Hola again fellow fanfic writer/reader. First off I like the thank Hay Lin rox, PhoenixAvenger II, and Momo-chan12 for the kind reviews on the first chappie, prologue, thing. You guys are so nice:D So, I'm trying something a little different this chapter. Instead of the story just coming from Lumin's pov, I decided to try putting the first half of the chappie in Ryuu's pov. It seemed like a good idea at the time but I'd like to know what my readers think. If you plan on reviewing, please tell me what you thought. Also, I forgot to put in a disclaimer last time so I'll put it in twice this time.
Disclaimer: I own nothing! Not the setting, not the characters, I barely own the plot for goodness sake!
Disclaimer: I own nothing! Not the setting, not the characters, I barely own the plot for goodness sake!
Now, let's go one with the show!
"Nice to meet you, Ryuu. Come again any time," Vesta said cheerfully as she handed me the multiple bags of seeds that I had just bought.
From under all the tomato and watermelon seeds, I knew my voice would probably sound muffled, but attempted to affect some gratitude any way. "Thank you," the seed-mountain replied.
I clumsily stumbled off Vesta's property before halting to swing my rucksack off my back. After several moments' struggle the seeds were tucked away in my bag. When I tried to lift it onto my shoulders, however, I nearly fell over backwards. Jeez, I thought as I steadied myself on the rickety fence that surrounded Vesta's farm. Who would've guessed that seeds would be so heavy?
My eyes drifted over the field. Despite the increased work load, living on a farm in a quiet little village was far more pleasant than city life. I wondered dully if my father would have been proud to see me now, living his dreams of farming…
My wandering gaze came to rest on a flower- a Goddess Drop, maybe? It was very pretty. The faces of the girls in the valley swam, unbidden, into focus in my mind's eye. I had been told recently that it was important for me to find a bride. But would any of these women be interested in me? The memory of the young girl up at Romana's Villa, the one with the cat and the yellow headband, came to mind. She seemed nice enough but that didn't mean that she would go for me.
I frowned a little, strode over, and plucked the flower from its earthy home. Only one way to find out, I thought stubbornly before jogging off in the direction of Romana's Villa, flower in hand.
As was my custom, after a long and extremely dull morning spent practicing piano indoors, I burst outside and into the bright sun of the terrace in the front of Auntie's house. I smiled as the light warmed my face and a gentle breeze brushed past me. I love spring. With a contented little sigh, I flopped down on the lip of the Villa's courtyard fountain. I had only just closed my eyes when I heard footsteps. Someone was coming up to the villa. My eyes flicked open in time to see Ryuu walking through the wrought iron gate.
He's back, I thought, surprised. "Hi, Ryuu."
"Hello Lumina," he doubled over panting. "Wow. Has anyone ever told you that you live on a very steep hill?"
My broad grin, which had momentarily been wiped away by shock, now returned. "So how do you like farm life so far? Is it fun?"
Ryuu straightened up. "Yeah, I'm already busy, though. I bought some seeds from Vesta so I have to plant those when I get home. I also have to milk my cow again and put in an order for a chicken," he stopped short and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, don't mean to lecture."
"No, its okay," I said at once. I was interested in what life on the farm was like. Still, I could not suppress a satirical thought. Ryuu seemed nice enough but if he was so busy why had he come all the way to my grandma's villa?
As if he could read my mind, he went on, suddenly a little nervous, "But anyway, I came to give- because I thought you might… do you want it?" he said, obviously struggling to choose the right words, and pulled out a flower.
I blinked he had caught me off guard again. "It's lovely," I said. "Can I have it?"
"Of course, I brought it for you," he sounded relieved. He handed me the Goddess Drop flower.
To be honest, I wasn't sure how I felt yet, somehow, I still managed a look of gratitude. "I love it. Thank you, Ryuu."
"I'm glad. Alright, I'll see later then," And with a little wave he turned and began to trot back down the hill.
For the second time I watched his brown-haired head bobbing away into the distance. I twirled the flower he had given me between my forefinger and thumb for a bit before bringing it inside. Once it was safely placed in a vase on the kitchen counter, I stepped back to admire the effect and smiled to myself. From the looks of things, I'd made a new friend.
I was thinking of putting Ryuu's parts of the story in third person. Please, please, please review and tell me. As always, all reviews are read and appreciated. Thanks again for everyone's support! Happy Mardi Gras!