One for sorrow
Two for joy
Three for a girl
Four for a boy
Five for silver
Six for gold
Seven for a secret never to be told
Eight for a wish
Nine for a kiss
Ten for a time of joyous bliss
Rose gazed in speechless delight at the world around her. Strange, ethereal creatures glided through the sky, ghosting silently on currents of cool air.
"They're not birds," she said, half to herself.
"No, they're not," the Doctor murmured.
"Well, what are they, then?"
"Weeeellll, the closest analogous Earth life form would probably be a type of pterosaur…but not quite. Actually, these creatures rather strongly resemble certain species of Myliobatoidei, although these are adapted for an aerial, rather than marine environment…"
"Doctor!" she exclaimed impatiently.
"Yes, Rose?"
"Shut up."
"You did ask."
"Can we just agree that they're pretty?"
He chuckled at that, delighting in the sparkle of her eyes, and the pink blush that the cold had stung into her cheeks.
"I think this is the most beautiful place you've ever taken me."
The Doctor opened his mouth, then shut it again. He, who had so many languages at his command, was suddenly at a loss to express to his companion that it wasn't the aesthetic qualities of the planet they were currently occupying, but her presence on it that made the place beautiful to him. He recalled a legend about this place, these creatures…that they carried wishes up to the gods, to be fulfilled, if they found the supplicants worthy. He swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry.
"How long are you gonna stay with me?"
"Forever," Rose replied, smiling brilliantly.
He returned that smile, his expression brimming with adoration, and silently made his wish.