Journey of a Girl

Ajo: Chapter Three

Ajo walked the woods with excitement in his heart.

He cupped his hands around his mouth and called loudly, "Whooop!"

The trees above him rustled.

From the high boughs a mass of leaves and mud landed before him with a graceful leap.

"How are you?"

"Warm and healthy," the Gretch replied. "What magic will you show me?"

Her speech had improved as she grew older, and it did not go unnoticed that she aged at the same pace as Ajo. Even after a few years he remained uncertain of what, or who, the Gretch really was.

If she was a product of nature or Galeia.

Many signs pointed towards her being what she claimed, but there remained a nagging suspicion that she was nothing but an elaborate bit of mischief.

"No magic today. Let's talk."

The Gretch pouted. "Magic's more exciting."

"But talking can be more important."

"What's more important than having fun?"

"I don't know. How about...love?"

"Love?" Her nose scrunched and she looked every inch like Galeia. "Love is not important, let's do magic instead."

"It is important."

"I don't need it."

"Everyone needs love."

"Not me. I need berries to eat. I need water to drink. I don't need love. Not at all."

"It's more than that, Gal—my friend. Love does not feed our bellies, but our souls. You're too young to understand."

"Am not! I'm not too young at all!"

Ajo smiled. "One day you might be in love with me."

He expected an argument or feigned disgust, but the Gretch tilted her head.

"I do love you, prince," she said. "You know this."

"Something more than friendship?"

"What's that?"

Ajo sighed. All the explaining in the world would not help her comprehend something so complex. And there was no explanation, he felt, that could do the feeling justice.

"Forget it," Ajo said, slightly defeated. "We'll do some magic."

***

Ajo took special care to make himself handsome.

He tamed his unkempt hair into a flattering style and ensured his clothing was neat and clean.

He looked at himself in the mirror, admiring the picture there.

"Good morning," he said to his reflection. "It is a good day, isn't it?"

Ajo frowned, displeased at the sound of his voice.

He straightened his posture and tried again.

"Shall we go for a walk in the woods? I don't have any lessons today and..."

He shook his head.

"No. Be bold."

He nodded at the mirror, gathering his courage.

"Be. Bold." 

The Queen's absence at breakfast puzzled Galeia, but not as much as the sight of the prince.