In my dream I was drowning…
Drowning in pools of love. As I sit beside my lover, he gently caresses my hands in his. Arkarian leans over and places a small kiss on my forehead, whispering "I love you". I reply in response, and he smiles, before placing me in his lap.
We stay there for eternity, it seems. Just enjoying each other's company.
But suddenly, Arkarian rises with a look of alarm on his face. "Isabel…" he whispers, as he looks at me. He touches his hand gingerly to my face, and an extreme look of pity crosses his features. Why am I to be pitied?
Its then that he turns and flees.
A mirror is placed into my hands by an unknown force, and I raise it up to my face. Its then that I scream. My face, old and wrinkled, was no longer full of my smooth youth. My hair was no longer a sun-streaked blond, but a snow white, down to my waist.
I was old.
I realize then why Arkarian had left me so suddenly. My dream was not just a dream; it was a reality.
My ancient leathered hands come up to cover my face as I cry in shame. For as long as I was mortal, and able to age, my one wanted love could never be mine.