Hard On The Heart, True to The Soul

“Long dark lengths of shaded brown came up behind her, so as not to impose upon her delicate features, with but a single strand coming across her orbs as if to taunt an observer of its sole ability to caress her cheek; eyes wide and open, exotic in a way that bade attention, so kind were they with unyielding strength and spark of intelligence. The subtle tint of a cherry rose upon her cheeks, and a smile so pure that angels turned in shame at the sight. There was not a hope that a man alive could ever look unfavorably with regards to this nymph touched lass, for even legends of such beauty could not boast such a sight.”

And she did not know how he felt about her.

The young man brushed his hand through his thick and wiry earthen locks, trying desperately to bring some kind of order to their unruly nature. He wished often that he was perhaps a larger or more dashing man; muscles in place of his slight form, a square jaw in the stead of his boyish smile. But he dismissed such thoughts quickly as always he did, for he knew that even such things would not aid him in the longing he held, would not assist him where this young lady was concerned.

She was a lady; there was no debating the fact. She spoke with a tone that denoted a mature intelligence and confidence and to which this young man found as attractive a feature as her disarming grin. This was perhaps what offered the greatest allure; for it was her intellect, her wit, her charm that caught his fancy long before he truly knew the undeniable beauty that her angelic features held. There was a meeting of like minds that he found with her, a similarity and connection that he could not deny. This was the greatest problem of all.

When one is presented with beauty, it is natural to be inclined to remain close to such a display as long as possible. But when one is presented with a beauty so great both outward and inwards, it is more than a casual want, there is a need to remain in its presence, a humbling and inspiring experience indeed.

Now this boy was certain that this extraordinary young lady was inclined to regard him in a light all his own; this was until he discovered that he was overshadowed by another. What does one of noble character do in such a case; when the one you favor, favors another and is in turn favored…one stands aside.

No other choice lay before the young man, as disheartening as it was. This lady had chosen, long ago, well. She had come to find love in one who would do her no wrong, who would offer her a kind smile and a gentle heart. What more could one ask for? Truth be told, little more could be asked for. Thus a respect for such an upstanding young man as she had chosen for herself was the result. He found himself in a well of disappointment and a familiar state, but would not interfere.

And so, now this young man remains in a shroud of darkness, hiding away the calls of his heart with the call to honour proving the stronger. Friendship, he wonders. Yes, friendship is the answer to this. Though always will he long to hold her close in his arms, and always will he stand by, the unheard sentinel, strong and silent at her side, protecting her from the ugliness of the world outside, never to allow harm to find her.