Flash Fiction Friday (23)

Dottie over at Tink's Place have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate you post your story on Friday - 350 words, give or take.

I have to thank Blodeuedd at Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell for introducing me to this fun meme. I don't know if I'll be able to keep up with every week, but I'll give it a try from time to time.

The Image This Week:

I've continued with Allyse and tried to bring her to a close... for now.

First part, Second part.

By:  Melissa

Allyse danced the years away with the fairies through the brilliant woods.  She learned to speak easily with them and tricks of capturing the light of the moon and sun to make glowing lights to dance and play with.

Her hair hung low on her chest and across her eyes now.  The fairies had spun her a stunning gown of shiny silks and webs with sparkles from rain drops and dew.  They loved her company so they would make her just about anything.  Even wings from feathers of doves and owls so she could feel as she fit in with them, other than her size.  The fairies didn't even stand as high as her knees.  The little bright creatures they were never let her feel unwanted or out of place with them.

Today Florace wanted to talk to her.  The fairies never fall to the serious side, but this seemed to have a pull in that direction.  Allyse sat fidgeting with her sun ball waiting to run through the forest until dark when they would lose themselves in their dances.  Florace squeaked a sound that pulled Allyse's eyes to her.

Florace calmed and started on.  Allyse was shocked by Florace as she went through this amazing story of a girl who was pulled into the fairy time and danced years of her life away.  But in the end the girl had to return home as there where others who needed her, and had fallen in love with her.  To her biggest surprise she learned this young girl was none other than herself.

Allyse couldn't believe it, for she did not remember any of the life Florace told she had before dancing and running with the fairies.  Allyse stood to run away but as she turned she tripped over a protruding root of the large oak tree and fell face to face with a young woman laying on the ground covered with flowers and leaves.  The woman reminded her of the images she saw in the streams when drinking.

Florace walked in front of her as tears streamed down her face.  "You must return.  You have such a life to live."

Allyse reached to touch the young woman laying inches from her, her hand slipping into the skin.  Then a pulling sensation dragged her into the body.  With the start of being sucked back into her body, Allyse jumped and jerked up to sitting, all the leaves and flowers falling around her. 

A young man she had not seen jumped to her side, dropping his book to pull out a handkerchief drying the large tears from her cheeks.  Allyse panted from the exhilaration of returning to her body and cried as the happiest days she new were gone.  But now she was startled by this broad young man with heart felt eyes looked at her, asking if she was alright.  Allyse looked around her taking note of the flowers and colorful leaves and wait.  A book.  The book she was reading when she fell asleep.

The man picked up the book, folding it closed, setting it beside her starring at it with his hand placed on top.  "It is a very good read.  I've been enjoying it every day since we found you."

Allyse was stunned all she could say, "You.  You can read?  And you like that book?"

He looked up to her large brown eyes and with a smile, "Oh yes.  My mama taught me.  She wanted me to be verse in all things worldly even though we make our living hunting the wood.  But I enjoy the tales of the unknown.  If not for that and hunting I would never have found you here."

His dark green eyes sparkled with a fondness she noticed.  He mentioned he had been here since he found her.  "How long have I been here.  And you, you visit often?"

Again he looked down to the ground, "We found you two moons ago.  Thought you would not make it, and you had to stay here or you would not have."  Then a little lighter he went on, "Yes, I've stopped every day.  To visit, and read to you."

"The flowers.  They are from you?  They are beautiful."

"They reflect your beauty."  Then realizing what he said he turned to leave.

"No. Please wait."

As he paused Allyse asked, "Could you please help me up.  My legs feel stiff and weak from not moving.  Could you help me to town....and share your name please?"

The young man turned with a boyish smile, "Laaron.  Laaron Gordon.  And yes I'd be honored to help, you as long as you wish."

Laaron helped Allyse to her feet.  Allyse leaned on Laaron with his arm around her waist as they walked back to town talking of fairies, dragons, and the many little unseen creatures of the woods.