Wind rustled through the trees, catching the metal bars of a wind chime and Aurielle smiled faintly, her lavender grey eyes staring ahead as her head cocked to one side. Though it was the first time sheβd be following the path to its destination. Normally, this winding road was a favorite of hers. The smell of bakeries and restaurants tickled her nose. The sounds of life being lived in a harmonious cacophony. Voices from far off lands and music from traveling troupes. Even without sight, this stretch of cobblestone road made her feel like she was a part of it all.
Being blind was.. Like knowing the color of an apple. You simply knew and trying to explain it to another person was impossible. What would one say after all? It is red and shiny? Perhaps round. That is where the description would falter. Being blind though, could be experienced, if one really wanted to know. Simply close your eyes or wear a blindfold. At first, disorientating and then solely, youβd become acclimated. Aurielle did not have the luxury of taking off a blindfold though, or opening her eyes. She had learned to cope, for while people felt pity, that tenderness only went so far.
Tendrils of her hair tugged against her scalp as a particularly strong gust of wind rippled along the street. With it, came the smell of fresh baked bread. One small hand moved over her stomach and she sighed. Had she not been late, perhaps she could have indulged. A soft sigh left her lips before she spurred her feet into motion once more.
While the cobblestones could be uneven, Aurielle was used to them and she always had her cane. The tip of it skittering along about a foot before her, tapping lightly, alerting her to obstacles in her path. It meant that she could wear heels, like the ones she had on and nor risk landing on her face.
Clothing had always been something that both baffled and drew Aurielle. It wasnβt about the colors, for that, she relied on others for assistance. It was the feeling of the fabrics, the way it felt upon her body. She knew that her outfit, for example, was mostly black. High wasted leather shorts that clung to her hips and thighs, digging in slightly. Pale creamy flesh was on display until the top of her sheer black thigh highs.The white shirt was silky against the skin of her stomach and along her arms. The wind cut right through it, making the love sleeves not too much as the sun beat down on her. Those who could see would say what Aurielle wore was cute, but for her, it felt good.
Vibrations ran up her feet and into her thighs. Stepping aside as a carriage rode past. Likely they too headed to Embervale. Though she couldnβt see the academy, she knew of it. Once, sheβd been told of its white stone and how it stood proudly against the blue sky with delicate towers and spelled glasswork. It was all words that meant nothing to her. What Aurielle knew was far more concrete.
Embervale Academy was where those with gifts went to train. Most knew that they would never be the tone that the prophecy spoke of and accepted that. Some, though, felt they were destined to be the one to save the world from Morrow Shayde. While the name was remembered all but one other detail was forgotten as the long years spilled by and no dire threat arose. πππ π€ππ‘βππ’π‘ π ππβπ‘ π€πππ π ππ πππ£π, πππ π‘βππ¦ π€πππ π ππ£π πππ. Most, though, had forgotten this too. Embervale became little more than a training ground for adventurers, leaders and the rare hero.
For Aurielle, she hope to learn to heal with her magic. Not herself, but others. It was a small dream. One that would allow her a quiet life, perhaps someday with a husband or wife at her side. Small dreams had always seemed best to aim for. Realistic, is what Matron Nicholoua had called it and while as a child sheβd rebelled against such things, age had taught her that simple dreams, while safe, offered security. Boring perhaps, but what else could a blind mage do?
Sheβd lost count at some point of the number of stairs sheβd climbed and as she paused to lean against the wall, she was thankful this wouldnβt be a daily climb. βI didnβt think I was out of shape..β Aurielle muttered softly. People passed her, chatting. While it was the start of her journey within Embervale, there were many returning students. Pushing off the wall, she began to tap her cane again, five minutes later and there was not another set of stairs after a short break and Aurielle was thankful. Blowing out a puff of air, lifting her bags from her forehead she turned her head toward the sound of a fountain.
It had been the sound of water that had drawn her attention. Darkness was normal for Aurielle so when a face swam into the darkness. Dark hair was haloed in a faint aura. A pair of ears sat on top of his head, the inside a paler color. Though she was seeing him, freaking seeing him, she had no way of knowing what the colors were. All Aurielle knew was he was the most beautiful thing she had ever witnessed and.. The most baffling.
Unaware that her cane had topped from her fingers, her lips parted in amazement as she gaped at him. It was rude, of course, but could anyone blame her? Her world had been an endless sea of.. Nothing and then suddenly something?! Around him, she couldn't make out any other details. Just him. Sitting, she assumed on the edge of the fountain. Something held within his hands. A book? Maybe..
A tear slipped down her cheek, startling her. Lifting a hand she wiped it away as a laugh bubbled into her throat. Her hand rose to her lips, eyes dancing with tears. Her eyes skipped around. She wouldnβt find anyone else. One was a miracle. Unaware that where the fountain lay was where students were gathering. That just a little further, bodies pressed closer to one another. She was also unaware blissfully, so that people were staring at her. Wide eyed, another face caught her attention. This man had horns, delicate and curving from his dark hair. Ink lined his neck, darker than his skin, making the patter stand out. A tattoo, she reminded herself silently.
Both men were beautiful. Amazing.. And she felt like she was going to pass out from the giddy feeling in her chest. One last face stood out to her. Unlike the others, he was light, airy almost. Glasses glinted.. fucking glinted in the light as he looked down an unable to help it, she felt her legs going from underneath her. Sheβd not fainted, but standing.. Was just too much.
She could.. See? Sure, it was only people and sure.. They were strangers but she could see them! Unaware of just how crazy she looked, Aurielle buried her face in her hands and wept.
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