Time certainly flew and it helped when there was no clock around, or alarm to tell her about it. Soon enough, she got to have a moment to eat when mid-day arrived.
"Mediocre, for a start, but a deal is a deal, lassie." Mrs. Pinch soon came by, nearly slapping a coin purse in her palm. "Report back here tomorrow morning."
"Mrs. Pinch, thank you~ ever so much!"
"Hmff, you gave no complaint, that is all the more to keep you around…"
"Yes. I'll return first thing~ thank you for this chance!" Anya was ecstatic at the idea that she did not fail outright…however she could not be too enthusiastic with all these wenches about who muttered under their breaths as if their lives depended on it.
It was all she intended for the day at least and she was let off, as the sun was directly above the town~ which inspired her even more, especially when she was on her own time now… Who could say that she could not go for a quick fly before returning to the Barber's? Of course she had her own art of subtlety, as if casually walking with her lightened basket, just a little ways down until she found another alley to hide away in. It was a spot for her to just set her basket down, and her shoes, and only sat for a moment, settling her pay onto her belt for safe keeping. Her clothes became a part of her natural form as a bird, a fine gift to have… She could care less for a basket with scraps in it.
Seeing that it was all quiet and she was alone, Anya shut her eyes and drew in a deep breath. She felt her skin tingle and the hair on the back of her neck rise, sensations of feathers began to grow all over her body and she shrunk in size as her arms felt as they were calmly stretching. Her eyes were easily to make out through the dinginess of the alley. Before she knew it, her body felt light and free and her heart felt so vigorous that she continuously flapped her wings, eager for that first breath of fresh air!
To some passerby's surprise, this brilliant brown hawk flew out from the alley as swift as lightning, on wings that glowed like gold in the sun. Just as Charlot had described; she was a rather stunning thing.
The very second she took to the air, she felt a jolt of happiness course through her that was so intense that she gave out a victorious screech as she rose up higher and higher with each wing beat over the peaceful industrial town. Living such mundane lives, as it were, such a sight was marvelous, just to witness such a lively animal make home in the Ghetto… Hawks were often trained and bred for falconry, so perhaps this one had escaped her keeper, hence her trust for this town… Her nest was thought to be near the Barber shop and the vendors. In such a grey world, her brilliance entertained those below as Anya felt very safe. She had felt safe as a hawk for a very long time, keeping an eye before she became known.
Anya scaled high, just below the barrier that cradled the Ghetto specifically and eyed the streets below her. First and foremost, she eyed the small mammals about. Her eyes were so sharp that could practically see movement besides the commoners… She fought the temptation to swoop and catch, but she saw a lake nearby, just outside the gates. Something else stuck out to her though… Along the old dirt road, there was one patch of charred black and burnt wood. Her gullet tightened as she slowed her glide, staying in the town's line. Beginning to feel overwhelmed for a moment, she took a careful dive back down, towards the street she made home at. On the rooftops around the small court, which gave her the fine sense of familiarity and landed on the parapet as if for all to see.
Her trilling caught the attention of Charlot who was tending to a customor, after concluding a shave… His costumer and neighbor, Mr Mann gave a rather apprehensive chuckle~
"Very odd behavior. Been seeing that hawk roost around here often. Even the cats seem too calm around us."
"hm-mm. Yes…" Charlot softly agreed, and he was a man of very little words, trying to remain focused on combing instead of dwelling in that strange commonplaceness that has them all feeling unfullfilled. Trapped even…
"Makes me wonder if they know something we don't. It has been very calm in the Ghetto lately. Not a word from a stormtrooper, the radio hasn't been remarking as much as it used to… Doesn't that concern you?"
"Oh, mm-well," Charlot finished combing and had gone to rinse in the sink. "Of course, it is concerning, but, life here seems safer since, where we can easily look out for one another."
"And of this strange girl who has happened here… whom you had so simply been taken to."
"Ah~ Anya." Charlot then smiled as he wiped his hands clean before taking the sheet off of Mr. Mann.
"Thought you were going to walk her back this morning~" Mann dug into his pocket and took out a couple coins for Charlot who graciously took them.
"Thank you," Charlot thanked with a neat nod. "We were, but… she decided to stay a little, to get to know the Ghetto. She might want to live here, so I arranged for her her a small meeting with the milk maids instead."
"That is very gracious, but… heh, one needs to be careful. You barely know her."
