The forest wind whispered softly as Ashrik wrapped one arm around Lucille's back and the other beneath her knees, lifting her easily. She wasn't startled this time, already expecting this move.
The sun shone from his back, obscuring his face with shadows. When he looked down at her in his arms, she saw his lips move as he uttered, "Ready?"
She swallowed and tightened her grasp on his shoulders. "Yes."
Ashrik silently commanded the wind to surround him. It surged upward, carrying them both into the sky as if they were as light as feathers.
Below, the forest canopy swayed as the treetops bowed under the invisible pressure of the wind. The dazzling sunlight spilled across Ashrik's black outfit, his figure gleaming faintly across the blue horizon.
Lucille blinked in awe, her hair fluttering wildly. As she looked over the forest, her heart raced from its sheer beauty. From this height, she could see the ribbons of rivers that split from the waterfall.
'Oh, that's the farm.'
