a glimpse of something

Her fingers are covered in dust and cobwebs

...further, her cold bones and freckled atoms s t a i n e d

with old broken ink scents

tell me, dear, how long were you wandering in these woods. Don’t you know? Stay too long and it will swallow your soul up (leave nothing for the wolves to feed on)

lost for so long, she forgot how to reach up for the stars - how to wonder, dream past this stream of sharp vivid realities

all she knows is nothing but constant movement of time and her, numb in the middle. she’s been here so long, she can’t remember anything else.

...Oh dear, what should we do then? It seems your already half-eaten, there’s barely any left of you. Only shadows of what you were once.

she stares up at him, she doesn’t understand. she only knows shadows and pools of numb-cold darkness - she doesn’t remember anything past that

Of course, you wouldn’t - he smiles tiredly but warm - you don’t even remember your name and everything has to have to a name to come here

now, now... what to do I can’t simply leave you like this - his blue eyes sharp into her eyes deeper past her atoms (into fractured memories ) - & catches a glimpse of fingers before he slips away and doesn't drown (you can look at the abyss but don’t stare too long or it will take you too)

oh, you were a writer - that makes a lot of sense now, easier I got just the potion for you!

so, listen up—

There’s a shuffle of sounds in the distant that interrupts him. Another traveller appears

this one seems different though... brighter. More alive. This woman has colours.

A familiar one -

she has never felt colours before and these press into her darkness and feels like... something. (the tip of her tongue ...familiar, song-like) like fire but less. like (stars, sunlight in the night sky tangled up in wishes) something she can’t put to words. but it stirs her, leaves her wrong-footed

“Oh, hey!” The Women grins up at the old man.

Hello, to you as well Katy. He answers, dryly. Haven’t I told you to go home?

“Yes, you did.” She nods, mischief glimmering in her dark eyes. but do I ever listen?

(there’s an old story here to be told)

(where there’s a child curled by the river, dreams stolen and a little rain, pouring sunlight, stubborn hands and a treasure of colours)

Sigh, you never change do you - he says fondly despite the wrinkles on his skin getting older

(this place is a dangerous place, outsiders do not belong soon or later, one way or another It will drive them out better run while you’re still in one piece)

“It would be boring otherwise, old man. ;) You need to make thing a little more interesting.”

No, no, nope. I do not everything up in flames, thank you very much.

“Haha, come on! Who doesn’t like a little spice of flames?”

he shakes his head at her but there’s already a smile blooming in the corner of his lips. Honestly, this girl...

“Besides, who’s the girl? Woooh - what’s wrong with her? She’s so transparent and just...” Katy squints. “Is that Ripples?!”

he grimaces at her Yeah, she’s a writer

Katy’s eyes widen at this, starting at the girl in sympathy she met a few writers before, but nothing like this!

But, no need for worries, luckily I do have just the thing

“You do?” Katy says, doubtful.

Yes, actually - mmh... He stares meaningfully at both Katy and the girl.

Wait. Hold on, this idea seems more wonderful (then hunting down for wolf hearts and poor will-o-wisps souls)

he smiles - how about you take her Katy? She could use some colours, you know some of your fairy dust she needs hunger, goals, stars - that would do good for her

but you can’t ever bring back her past she’ll have to fight the forest back for that

. you know how the rules go