Helia's P.O.V-

Finally, I have some time to myself. I grabbed my sketch pad and writing materials from my room. It was a nice day out here on Linphea, so I've decided to leave my house and head toward the forest, to practice my sketching. The forest near my home is the only place where I can clear my mind. Life here in Linphea is difficult. Our economy is terrible, everyone is miserable (well, at least not the rich and monarchs), and half of our planet is just a gigantic wasteland. It wasn't always like this though. King Alexander was once the ruler of our world. Back then, the planet was beautiful, fertile, and everyone was happy. But then came that horrible day when the king and his wife was announce dead. I don't know all the details about it, but I did know that since they didn't have any children, the throne was given to the king's brother, Leroy. That was the day when, Linphea changed for the worst. Years later his majesty's son, Vector, was crown the new king of Linphea. This guy was no better than his father. In fact, he is way worst. Well there is nothing I can do about it. At least I live in the eastern part of our Linphea. There are no signs of life in the western part. The people who live there have it worst than us. I guess I just have to accept my life and live to the fullest.

I finally made it to my favorite spot. Ancient cherry blossom trees surrounds me as I sat down next to a rock. A few birds flew down in front of me. I quickly started drawing them. Few hours later I continued sketching my surroundings. It was about 7:00 so I knew I had more time to stay out here. Suddenly, I heard footsteps. I left my materials behind to investigate. Heading forward I moved closer and closer to the noise. That was when I saw her.

I crouched behind a bush, but pushed away the leaves enough to get a good look at her. Right in front of me was the most amazing girl I have ever saw. Her skin was tan, she had long flowing caramel-colored hair, and she was wearing a cute strap-less pink dress with a green band around her waist. But the most memorizing feature about her were her emerald eyes.

She sat down next to a tree, reading a book. God, she looks perfect. I want to introduce myself, but I couldn't bring up the courage to do so. Can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I'm in love.

Flora's P.O.V-

Here I am, under a shady tree reading my favorite book, The Princess Bride. This book is truly extraordinary. I bet it's every girl's dream for their knight in shining armor (well in this case, their Mysterious Masked Knight) to whisk them away into the sunset on a graceful steed. But again, a girl can only dream.

No P.O.V-

Flora got up and gathered all her belongings. She was about to leave until she heard a crack.

"Who's there," she said turning around.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." Helia showed himself.

Flora's P.O.V-,

Just one look at him and I drop all my stuff. I have no clue who this guy was, but I found him dreamy. He was quite muscular, had fair skin, and short dark blue hair (short for now in this part of the story). He was wearing a light green poet's shirt and beige khakis. His midnight blue eyes were brilliant! It is as if I can see bright stars twinkling in them.

"Um, h-hi," was the only thing I can say.

"Hey," he said with a smile. "Well again, sorry for disturbing your reading."

"Oh no, its alright. I was just about to go." I went down to retrieve my things.

"Here, let me help you." He crouched down in front of me, helping me gather my papers. I was hoping he didn't get a chance to read them. Most of them are personal and it would be embarrassing if anybody read them.

Seeing him not laughing at me, I'm sure he didn't. He gave me my papers and we both came up.

"Thank you." I said shyly.

"No problem," he said."You know, I haven't seen you around these parts before. Are you new."

"Well...sort of," I said."I move around a lot, and I'm not expecting to stay here for long"

"Oh." he said that for some reason sounded sadden. "In that case, welcome to the neighborhood. What's your name?"

"It's Flora."

"Nice to meet you Flora, my name is Helia," he said giving a mocking bow. I giggled.

"It is a pleasure to meet you sir Helia," I said bowing.

Helia's P.O.V-

Wow. Flora seems really nice. I want to get to know her better, but she just said that she is not planning to stay here. It was probably best to forget about the "love" thing and just become friends.

"So Flora, do you come this deep into the woods often?" I asked.

"Yes, I love to be around nature. It's peaceful and beautiful here."

"True, this is also my favorite part here."

"Oh, did I disturb your quiet spot. If you want I can just go find another...

"NO" I quickly said. "I mean, no. It would be nice to have company"

"Alright" she said. "What do you like to do out here?"

"Me, well, I, just uummm."

"What is it Helia?"

"It's just, your probably gonna laugh"

"I promise I won't laugh at you Helia. You can trust me," she said.

With those eyes, it was hard to say no.

"Okay. I like to write poems and sketching." I was expecting for her to burst out laughing, but she just gave me a smile.

"Is that all?" she said.

"Yeah," I responded.

"Helia, if those are your passions then who am I to judge"

"I...," nothing came out. I could feel my face redden.

"Do you mind if I can see some of your work," she asked.

"I suppose not."

I grabbed my sketch pad I left next to the boulder. I gave it to her, so that she can see my drawings. She flipped through pages looking very impressed as she goes along.

"Helia, these are amazing," she said.

"I don't think they're that great"

"Are you kidding," she responded. "I wish I was this good."

She stopped flipping the pages when she saw the sketching of the doves I drew earlier.

"I just love how you blended the wings. It is if the bird and sky had become one."

I was shock to hear that from someone other than me. "Yeah that was what I was going for, I love how you got that. I was even more shocked how I put "love" in the sentence like that.

Flora blushed when I finished that sentence. She looked adorable. Her cheeks reminded me of the roses planted in front of my house. Oh God my house! It's almost 8:30!

"Damn it," I whispered.

