Wow… has changed a LOT since the last time I was involved….
Here's the next piece of prologue
I have to write a story for her… One worthy of her…
Fakir chewed the tip of his quill pen, staring at the half-covered parchment paper in his notebook, wondering just how to finish her story.
She swam in circles, her big blue eyes closed, a peaceful, easy expression on her little duck face.
The water is so nice today… I could swim in it forever! She sighed in a happy, quackish way, and paddled her little orange feet a little faster.
How can one express their true feelings in words without sounding pathetic? Fakir wondered, watching his little friend calmly. She was so easy to please, and always offered her companionship to him, the person that had treated her the worst in her human days. Thinking back on his actions towards the bright, strong, passionate redhead, his face grew hot with embarrassment and his stomach turned with personal disgust.
"I'm such an ass…" He muttered to himself. "But now… I'm going to make it up to her."
Ahiru looked towards Fakir, chewing his quill with creased brow.
He works so hard on that, whatever it is… I wish I could read it, I bet it's great! She paused, her feet still and her eyes proud of her friend.
"Princess Ahiru had finally found the prince of her dreams. He took her hand and flew her away to his far away land. They lived together in a shining white castle, dancing their pas de deux of love for all eternity."
Fakir frowned. It was corny and vague, but he felt complete and content. He had finally finished a story for her. It wasn't the best, but he knew she would appreciate it all the same.
Looking up, Fakir squinted to see Ahiru in the gathering dark. It was still too early in the spring for the sun to stay out long. She was swimming to him, fed and happy and ready for sleep.
"Hey you, you took your time today." Fakir half-smiled at the wet little creature as she stepped onto the bank and shook herself dry. He scooped her up and turned towards home. "We'll have to hurry to make it home while there's still light."
Oh Fakir, always so cold, but I know you don't mean it. Ahiru smiled to herself. She had long ago recognized her friend's self-defense mechanisms and had ignored them like only a true friend could. She pushed aside his frosty and bitter exterior to see the warm heart beneath and she cuddled against his warmth as if to prove it.
"Cold? We'll I'd be too if I spent all day in the water." Fakir shook his head, quickening his step to make it home faster. Ahiru sneezed a little duck sneeze and shook her head.
"Idiot. I told you it was too cold today."
"Quack." She snipped back.
Maybe I should read it to her… His free hand brushed against the book in his pocket. It's childish and silly… Wait… she'd love it…
Ahiru felt sleepy in the warmth of Fakir's coat, listening to his steady heartbeat. In fact, she could barely keep her eyes open a moment longer…