Aura - The Pure Truth: The Orphan of the Storm [2]
Feb 12 22:47:51 2005

She blinked, jerking her head up suddenly at being addressed in
the concerning tone of the old man.

"Are you alright? I know it seems like a lot to bear, but I
hadn't meant to truly overwhelm you."

Aura didn't respond immediately; instead, she looked from the man
back towards the transparent gateway, a misty sheen encovering
her eyes for only a moment.

"No.. It's okay. If nothing else, I'm used to having things
like this thrown at me. It's happened a lot more than I care
to remember. But, what do I need, then? You never made that
part clear for me, either."

"It isn't too hard. You know how to sing, don't you?"

Once more, she raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

"Sing? What does that have to do with anything?"

The man pointed at the dim blue gate.

"The gift of song is a very remarkable trait for the people of
our village, child. A certain song only a select few of us
know serves as the very key I mentioned earlier to opening the
door to the Mana Holyland from here. Your mother used to sing
the song for you when you were very little; a lullabye, of
sorts. If I know you half as well as I think I should, you
still know the song, even after all this time, don't you?"

A small amount of shock must've registered on her face without
Aura even realizing it, since the man laughed rather heartily.

"Yes, I did know your mother very well. And you, as well; why
do you think I took it upon myself to bring you here after
the mana spirits told me where you were? I'm just doing my
part, as they have theirs, and soon, as you will yours."

Suddenly, the blue ring of light pulsed, brightening with a slight
intensity for just a moment before growing a shade brighter, but
remaining as it was, shimmering silently against the midday light.
The old man smirked at this, raising his gaze towards the dryad
atop Aura's head.

"They are growing impatient, child. Pretty soon, they're going
to wind up dragging you there themselves, if you aren't
going to go there willingly. They want to see your mother
as much, if not more than you do."

Aura couldn't help but feel slightly taken aback by this,
narrowing her eyes just slightly.

"Why? None of this is even fitting together!"

The old man sighed, a weary sort of exhalation.

"There is nothing more to tell. The rest is up to you, child.
I have faith that you will find the right way along, with
their guidance."