The Missing Stone

The Present Effect

After her quick recovery, Mildred returns to her routine. She dreams of sapphire eyes and violet hair. Sometimes she is too restless to sleep, reading on her supposed species in the library. Linhardt would check in and offer an investigation, but Mildred would politely decline, not wanting to be a burden despite her burning curiosity.

One night, a particular dream stands out among the verdant fields. She dreams of dark hair and bright eyes, an enchanting voice echoing pleasantly in her ears. Mildred wakes with her face warm, and she has no idea why. Distantly, she can feel her head aching again, but the next time she sleeps she presses against it, wanting to know who that voice belongs to.

The voice grows clearer, vibrating through her memories like a ripple in a pond. An image forms slowly, and the first thing she sees is the glow of stars in the sky and fireflies. It's the same endless field, shrouded in the dark of night, only illuminated by the numerous light bugs swirling around and the bright full moon.

The voice. Mildred turns, her ears tilting forward. Facing away from her is someone with dark hair in a black trench coat. They're singing, the fireflies seemingly dancing to their song. They lift a hand, the glow of magic circling in the air above.

She feels entranced, drifting closer, noticing their furred ears and elegant tail. The magic swirls higher, spreading further until her vision is blinded white. She opens her eyes to her dorm ceiling, breathing fast. What was that?

Her head hurts more than ever, and she decides to visit Mercie in the morning. Familiar footsteps appear at her door.

"Mildred!" Ingrid calls, knocking on the door. "We're heading out to the Dominic region." She nods even though Ingrid cannot see her and pulls on her boots, pushing aside the remnants of her dream. Something about the region reminds Mildred of something.

"Isn't that where Annette used to live?" She asked, falling into step with the blonde. Ingrid nods, the pair making a beeline to the stables.

"We're coming along just in case things go south," she clarifies, swinging herself onto her pegasus. Mildred nods, moving to help the others ready for departure. As she passes by Mercie she hands her a sweet, and Mildred takes it, grateful for the small snack in the ungodly hour of night.

She sits in her usual spot in the convoy, unfurling her map. With her aided vision, she reads through the names of the territories before finding their destination. Compared to Ailell, the Dominic region doesn't seem as far, but there were mountains in their path then.

Sure enough, they travel until the sun rises, Mildred passing the time by repairing snapped swords and broken bows away from prying eyes. She snickers quietly at the memory of Felix's confusion. Setting the sword she was repairing down, Mildred scoots out of the cart as the group slows to a stop to set up camp.

As she helps finish pitch up tents, a firefly drifts by in the wind, and she is reminded of her strange dream. Their voice echoes in her ears, and when she closes her eyes she sees bright eyes and dark hair. Mildred shakes her head, figuring she needs to clear it.

Passing by the stabled mounts, she wanders into the nearby forest. Their song continues in her mind and she can't help but hum along, ensnared by their spell. The moon is full, just like then. She closes her eyes, swaying to their rhythm, the swaying soon turning into twirls, then spins, then dancing. In the cool breeze under the bright sky, Mildred feels free.

Then she's in that field again, face to face with the stranger. Their eyes are a soft yet bright yellow, smile shy and charming. They take her hand, pulling her in a spin, and Mildred feels breathless, exhilarated. They hold her close, footsteps sure but silent. Their song sounds so much clearer this close, and she finds herself singing too, joining together in a harmonious chorus.