July 17, 1177
Insecure, unremarkable, small-breasted girls did not receive many invitations to the infamous pond--and on the off-chance they did, girls like Aspen were unlikely to accept--so the awkward process of asking around for directions had been inevitable. But if this was really the only way she could help Rona, then she supposed the stares and gapes and even the one offer of accompaniment were worth it. She just hoped it was the right place. The water's still luminescence did look magical, she supposed--even if the only thing preventing her search for a more logical explanation was sheer will.
No. No; she couldn't think that way. She had to trust that this would work. Magic was supposed to run on faith, after all.
No. No; she couldn't think that way. She had to trust that this would work. Magic was supposed to run on faith, after all.
A quick glance at the stars for luck, she pulled off her layers of clothing and flung them to the side, then pulled her hair out of its messy bun and dipped her feet in the glass-like waters; in spite of the July evening heat, it was a refreshing cool.
The water never rippled as she waded toward the center. The rushes were unswayed and the lily-pads, settled. Time and motion had no meaning here. It was eerie, surreal--and that was oddly comforting. Normalcy would have encouraged her skepticism and that was the last thing she needed right now, not if this had any chance of working.
Just a wish, Iata had told her. A good wish. But what constituted 'good'? Earnest? Selfless? Possible? She wasn't sure she could manage that last one. Even the second seemed a stretch, if she really thought about it; as long as Rona was happy, Aspen would at least be content.
Then again... maybe that was what made a good wish. It was a wish that worked for everyone, if only just.
Let her be happy.
Just a wish, Iata had told her. A good wish. But what constituted 'good'? Earnest? Selfless? Possible? She wasn't sure she could manage that last one. Even the second seemed a stretch, if she really thought about it; as long as Rona was happy, Aspen would at least be content.
Then again... maybe that was what made a good wish. It was a wish that worked for everyone, if only just.
Let her be happy.
Give her someone she can love. Give her someone who will love her. Rona didn't ask for any of this; give her someone who will make her happy.
Now that she'd thought it, she didn't feel so silly anymore.
Now that she'd thought it, she didn't feel so silly anymore.
Give her someone worthy of her. Give her someone who will treat her right. Just let her be happy.
NEXT CHAPTER:
NEXT CHAPTER:
3 comments:
Since I have no idea if I'll be able to get up any more posts in the next twenty-four hours... Happy New Year! :)
That is pretty darn sweet and selfless of Aspen. :) I think the sparklies indicate that this was a good wish.
*fingers crossed*
And Happy New Year to everybody!!
Well... I think Aspen figures that Rona being happy will make her as happy as she can possibly be without having Rona herself. But it's still primarily about Rona, so I guess it counts.
And yeah, I think sparklies would at least indicate that something will happen ;)
Thanks Morgaine :)
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