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Imogen’s heart was filled with spider web cracks in the shape of the words the people of Gelvaan hurled at her ever since her powers became apparent. The words said aloud and those only heard in thoughts became imprinted in her mind. It was like they never wanted her to forget that she was worthless now that she carried that curse. There were cracks in the shape of her father’s indifference as he watched the town turn on her. He ignored her cries in the night as she was ravaged by the storm that branded her flesh with lightning. Turning his back on her as she became a shell of the little girl he once knew. She felt so alone, even when she could hear the thoughts of everyone around her piercing her mind. The pain that lanced through her head lingering throughout the day until it grew unbearable. Every day was the same, until it wasn’t.
Imogen stood in the center of town with music pouring into her mind. It felt like jumping into the cool water of the creek on a hot day. It felt like warmth slithering through the cracks of her heart, sealing them back together. There was no hesitation to help the woman with a mind like music when the town turned on her too. While the people of Gelvaan cowered in fear from the strange woman, Imogen felt like she was blossoming under the sun. She didn’t think twice before following her away, away from the pain and the loneliness.
Laudna filled the cracks in her heart with gold, slowly fusing it back together with her music. Each night spent comforting Imogen after a nightmare, helping her weather the storm, was another line of gold. Every compliment and kind thought like a balm to Imogen’s fractured heart. Imogen flourished under Laudna’s care. Her heart grew with each moment spent with Laudna.
The first time she saw Laudna’s shy smile.
The first time she heard Laudna laugh as she puppeted Pate, making him dance around the fire in the first camp they made together.
The first time Laudna grinned at her, no longer shy or nervous. Imogen was awestruck by Laudna’s soul that shined through in everything she did. It was a smile that Imogen couldn’t help but return.
The first time she complimented Laudna and watched her hide a slow moving, dark blush behind her dark hair. Fidgeting with Pate hanging on her belt. Imogen could feel a warmth in her chest as the gold melted into her heart.
The times they spent sitting around a fire with Laudna telling stories. When Imogen realized that Laudna’s voice was her favorite sound.
The times Imogen would look into Laudna’s dark eyes. They were like dark voids that absorbed the light around them that would come back out with Laudna’s bright personality. She can’t seem to look away once she is caught in that gaze, feeling it in every fiber of her being.
The moment Imogen realized she would follow Laudna anywhere. There was no limit to how far she would go, as long as they stayed together. She would protect Laudna with everything she has and everything she is. She was filled with a fierceness she had never felt before at the thought of someone hurting Laudna.
All these moments culminate into one single question.
“Can I kiss you?”