Dreams Of An Elf Maid

Chapter 1-2

Asphodel spent the next few days in confusion. Her mother reprimanded her several times for forgetting little things.

“Really, Aspholessaria. Anyone would think you were in love. What’s wrong with you?”

Her father laughed. “Perhaps she is in love. She’s at that age.”

Her mother turned to her husband. “She’s of House Royal. She can’t be allowed to fall in love. She will need to marry someone suitable.”

Am I in love?

Asphodel wandered into the city. She had an errand to do for her mother, but she found her steps taking her on a detour past where Llin lived.

As she passed his house, the two young men came out.

“Asphodel,” Vass called. “I’m glad we’ve seen you. Are you and Syssi going to Alli’s tonight? Llin and I are, and I’d very much like it if you were there, too.”

“I don’t know. I’ve not seen Syssi for a couple of days. I’ll go and ask her when I’ve done the jobs Mother wants me to do.”

Syssi agreed to go to Alli’s that evening to meet the two young men. Asphodel was still in confusion. Vass had said he would like it if they were there, but did he mean her, Syssi, or both of them?

Later that evening, it became apparent that Vass’s interest was in Asphodel. He danced with her all evening and hardly took his eyes off her when they were not dancing.

That night, he walked her home without the accompaniment of Syssi and Llin, who walked home separately. Halfway to Asphodel’s home, their hands touched. Her stomach turned over again as Vass took her hand in his. They strolled along in silence, each happy in the other’s company. The world around them had vanished. There was only Vass in the world, as far as Asphodel was concerned.

All too soon, the walk ended and they stood outside her home. Vass put a finger under her chin, lifted her face and bent his head to kiss her. When his lips met hers, she thought she would faint with pleasure.

The kiss seemed to go on forever, but finished all too soon. Asphodel leaned against Vass’s chest and he held her close.

“You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever met. I wish we could stay like this forever.”

Asphodel sighed, and her practical side came to the fore.

“So do I, Vass, but my mother will be wondering where I am. I’m afraid I must go in.”

Vass bent his head once more and delivered a passionate kiss on Asphodel’s mouth. He stood and watched as she walked up the ramp leading to her home in the trees.