The Velvet Cradle of Everwood – Chapter Two – Welcome to Everwood
Sunlight poured through the cottage windows, filtered through gauzy curtains that danced gently in the breeze. Eliot stirred, eyelids fluttering open to the soft coo of doves outside. For a brief, disorienting moment, he braced for the sharp ring of his alarm clock, the cold press of his office chair, the droning of endless emails.
But instead, he was wrapped in the softest blanket imaginable, cradled in the wide seat of a rocking chair that seemed to hum comfort into his bones.
“Good morning, little one,” Liora’s voice chimed like the first song of spring. She stood beside him, already dressed in her flowing gown, her braid tied with a ribbon the color of bluebells. A wooden tray rested in her hands, carrying a warm bowl of something fragrant and sweet.
Eliot blinked up at her, feeling a small, shy smile tug at his lips. Everything from last night wasn’t a dream—he really had stepped through a portal and left behind his stressful life for this magical world.
Liora placed the tray on a small side table and crouched down to his level, her soft palm brushing his cheek. “Did my little one sleep well?”
Eliot swallowed, his cheeks warming. His voice came out smaller than expected. “Mmhm… really well.”
Her smile brightened. “That’s my good boy.”
The words sent a flutter through his chest, both foreign and wonderful. No one had called him that in years—maybe ever. Eliot shifted slightly beneath the blanket, noticing how relaxed his body felt, as if it had forgotten how to hold tension.
“Before we get you dressed and ready for the day, you need a warm tummy,” Liora said gently, scooping up the bowl and sitting beside him.
Eliot glanced into the bowl. Soft porridge swirled with berries and honey, sending up tendrils of steam. It smelled like comfort itself.
He opened his mouth to speak, but Liora pressed a gentle finger to his lips. “Shhh… I’ve got you, little one. No need to do anything. Just relax.”
And with that, she took a small wooden spoon and brought it to his lips.
Eliot hesitated only a moment before accepting the bite. Warm, sweet, perfectly soft. His eyes fluttered closed as the taste melted on his tongue. Another spoonful followed, then another, until the bowl was empty, and Eliot felt fuller—not just in his belly, but in his heart.
“Such a good eater,” Liora praised, wiping the corner of his mouth with a soft cloth. “Now let’s get you dressed properly for your first real day in Everwood.”
The nursery wasn’t what Eliot expected.
It wasn’t overly childish or cartoonish. Instead, it was soft, welcoming, a perfect blend of comfort and magic. A sturdy changing table stood by the window, decorated with little painted animals. Shelves overflowed with plush animals, wooden toys, and picture books with colorful covers. In one corner sat a large, plush nest of pillows with a few cuddly bears nestled inside.
But what caught Eliot’s attention was the wardrobe.
Carved from light oak, it stood tall with small, twinkling crystals embedded in its doors. Liora opened it, revealing a collection of cozy outfits—footed sleepers, soft rompers, simple shirts with rounded collars, and thick, comforting nappies stacked neatly in a basket.
Eliot swallowed. His pulse quickened. He’d dreamed of moments like this, secret wishes locked away for years, dismissed as silly or shameful.
Yet here, in Everwood, it felt right. Natural. Like the missing puzzle piece had finally clicked into place.
Liora glanced over her shoulder, sensing his hesitation. Her smile was kind, patient. “There’s no shame here, little one. This is your safe place. It’s okay to be small.”
Her words soothed him, like a lullaby wrapping around his worries.
“Come, my sweet boy. Let’s get you all snug.”
Liora’s hands worked with gentle efficiency, laying Eliot down on the soft changing mat. His tunic and linen pants were whisked away, replaced by a thick, crinkly nappy that enveloped him like a cloud. It was decorated with little stars and moons that sparkled faintly under the light. She fastened it securely, checking for comfort before sliding a soft onesie over his head, its fabric pale blue with little embroidered bunnies.
Eliot sighed, feeling warmth bloom in his chest. The softness, the attention, the gentle strokes to his hair—it was more than pampering. It was care, the kind he hadn’t realized his heart had been starving for.
Liora scooped him up with ease, cradling him against her hip. “Now you’re ready to see Everwood properly, little bunny.”
Outside, the world was a living painting.
Eliot marveled as they strolled down a winding path through the woods. Sunlight filtered through tall, shimmering trees. Crystal-clear streams wound through grassy meadows, and soft pastel flowers bloomed along the edges.
Liora pointed out the wonders as they walked. “That’s the Singing Brook,” she said, nodding to a bubbling stream whose waters tinkled like wind chimes. “And those are Glowroot Trees—they light up like lanterns at night.”
Eliot leaned his head on her shoulder, feeling himself relax deeper with every step. The world felt alive here, not in a loud or busy way, but in a gentle, welcoming way. No cars, no buzzing phones, no harsh words. Only the sound of wind, water, and the soft, rhythmic padding of Liora’s sandals on the path.
Soon, they reached a small clearing where other cottages nestled among trees. Eliot blinked as a few other caretakers appeared, each with a little one like him—some being carried, others toddling along holding hands, all dressed in cozy outfits with gentle smiles on their faces.
A tall man named Garron, with a kind smile and strong arms, gave Liora a warm greeting. A tiny little in a green romper peeked out shyly from behind Garron’s leg.
“This is Eliot,” Liora introduced, her hand rubbing Eliot’s back. “He just arrived through the portal.”
Garron crouched to Eliot’s eye level. “Welcome to Everwood, little one. You’ve found your safe place now.”
The words sent a wave of safety through Eliot’s chest.
More introductions followed—kind-hearted caretakers with arms always ready for cuddles, and littles of all kinds, some shy, some giggly, all radiating a deep sense of comfort.
“Every little here came through a portal,” Liora whispered to Eliot as they watched others play near a fountain. “Every one of them once felt lonely, tired, or forgotten… but here, they found their home.”
Eliot felt tears prick his eyes again—not from sadness, but from relief.
Liora gently kissed the top of his head. “You never have to be alone again, my sweet boy.”
And Eliot believed her.
Back at the Cradle Cottage, Liora settled Eliot into a large, cushioned chair by the window. The sun was starting to dip, casting the sky in hues of lavender and rose.
“Tomorrow, we’ll explore more,” she promised, tucking a soft blanket around him. “Perhaps visit the Gentle Falls, or the Snuggle Grove. But for now… rest, little one.”
Eliot’s eyes grew heavy, his thumb finding its way to his lips. Liora hummed a lullaby, rocking him softly.
Everwood was vast, gentle, and full of wonder—but right now, in this moment, Eliot needed nothing more than the safety of his caretaker’s arms and the quiet promise of tomorrow.
His last thought before drifting off was simple and sweet:
“I’m finally home.”
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The End of The Velvet Cradle of Everwood – Chapter Two – Welcome to Everwood
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