"I appreciate the concern, Mr Mann, but it is my matter to attend. A girl so young, all alone going to Osterlitch… leaving her without a penny."
"I understand. I apologize if I offend, Charlot. I stepped over the line, forgive me…" Mr Mann regretted what he said, knowing the Barber's poverty littered past. He turned to go and tipped his hat. "Thank you, Charlot~ Good day…"
As soon as the stout man stepped out of the shop, he startled when he saw the great hawk sitting so neatly on the courtyard wall. She eyed him sharply, fearlessly even, as he nervously walked passed.
"How do?" he tipped his hat to her, feeling awkward.
It was only until later that afternoon when Anya thought it wise to return back, having gone to hunt some fish by the dock to make it seem like she earned more than she did, and settled the fish in her basket upon her return. She was covered in many scents from only half of this day alone and fixed her hair a little straighter. That little break was well needed, that little stretch, a breeze through feather and to top it all off, the family was doing all right. Nothing was going on other than their slight awareness of the situation, which might be something she had to get ready for eventually.
Anya made sure her dress looked decent, and messier to ensure that she worked well today, and that her coin purse was firmly tied on her belt. Ready to face the finicky public once more, Anya began to walk her way 'home'. Did she just think that, automatically? Well, that could not bode well for one cat then, that followed her close and huffy-like. Anya silently regarded her as she neatly began to walk along, before glancing a bit.
"Caught a few mice today~ hm? I caught a few fish. Top that." Anya joked before they came upon the desired corner where the Calico chose to curl her tail around the corner lamp post, clicking at her, sourly. Anya smartly winked at her, hoping to make her friend jealous enough to finally show her face here eventually before approaching the Barber shop.
Anya was able to peer through the dusted window that Charlot was already sweeping around his work chair, humming to himself. Quickly, she took some of the pennies from her purse and split them into her apron pocket before moving in. Spotting her shadow in his peripheral, he looked up and smiled, delighted.
"Ah~ Anya, come in! Do come in~"
His invite made her smile as she entered the establishment, eager and genuinely hopeful.
"Tell me, how did it go?" he asked her, sweetly taking her hand.
"I was nervous at first but I was entrusted with one of the cows… I managed three buckets before noontime. I took a stroll to the dock though and brought these~"
"What?" he asked before she revealed four large kippers in the basket.
She saw the glimmer of shock in his eyes before she inwardly prayed to herself. "It was the least I could do, to thank you. For everything, I… I wouldn't know where I would be right now."
"You sentimental thing," he replied, touched. "You did not have to~"
"I did…"
It seemed like he was fighting back a tear before he hid it with a smile, speechless.
"…well, then, we must send these to Mary at once!" he stated, cheerily. "We shall feast tonight~"
"Worth it, I say, and I was paid twenty to start. Hopefully, that will grow."
"Oh, indeed it shall!" Charlot smiled as he accompanied her for a moment into the courtyard.
The day was hardly finished though, since dusk was still a few hours off. No less was there enough time to surprise the Elder couple with leaving off the stress of tending to another meal. Anya was first to eagerly knock at the small door~
"Oh, it is you, Miss Anya. Oh! Mr. Elden~"
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Jeakel~" Anya peered at Charlot's encouragement. "I earned more than I thought, so I bought a few kippers for tonight~ as a token of my gratitude…" she was saying as she unraveled the basket to the lady.
"My dear! Bless your heart! My, you should be keeping for yourself, love… surely. Thank you ever so much~ Oh, this will accompany the goulash splendidly!" Mary was rambling in overjoy since the pot she had prepared already was not very big for a full meal to begin with. At that, after setting the basket aside, she gave the young lady a kiss on the cheek in thanks.
Anya looked over her shoulder with a bright smile that the gift was accepted as he returned to his shop, without a doubt, feeling very proud. She followed Mary into the kitchen, taking it upon herself to help out for the rest of the day. Following filleting the fish to finally helping Hannah with the laundry. Meanwhile, Shelly stayed lonesome on the corner, listening to the close and personal conversations inside, as slight as they were… It was not that she did not support her best friend in her choice, but Shelly had this fear of rejection. Her own family nearly disowned her for humanistic views over blood status back home, and it all left her pessimistic. She knew Anya was only teasing her, but she was seriously thinking about making herself known… The ordeal now was how…
Charlot seemed to be THE one and only well-defined gentleman bachelor of this Ghetto. No one seemed to argue against him in most cases, despite him being so soft spoken. It made him seem very loving, and a fine listener~ proved finely this morning. Anya insisted of his mild awareness of his own half blood abilities, despite never relying on a wand, which was very interesting. Having someone like him close by, even though they were the ones currently protecting him, it may have been a wise idea to stay close together. In due time, the truth of the matter would be transparent anyway, and she was starting to get very tired of keeping this feline body. He felt safe, she agreed with Anya that he was safe to be with. That night of the nightmares, she stayed by him the entire night, even dozing off better than she did on the roof.
