• The Dance of Crying Roses


    "Elizabth!" The cries were for nothing as the blood was spilt. The empty shell discarded to the cold earth. Tears overflowing from hallow eyes. Screams echoing through the air.

    "Garin! Don't do it!"

    "ELIZABETH!" The grip around his form tightened. The vile man faded along with the storm. Everything was silent. All but the cry of the crippling man who lost the one he loved most.


    Erin sighed, running a hand through her electric blue hair. She still remembered that day. She had never seen Garin so broken before. No one had. It had been two years since then as well. He's been broken since. He wouldn't speak to anyone. Not even Molly could get him to speak anymore.

    The blue haired girl groaned, walking out into the garden. "Those two need to stop bickering," she mumbled. Erin looked up at the garden walls. The vast hedges created a castle of beauty and sanctuary. It was Spring so everything was in bloom. Every little flower was dancing and singing. She found it peaceful and fun.

    She ran through the maze of hedges, dancing as flower petals fell around her. She giggled and came to a clearing in the maze, flopping down into the field of roses planted there. She smiled, the blue sky becoming brighter through the day. "So lovely," she whispered to herself.

    A sudden sound breached her ears. She sat up on her elbows, listening intently. It was a flute. A soft but soothing sound that danced in the air gracefully. Almost like a lullaby. No, it was a lullaby. Erin recognized it. It was Molly's song when she went to sleep. But who was playing it?

    Erin followed the tune through the maze, it's song getting louder as she reached it. The closer she got, the more beautiful it sounded. Finally, she reached another clearing, the roses growing up the hedges this time. In the center was Garin. A flute gracing his lips, a song sounding from his heart. Erin understood. He was remembering again.

    As she sat a listened to end of the song, he finally noticed her presence. He gave an empty stare. The same stare he had given everyone but her. "Garin," she mouthed. His eyes had a sudden spark when she said his name.

    In a swift motion, he grabbed her waist and her hand in his. Erin followed his motions. She could feel the music lingering. They danced. The roses cried around them, their tears falling gracefully to the ground, swirling the two friends. The dance lasted for what seemed to be hours. A hallow gaze burning into a bright blue one. Motions following motions, steps moving with steps. It was almost as graceful as when she had danced with him at the ball. Their last dance.

    Erin and Garin's feet stopped simultaneously. He still gazed into his friend's eyes. Erin gazed into his, still trying to figure out what was behind that poker face. Finally, he leaned down, placing his lips beside her ear. Erin smiled as she heard his voice for the first time in a long while.



    "Thank you."