She giggled, her golden hair blowing in the eternal breeze. Silwyn’s eyes danced about the horizon, scanning it for something new. She’d been to the ends of Yurilda and back. She had seen all that was to be seen. Still, she felt mirthful.
Tadis was paying no attention to her, instead gathering berries. For each one they picked, another instantly grew in its place. Red juice stained their teeth and chin, as Tadis made sure to sample each handful. They were content and in their place.
“Tadis, you know there are other places, don’t you?”
She Gathered her gown in her arms as she sat, the grass tickling her bare legs. Tadis stood and turned to her, parts of the bush clinging to their hair.
“You say this, but I think this is it. All places are the same, really. Besides,” they said, gesturing with their arms to the orchard they were in, “what more could you want than this?”
“Oh, Tadis.” She rolled onto her back now, staring at the clouds that drifted lazily through the sky. “There is always something new! Things we haven’t seen! Doesn’t that bother you?”
“I’ve seen each of these trees grow from a seed. I’ve seen them grow heavy with fruit.”
He pointed to a babbling brook that ran near by.
“I remember when it ran dry. Not a trickle went through it. There was no rain for a long time. You can go to the ends of the land, Silwyn, but you can’t see everything. Where ever you leave, life happens there too.”
“You’re so damn stern. There are other realms, though! Druhaus and Mugan, they’ve shown me in their little glowy ball thing. There are trees and gardens you’ve never seen! Don’t you care?”
“I am what I’ve always been. There are responsibilities. Even if there are other paths, I can not walk them. Mine is here.”
“You know, Tadis, that you use this orchard as an excuse, right? You’ve made your gardens into chains. The wilds are more than what you tend.”
They didn’t answer. Instead, they went back to silently gathering berries. If Silwyn could have still seen their face, she would have seen disapproval, or perhaps doubt. They were shielded by the bushes, however.
“Fine. I’m going to go see the twins. I bet they know the way.”
She stooped behind Tadis, her hand landing gently on their shoulder before moving slowly up to their cheek.
“Oh, Tadis. You’re just so close to it sometimes.”
With that, she stood and strode away, leaving Tadis alone in the orchard.