It was that night then when all work was done again and the court was calm and there was a gay old gathering at dusk that Shelly watched from the Barber's rooftop. It seemed that neighbors were eager to see and meet this new spinster. Anya upon the bench by the barber side door, beside the couple as the families of the court all came down to officially meet her after a finer meal thanks to her. Charlot was so demure in his jacket and Hannah was all dolled up as if this was some special occasion, as was she. It touched Anya deeply that this little community was gathering simply because they wanted to meet her.
Who else would be able to win the graciousness of the Jewish Barber whom they all watched grow and change so much, whom they all had once feared of losing to the World War…? A lot had changed since what was considered as the Great Speech, if there was a sliver of that memory left, and she believed there was… It was because of that, that initiated the rise of confidence in all numbers, as to why minorities magical and non had their own societies, coinciding with one another. A precious balance lied here, in the form of this kindly, seemingly simple man. He who had no idea of the power he possessed.
This family he had surrounded himself with were offering the same welcome they did for him, when he came with not a single pence in his hole filled pockets…
"Why, this must be the Mädchen vom Stadtrand~" greeted one of the many mothers as Anya was overwhelmed by a trio of little girls.
"My name is Anya. I least expected to need to stay longer, I did not expect all smiles like this…"
"Oh, deary, at times like this, all are welcome."
"Where did you live before?" asked one of the girls, named Aggie. Anya had to stay creative however keep it all not too far-fetched.
"Oh~ only where we sat basically, we'd go where the wind would lead. It was only I and a friend… We tried our best to reach Osterlitch but~ let's say life got in the way…"
"Who are they?"
"Her name is Michelle." Anya said, all truth, before he face fell a little. "…was."
Shelly felt her heart jump, listening to that. Charlot's eyes went from content to shock in a moment's swift move.
'Keep me out of this, Anya! Don't tell them!' the cat thought to herself, nearly wanting to hiss.
Anya knew she made a mistake stating that and Charlot supportively took her hand…
"Well, I shouldn't assume, I suppose, but we haven't seen each other in a long time. We were separated~ We were to meet in Osterlitch, as hoped. However, I felt inclined to stay until I have enough to go again…"
'… damn it, Anya…' Shelly groaned, shrinking back to the roof.
"Oh, love, you are welcome to stay as long as you wish." Mary offered, however Mr. Jeakel obviously did not look appeased.
"Very smart of you too~" piped the high pitched, Mr Mann, who tapped his pipe on the table who sat beside Mr. Agar who looked half asleep. "… even for that gift of the kippers!"
"Oh, you're very welcome… I needed to thank all of you for having me. Truthfully, I'm so happy to be here —"
"And how we are happy to have you!" were the words she heard among all the cheerful chatter from these neighbors. Honestly, Anya to wipe a bit of moisture from the corner of her eye. If this were something back in modern days, this would come off as unheard of.
"Don't you see? What did I tell you?" Charlot warmly reassured her.
Anya's eyes lit up like stars at him. "This is something beyond what I expected ~" Coincidentally, she was able to spy the feline watching the gathering, probably seething at her right at this moment. "That you truly like me to stay…?"
"Once again with your silliness?" he joked with her, with that same brightening smile.
Their voices were covered over by the close banter which made this seem like some family get together on a typical Friday night~ As modern as she could make it out to be. It was a healing thing to see.
"We both know it's my favorite habit by now…" she stated, making him laugh.
For once, they had a little bit of time to be alone and they both were thinking the same thing. Even Hannah was clued in on it since witnessing this morning.
"… was your day ruined by me this morning?"
"Certainly gave us a scare~ yet, it made me wonder…" he began, airing a more concerned look in his eyes. "I wished not to bring it up when the day was young… My dear, I know we've only just met, under odd circumstances… but there is one thing my old heart cannot take… And it is being lied to."
