One Girl in All the World
The Town of Truce
January 8 of the year 325
Gnome's Day
The Goddess... is she truly watching over me?
Faith in the power of Mana... I want to understand...
Ever since that first day... I was different...
Seikou... What does he see in me that's so different?
It all has to connect, somehow... I'm certain of it. It HAS to!
A loud chime echoed throughout Truce, ultimately rousing Aura from her half- conscious state. Opening her eyes, she found herself staring at the base of a familiar statue within a familiar building, like so many other times when she'd drifted off into any random daydream. With a sigh, she sat back onto the floor in a slumped position, raising her face to peer up towards the upper portion of the Goddess of Mana's stone likeness. The feel of a metallic coldness against her throat reminded her of the newly-acquired charm that now found a home there, and she smiled subtly to herself in a reminiscent manner.
"He's..."
A small green pulse of light at her shoulder prevented her from re-immersing herself in yet another daydream state, and she merely cocked her head to one side, glancing at the shoulder in question with a curious look.
"You know, too? Of course you do. But trust is such a hard trait to keep, let alone obtain to begin with. Are you sure?"
The green light pulsed again, more dimly this time, but stayed lit for a fraction longer than an instant. Aura laughed in response, as if whatever this phantom light was were more than natural to her.
"No, I don't think he saw you. Was he looking? But you go to such great lengths to stay hidden, I'd be surprised if he knew. I do trust him, though, if that answers your question..."
Aura felt herself blushing, but made no attempt to hide it, instead placing a hand over the white rose adornment that lay at the heart of the silver chain around her neck. Another green light pulsed at her shoulder, seeming more alert and prominent this time. With a raised eyebrow, Aura gripped the necklace tightly.
"You think Variance knows, though? Are you certain?"
Another green pulse, much more dim this time.
"Well, it is possible. But he's a hunter, too.. and Seikou's commander, no less. I'm sure he's okay. I feel as though he thinks only of the well-being of others, since he sought to look out for me, more than once, so far. Both him and Seikou, in truth. Is there something I should still be cautious of? You don't sound very reassured..."
A final pulse, almost a quick flash of light, and then it faded entirely, leaving Aura to smirk to herself.
"No, I'll be careful. I don't have a choice, now."
With a quiet grunt, she hauled herself to her feet and glanced around the room. Hesitating only to adjust the black rose pulled through her hair, she left the comforting solitude of the Sanctuary without so much as a glance behind her.