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Ooh, those were all so great and fascinating!

Here’s one for Mara:

As I lunge toward the giants, the floor disappears. In fact, everything disappears. Only a white mist whirls around me while I twist weightless in the air. Is this whole thing just a bad dream? It’s all too fantastical to be real.

Or not. Being thunked on the floor hurts plenty. At least it’s nice and cool after all that strange fire. I press my cheek against the smooth coolness, not really wanting to know what new absurdity is in store for me.

”Mara, get up. You’re not going to get anywhere lying around.”

I freeze. I didn’t say that to myself, did I?

”You heard me. C’mon, get up.”

I slowly lift my face. Standing tall and strong, proud and gorgeous, was a woman dressed in white. Despite all the differences, I know this person. She is me.

I’m definitely dreaming.

White, not black, not grey. White, the color Benevolents wear, not the black of citizens or even the grey of Protectors. Does that mean I succeed, and succeed beyond my wildest dreams? Well, technically nothing means anything if I’m dreaming. Or is it that everything means nothing?

She raises a perfectly arched black eyebrow. “I’m not going to repeat myself.” Her hand goes to her hip, and something glistening on her finger catches the light.

I stand, uncertain if it’s a good idea while I’m dizzy with — what? — over seeing that ring. Only Victor could’ve afforded it…

”So,” she says, “you’re supposed to go through that door, but you’ve got to talk to me first. How about you say something and get it over?”

I frown. “You’re like dad.”

”Didn’t expect that, eh? Well it’s about time you grew up. You have to let what he does make you stronger. I did.” She lifts her chin. “Quit dallying over stupid stuff, and it’ll be better for you.”

”That’s a lie.” My voice catches. “Music is important, and you know it. It’s what got you that.” I gesture toward the ring.

She laughs condescendingly. “No, it was sticking to your plan. At least you had that gem of inspiration in you. You will indeed achieve honor before all Benevola and exceeding every Gobey-Hanad before you.”

I scowl at her. This had better be a nightmare.

She rolls her eyes. “You might as well leave. Go quit being a baby.”

I sneer right back at her, walking through the door with my chin up and head held high. No use talking longer with her.

 

 

@rose-colored-fancy

I’d be happy to have Mara interact with Frey, but I think I’ll start that tomorrow. 🙂