Anxiety tortured her eyes as they both sat down on a corner bench, away from the party. He held her hand softly the whole while though, with his voice as soft as could be.
"Sir." Anya had to try and make this right. She had been lying a great deal already. "The one thing my heart cannot take is hurting those around me… I knew you would come eventually ~"
"You captured my concern when you spoke of a light, Anya. Upon the morning I myself had a similar vision of it… I dared not whisper of it. I only suffer with the inkling that what you told us was not entirely truthful…"
"What you say is true, sir. It wasn't." Anya gave in, feeling some kind of relief to not have to hold this facade anymore.
"Just as I feared," Charlot said, focusing on a random crack on the wall as his thoughts whirled even more now.
"… please. Please, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me… I —"
"No… anything this world could throw at us, it can make anyone lie." he spoke strongly, finally looking at her eyes. "Even me…"
That was spoken from experience, clearly…
"Do you know, Charlot, it's funny…" Anya sighed, sadly smiling with her gaze to the ground. Not once did she let go of his hand. "It's only been two days, but… there is something about you. I feel safe, as if… I can tell you anything."
Charlot felt this tight, emotional lump in his throat that made itself clear to Anya. "You can…" he replied, simply.
"What I said about my friend is true though…" Anya spoke in a quieter voice. It urged him to inch his ear closer. "Her name is Michelle. For years, I've called her Shelly…"
"Where could she be?"
"Hm, waiting for me somewhere. She could be near here for all I know…" Anya explained, her eyes looking to the sky it seemed. 'God, she is going to kill me…' she thought. "I worry about her."
Shelly saw that and shrunk away from the ledge at once when she saw the two look up at her general direction, with his emerald gaze following Anya's.
They were both feeling their own eyes beginning to sting which rendered him to consider the next best thing.
"Hey." he inclined to her, with a warm smile. "Chin up, yes? Things will turn out all right. Life has its sense of humor that way."
Anya slowly smiled back, feeling that warm wave in her chest again. "Yes, chin up…"
Their moment was put to a stop when the children of the Ghetto all clambered close to them, eager for something.
"Since you travel abroad, Mr. Jeakel was wondering if you sing!" Aggie was first to speak. That surprised the two.
"Me…? Well ~" Anya's cheeks were starting to go red.
That was until an idea came to light as she surveyed the whole gaggle before them. If their situation were to get worse and sooner or later, it should. It was obvious that the Jewish men were all speaking amongst each other, looking happier than before, by simply enjoying their pipes. There was a spell that she learned some time ago. It took immense study into it though just to understand, but there was no incantation like most spells had. It protected those who heard it, much like the polar opposite of a siren's song which were known to lead sailors to their deaths whilst at sea. Soon, with the girls taking her by the hands, Charlot soon followed, joining Hannah's side. Anya glanced up, seeing that the cat was no longer watching. It was known back in ancient times that townsfilk be bewitched in a number of ways whenever a witch walked nearby, mostly for malicious reasons. The pied piper was another legend, the Sandersons to name a couple… She was a witch however this time, there was no means of harm to come here. Not anytime soon.
Nervously, Anya tightened her belt as eyes began to set on her as she readied herself. "I-I know one song." she spoke. "If you would have me…"
"I thought you would be too shy." Mr Jeakel joked. "We're all here, tell us your muse, eh?"
"Someone I knew. She helped me get through much ~ if you would please…" Anya took a bow, more so to feel the magic she had held back stir deeply within her chest. The men, mainly Mr. Mann and Agar looked a bit bewildered.
Charlot and Hannah linked their arms… "There is something about her. I know it." Hannah whispered to him.
"I know so…" he whispered back.
She had them all raptured as there were no objections or jeers, only full blown curiosity in its purest form.
On this eve, seek out a star
Woe, I will promise I will never go far
All murmuring had ceased after those very slightly sung words. Those words latched… Everyone, even Charlot, seemed to devote their full attention to her, so she had to be careful now.
