Disclaimer: I do not own any characters belonging to Christopher paolini
I guess everyone has a point in their life when they feel totally and completely lost. But what if you have felt that way forever? What do you do then? Aurla pondered this as she walked down the hallway to her fifth period class. Just then a small blonde haired girl ran up to her. "Aurla are you coming to practice today?" she asked
"Yeah" Aurla replied.
" Do you need a ride home again?"
"No thanks I'm getting picked up by Elinee and her mom." Elinee had been Aurla's best friend since the age of two. They had met at their brother's soccer game and had been inseparable ever since. Even though they were six months apart in age and were in different grades they made it a point to see each other at least once a weak and to talk to each other on the phone as much as they could with out getting grounded.
" Oh okay then I guess I'll see you there." She waved.
" Alright bye" Aurla continued walking down the hallway to her class until she came to the room were she was supposed to have her daily science class. She walked over to her normal seat next to a fragile looking green eyed girl with light brown hair that flowed all the way down her back. "Hey René what's going on?" Aurla asked.
"Not to much, just working on Elinee's birthday present" she answered René and Elinee were also friends since they had been taking ballet together for over a year.
"Oh, i haven't even had time to shop for a present for her I've been so busy."
" Well her birthday is in two days so you had better hurry" said René as she tied a yellow ribbon onto a brown package.
" Okay okay" huffed Aurla as she sat down.
Elinee shut the door to her mom's van just as Aurla climbed in. "Your late" She lectured.
"Sorry the rehearsal went longer then I had anticipated." Elinee gave her a sympathetic look.
"Mrs.Narsal is really pushing you to your limits huh?"
"Yeah but it's only because she thinks I have allot of potential, or at least that's what she keeps telling me, it's either that or she just enjoys seeing me suffer. Aurla joked.
" My guess is the second one"Elinee laughed. Aurla and Elinee had been singing their whole lives, but it wasn't until a couple years ago that they had started to seriously work at it. Now practicing took up nearly all of their afternoons.
"So... What do you want for your birthday this year? Asked Aurla
"A car" answered Elinee with a somewhat serious look on her face.
"Try something I can actually afford."
"I have no Idea" Elinee sighed looking out the car window. Elinee had just gotten her driving permit and now was working on her license.
"Hey girls look at that new shop over by the flower store" Called Elinee's mother from the front seat.
"Whoa, that is so beautiful when did they put that in?" asked Elinee.
"I don't know I haven't seen it before."
"Hey mom can we stop there for a minute to check it out?" questioned Elinee.
"Yeah for a moment but don't take to long alright?"
"okay"
As Aurla and Elinee walked inside the store the first thing they noticed was the smell, it was a combination of old spice and berries. The second thing was all the books and herbs that cluttered the walls. And the third was an old woman sitting in an ancient looking rocking chair in the corner of the shop. She was staring intently at both of them as if sizing them up with a single look. She was adorned in a long flowing brown dress with beading across the hem and the waist. A golden shawl was draped over her tiny shoulders and a few glittering berets were clipped in her silver hair She smiled at them humbly, her forest green eyes sparkling and she stood and glided over to the counter.
"hello" she greeted quietly as if not to scare them. "How are you today, and how may I assist you?"
"Hi" replied Elinee . "We're just looking if you don't mind."
"oh not at all" stated the old woman, "feel free to take a gander" as Elinee started over towards the books Aurla quietly strode over to a weaved basket that held little packages of herbs and spices. "Are you looking for anything in particular?" Asked the old woman.
"Actually I am looking for a gift for my friend over there." Aula whispered as she pointed to Elinee who was still exploring the shelves of books.
"Ah, I see" said the old woman. Who was now staring into Aurla's deep brown eyes as if in search of something herself. Although Aurla wanted to avert her gaze she couldn't help but feel something deeply familiar about the old woman. However she quickly shook off the feeling. "Well I think I have just the thing for you then" spoke the woman again, snapping Aurla out of her thoughts. "I'll be right back."
"Okay" whispered Aurla feeling oddly peaceful now. As the gray haired woman clamored around in a back room seemingly in search of something, Aurla adjusted her hoodie she was wearing seeing that it was now raining outside. The woman crept silently back into the room, holding a small brown pouch tied with a gold string. "This is something very special" she whispered into Aurla's ear. "This is wishing dust. It can read your hearts deepest desires and make them come true"
"Oh" said Aurla utterly entranced.
"Here" said the woman handing Aurla the pouch. Aurla began to reach into her pocket for her wallet, "No" said the woman. "It is a gift, use it wisely"
"Thank you." Whispered Aurla, who was at a loss for words.
"Hey Aurla, said Elinee, "my mom is probably wondering were we are, we should go"
"Alright" said Aurla as she pocketed the pouch. She thanked the woman again and then followed Elinee to the door.
"I wish you both much happiness" called the woman as they walked out the door.
"What was that all about?' questioned Elinee as she lifted up the hood of her sweatshirt to shied herself from the rain.
"I'll tell you later said Aurla as they climbed into the car.
Aurla walked into her room and lay down on the bed going over the days events in her head. She walked over to her dresser and opened a drawer, she took the brown pouch out of her pocket and gently placed it inside.
Pronunciation Guide: Aurla...Are-la
Elinee...A-line-ee
René...Rin-ay
Author's Note: Please review and tell me what you think. Other wise I may not update in fear it is aweful. Please, criticism is welcome.