Prologue- A Hint of Fate
The rain spattered pitifully onto the concrete sidewalks, pedestrians soggy and umbrella-clad. The constant rush of traffic made the perfect backdrop for the dreary day, the somber grey sky emphasizing the mood. It was one of those days when every soul feels droopy and depressed, though the locals were very accustomed to it. Ah, London, a world of mystery, old and new, the misty clouds seeming to shroud hundreds of years of secrets, and-perhaps their answers.
It was a quarter past noon, and four girls were each making their way to the same store, though they were each alone. The figure of a tall strawberry blond with a floating emerald cloak around her was noticed, though she paid no attention to those around her, for she was far too busy. Head bent, her nose protruded into a well-worn book, eyes skimming quickly. Surely she should trip, but her feet in her brown boots stepped surely, her soles long ago having memorized this path.
The second girl was equally as tall, and a striking blond, her ringlets bouncing behind her in her usual ponytail. The girl suddenly picked up the pace. With her long legs, she had a strong gait, and approached her destination faster than she had planned. About to open the door, her blue-green eyes widening as she collided with three others.
These "others" were of course the girls reaching their same destination. Two brunettes, one with short hair, the other with it braided loosely to the side, stopped short. The blond gasped, she realized she had toppled a girl with wavy reddish locks.
"Sorry! I was caught in my thoughts! My father says for me to be more aware of my surroundings, but I accidentally zoned out," the blond gushes, and at the end, she looks down at her shoes sheepishly.
The red head on the ground laughs."It's okay, as a matter of fact, I'm almost positive that it was my fault, as my nose was in a book."
The two brunettes watching giggle, the redhead joining in, and eventually the blond, after hoisting the girl still on the ground to her feet.
After the laughter subsided, the girls decided it would be best to introduce themselves."Hi, I'm Jemma. Jemma Hurwit," said the longer-haired brunette.
"I'm Sapphire Lessi," was the other brunette.
The blond responded next. "Those are such pretty names! I'm Rebecca Sobeck, but please call me anything but Rebecca."
The redhead spoke last. "I'm April Lenderking."
Once they were all introduced, all realized that they were headed to the same place. They were all frequent customers at Guallo's Bookshop. A nice snug building on the corner, there were rows upon rows of shelves, housing thousands of books. In an alcove near the back of the shop, were four plush beanbags, one emerald, one sapphire, one ruby, and the last jade.
As they sat down, none fought over the colors. No one thought anything of it, but soon it would have a big meaning for them all. Jemma sat gently down on the jade beanbag. Sapphire skipped over to the well, sapphire seat, while Rebecca strutted casually over to the ruby one. Lastly, sprang over, tripping on a bookshelf. Once a clutz, always a clutz.
