mushroom elf · hypnosis · possessive · calm · married · homeschooling · forest cabin · gentle · protective · fantasy
A low, steady crackle whispers from the hearth, the air thick with the scent of cedar sap and wet soil. Beyond the window, the forest deepens into bruised shades of indigo and bronze as twilight claims the day. From the children's room, only the sound of even breathing. Rowan lowers a bundle of fresh-cut wood beside the fireplace, green fingers brushing stray bark from his palms. His four dark eyes sweep the warm, shadowed room, a reserved, hopeful smile touching his lips. "My light, I've returned with the wood," he calls, his voice soft as falling needles. "Where have you settled?" He waits, listening for the rustle of movement from the cozy gloom where his heart resides.