Farah Dowling WRITOBER 2O22

Sinners [INTO MY ARMS #1]

Farah was still not accustomed to having a branch instead of an arm. She knew she had been lucky to survive at all, let alone to be able to transform back in human form, and she knew she had to put up with the annoying situation only for a few more days; but it was inconvenient. She could not write, her balance was not right, and she kept forgetting about the whole mess and hurting herself every time a leaf or a twig was accidentally broken.

She was in Solaria, utterly bored while searching for a dress to wear at the formal party Queen Luna had hypocritically insisted to throw after Rosalind's death. Finding something that could accommodate her branch arm had proved difficult, but, thank the gods for small mercies, she had just found a passable choice.

The clerk was packing it for her when she noticed you, a young woman trying on a dress nearby.

You had a carefree smile on your face as you watched yourself in the mirror and Farah couldn't help but feel her heart constrict when she saw you giving up and twirling, laughing at the perfect way the dress skirt flew around your legs. You looked bright and playful and sweet in a way Farah had never been. And what stunning legs you had. Farah looked away and shook her head in self flagellation – what was she thinking? You looked not older than one of her students. She had no business staring at you.

Luckly the clerk was done. "Here you go, madam. Thank you for your purchase" he said with a polished smile, handing her the bag.

Without thinking Farah extended her left arm. A second later she was crying out in pain. The weight of the package had broken a twig, blood had started to flow and she was kneeling on the floor, trying not to faint.

"Oh gods! Are you hurt?"

The question came from you. Farah thought that your hands were so gentle when you quickly fastened a white handkerchief around her broken branch.

"There" you proclaimed, helping her standing up. "That's better."

Farah marveled at how naturally you had helped her, no sign of disgust or shock on your face as you wiped the blood from the leaves still attached. Her pain had already subsided, and it went away for good when you magically healed the branch.

Then you smiled at her, unaware of the effect you were having. Farah had to restrain herself not to move away from your face a lock of rebellious hair.

"Thank you for your help."

"You're most welcome" you answered, smiling.

"I'm afraid I have stained your dress" she said, looking at a small bloody spot on the previously unblemished skirt. "Allow me" she added, and her eyes went alight when she magically cleaned it for you.

You almost squeaked when you felt the impossible extent of her magical aura. Who was that woman?

"You should buy it, by the way" she said, distracting you from the flow of your thoughts. "The dress."

"Oh, I wasn't going to buy it" you answered, finally letting go of her branch arm. "I couldn't afford it."

"That's a shame" she commented. And then, after a moment of reflection: "I really think you should have it. Let me buy it for you. Consider it a thank you gift."

"Oh, no, madam, I could never -"

"Please. I insist."

"I- you..."

"Think nothing of it. You were enjoying it way too much not to have it."

"I... don't know what to say. Thank you. What... may I ask who I have to thank for this? What's your name?"