Young as any spring… His eyes almost sing to me~
Shelly was hidden, feeling quite despondent, for one, before she heard her won-over friend sing. There was this bizarre buzz that seemed to seep in the back of his mind, Charlot was not sure if it was the ale itself proving its betrayal, only that he was compelled to just listen for a moment. Just leaving the world with all of its woes far behind. It was an odd feeling everyone else began to experience. Anya was certain that they would fall entranced, at least for only a moment. It meant the spell was working… She had better make it quick…
In the bumps and in the hallows
The sunlight and the shadows
He held her by heart as the bluebells played
Weeping gale, turn stars to diamonds
As I gaze far yonder I wish
Young as any spring, His eyes almost sing~
Anya soon was taken away herself as the cat returned to watching her soon taking the children first when a Jewish lute began to play just at the right moment. They began to dance ~ and as the mothers and sisters all began to cheerfully join into this sort of maypole dance. The commotion shook the men out of their bedazzlement ~ Right then, Shelly looked over the block, seeing this force, in its own way, shimmer like a silver streak across the street and buildings. Even the sky held this extra hue to it… so now it was bluntly obvious that another spell was cast. Soon enough, Charlot was dragged in, and soon Hannah was.
"Well, isn't she a keeper~" Mr. Jeakel snickered, puffing smoke from his pipe.
"Felt like I was dreamin' for a moment…" Mr. Mann felt a bit aghast.
"Oh, and you thought I was the one who complained too much? Go dance, fool. Look at our Barber."
Charlot had Anya in arm, almost shabbily waltzing at the claps. At last, he helped her to twirl and finish before kissing her hand.
"Indeed, all around her like a spring hare. Something isn't right…" Mr. Mann uttered before standing up.
To them alone, she had the most beautiful of voices. A voice they could not compare to any sonnet spoken in their neck of the woods, however it drew away those shadows. Those fears that lurked over them among the insecurity they often felt for every hour of the day, were all gone. Anya did not wish for anymore nightmares, not after this… She could only hope for such especially after a word was shared, if there was anyone intending to come their way to this court, they would have to deal with her and Shelly first. One could never be too careful, especially after what she saw for herself today during her flight. Her spell was a Sunorous Protegumus; a spell that was sung to protect all those who heard it.
Such had provided quite the peace of mind for Anya, truly. The neighborhood was pacified, there were no further questionings besides the ones Shelly sure had. However, Anya had a plan deep in mind.
It was a spell she learned while her time at the circus which was used to make the animals and workers to be more… compliant, as a form of control. She felt bad of entrancing them at first tonight but it was shortlived. If it meant that this place would remain untouched, then so be it. Now, back to explaining herself… Perhaps some food will keep the conversation calm.
The Families all began to disperse soon enough, feeling more secure than before, to retire to sleep for the evening. Saying good night and faring wells, it was soon just her, 'Charlie' (she randomly thought), and Hannah in the court, sleepily lounging on the bench by the Barber shop, stargazing.
"Never danced for that long in ages~" Hannah commented, fixing her hair.
"I never thought I ever could dance." Anya replied to that. Charlot shook a little, blinking for a moment, finding how quick this evening went by in a flash. It was so odd.
"Or were you never aware of your splendid singing?" he added, warmly.
"Random, but it was worth the try? All of you went so quiet… Thank you."
"It was so beautiful, Anya. Who taught you, may I ask…?" Hannah was curious.
"Oh. Well ~ it's a long story." Anya looked down, fiddling with her hands. "It is a sonnet to wish good will. Good will to those I care about."
"My dear, you are too young to worry," Charlot sadly reacted. "… not after such a wonderful day."
"You are right, sir. I brood too much…"
"Hm," Charlot dozily hummed as they all craned their necks to gaze at the stars.
Anya was astonished as to how many there were and unconsciously slipped her tongue…
"… no lights."
"Hm? What?"
"They are so beautiful~ I often forget to look at them before. While journeying."
There was a closeness Anya was not used to, when she found Charlot keep an arm bridged over her shoulders. Hannah rested against his other shoulder, so close to falling asleep. Darn, they all were… Spells often left one lethargic, and Anya needed to recharge herself. A glimmer of the Confundus above reminded her of her mission despite that she beginning to love again… Shelly was onto something when she said that she didn't want her to get hurt again — However, this was inspiring Anya to make sure this remained. Charlot was already dozing, resting a cheek atop Hannah's head…
"If we fall asleep, we will catch our deaths out here." he yawned, forcing himself to straighten. "Oh~"
"Same here. Too comfortable~" Anya chuckled with them, stretching her arms forward as the couple both rose from the bench, and so did she.
