Findara | A Fantasy Romance

Chapter 4

Findara walked through the streets of Orchid valley eager to reunite with Casiphia. Although the two of them were close, Findara had never set foot inside of her home. In fact, she was clueless as to where she actually lived. It was never a thought that crossed her mind, for she believed Casiphia might have been more on the private side. For this reason, she hadn't the slightest idea of where she might be. However, nevertheless she was still determined to search.

    Within minutes Findara arrived in the town's central area known as Honeysuckle square. It was a lovely, circular, meeting ground that had cobblestone paths which extended to various shops within Orchid Valley. In the center of the square was a stone statue of a giant Fairy reaching towards the sky, which lay in a fountain. Each curve and detail were sculpted to perfection. Her long hair flowed to the bottom of the fountain, allowing the water to gracefully run down; and the foot of the fairy ever so lightly grazed the surface of the water, creating an eternal ripple underneath that mesmerized all who laid eyes on it. It was an ethereal work of art.

    The town square was crowded today. Civilians surrounded the fountain as they threw gold coins in and made extravagant wishes.

    "I beg, make me wealthy and beautiful" one woman pleaded.

    "May my family be healthy and strong" another man chimed.

    "I wish the baker would bake better bread" one man muttered under his breath.

    "I heard that!" The baker who happened to be nearby,  angrily exclaimed.

    The crowd eroded into the unpleasant sound of arguing. Some citizens criticized others, claiming their wishes were selfish and stupid. Others defended their right to have made such wishes.

    Findara shook her head as she pushed her way through the crowd, eager to remove herself from the unnecessary drama.

    Wishes were stupid. She was sure of that.

    Findara believed that things would fall into place exactly as they were meant to. A silly wish made in a fountain wasn't going to change that; and besides, she viewed it as a waste of money.

    If she weren't such a saint, she would have personally taken each and every coin for her own keeping, while making intense and unapologetic eye contact with the people who threw them.

    She laughed to herself for having such a ridiculous intrusive thought.

    Findara made her way towards Nethilor bridge where the more popular spots lay. She thought about all the places Casiphia could possibly be, like GimmerWind Library; the largest enchanted library in Orchid Valley. This idea was quickly shot to dust as she remembered the library was currently closed.

            She allowed the wind to carry her to familiar spots such as Fauna's, where she sat on the bench as she indulged in people walking; and finally, to Cazelle Meadow.

           Soft and sweet the breeze spoke to her, urging her to explore.

          She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in. The air was fresh...crisp. Her dress lightly blew in the wind like a dandelion floating away to its new home.

         Findara removed her lavender heels, deciding she wanted to feel more in touch with the earth. Careful not to ruin the beautiful flowers, she walked slowly, feeling the gentle texture of the grass beneath her feet. They were far too delicate.

         She took to the ground as she laid back and stared up at the pastel blue sky. Clouds took their time passing by, as if each and every one wanted to be admired and seen.

        Findara smiled to herself as she tried to make out their silhouettes.

        Her eyes began to flutter softly  as a sudden sense of fatigue overtook her body. She blinked harder, fighting to stay awake but it was of no use. She fell into an involuntary sleep.

       Whispers of the wind swiftly made its way past her ear.

secrets that would remain unknown due to its inaudible nature.