When Magic Speaks - NaNoWriMo 2020✔️

12

Wiss had awoken that morning eager for the harvest festival. This night was the one night of the year when Hural seemed to loosen the reins on the 'Quilm hate sleigh'. Yes this night was one to celebrate, to let go of one's worries and to dance the night away. There was so much to love about tonight...except for the dress.

"Amma, please," Wiss whined, raising her arms as though the garment was a giant spider on her leg. "You can't just make me wear this thing."

For years Marma had insisted that Wiss wear the harvest gown she herself had worn in her youth. It was tacky and puffy and looked as though an autumn tree had thrown up on it. Although the sleeves and corset were comfy and quite lovely the skirt had definitely seen better days. Wiss watched with disgust as Marma ruffled the hem, trying desperately to make the gown fall perfectly around her with not a wrinkle in sight. 

"Please," Marma whispered, avoiding her granddaughter's disapproving gaze. Wiss watched as her grandmother gripped the dress tightly, a warm smile spreading across the old woman's lips. "Just do this one thing for me...and then you can do whatever you want."

Wiss frowned softly, curious. But this vulnerable side of Amma was so rare...so she'd comply. She blinked as she watched her grandmother - now all she could see was Piri beside her, helping her in fluffing the dress. Wiss smiled warmly to herself. It was remarkable that even in the afterlife, Piri's spirit was with Amma. She would never be alone. "Alright," she hummed.

Satisfied with her answer Amma rose to her feet, smiling at her before leaving the room and quickly returning with something clasped in her hand. In a quick movement Amma returned to Wiss. "The best part about this dress is that...is has pockets," she smiled, slipping the object into Wiss's pocket. Curious the young Quilm glanced into the pouch, staring back at her dagger. Wiss rolled her eyes. "Amma, we're going to the harvest festival. I don't think I'll have to worry about--"

"You should always keep this with you. No matter what. Okay?"

Again Wiss frowned but again complied. "Alright."

As Amma turned and walked down the hall to get ready, she snickered over her shoulder, "and don't frown so much. You'll crease your forehead."

-

The two Quilms pranced under the blanket of stars as they made their way into Hural, Wiss enjoying the cool air and soft snow much more than Marma was. There had once been a point in time when Hural winters were manageable, enjoyable even, but those days had long ago been left in the past. At least to Marma they were. Wiss didn't mind it at all - in fact, she loved it. Summers in the field were scorching, her sunburns brutal and painful. But the winter was so easy to bounce back from. All you needed was a warm blanket or a warm embrace. 

Upon crossing under the towering holly arch, the jolly sound of string instruments rang out through the air, the streets crowded with families and lovers, giggling and strolling hand in hand with sheer delight. Wiss could easily picture herself and Kitt doing just that. Strolling down the cobbled roads, hands firmly clasped, Wiss whispering into his shoulder, a warm hearty chuckle escaping his lips. They looked so happy.

And then she felt a hand on her shoulder.

She spun her head around, coming face to face with a neatly dressed Taun. He looked like a completely different person in his dress shirt and trousers. He looked like Taun. 

"Taun!" Marma sang, gasping with delight as she reached over and planted a kiss on his cheek. Wiss glanced away, pulling her attention to the upcoming frenzy of fairy lights. "It's so great to finally see you."

"You too, Amma," he smiled, catching a quick glance at Wiss. "Where did you two run off to?"

"A place that felt more like home than this." Wiss forced a smile as she pushed past them, quickening her pace as she approached the festival grounds. She wasn't about to let these unwanted Hural vibes ruin her evening. Kitt would be here soon and once he was here, she could dance away the evening with him. Kitt.