User blog:Aspicientis/Short Story: A Lich and her Wight

A Lich and her Wight
The river of time… It flows forward, unfaltering in its duty to reach the end of existence. Sometimes time curves and bends but it never flows back. Time never rewinds, it simply moves forward into the great beyond. As I venture through this existence, I question my decisions throughout my life and think upon a hypothesis: What if time could go back?



“ Cloris…?” I open my eyes and gaze up to the figure in front of me. “There you are, slipping into your thoughts again?”



“ Only for a time.” My reply was met with a smirk.



“ You say that yet I’ve seen how long “Only a time” can actually last.” As I frowned slightly a soft giggle escaped her lips.



“ You know I only kid.” She offered her hand and I took it. “Besides, don’t we have a town to see?”



“ Since you sound enthusiastic and zealous Anna, I’ll let you lead.” A gleeful smile followed my request.



“ This way then!” With an arm extended in the direction of the town, the overjoyed wight led the way. I dusted off my cloak and joined her.



<p class="MsoNormal">This warm hearted Wight is named Anastasia or as I called her “Anna”. She became my knightley dressed travel companion centuries ago when I found her as a simple zombie abandoned in the streets. The memory is still clear as light to me…

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">*****

<p class="MsoNormal">It was raining as it always did. I had decided to leave the laboratory for a short while to enjoy the rain. Rain may have been an inconvenience to most but I was delighted to watch as it enveloped the streets. While I sat near the fountain in the central plaza of town a young girl was curled up near the edge of a local bakery, nibbling on a moldy piece of bread.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I never thought of myself as much of a humanitarian or the like but sparks of curiosity caught my mind ablaze, pushing me to investigate the small creature. As I approached, the girl stopped eating and focused on me. Her eyes were unusual gray-blue that matched the color of the cloudy sky and the rain that poured from it. My staring caused her to tilt her head slightly as she attempted to pronounce words but only grunted noises flew out. It wasn’t surprising to see that this zombie knew nothing of the common language nor that she had any real hope of learning it but her constant, forward tries to speak were strangely… Endearing. It was as if she wished to say “Hello” or “Good Morning” instead of beg or ask for assistance.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">At this point, something within me began to desire this creature to learn speech just so I could understand what it wanted to tell me. I kneeled down and offered my hand, stating “If you wish to learn how to speak, come with me”. The girl stared at me for a few moments before accepting my offer.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">*****

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Daydreaming again?” Anna interrupted, thrusting me back into reality. “Honestly now… What am I to do with you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ As you always do I suppose.” That answer wasn’t what she was looking for but Anna’s attention was soon drawn to the sights and sounds of the town.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">It was pure coincidence that today this small settlement decided to hold its annual festival. Stands were set up along the main street selling various objects with red and yellow banners hanging everywhere. Anna was overcome with joy and wonder as she examined every little thing a succubi was selling. Most of the objects were common types of love fruit, which Anna had seen dozens of times yet still marveled over, along with simple guides on romantic foreplay.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">As I approached my companion pulled me close and showed me a piece of Couple’s fruit.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ I just can’t seem to overcome how cute this fruit looks!” Anna held it out in front so we both could graze at its slight shine in the sunlight.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Staring at this simple fruit reminded me of the first time Anastasia spoke…

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">*****

<p class="MsoNormal">After feeding the girl the daily amount of energy she required to enhance her thinking, I would draw words on a board and sound them out. She would then try to read the words and repeat what I said but instead only mild utterings would be heard. This would go on for hours with the same results until I stopped to feed her and rest.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Every day that passed would be the same with little to no improvement being shown. After a few months of this went by I was beginning to lose hope until one day…

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Say this word: Fr-u-it”. I said, pointing it out on the board. “Fr-u-it”.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">She attempted to say it but only the first word along with grunts came out. I sighed and repeated myself.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Once more, say “Fr-u-it”. She tried but failed again. I silently cursed, wondering why it wasn’t working. While I dipped into thought the girl picked up an apple from the table. She examined it and brought it to me, nuggling me.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ This? This is a piece of fruit.” She tilted her head slightly.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Fr...fru...fruit?” My eyes widened as the word left her lips.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">My mind raced at how she was able to finally understand then it dawned on me; she needed visual cues to understand.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">From then on, I began using symbols and items along with sounding out the words. Her progress skyrocketed and the girl began learning at an alarming rate.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">*****

