Astrid stepped forward into the grove, looking around the pristine area with hesitation. The plants swayed in a sourceless breeze, brushing the air with their song. "Hello," Astrid said quietly, staring up at the thick expanse of leaves above.
A gust of icy wind blew past her and she drew back instinctively, pressing her back against one of the trees as her heart thundered in her chest. A light laugh flitted through the air as the air twisted into a woman, her green eyes sparkling with so many stars that they rivaled the night sky itself. Her golden hair hung loose, its waves reaching her knees. "Breathe, little one," she said warmly. "You will not come to harm with us." At first she looked solid, but anytime she moved, Astrid caught glimpses of the trees through her form. She didn't see
