My therapist just told me my problem is that I need to write more fanfiction.
As I walked out under the night sky, I muttered a prayer. It wasn't continuous but mainly when ever I saw something that caught my eye, I'd say a quick little thank you prayer for it being created.
When I'd get back from my walks, I always felt better and ever grateful.
“Burn the witch! Burn the witch!” shouted the crowd, drowning out the distressed warnings of one person. “No, you fools! She can control the flames!”
"Hey, pretty girl, ready to go?" I asked as I rubbed my Púca's ears.
She neighed.
I told her before leaving, "Alright, I'll go and you come find me when you're ready, okay?"
I was just leaving when I felt a light hand on my shoulder. Behind me there was a young lady with black hair, a black dress with red accents, but the thing that stood out the most about her were her brilliant red eyes and horse ears that stuck up out of her hair.
"How do I look?" she asked before giving me a slow twirl.
I took her hands in mine, once she stopped, and kissed her cheek, murmuring, "Beautiful, as always." I unclipped my cloak. "You will need to hide your ears, though." I held my cloak out to her.
"Won't you get cold?" she asked, concern lighting her brilliant eyes. How did I get so lucky to get such a caring Púca such as her?
I smiled, "No, I'll be fine."
Hey eyes flickered between my eyes and the cloak before gingerly taking my offered article of clothing.
When she finally had it adjusted with her ears flat against her head, she asked, "Is this good?"
"You look human." I held my arm out to her. "Ready to go?"
My Púca was literally bouncing as she took my arm. She was beaming and just as giddy as a little kid. I looked forward and guided her out into the bustling streets full of people dressed up as monsters and heroes.
The fields of Royal Cress are okay but when it's pollen mixes with that of things like Ghost Mother Willow... It's just not a good day.
"Have you ever been in there?" I asked as I gestured to the edge of the woods. If he hasn't, then we'd have to go around the Ashen Grove.
"Years ago, I think," he answered, picking a sprig of Royal Cress.
I was just very happy that Royal Cress pollen is heavier than most others.
"Maybe we should just go around," I offered.
"Will it get us there faster?"
"No."
He stood up. "We got through the Ashen Grove, then," he stated.
Oh dear. I rubbed my head. I'd probably have to help him through the mirages that happen to those not used to the pollens.
"Wait up," I called as I trotted to keep up with him.
Where I'm from, myths have a habit of being true. One such myth is that the moon can grant wishes. People typically make wishes on one particular day but every once in a while, someone makes a wish on a different day.
For that one day, though, it is almost all children who make those wishes. Occasionally, an adult will drum up enough courage to leave a wish for the moon to grant.
The moon does what she can to grant the wishes but she'll only grant the wishes that are pure at heart and for the betterment of the person who wished.
"Is there anyway I can help?" I asked the ever patient moon on one particular night.
"If you have nothing to do, you could stay with me," came her soft whisper. "I like your company."
I chuckled as I sat down beside the alter. "Any interesting wishes?"
"They are all interesting and unique," she answered.
I furrowed my brows. "Don't most of the kids just ask for toys, though?"
"Yes, but those toys help the become someone unique."
Resting my head against the cool stone, I requested of the moon, "Could you explain how?"
Images of a wooden sword flashed across my mind as she answered, "The boy who will get this could become one of your greatest generals." Next, a combination of random metal parts and wooden puzzle pieces appeared in my head. "The one who receives this could be a mechanic that will invent revolutionary equipment." She went on for a few more moments after that.
I couldn't stop the smile or the tears. How could I have been so blind? "That was wonderful. Thank you for explaining that to me."
"It was a pleasure. But promise me one thing."
Even though she wasn't there, I looked up. "Anything."
"Promise me you won't underestimate the value of a gift. Even if it seems insignificant and useless to you, that could be the thing that sets the recipient on the right path for their life."
"I promise."
The quiet lake town has always been a favorite places to visit. It wasn't as densely populated as the capital was and it was just all around relaxing.
I haven't been to the marshes, bogs, fens, or anything like that west of the little town. There are rumors of monsters living there.
I like knowing that little town is okay.
I sat in the cool, dark green grass as I listened to the brook beside me bubble and giggle happily. The fae nearby were having a festival that they graciously invited me to. In attempt to be a good guest, I brought some cream, honey, and absolutely nothing with iron. Iron hurts the fae.
They would help me with my garden that I was tasked to take care of. Giving them gifts was the least I could do, especially at their favorite celebration.
The sun started to go down as the festivities started to taper off. Groaning a bit, I got up, found Nightingale (my closest faerie friend) and graciously excused myself out. Today was fun and I cannot wait until tomorrow.
How can this be? This is the fifth report that I've gotten.
"May I ask you something?" I questioned the highwayman once we stopped to rest.
"That depends on what you're asking," he mumbled as he laid back and draped an arm over his eyes.
"I have been hearing reports of periodic darkness in areas that we have traveled through." The smoothness of the stone that I was sitting on was a little bit of comfort.
"That isn't a question," he retorted. There was something off in his voice. He almost sounded like the nymphs that gave me the reports and sightings.
"Did you cause those periods of darkness over those areas?" There were a lot of things I needed to know but the first was if he was the cause of it. "There aren't any plant mages in the area to cause that and it's too far away for me to do anything like that."
"I shouldn't be the source of it, no." He sat up and rested his head against the palm of his hand.
"Is it bad? Will it be harmful to those living in the area?"
"How did you even hear about the darkness forming?"
"The plants have a complex system for communication through their roots. They talk to each other that way. The nymphs live inside the trees and they told me."
"How long does it last?"
"Almost a whole cycle."
He sat there in silence before raising his head and answering, "They don't have to be worried. It isn't anything dangerous. It'll keep happening and probably follow us. I don't know why it does but... It's nothing to worry about and they can rest during that time."
I moved so I was seated next to him. "But what is it?"
"A myth for you and reality for me."
I knew he wasn't going to say anything else about it and deadpanned, "You're helpful."
He flashed a smile as he said, "I try, sweetheart."
I am a mosaic of everyone I have ever known and loved and touched and I find fragments of them in my playlists and how I make my tea. we may not know each other any more but we will stay connected like this. I hope a fragment of me is with you too.
You gotta write for funsies sometimes. Everything doesn’t have to be groundbreaking. Like. Who cares if it’s a little silly it is made out of love