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Cloris…? Cloooris?” My consciousness came back to the present as Anna called to me.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Yes?” I replied, gazing at my friend’s irritated expression.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ You zoned out again didn’t you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ I’m afraid so, did you need to ask me something?” My answer wasn’t exactly welcomed.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Yes! Which fruit should I get?!” Anna held out two different colored fruits. One was the couple’s fruit she had been holding while the other was Prisoner’s fruit.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">In truth, it didn’t really matter which one I choose due to the fact that Anna would always prefer the Couple’s fruit just for the base reason of aesthetic beauty but I found it amusing how my lively companion reacted when I chose the opposite of anything she adored.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ The Prisoner’s fruit.” Anna’s face lit up with an irked countenance that brought a titter to my otherwise emotionless demeanor.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Why are you always do that?!”   My companion set the prisoner’s fruit down and paid the succubi for the couple’s fruit.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Some things cannot be helped.” I smiled and began walking again. Anna followed after me with the fruit contained in a small box in her hands.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">There was much too see despite it being a small festival. Several merchants offered a variety of items both common and rare within the human lands. As we reached the end of the street we strolled on the main festivities were commencing in the plaza. Several musicians were playing as Apsara performed, their fluid movements deliberate and organized. Most of the crowd seemed mesmerized by their presentation except me and a few others. Anna was swept up in the excitement and enjoyed the show as most. I couldn’t help but marvel at her genuine delight in most events. Even as a zombie she acted like this, especially the day she found her name…

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">   *****

<p class="MsoNormal">A year had passed since my breakthrough with her language development and the girl was making amazing strides in developing her vocabulary and sentence structure. It was also evident that the girl’s growth was beginning to lean towards the basic building blocks of a Wight. Although I never considered she would progress into a higher level undead this quickly I was excited at the possible research this endeavor could lead to, what could be learned concerning energy-gathering processes of zombies.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">One day, on a rather snow covered afternoon, the girl walked into my study and asked me a intriguing question.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Cloris… What is my name?” I gazed at the girl with a perplexed look.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ What do you mean young one? I never gave you a name.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Why?” She asked. It was strange but I never asked myself why I neglected to give her a name. One reason could be that I didn’t find a need for it while another could be I never found the time. Either way, the subject found itself standing in light.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Many reasons, would you like to have a name?” My question seemed to solicit an interesting response of joy and worry.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Ye...Yes but I don’t know what to pick…” Her answer intrigued me.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ What do you mean?” I replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">The girl ran out the study and returned with a book. I opened it and examined its contents. It was a book filled with nothing but names listed in alphabetical order. I didn’t recall having such a book but I wasn’t surprised I had it. I combed through the pages a moment then turned my gaze back to the girl.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Which one did you want?” My question only brought a look or worry over her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Well… I wanted you to pick it…” Her response shocked me momentarily. My first thoughts were to assume this girl considered herself akin to my daughter and that granting her a name would solidify that bond.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">My heart felt… Heavy but also happy? I was unsure how to describe that moment as I flipped through the book and found a name. It took but a moment for me to decide the perfect name for this young girl.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Your name is Anastasia, remember it.” The girl’s face lit up in glee as the name left my lips.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ I’ll always remember it!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">*****

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">As I focused back to reality the dance was coming to a close. When it finished the crowd began to applaud the talented Aspara. I looked to Anna and nudged her softly, grabbing her attention.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ We should move on, there is more to see.” I started.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">With a smile, Anna agreed and led me through the crowd to a different street than before. The area was mostly clear due to the majority still residing in the plaza to watch the next event. Despite this village being fairly small, the festival was quite large and expansive. More booths lined the edge of the street with my companion gazing over each one of them. I followed after her slowly, staring up at the falling horizon in the distance.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Cloris!” Anna yelled, catching my attention. “Catch!”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Suddenly, a small toy was thrown towards me. I caught it and looked at Anna’s joyful smile. My heart felt heavy a moment as I examined what was in my hand. It was a simple straw doll of a little wight. My eyes met my companions as I held the doll close.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Where did you get this?” I requested.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ From one of the merchants.” Anna’s smile had developed into a grin. “Doesn’t it look so cute?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I gazed over it again, my mind slipping back to the day Anna changed forever…

