Aranara watched Agnur's figure grow smaller as he rapidly approached the gates of the castle in the distance. She suspected he wanted to greet the Laird himself before presenting her, so she allowed her horse to walk at a comfortable pace. If she had sped up, she would have missed the stench of the blossoming tree at the road’s edge and the man sleeping under it.

Her nose caught a whiff of something foul. There was a sweet nuttiness to the smell, undercut by the strong scent of ammonia. It made her stomach churn.
 

Slowing her horse to a halt, she looked around. There was nothing obvious that could be the source of the smell except the stout tree full of white blossoms. As she urged her horse closer to the flowers, the horse whinnied and resisted.
 

Aranara spotted the reason. A dark shape was near the base of the trunk, and peering past the branches, she realized it was a body.
 

“Is it customary for men in these parts to laze the day away sleeping under trees?” She asked loudly, hoping the body would hear her voice and move.
 

The man startled, sitting straight up. He looked around for the voice that disturbed him and jumped to his feet when he saw her. He smoothed out his plain brown tunic over his green tights. His fingers tucked his shoulder-length hair behind his ears, revealing a closely trimmed beard covering a strong jaw and thick eyebrows that framed kind-looking eyes.
 

“M’Lady, forgive my appearance. We did not expect any company until the evening hour.” He looked up at her and asked, “Is Sir Agnur with you?”
 

She nodded, "He rode ahead."
 

“Then, you must be Lady Nara?”
 

“Yes.” She said, trying to sound as if the name was natural.
 

“Lady Nara. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He bowed as he said it.
 

“And you are?”
 

“I am Laird of Ercildoune, this estate. My name is Thomas Learmont.”
 

Aranara felt a flutter in her chest as he announced himself. She slid off her horse, wanting to get a closer look at this human Agnur spoke so fondly of.
 

“M’Lady, please, don't dismount for my sake.”
 

“I’ll do as I please,” she said. Standing on the ground near him, she noticed he was sizeable for a human, only slightly taller than her, which would make him quite a bit taller than Agnur.
 

“Sir Agnur speaks very highly of you.” She told him.
 

“Well, M’Lady, we all speak highly of Sir Agnur, and it is my honour to meet his…” Learmont trailed off as if he were unsure of her connection to Agnur.
 

“Cousin.” She informed him.
 

“Cousin.” He smiled. “Then, Lady Nara, may I accompany you back to my home?”
 

“You may,” She made sure the reins were held fast in her grip before walking in step with the Laird.
 

He walked beside her, far enough away that their arms did not touch but close enough that she could hear him humming softly. The sounds were soothing, and although she didn’t want to interrupt, her curiosity was strong.
 

“What type of tree were you resting under?” She asked.
 

“You mean the one with the beautiful white blossoms but smells of death?” He asked.
 

“Yes, that one.”
 

“It’s a Hawthorn. Surely you have them where you're from.”
 

“I’ve never really noticed. I’m sure if I had ever caught a whiff of them before, I would have steered clear. Why do you choose to sleep near it?”
 

“To ward off the elves.” He said, winking at her.
 

Aranara wasn’t sure what to say to that. She knew that when humans spoke of the Queen of the Elves, they were referring to her, but she didn’t know what details they actually believed. What she did know was that anyone with a nose would stay away from that tree.
 

“What do you mean?” Aranara asked.
 

“It is said that the smell of the blossoms ward away the elves. The Queen of Elphame is known to ride in these parts. One can’t be too careful when asleep and unguarded.”
 

Aranara couldn’t help but laugh.
 

“You don’t fear the elves?” He asked in surprise.
 

“Where I come from, the Queen of Elphame is to be admired. To meet her on your journey brings good luck.” She watched him carefully to see his reaction.
 

“I think I’d like your stories better.” Thomas chuckled. “Around here, she’s a powerful temptress, most beautiful at first glance, but if you kiss her, her beauty fades, and she becomes a terrifying old hag.”
 

Aranara felt her scowl take hold before she could stop herself.
 

“I suppose she’s also quick to anger and devious.”
 

“Those are the stories, but I like to believe she’s gentle, patient, and wise. If one treats the Queen of Elphame with respect, as any woman ought to be treated, why would she be vicious?”
 

Aranara liked his answer. “Sadly, Thomas, I think most men would seek to dominate the Queen and her kind. Perhaps that is the cause of her ire.”
 

Thomas shook his head. “I believe most men would be honourable. It’s only the worst of men who seek power, domination, and notoriety.”
 

“Is it? I thought it was all your kind.”
 

“My kind?” Thomas asked, seemingly amused.
 

Aranara realized the slip she’d made.
 

“As a man.” She said quickly, to cover her mistake.
 

Thomas regarded her a long moment before responding.
 

“You’re not afraid to speak your mind, are you? It’s almost as if…”
 

Aranara had been holding her breath to hear his suspicions. But they’d reached the castle gates, and Agnur was already coming to greet them, saving her from hearing the rest of his thoughts.