Chapter 4:
Soley happily waved at Naria. Naira was a wood nymph who visited the garden once a month. "Hey there," she greeted the hyper child.
"Naira," Soley beamed before whispering, "Can I ask you some questions today?"
Naria tilted her head before shrugging. "Sure. Let me say hi to Diana first."
Soley nodded as she lead the way to the garden.
Diana smiled Naria from her gardening. "Naria, it's been a while. I hope you've been well."
"I have." Naira inspected the garden. "Your garden looks great as always."
"Give me a minute to finish these cucumbers and I'll make tea." Diana stated.
"Nah," Naria held up a hand. "Keep working on your garden. Soley told me she wanted to practice making the tea."
Diana nodded, "Alright. You two have a good time."
Once inside the cabin, Naria sat at the table while Soley got to work. "So shoot your questions."
Soley gave Naria a run down about her uncle and his visit. "Uncle checked Mom's feet for injuries, but mom was very red and her heart was going so fast."
Naria smiled as she bit back her laughter. "Oh, anything else?"
"Mom seemed nervous." Soley stated. "I want to know why. But mom probably won't answer. I like Uncle, but I don't want mom to be uncomfortable with him."
Naria nodded. "I have a theory. But you're probably too young to get it."
Soley clenched her firsts in determination. "I'll try my best!"
Naria smiled, "I like that spirit." She used her magic to make two figures out of plants. "You know how all those fairy tales the princess and prince instantly get married."
Soley nodded, "It's because they're in love."
Naira nodded. "Love eureka differently in the real world. And there are many different kinds. And love often forms in steps. For example, your mom and uncle love you like family. Your mom's love formed from caring for you and watching you go. Your uncle's love for you comes from all of his memories of his sister and a want to watch you grow too."
Soley nodded as she took in Naria words.
"Now love between adults is different and now complicated. One of those first steps into falling in love is attraction. What you described to me seems like a mixture of your mom being nervous of a high ranking noble man but also finding your Uncle attractive. It's a perfectly normal emotion, but when you begin feeling them, there is often a period of denial. Once you accept those feelings, you can admit them to the source of your attraction and hopefully form a love relationship or you can swallow them and move on. Sometimes that feeling of attraction will wane over time."
Soley nodded as she took this information. "So, should I keep Uncle away from Mom?"
Naria shook her head. "No. In fact, I would encourage it." She grinned at the young girl. "After all, the best way to learn about romantic love is to observe it. So it will be good for you. And entertainment for me."
"Entertainment?" Soley tilted her head.
"Like how you enjoy reading or watching a puppet play in the village." Naria explained.
"I feel conflicted about you finding it amusing when mom seems so nervous." Soley puffed out her cheeks.
Naria simply grinned. "You'll get it when you're older."
Krissie: I really enjoy writing this series. Naria's name eventually changes to Noria. Not sure how I changed the spelling while writing. Probably misread my own handwriting. So It will be a toss up on her name until I pick one I like most. Let me know which you prefer.