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">*****

<p class="MsoNormal">After the day I named her, Anastasia or “Anna” began to show much more emotion than before. The young girl would always smile and laugh while pushing me to do various things with her. We began heading out more, visiting the park and market frequently. My demeanor had always been rather gloomy but with this young girl my days started to feel… Brighter, livelier. It had grown from being just a simple project into something very touching, something I hoped would stay forever but alas… The day I feared finally came.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Cloris!” Anna yelled, running into my study early one morning. “Look what happened!”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I turned and gasped, dropping my book. My young, small zombie had finally transformed into a young wight. For a moment I was unsure how this transformation was possible but considering the process depended on the individual it wasn’t impossible for a zombie to become a wight overnight. I took a deep breath and examined Anna closely. It appeared the change was almost instantaneous but experiments would need to be conducted to prove that completely.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ That's… That's wonderful Anna.” I attempted a smile as best I could. Anna’s smile was more radiant than ever, filling the entire room with light.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ I’m not exactly sure what happened but I feel so light!” The young wight jumped around, projecting small ethereal claws.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I was unsure how to feel in that instance as both pride and sadness filled my heart but, in the end, sadness overcame my pride for a knew what was about to happen next would leave me feeling lonely again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">   *****

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ It does…” I replied, returning to the present.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Before I could respond again, Anna took ahold of my hand and pulled me along.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Why the rush Anna?” I asked. My companion smiled and pointed to a lone tree atop a hill outside of town.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ I wanna see if we can see the sun slowly setting from there!” Anna replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I smiled and released my hand from my companion’s grasp, causing her to stop and look at me with a perplexed expression.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ What’s the matter?” Anna asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ You go on ahead, I’d like to take my time walking there.” I kept smiling which helped to ease my companion’s worries.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Alright but don’t take too long!” Anna said, moving towards the tree in a quick pace.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">I kept strolling, taking in the sights and sounds of the village. Anna was already close to the tree while I had only just left the main street. The paved roads gave way to loose gravel and the buildings changed into wild barley and wheat. A few houses dotted the outskirts of this quiet landscape. This day was like the day they finally came to see her…

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">*****

<p class="MsoNormal">Months after Anna’s transformation, I received a messenger from the Council for Higher Undead asking to see the young wight. Anna came after I called and the girl handed her a letter and left. The young wight opened the letter and read that it was an invitation to join the Higher Undead Society and begin training to become a “Proper” wight. Anna began to get excited but I urged her to read on.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ It says that I’d… I’d have to leave your care and move so they could instruct me privately.” As the words left Anna’s mouth they pulled at my heartstrings. The young wight stood there a moment and thought before turning to me.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ It’s quite the opportunity.” I said, holding my current feelings from showing.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Yes… It is.” Anna stated, staring at the letter for a moment before tearing it up.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">My heart leaped and raced as I witnessed the young wight rip up the letter. I was confused yet overjoyed at the same time.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Why did you rip it up?” I asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Anna turned to me and smiled. “I can’t imagine a world without you… Mother.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">In that instant, tears began to roll down my cheeks as I ran over and held Anna. For the first time in my life, I felt truly happy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">*****

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">Before I knew it, I had reached the top and was standing next to the tree. Anna was right. The tree did look over the entire village and valley as well as provided the perfect view of the sun as it began to set.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Finally!” Anna exclaimed, standing next to the tree. “Took you long enough.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Sometimes it’s better not to rush.” I replied, slowly taking a seat under the maple tree.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin">“ Only sometimes.” My companion joined me, sitting next to me under the tree.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">The afternoon slowly ended as the sun began its descent below the horizon. My head slowly dropped into Anna’s lap as my eyes shut. My companion placed her hand on my head and stroked my hair.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">The last thing I heard before slipping into a light sleep was Anna saying “Thank you, mother.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">My mind drew back to the question of “What if time could go back?” and contemplated several theories. Although many had excellent reasons, I settled upon the idea as followed: Why alter that which was already perfect?

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''Thanks for taking the time to read my short story! If you have an comments (Constructive) on how I can improve then please post them, I'm always look to get better at my writing. :P''