Journey of a Girl

Ajo: Chapter Six

Ajo was alone in the woods, furiously scribbling a new poem.

He was trying to describe the way he felt when he danced with Galeia, but was having trouble finding the right words.

A rustling from the trees stopped him, but he did not look up from his writing.

"You still think you can sneak up on me?"

"Worked the first time," a high-pitched voice said.

"It was a one-time trick." Ajo closed the book and looked up. "Come out."

The Gretch fell from above.

"Let's swim today," she said but Ajo shook his head.

"I have to prepare."

"For what?"

"It's time I tell Galeia of my love. In less than a year we'll announce our betrothal."

"What's betrothal?"

"Marriage."

"Oh." The Gretch's voice was soft. "She told you she loves you."

"Not those words exactly, but yes." He paused. "My friend, will you show me your true face?"

The Gretch bristled. "Why?"

"Well for one...it will be improper for you to keep the face of my intended wife. We've known each other for so long, it's odd that I've never seen the real you."

"I told you before—"

"You think you'll frighten me, but you won't. I've told you all my secrets. There's nothing you don't know about me. I've trusted you, and it's a shame you continue to hide from me."

He was testing her, trying to rid himself of the last shred of doubt over who the Gretch was.

If she was Galeia, it was time to bring her game to an end.

And if she was truly a spirit of the woods, it would be all the better to know he had a friend who was, in some ways, closer to him than anyone else in the world.

Even Galeia.

Galeia was the one who held his heart, but the Gretch was the keeper of his secrets, and he loved her greatly. Had circumstances been different, the Gretch might have even been—

No. That sort of thinking was neither proper nor possible.

"Show me your true face," he pleaded, "and we'll never keep anything from each other."

The Gretch thought over his request, and for a moment Ajo believed she would oblige him and put an end to the question that had plagued him for so long.

But the Gretch only asked, "Aren't you afraid?"

"Afraid of—your face?"

"That she won't love you back."

"That will never happen," he said firmly.

"Why do you love her?"

"What sort of question is that?"

"Do you love her because she's a princess and you're supposed to—or do you love her because of something more?"

"I love Galeia because I love Galeia. It's that simple."

The Gretch grunted. "Almost too simple."

"All right. I love the kindness in her. Galeia is ferocious, almost savage at times—and that makes her moments of affection and gentleness all the more special. But I love her wildness, too. She's bold and fierce. And even when I feel my despair could never be lifted—all it takes is a word from her to prove me wrong."