femslash feb 2022 prompt 5: sparkle.
The Closeness of Running Errands
Although she possesses the ability to exist outside of the Pendant of Luwa, there are times when Rafisol prefers staying inside of it. She preserves her power within its safe, protective confines. She ruminates to herself about her daily life or different philosophies. Otherwise, she rests, unbothered by the outside world. (She also doesn't have to expend energy walking when Ally can do that for her, and she enjoys listening in on her conversations, Ally not minding at all.)
Ally is also never without the Pendant of Luwa. She wears it every single day, treasuring the jewel more than any other object in their world. Whenever she goes for a stroll, seeking groceries or adventures, even if Rafisol isn't physically present, Ally ensures Rafisol is with her while they go about their day.
Today is simple. Ally isn't looking for adventure, and groceries are at the top of her shopping list. She wanders throughout Grimp, the scents of the forest wafting throughout the town from the windmill. She swings a straw basket at her side, a skip in her step while she greets the locals on the way to their favorite bakery for a fresh loaf of sourdough bread, Rafisol's favorite.
Rafisol watches from the pendant. She peers out into the town, observing the rich green foliage and the quaint oak cottages. She would have been out with Ally, but a drowsy spell overwhelmed her before they left their home. Last night, they had spent several hours searching for missing children in the neighboring woods at the appeal of their parents. Rafisol had been the one to discover them, leaving her exhausted despite insisting to Ally that she only needed a couple of hours of sleep.
"Well, those dark circles under your eyes tell me a different story," Ally had teased when Rafisol yawned for what felt like the hundredth time before she went into the pendant.
Ally locates the bakery and enters. The bell chimes above her head, and she waves at the owner. She breathes in the warm, flaky smell of the dough filling every inch of the store. Her eyes wander to the shelves, and she licks her lip at the array of cupcakes, brownies, and cake slices.
Rafisol taps the pendant. Ally tucks her chin to her chest, tilting her head. Rafisol points at an adjacent table where different platters of free samples are available. Gasping, Ally scurries over, Rafisol grinning to herself as Ally takes in the array of warm croissants and lemon bread. Selecting a small bag, she wraps two chocolate croissants in plastic paper and places them inside, whispering to Rafisol that they can share them later.
A ding sounds off from the kitchen. Ally turns to the front counter, rocking on her heels. The baker returns with a metal tray and sets it in front of her. Both Ally and Rafisol beam at the large loaf of sourdough bread, golden to perfection, its freshness unparalleled. As he bags the bread, Ally pays with the proper amount of coins, and he throws in a few small packets of fruity jams, a bonus for two of his most devoted customers.
Their other stop before returning home for lunch is the greengrocer. Ally murmurs to Rafisol, asking what they need. Rafisol states that they are low on apples and bananas, and they require carrots, onions, and celery for the beef stew they plan on making for dinner. Ally smiles and kisses the pendant in return, giggling at the soft blush flushing on Rafisol's cheeks.
She enters the other shop and marvels at the array of cultivated fruits and vegetables. Bright red apples, ripe yellow bananas and lemons, deep violet blueberries, and oranges brighter than their actual color, a rainbow of fruits is on the left side of the store. On the right were the vegetables neatly organized by their type. The leafy greens were the closest to her, and as Ally skips toward the celery, Rafisol decides to close her eyes, the sound of Ally striking up a quiet conversation with another customer lulling her to sleep.
She yawns into her hand and curls up into a ball. She rests on her arms, flicking her hair out of her face. Rafisol still listens to Ally's footsteps, her consciousness slipping from her as she sighs to herself.
Ally massages the pendant. Rafisol feels her fingers rubbing her back. Warmth trickles up her spine and spreads to her chest. She smiles, keeping her eyes closed as she tilts her head up, letting her see Rafisol's sleepy bliss.
Ally grins only to Rafisol. She stands in line with their fruits and vegetables, swaying from side to side. She traces the round, smooth rim of her pendant, hearing Rafisol utter another sigh before her head dips down, her expression peaceful and endearing.
After paying, Ally treks home. She walks in comfortable silence up the paved path to their cabin in the woods. Surrounded by their garden and potted plants on the windowsills, she wholeheartedly approves of the colorful flowers. They had been Rafisol's idea, which she adored from the moment she suggested it, and they had spent many hours under the sun together planting their dahlias.
Unlocking the front door, Ally turns on the light and skips into the kitchen. She places her basket filled with groceries on the kitchen table, but as she brings out the bag with their croissants, the Pendant of Luwa flashes. She gasps, leaning backward, the light briefly blinding her. When it fades, she finds Rafisol standing next to her without a hint of weariness on her face (aside from the dark circles).
"Oh, you're already done with your nap? You usually sleep for an hour," Ally says.
"I'd rather help you put the food away," Rafisol replies, pulling out a packet of grape jelly. "Also, I really, really want some toast."
Ally chuckles, and the sound resonates within Rafisol's heart. Together, they wash their hands and put away the groceries, the smell of freshly baked bread filling their home.
