Farah Dowling WRITOBER 2O22

All we have is now

"So spend time with the ones you love most tonight" said Saul to the fairies and Specialists assembled in the main hall. "Because it is possible that some of us won't survive this battle."

He held the gazes of his students, colleagues and friends, regret and sadness both evident on his handsome face.

He turned and searched for Farah Dowling's eyes. She nodded imperceptibly, and Saul walked towards her, leaving the center of the stairs and squeezing her arm for a second.

Headmistress Dowling stepped forward.

"I know you wish this battle wasn't on your shoulders. I have been in three wars and I can tell you everyone always wishes that war hadn't happened in their time. But it is not for us to decide. As a wise magician said, all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. So be sure not to have regrets; don't leave anything unfulfilled tonight. And tomorrow, with an untroubled mind and an untroubled soul, together we will defend Alfea. And we will prevail."

Everyone shouted their approval.

Then the Headmistress stayed there, standing alone, projecting stability, the symbol of all that was good and strong in the school, looking around her.

Small groups were forming; lovers, suitemates, friends, hugging or crying or kissing and telling each other all they hadn't said in years before leaving the hall together.

Ben was with Terra and Sam; Saul had an hand on Sky's shoulder.

She was about to leave when she heard your voice.

"I am sorry, but no. I can't do it" you were saying to one of your classmates. "I can't sleep with you only because it's the eve of the battle. I know we could die tomorrow, but it's not a good enough reason for me. There is only one person I'd want to spend the night with, and she would never consider me more than a student. I'd rather be alone. I'm sorry, really."

Memories from the past few months flashed through Farah's mind.

Your stunning eyes, wide with awe, bright with longing, staring at her. You biting your lower lip when she spoke. The vehement passion which had laced your words when, barely a few minutes after your degree, you had gone to her office to ask for an apprenticeship despite not being a mind fairy.

Her heart stopped as the evidence of your feelings crushed on her. How could she have failed to notice before today? She had been drawn to you for months and she had never imagined you could feel the same. Now she wondered if you'd ever have the bravery to tell her on your own. Probably not, since you believed she only saw you as her apprentice.

Any other time she would have thought she shouldn't act upon your mutual feelings; at least not until she wasn't your mentor anymore. But tonight... her best friends were with their loved ones, she was alone, and in a few hours she could be dead.

At the very least she wanted to be sure. She didn't want to die with the regret of not knowing if she was really the one you lov- the one you had been thinking about.

She walked closer to you and she murmured, next to your ear so that no one else could hear: "If you were talking about me - I hardly consider you only a student, my dear."

You turned quickly, both your hands raising to cover your mouth. You stared at her, tears threatening to fall from your eyes.

Well, that left little space for doubts. As hard to believe as it was for Farah, apparently you really harbored feelings for her.

"H- headmistress" you whispered. "I'm sorry you had to hear that conversation. But - thank you, it makes me so glad to know that you value our relationship outside the mentorship..."

"Of course I do. Could you really not tell how much I enjoyed your company?"

"Well- I was hoping that was the case, but- you're always kind with everybody, so-"

"Why so nervous? Tell me the truth: were you really talking about me?" she asked.

"Yes, of course. I meant you. And..." Your voice broke as redness started to color your cheeks. "I meant all I said. You're the only person I want spend this night with."

"But why?"

"I-" you paused, confused by the question. You looked away, taking a deep breath and deciding to try to explain. "Because when I am alone all I can think about is every detail, every moment of our time together. Because every time I have performed the Heart's Deepest Desire incantation into the vessel at the Stone Circle you were at the end of it. Because when I begin working on an article on magic it feels I'm talking about you. You... are magic to me, Headmistress. And, as you said, all we have is now. I don't want to die without telling you- without showing you how much I love you. If you'll allow me" you concluded, throwing her a quick glance.

She took a step forward. You were waiting for her to say something, anything.

But she stayed silent, staring at you. And finally, after a few seconds, she reached out and pulled you against her. She hugged you tightly, nose buried in your hair, letting you inhale her intoxicating scent.

"Oh, my dear" she whispered in your ear. "I would be honored to spend my last night on this world with you."

--

I had literally no time today since six a.m. up to an hour ago.
I know it's short, but it's the best I could do today.
Hope it still gave you a moment of Farah sweetness... and tomorrow I'll do better, I hope.

Thank you for your support!

P.S. Recognize the quote?