It was early. Not so early that no one was awake, but just early enough to make the sound sleeper cringe. In the distance, waves lapped at the shore, barely noticeable. The wind sighed rustling through the tall grass and the leaves on the nearby trees. There were voices calling her name in the distance, but she didn't mind them. She was too swept away by the beauty around her to care seriously. Such a beautiful day. She stretched out in the field of flowers and tall grass, bringing her hands high above her head and pointing her toes as far as they would reach.
"Maroo?" her name was called again by someone familiar. I think that's Ms. Kovar. Is it time to go already? Reluctance tugged at her limbs as she sat up. Her long brown hair stroked her shoulders and her lower back as she sat up. She turned her head to look back to the main house. A splendid home of grandeur that not even the people in the town on the Main Land had seen. Its windows that reached high above any head sparkled and shimmered like water on a still lake. Attention to detail would have fallen short for this magnificent palace. Each design on a door, or a bookshelf, or the training yard was etched with mesmerizing detail.
"I'm here Ms. Kovar," Maroo called as she summoned her energy to stand. Maroo brushed the flora off of her dress, careful to make sure it wasn't stained. A large woman, who had been standing at the tree line surrounding the field, spotted the young woman and moseyed hurriedly to her.
"Maroo, I mean, Ms. Stratton, we have been looking all over for you. The horses are ready for your departure." Ms. Kovar curtsied. "And please dearie, it's Elise." Maroo folded her arms, right over left, and shifted her weight onto her left leg.
"Elise, I've told you before. If you are Elise, I am Maroo. If I am Ms. Stratton, then you are Ms. Kovar. You've known me long enough to call me Maroo." Maroo smiled gently.
"Yes, but your father requested that..."
"My father," interrupted Maroo, "does not get to tell people what I want to be called. I will have a word with him but, please, call me Maroo." Maroo watched as the older woman smiled, the wrinkles along the sides of her mouth and eyes increasing Maroo's delight. Elise curtsied again.
"Yes Maroo, I understand." Maroo nodded and turned to the flowers around them.
"I've been working on something. Would you like to see?" asked Maroo, a glint of mischief in her eyes.
"Of course!" Elise encouraged. With a quick nod, Maroo breathed deeply, clasping her hands together and placing them on her lips just under her nose. She focused her energy, thinking of the beauty she had observed just moments ago. As she exhaled, she spun and blew the tips of the grass around her. Then, small sparks formed and attached themselves to the grass. In that moment, dozens of flowers blossomed and bloomed all around them. Flowers of all shapes, sizes and colors dispersed their sweet aromas through the air. The spell is complete. Maroo turned to Elise, tears in her eyes.
"Oh my dear!" she clapped together her aged hands. "These are magnificent!" Elise touched the buds with extreme care. "You've been practicing your magic on this? For me?" Maroo nodded.
"I thought you'd like it. You talked of flowers like these in your home town. Are they anything like the ones in your home world?" Elise now had retrieved a handkerchief from her side pocket and was wiping her eyes.
"They're just like the ones from home. Thank you." Elise touched Maroo's chin gently. "You are truly a gifted Enchanted." Maroo beamed with pride and admiration for the lady. "Now come along! Your father is waiting and I don't think he'll appreciate it if I keep you any longer." The two of them, arm in arm, scuttled off together towards the house. It was a great complement from Elise since Maroo had never actually seen the flowers from Elise's home world.
