Narcissa Amethyst Emerald Raven Jade Sapphire Hightopp walked with a sour bitterness in the stinking rotten hole of the blistering hot desert. She'd never felt such uncomforting accommodations in her life. The night was ever so cold and the sun over head in the day was horribly sweltering.
She wiped at the perspiration that formed on her forehead with a loud sigh. It hardly seemed worth it anymore, she was covered in the sticky liquid that emanated from her once perfect body. She did however consider herself more than lucky that she had saved a part of her soul to re-inhabit her body in one of her numerous crystal orbs. She was going to be perfect again once she got her powers back and she would destroy those that dared to defeat her in battle! The only problem was how she was going to do it…
Step after step, she walked for miles in the volcanic-like heat of the day before she caught a glimpse of something. Was that… a village? If it was a village that meant people and civilization, and that meant water! Water to revive her dry throat and cleanse her body of the dust and sweat that covered every inch of her.
With a new found strength she ran for the village, taking delight in hearing the sounds of laughter and music floating toward her. She slowed as she entered the small town and stared in wonder at the scene before her.
There were at least twenty –maybe more - people before her, dancing to the music and laughing. They were the most colorfully dressed people she had ever seen in her life. The colors and sounds swirled together like paints to form new and intricate patterns. The music was like a drug, sweet and so addicting.
"Annie, help, Alistair don't you dare try it!" A little girl screamed, running past Narcissa. Her red hair flew behind her like a banner fluttered in the wind, behind her was a younger boy with short black hair. In the boy's had was a glob of liquid honey, ready to be flung at the girl in front of him. The young girl abruptly stopped, the boy did as well and together they stared at Narcissa.
"Who are you?" She said, pointing at the once perfect woman, her blue dark blue eyes full of curiosity. Narcissa, for the first time in her life, felt nervous as the others took notice and stopped everything to watch them. "Are you here for the festival?" she said innocently.
The girl was suddenly pulled away by a taller red head with green eyes that shone with suspicion. "Malise, go join Mother and Father; Alistair, stay with your sister." The two siblings hesitated and glanced at each other nervously. "Go," The elder woman snapped and the two of them ran back into the crowd to join their parents.
A tall blonde man stepped up beside her, Narcissa felt strangely intimidated by him. He carried a sword and certainly looked like he knew how to use it to cut her head off should she upset them.
"My name is Narcissa, I'm lost," She admitted forlornly.
The red haired woman took instant pity on her, her eyes softened and all doubt left her face. "I am Johanna the Healer. If you'll allow, I will offer what help I can and you may join our festivities and have plenty of food and drink." She held out her hand to her. Narcissa hesitantly took her hand and Johanna began to lead her through the crowd. "Return to the celebration, we shall return shortly." She called to the others who returned to their celebrations without hesitation. "Follow me Narcissa," She said sweetly.
When they reached the door of a small and simple home the blond man from earlier grabbed the woman's shoulder. "Annie, please, a word with you." He whispered. Johanna nodded at him and then turned to Narcissa.
"Please excuse me for a moment." Narcissa nodded silently and curtsied to her. Johanna nodded her head and returned her attentions to the man when she went inside. "What is wrong?" She said simply.
"I have a bad feeling, something's telling me not to help her." He said bluntly. Johanna cupped his cheek and smiled softly to him.
"Alick, I realize that you are protective and trust your instincts, but after I have helped her she will be here only long enough to gain provisions and hurry on her way. But if she has no way to go we shall work something out." She reassured him.
"I just don't think it's such a good idea to allow her here." He said defensively. Johanna gave him a crooked smile.
"Alick, I am a healer, I cannot just turn away someone in need of help. You realize that." She said softly. Alick nodded in submission and turned to leave. "Alick," she stopped him. "I love you," she whispered and kissed his cheek before going back in.
First Johanna offered Narcissa cold water to quench her thirst and warmed just enough water for a light wash. Narcissa's limbs were screaming in exhaustion and she could hardly move them so it was deemed necessary that she was helped. At first it had been awkward for the younger girl but she had found it bearable so long as she was clean again. As she soaked Johanna had left to find her some clean things to wear and a meal. Now clean, fully dressed with quenched thirst and a full stomach there was only one thing Narcissa truly desired; a bed. This is exactly what was provided for her next.
She slept in the Guest Bedroom so deeply that she somehow managed to miss all of the festival that was being held, but of course she didn't mind in the least.
