The moment Aeliana entered the woods, she felt peaceful. Around her, the sunlight grazed its shine on the lush greenery of the forest. She could feel the breeze of the wind, the rustling of the leaves, the movement of the animals and the transition of the temperature. She watched the beautiful scenery of flowers, the glittering effect of vapor and she smelled the scent of fresh air. Aeliana sighed heavily.
The forest had always took a special place in her heart, it somehow reminded her of her parents. It felt like it was part of the time she had spent with them. It was not that she didn't feel happy with her grandparents. She really, really did. Her grandparents truly had been her rock after her parents had died. Just being hold by her grandfather, even for a small moment, had made her feel save and loved plus there wasn't anything she couldn't talk about with her grandmother. Even though their child had died, they had chosen to brood by themselves rather than expose Aeliana with their pain. They had put her interest before their own. Making sure she would receive the most normal childhood they could give and she loved them for that. However there were times when she felt the need to get out, to go the forest and have some time for herself. To reminisce about times with her parents and about times with them she would never have.
Aeliana closed her eyes, allowing the filtered light to warm her face. Enjoying the moment, she held her hand close to her chest and fumbled with her mother's necklace. It was a necklace with a small golden heart that her father had given her mother on the last birthday they had celebrated together. Ever since their death Aeliana had worn it, never taking it off.
People noticed something had changed in Aeliana's behavior. She was still nice and polite to people but somehow her beaming energy had slid away. She disappeared into the forest for hours at times without any explanation of what she was doing or where she was going. For Aeliana the forest was comforting and even though she was alone in there, it didn't feel that way. There were no questions asked or glances casted her way. Although she really loved the people of the village, every now and then escaping from the people felt as a relief.
The forest was quiet save for the chirping of birds and leaves rustling in the wind. "Lalala,'' Aeliana started and as response she heard the imitation of the tune she just sang. ''Lalala,'' she sang again. A small bird flew near her. Smiling at the little creature, she held out her finger for the bird to rest on. Aeliana sat down on a tree stump and repeated the melody. The little bird tweeted happily as she sang, fluffing up its feathers. No sooner had Aeliana begun to sing again then were other birds flying towards the place where she sat. An owl had landed on a branch and a couple of squirrels had hopped onto a boulder and were watching Aeliana. There were even some rabbits that had come near and stretched their ears to listen more carefully. She loved how the animals scampered around the forest, but always came close to her. Birds would land on her head and shoulders, and chipmunks and squirrels would help her to the nearest trees with fruit. It was maybe one of the reasons she didn't felt alone in the forest because technically she wasn't.
Aeliana stood up and danced across the lawn. Her curls bounced as she moved and flew as she twirled towards the side of the woods, her dress lifting with every movement while her woodland friends accompanied the girl in her walk. She passed numerous pines and redwoods that towered over her. When eventually she approached a big, old tree right at the side of the woods. The woodland creatures had followed her faithfully, and while the rabbits bounced at her feet, the birds and the owl flew towards the tree and anxiously waited for the girl to join them.
She leaned against one of its tree branches and stared into the distance; There it was, the city of Alicante with his big castle visible from afar. Aeliana liked Alicante. She had been to the city only a handful of times in her life, but she had always liked it. She admired the broad, brick avenues, the little flower gardens tucked behind houses and the streets that were so alive. She loved the friendly faces, the smell of fresh bread and the hustle and bustle of the city. It all attracted her. It was not that she didn't love the village, she did. It was her home. However she just couldn't seem to imagine herself settling down in a couple of years, having a husband, a house and children and never been to any other place than the village. It wasn't like there was anything wrong with that, but it was just not for her.
The birds chirped now, as if trying to bring her back to reality. She sighed inwardly and shook her head. ''I could never be part of that world.''
The owl sat on a tree branch above her and looked down at the peasant girl. ''Who!''
''I know, I know. I can always leave and move to the city, but my grandparents can use some help around here. I can't leave them and I guess on the one hand I don't even know if I want to. I would be all alone there. I would have nothing.'' She sighed as she swayed her basket in the air and focused herself back to reality as she walked towards the mulberry tree rooted at the side of the road.