"What is it," but when she looked up in the sky she let out a gasp.

It is a Linphean law that all citizens have to be indoors by 8:30, unless if it is a special occasion. If the soldiers who patrol our village catch you breaking that law, then they would throw you in a dungeon. It is some stupid law created by no other than King Vector. I don't know why though. He just makes up this shit.

I looked down at Flora who seemed very distress.

Flora's P.O.V-

Oh God it is that late. My shack is too far, I'll never make it in time.

"Flora are you okay," Helia asked me.

"Oh Helia, my home is too far. I don't think I'll make it."

Helia looked at me worriedly.

"If we run, we can get to my house on time."

"Are you sure you want to let me in to your home."

"Of course," he said with a smile. "As if I would let someone like you rot in a dungeon."

"Helia."

"Come on, we don't have much time."

Helia's P.O.V-

It was past curfew, and the guards are already on patrol. My house was a couple of yards away, but a few soldiers were heading in our direction. Flora and I hid behind a tree. It was a matter of time before the soldiers can spot us.

Great, now what are we suppose to do.

"Sorry Flora, but I don't think... Flora."

I didn't know what was happening. There was a green light that glowed from her hands.

Of in the distance I saw branches sprouting out of the ground forming human-like figures.

"Did you do that," I said to Flora.

"Hold that thought," she replied.

She was able to make the wood-made humans glow.

"Hey halt," one of the soldiers shouted, but not at us.

And like that, the fake humans ran away with the soldiers on their tails.

"How did you.."

"I'll tell you later. Lets just go before they realize it was a distraction.

"Okay."

We crept into my house. Hopefully my mother went to bed

HELIA VANDA KNIGHTLY!

early. Damn it.

No P.O.V-

Helia's mother was standing right in front of the two. She had the same fair skin completion as her son's. Her hair was black with gray strips. She also had lovely light blue eyes that were piercing ferociously at Helia.

"Do you know how upset I am young man," she said in an angry tone. "I was this close to going out there myself and drag you back here. What the hell did you think you were you doin...

She stopped her sentence when she notice a girl standing behind Helia.

"Oh my, I'm sorry that you had to hear all of that sweetie."

"It's alright Mrs.," Flora said.

"Um mom, this is Flora. She is a friend of mine that I met in the woods today. We both lost track of time and Flora couldn't have made it to her house on time so...

"Say no more Helia," Mrs. Knightly interrupted. "I'm still upset that you missed curfew, but I'm also proud of you for helping this lovely woman."

"So that means I can stay," asked Flora.

"Yes dearie," she said with a smile.

"Go ahead and make yourself at home."

"Thank you Mrs. Knightly."

"Now Helia, I need to go to bed, but I expect you to treat our guest with respect and cater to her every needs."

"Yes mom."

And with that done, Helia's mother went into her room and shut the door behind her.

Helia started a fire in the fireplace. The two Linpheans sat down in front of it.

"Flora."

"Yes."

"Was that magic that you used to distract the guards," he said.

"Yes...it was," she said looking down.

"You know that if you were caught using magic here, you would be executed."(It was another stupid law are dumb-ass king vetoed.)

Flora just continued to stare down.

"l won't tell anyone."

"Really."

Helia nodded.

"Helia, you've been so generous to me. I don't think I can ever repay you."

"It's nothing. However..."

"What"

"I am curious what you are. A witch, a siren...

"Fairy," she stated. Nature fairy to be exact.

"Amazing. There hasn't been a Linphean fairy for years."

"Well, you see one now."

"How is your family with this," I asked.

Flora's expression changed from happiness to depression.

"Is something wrong."

A tear rolled over Flora's cheek.

"My family passed a year ago."

"I am so sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up. If you don't want to talk about it..."

"No. It is okay."

"Alright then."

"My family died from an unknown disease that was killing everyone in my village. I was the only one who didn't get contaminated. I left my home before I could catch it. From then on, I was on my own."

Helia's P.O.V-

My poor Flora has been through so much. I could tell she was in pain just from telling her story. All I wanted to do was comfort her.

"I know how you feel Flora."

"You do?"

I nodded.

"When I was 10, my father died from this massacre at the market. I had to become the man of the house at such a young age. I did the farming, trading, while I take care of my mother. But you know what, I was okay with it."

"You were."

"Even when times are tough, I know that my father is always with me. Same with your family Flora. Your love ones will always be with you, and no one can tell you otherwise.

"Thank you Helia," she sniffled.

"Where do you live now," I asked.

She sighed. "I live in that old abandoned shack a few miles from here."

"What!"

"There was no place I could go to. No place I can call home."

"You can live here."

"Are you serious."

"Yes. We have an extra room here."

"I don't want to be a bother."

"Trust me, you won't."

I desperately didn't want to her to leave. I didn't want her to go out there in this harsh planet alone, and if she choses to leave then I was willing to go with her.

"Why, are you doing these kind deeds for me. I'm just an ordinary girl," she said.

I immediately responded, "No you're not. You are one of a kind girl who doesn't deserve a lonely life."

She smiled at me."Helia Vanda Knightly, you are truly the most kindest man I've ever met."

I've noticed how the light from the fire danced around her beautiful jade eyes. When I looked down she placed her hand on top of mine. The atmosphere changed quickly. We were there face to face, alone together. As we came closer a million things were running through my mind, but it was then at ease when we had a long passionate kiss.