He pulled out a small box, placing it on the floor in front of me. I sit down, and stare into his eyes, becoming transfixed in the pools of green. He stares back at me, then opens his mouth to speak.

"Do you wish for me to put this away, or are you interested?" The voice shocked me to attention, and I lower my eyes to the box. His pale, strong hands remove the lid, and watch the muscles ripple beneath the skin. His hands move from my gaze, and i peer into the box, gasping at the collection. Rocks, of assorted shapes and sizes lay within.

"H-How did-" I began, but he held up a strong hand, silencing me. "I will explain. Just let me speak." I nodded, and he pulled a small rock out of the box, in the shape of a butterfly. "This," he began, "is not man-made. It was created only by the forces of nature."

My head tilted to the side in wonder. "But, Ean, how?"

"Allie, its just the forces of my kind influencing the wind and the rain and the erosion." I opened my mouth, stunned by his unemotional method of explaining. I looked into the box, and reached in hesitantly. I raised my eyes, and he nodded. I pulled out a small handfull of rocks. The one that caught my eye was in the shape of a rose, detailed and fragil looking.

Placing all the rocks on the floor, I delicately picked up the rose, accidentally pricking my finger on a thorn. "Ow," I whispered. "Allie, why did you pick that one, out of all the selection?"Ean asked, alarmed. Concerned, I sat up, and looked into his deep eyes.

"I thought it was sweetest, and I was curious about it," I said. He opened his mouth, and began to eplain.

"Well, I the rose is my own creation. It also is my most rescent addition to the collection." I was confused again. It must have shown in my eyes, because he held his hand up to silence me again.

"I made it yesturday. I dropped you off at school, then went to the meadow I always visit. The butterflies were out, and fluttering around my head, making my thoughts jump to you. I chose the rock carefully, then placed it in the center of the meadow. I called the wind to beat it into shape, then the water to perfect its delicate aspects, making you a rose that will last until the end of time. I always knew you wanted a rose from me, but I thought that was temporary." My mouth was open, and it took a lot of my effort to close it without hands. A tear came to my eye, and I threw my arms around his neck.