"Good night, love~" Hannah smiled, having Anya witness the two share a small kiss.
"Good night ~ Good night to you, Anya…" Charlot then smiled at her. "You sure know how to throw a decent party…"
"Pleasure was all mine. I got to see your entire block…"
"Rest well tonight, Anya. Remember what we talked about…"
"Oh, I do. And I will." Anya reassured. "Please rest well too…"
Now, unlike them, Anya had to stay awake a little longer. As she accompanied Hannah again this time to rest on the same bed as the night before. It was much later when Hannah was quite curious since that little chat Anya had with the Barber, which seemed have earned the man's natural wariness. He had every right to have one, considering his past. Shocking as that sounded, yes, Charlot Elden, the kindly barber of the Ghetto, had a very dark upbringing. If it was even less obvious to her when they talked. The ladies were chatting with their own by wick light, as the rest of the court slept on. Anya was badly knitting a doily that was torn while getting a nice lesson all at once as they talked.
"There there, you are starting to grasp it." Hannah guided her. "Now use your knitter and then lightly pull it out, through."
"Thank you…" Anya sighed, trying her hand at it, following along.
"Have you truly never learned to knit?"
"Work in a circus, you barely have time to think, or eat… But managed to cook, decently." Anya replied. Again, this was true. It was a subject she felt safer to speak on since then, and she was … well, technically far away.
"You have been such a long way."
"We have. The wars, those raids… We only figured that traveling alone was best. Just in case we need to run, we would lose less."
"Oh, you are here now and this all that matters. Do you know, that we~ well, Charlot and I… we hope one day to earn enough to go to Osterlitch. Perhaps, you can come with us? It will mean that you would have to stay in the Ghetto for a time, though."
Anya shook her head, still whirling at these two. "This world is so awful, yet, how on earth did you two stay so soft?" she asked. "You're so kind to me…"
"Oh~" Hannah chuckled, neatly putting her knitting down. "If you have known Charlot for as long as I have… I never thought I would see him again, truthfully. Like you, we were once on the road like you… Always having the worst luck imaginable, but he was the one who taught me to keep looking up. I was a gamine by the seaside, while he was the little tramp who followed where ever the wind took him."
"He wasn't always a Barber…?" Anya asked because now she was genuinely curious.
"He never expected to be one… Even before, he tried to be anything, even if it meant working endlessly in factories for little food. He wasn't good at much, and neither was I." Hannah chuckled at that last note.
"My goodness… But, you've both made it~"
"By some miracle~" Hannah smiled. "After the Depression, we both got separated and as it turned out, he somehow got drafted into the war. I believe he was swindled into it, but I did not expect him to return~"
"Oh, Hannah…"
"Oh, but then he did somehow… and to think that this corner happened to be his Barber shop the whole while after our separation. When he came back, he didn't remember me. Something happened during the war, and he got greatly hurt. I was torn of course, but he didn't know, none of it was his fault… so I kept it a secret, just so to not startle him. It would not be fair…"
"I am so sorry… that is horrible." Anya had already set her doily down, taking the fellow lady's hand as she sighed, facing the window towards the shop.
"I saw you two, both of you seem so happy together. I can tell that he loves you, Hannah."
"I know he does. It is better this way. To only remember good times."
Deep down, Anya was truly beginning to feel an anger rise up. The doppelganger that previously ran the regime did mean to keep Charlot alive until all was done though, seeking to keep him in those camps while discreetly taking hair off to keep a polyjuice potion stocked. All the meanwhile poor Charlot was kept under a disillusionment spell so to never be recognized. The fact they used Jewish heritage was hurtful enough to see him captured.
A vagabond to these miscreants was the perfect victim to use in order to mess with history and it was probably no injury that gave this poor man memory loss. It might have been memory charms, by that Agent, named Schultz under the guise of a Tomanian Commander sent to ensure Charlot replaced his doppelganger at the precise moment.
Hence why she and Shelly were here in the first place because there were others plotting further damage and Charlot… His entire life was being used. Over and over again… This had to stop.
Magic was doing its part when done right, but only so many spells can be used… Anya did her best to stay strong long enough, keeping her promise to them strong though. She was so tempted to promise more than ever that nothing would keep them apart, ever again. A solid future for their true happiness, with no magic at all. A happiness and stability they would finally reach.
"Yes, the good times…" Anya nodded, staying strong.