joyfully paraded after her best friend. 'This way!' He called and she perked up, looking about excitedly as he led her to a moonlit clearing. Clover beamed nearly as brightly as the light form above as she peered up at the sky. "Wooow! Lady Luna looks so lovely this evenin'!"

Refocusing on the atmosphere, she turned herself around in a circle a few times as she viewed the darker tree trunks surrounding them. She whipped herself around, just barely getting a glimpse of a flash just as Cian called it out. "Ooo! I think so! Where'd it go?" She asked as she trotted up to his side, sticking as close to him as he'd allow.

@Cian

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

T

here was something magical about that moment, about that moonlit clearing, with Clover standing by his side. It felt more dream than reality, the sort of dream someone does not know they have longed for until the day it comes true. He wished that this sensation would not hurry away. It was too good, and it was real. His heart fluttered within his chest -- he could feel Clover's closeness. Before he could stop himself, he began, "Y-you know, Clover, I -- I am glad that we, um, that we are here, even if we never see--"


Tiny points of light, two of them, suddenly appeared in the meadow. They swirled in miniature circles around each other, much like two butterflies in the spring, but much faster, and moving as fluidly as a creek. They made no sound at all, which surprised Cian, as they were so beautiful, he half expected them to hum or otherwise make music as they swirled about. Then, as quickly as they had appeared, the wisps were gone again. Cian’s mouth hung open still in silent awe, flame-hued orbs still staring in the direction of the wisp’s dance. It took several seconds before he found his voice again, and all he could say, simply, was, ”Wow.”



@Clover

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

S

he was starting to square up with a definitely suspicious shrub that seemed like it might at any moment light up with bright orbs. Hearing her name she turned back to Cian. She shuffled closer to him and peered up at him with moonlight twinkling in her eyes.

She could feel the pure happiness that radiated from his aura as he expressed it. Clover's smile grew wide and she nodded in agreement before piping up cheerily, "Me too! This is fun!" He continued though and she listened until something seemed to catch his eye and he'd stopped speaking altogether.

Clover whipped her head around to follow his gaze and her mouth fell open slowly as she witnessed the dance of two wisps in the meadow ahead of them. She glanced over at her best friend and by the look on his face, he was surely seeing them too. He finally exhaled a single word in awe and she too filled her own sigh with words. "They're beautiful...look Cian, they're dancing just for you!" She whispered, her tail wagging excitedly as she continued to observe the performance, leaning her head on Cian's shoulder gently.

@Cian

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck