So I couldn't think of anything yesterday, and wasn't going to do anything today until inspiration struck me this morning. At least I have tomorrow written out, so that's good and I don't have to worry about writing to finish a deadline.
Also, my love for Twelfth Night slipped in. I couldn't help it. That was a fun play to be in.
So anyway, enjoy!
Day 4- 'make a wish', winter, fairy lights
They landed just on the edge of a small town in the middle of the planet's winter. When the Doctor opened the TARDIS doors, both were met with thick snow that tumbled into the time machine slightly. It was over halfway up to Clara's knees as they trekked through it on the way to town. Lucky for them, the streets of the town were much clearer and walking was much easier as they made their way toward a market that was taking place during the winter festivities.
"So what do you think?" the Doctor asked her as they stood at the beginning of the market that had taken over the street.
Clara studied her surroundings, gazing at all the little booths lining the sides of the street that sold a variety of wares. Fairy lights were strung up all across the street, giving everyone below them a soft golden glow. Snow was falling lightly onto the town. The whole place had a magical look about it.
"It's beautiful."
They walked through the marketplace, eventually linking their hands together as they walked past stalls and the town's residents. Clara took all of it in with awe. No matter how many places she traveled to with the Doctor, the wonders she saw with him never ceased to amaze her. She loved every minute of it as much as she loved him.
"What's going on there?" she asked as they reached the square and saw a small crowd gathering around something.
As they approached the crowd, Clara stood up on her tiptoes to get a better look at what people were so interested in. Peering between people, she saw a fenced off area that held dozens of large white flower buds, looking perfectly healthy despite the snow the stems and leaves were poking out of. "What are those?"
"Illyrian roses," the Doctor told her, smiling as they scooted forward in the crowd a little more. Clara didn't have to peek over everyone's heads now, which was marvelous. "They bloom once every four years, normally in the wintertime. They're on other planets, but there's at least one in every town on this planet. People come to see it bloom every four years, and for the superstition."
"Superstition?" Clara raised her eyebrows.
The Doctor shrugged. "Locals believe that if you make a wish as the flowers bloom, then it will be granted. But it's all rubbish. It's like when humans throw money into fountains and wells."
Clara snorted a little at that, trying to hide her smile. She turned her attention back to the flower buds. They were beautiful up close, and now she could see that each of them had a white glow about them. Roses on Earth didn't do that.
Minutes ticked by. The sun was going down when the first Illyrian rose bud bloomed. Clara had no idea what to expect when it did, and watched eagerly. Somehow, the roses became more voluminous when they fully bloomed rather than how they had looked in bud form. Each flower shone brilliantly, as if it was made of moonlight.
"Make a wish," she heard the Doctor whisper in her ear.
"I thought you said it was superstition."
"Some superstitions can be true."
Clara smiled and closed her eyes, making her wish.
After watching a few more roses bloom, they left to give others a chance to get a better glimpse and make a wish. Clara slipped her hand back into his as they made their way back through the marketplace and trudged through the snow to the TARDIS.
"So did you do it?" he asked when they were back inside the TARDIS.
She was in the middle of shedding her coat when he asked her the question. "Do what?"
"Make a wish."
Thinking back on what she had wished for made Clara smile. "I did."
"What was it?" the Doctor asked from the console.
Clara chuckled as she drew up beside him. "I can't tell you. Otherwise it won't come true."
"Clara, it's a superstition."
"You said some can come true."
Four years later, they returned to the town and watched the Illyrian roses bloom again.
Just like Clara had wished for.
And there we are. Day 4. And there will be a Day 5, so you've all got that to look forward to.
Please leave a review!