“Yesterday I saw three dead people, me da was one of ‘em. I see how many of us are sick and ‘ave no food. I want ta make everyone better and that means bein’ able ta grow food. Nothin’ grows in the camp because it is too dark, too many trees. We need a light place ta grow enough food fer everyone. A place like this….” Vatric said as they walked into the meadow, the sunshine was warm and the breeze ruffled the grass making it whisper to them.

            This sight did take Lyndsay’s breath away and she ran into the middle of the clearing, the warmth taking the chill from her feet and she spread her arms wide and spun circles, her face turned to the sun and the sunbeams kissed her with it’s golden glow. It was the first time Vatric had ever heard her really laugh as if nothing in the world was wrong and it made his heart light. He ran out to where she was.

            “Oh, Vatric! This place is wonderful!” she breathed, staring at him with something foreign to him shining in her eyes.

            Vatric took her hands in his. “This is how we save the camp. And when the time is right, I would like to build us a home here and you and I can raise a family together. I’d like to ask yer da for yer hand, Lyndsay. I want to marry ye,” he said quite smoothly, his heart hammering in his chest.

            “I guess wishes do get granted,” she whispered to him, threw her arms about his neck and he reciprocated with his arms about her small waist lifting her off the ground and turning her in more circles.

            Vatric could not remember being happier in his entire life. He set her back on the grass and gazed into her pretty face. “I ‘ave known no more precious moment than this, Lyndsay. You ‘ave made me very happy today,” he said, his words came soft and sincere. He wasn’t sure how it happened, but his lips touched hers and they both experienced feelings that they had never felt before, their bodies responding in ways that left them wanting more, and when they broke apart once again the birds resumed their chirping and the breeze came at them as they struggled to catch their breath.

            “I’m not sure exactly what this feelin’ is, but I think I love you, Lyndsay. I have loved ye for a long time,” Vatric revealed to her.

            A grin spread over Lyndsay’s fair face. “I love ye too, Vatric. I just didn’t wan’ ta ruin you bein’ a priest.”

            Vatric laughed and it felt good to him. “I think Father Shepherd knew all along and in ‘is own way, he talked me out of it.”

            “I will ‘ave ta thank ‘im fer that one,” she laughed as well.

            Hand in hand, they walked through the meadow discussing the plans for their home, where the crop would be planted, and he showed her all the mushrooms around the perimeter in the shade of the quaking trees.

            “I would ‘ave ta say that these are my favorite trees ever. I like the way they shiver in the wind,” she remarked rubbing the trunk of one of them and looking up into their heights.

            “They call ‘em Aspen trees. I like ‘em too,” Vatric said.

            It was a magical place for them for the sun melted away the darkness of the camp and they could just be themselves in the presence of each other. As they explored their surroundings, they came upon some brambles that produced large dark red berries. So dark, they were, that they were nearly purple in color. They found a small random gathering of trees and with a closer look found they produced apples. Fruit was a treat many in the camp had never known, for many that still lived had been born there. Lyndsay was one of them. Vatric spoiled her with the taste of fresh apple, he himself vaguely remembering how they tasted. They picked as many as they could, taking the ones that had fallen to the ground first and using Lyndsay’s skirt as a way to carry them back to camp. Vatric loaded her down with mushrooms also and once again taking off his shirt, he filled it with as many of the berries as he could. Most were shriveled and spent, but the ones that were still ripe were glorious. Neither could believe how close they had always been to good food, and it had never been found…until now. Vatric was the one who would save them all!

            Reluctantly, they arrived back at the camp, which was so cold and glum in comparison to their meadow. Before they were within earshot of anyone, Vatric said, “I will name the meadow Lynwood, after you.”

            A lump rose in Lyndsay’s throat making it difficult to speak. “Thank ye, Vatric, I don’ know what ta say.”

            “Jus’ tell me ye love me tomorrow,” he said with sentiment, longing to kiss her again but daring not to and they continued to walk to the chapel.