Chapter 7: Leap of Courage

Although Aristelle was missing from the townhouse, Reeve’s sisters were quick to respond. They asked neighbors, they asked shopkeepers, they asked passing travelers, they asked anyone they could find.

Finally they found themselves at a loss until word of something unusual rang in the air.

“The Barefoot Princess is back!”

Cassian and Reeves’ exchanged shock looks before running towards the commotion.

Upon entering the town square, the sight before them was beyond them.

The ruffles of white, rose like feathers to the skies. The golden sun scattered it’s light everywhere against the embroidered crystals. The Barefoot Princess shone in all her glory.

The town played their tunes and rang their cheers in excitement. Others spoke in hushed voices of the dress, what is she wearing? Where has she come from? Although the voices seemed to hint that this had been a regular occurrence for a while, none of them seemed to have bothered to find answers.

Reeves heaved a heavy sigh before taking a step to enter the square.

But Cassian grabbed his arm. “What are you doing?”

“Getting your runaway bride?”

Cassian looked at Aristelle before turning back to Reeves. He spoke through gritted teeth. “She is an engaged woman. If another man goes out to fetch her, her reputation will be sullied.”

“I hardly see you trying,” shot back Reeves. He turned back to Aristelle and watched her continue her dance. “What are you going to do?”

Cassian averted his gaze to the ground. “I… I don’t know.”

The dance continued, twirling around like lily pads on a pond. Colors upon her dress shifted as more townspeople joined her dance. They made their loud steps around her feet and spun with glee. Nothing could describe that moment more than simple happiness.

However, out of the sight of the others, a trail of what seemed to be of dark reddish hue followed the barefoot princess. No one paid any heed, nor did anyone seem to notice. They were far too mesmerized by the aura that is Aristelle herself.

Soon everything would draw to an end but the joy of that day seemed to make its place. And then war arrived, taking the flowers with them.

X

The war took more than all the soldiers of Philia. The war took the lives and years of the citizens that lived there.

So they sent letters to their loved ones. They hoped the pain of loss would pass quickly, but hope would diminish over the years.

Although Aristelle was one of them, she seemed stronger than most.

To my beloved,

The first time I danced in the town square, I remember many of the townspeople did nothing but stare. It was new to them, dancing, I suppose. It’s too soon to say that I miss you, but I do. I pray for nothing more than another dance with you.

My beloved,

I’ve heard nothing but dreary stories these days. I hope they’re not dampening your spirits as much as the others around me. I’ve looked at my shoes lately and can’t help but laugh upon the thoughts that were of you.

I haven’t forgiven you yet, but I like to think that I can one day think of you a little more fondly.

To my beloved,

The days have been becoming brighter lately. Who would’ve thought that children would join my dance? It was the most fun I’ve had in a long while. Perhaps it’s because I feel more like a child than a grown woman.

Dear beloved,

I’ve heard of your brave exploits and beamed like never before. These days I’ve come to admire that humbleness of yours. Although I’m incredibly proud, I can’t help but feel that there is a heavy burden you carry.

But nevertheless, I hope that you understand that I believe in you more than you know.

Dear beloved,

You’ve done it again! We’ve done nothing but celebrate our recent successes. It feels like you’ve become a household name, even the children in town do nothing but praise you.

It feels strange, like you’ve become a stranger to me almost overnight. Perhaps I’m missing you more than I’ve realized.

To my beloved,

The town has seemingly changed these days. Perhaps the successes of the country have uplifted everyone. But I can’t help but feel more and more tired of the unsecurity of how people change. The children dance beautifully more than you know. They remind me more and more of us, and more so you.

I hope it won't be too late to share another dance when you return.

Soon the letters began to slow to a halt and the war drew to an anticlimactic end. The country had begun to celebrate, forgetting the hopelessness of the letter years.

Meanwhile, a strange silence overcame the rose garden. The places hidden away, known by few, the flowering plants no longer grew their foilage.