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Those eyes are of a bright ruby red in the dark, watching - and it’s a bit foreign to be without shackles, tripping on those long chains fit for an ogre. That wretched past can’t haunt me as it once did; my skin no longer dehydrated and tear-stained. Sleep drifts me off into beautiful states of happiness, waking with a smile to greet a pristinely blue sky.
I can’t dwell on the negatives forever, of course. No need to. Life as it is now has become so nourishing and precious; spontaneity at the forefront with Elias.
For my blessings outweigh my worries.
I’m absentmindedly running my fingers along the walls of this place I’ve called home. I had to quickly adjust to such immaculate decor and spotless furnishings.
My reflection finds itself in an empty picture frame. A window to my left casts a ray of sunshine and I see now the results of practice; green irises faintly dusted a rose gold. Magic, I feel, has drastically changed everything. (Does it not?) Even my hair is a much brighter shade than normal, curled ever so slightly at the ends.
I’m starting to feel a bit weak again but I cannot bear to rest on such a nice day.
Quite the paradox.
Elias has been out early this morning for a few errands, but should be back any time now. And Ruth is, yet again, following closely behind. Silky walks past with a subtle grin; no more, no less. Always keeping herself busy. She’s wonderful. She’s as quiet as this house, although I’ve figured just by observing her that acts of love are much stronger than anything spoken.
Ruth gives me a whimper, nuzzling into the back of my knee and I blink. I sigh immediately as if in response.
“I know.”
Smiling, I mumble, “...I know you know.”
He’s too sweet for me, really; his muzzle warm in every sense of the word against my cold, nearly lifeless hands.
I hear Ruth sniff as he leans in closer; his outstretched tail circling around me like a protective spell. I’ve become used to him being my familiar, but it’s still humbling to know how much he understands. A noble guardian through and through.
...Just how lucky am I? In spite of everything?
In spite of all the pain I've endured?
Ruth then cocks his head to the side, inquisitively.
“...Chise, to be alive is a gift. It’s no matter of luck but of courage. And your perspective on life now is healing you. Continue to grow along with that awareness. I’ll always have faith in you.”
“...Thank you, Ruth,” I say, breathlessly. “Thank you.”
The security I feel at this moment is far more powerful than any talisman clutched tightly; knuckles porcelain white against my chest.
“-Ah. Chise?”
"E-Elias!"
I hadn’t taken note of the front door opening then, and the hushed whispers of sprites carried upon the breeze as if an incantation for spring.
Oh. I forgot that today is the first of the season.
A white-gloved hand is extended before me out of concern.
“...Is anything wrong, Chise?”
I meet those bright ruby eyes, “Oh. Um. Nothing’s wrong. Just…”
“Are you sure?”, he prods, adjusting his jacket.
I glance down to Ruth for a moment before gazing back up at Elias. I spot Silky poking her head outside of a doorframe nearby, hands daintily clasped together.
It’s almost time for lunch, and she smiles at me again.
“There’s just...no place like home.”