Aura - The Pure Truth: Princess in the Mists [4]
Feb 15 00:33:04 2005

The voice laughed, a soft little rustle of nearby vegetation.

"I know not the characteristics of the outside world. But if
my daughter is capable of falling in love with someone
therein, I do not believe it can be that bad of a place. The
choice will be left up to you, but I do not think it will be
a hard one to make. And your grandfather will understand,
regardless."

Still kneeling, Aura wondered if she even had the energy to rise
to her feet.

"Will.. Will I ever see you again?"

Again, the rustling leaves of laughter, a smallish chime of
amusement on the part of the tree.

"My child, once you realize your full potential with who you
are, and truly come to terms with your origin, you will be
able to see me whenever you please. Just keep faith in your
heart, as I have watched you do for almost three years, now."

And as she knelt there, she didn't feel the world begin to
shimmer and change around her, unfeeling as the atmosphere
changed from the foresty overgrowth of the jungle-specked
Holyland. The only thing she felt was the last bits of despair
leaving her as a renewed sense of hope took its place. For all
her discontent in what she'd learned, she couldn't help but
wonder if her mother was right. Was it truly the will of the
Goddess that had decided what had happened to her? To both of
them? To the family she once had, but knew so little about?

Overly weary from mental exhaustion, the last thing she would
remember seeing was the familiar grass skirting the village
exterior, within the boundaries of the surrounding forest, and
the eyes of a familiar old man looking down at her expectantly.

No, not an old man. Her grandfather.

Nothing else mattered, then. All she wanted to do was sleep.

And sleep is exactly what she did.