Authors Note: Thank you to everyone who has reviewed these first chapters especially caroltrivilini who has been giving me the best advice and kindest words. This chapter is dedicated to her as I would have never have posted it. In her review, she told me that I've never described Grace in detail regarding her appearance and personality. Please review! Here's chapter four. Hope ya'll like it!
Grace flew back to the infirmary. She felt blessed that the people accepted her and didn't treat her differently. Grace had to admit that it was hard living with a weird condition which nobody else has, having insecurity knocking at you're door every time you looked in the mirror. But this was who she was. This was the body she was blessed with. Some deep dark part wanted this to be someone else's body, but she was happy with who she was. When she walked into the infirmary, Marla greeted her.
"Hello Marla." Grace said. Marla turned to see her best healing talent. It was true that Grace had a disability problem, but she was the smartest fairy she'd ever come across. It was as if Mother Dove exchanged her Down syndrome with the blessing of learning with ease, something that the head healing talent longed to have.
"There you are Grace!" Marla smiled. "Would you mind helping me clean up some books in my office?"
"Of course I wouldn't mind, Marla!" Grace exclaimed. She loved to help others whenever she got the chance. Marla smiled at her and led her to her office. Grace was greeted to a bunch of books thrown to the floor with lots of written notes. Marla gave her a guilty smile.
"I know what you're thinking." She said. "I'm such a mess aren't I?" Grace just smiled and walked into the room and took a look around her surroundings.
"What is all this?" Grace asked. "You're usually so neat and tidy." Marla looked to the floor. She didn't want to hurt Grace's feelings. She took a deep breath before speaking.
"Well…when the queen told me that you arrived with a human condition, she told me to look if there was anything about it in the books." Grace just looked at her. "I'm so sorry Grace I should have said something to-"
"It's alright Marla." Grace assured her. "I understand. It was probably scary for everyone when I arrived." Marla quickly shook her side to side.
"No! Of course not, dear!" Marla said quickly. "You were not a scare to everyone. You were and are a gift. Don't let anyone tell you different." Grace smiled.
"Thanks Marla." She said as she started to pick up the books. Marla joined her.
"You know…you're a very beautiful girl." Marla said softly.
"Really?" Marla nodded.
With her dark brown curly hair and her hazel eyes, it was known doubt that Grace was very pretty. She also had a wonderful personality; she was kind, helpful, and beautiful. She was one of the smartest fairies in Pixie Hollow, and if she studied the keeper's books she'd probably become the warm fairy equivalent of Dewey. Although under all this, she was insecure. The one thing nobody could help her with was her insecurity. Marla knew it was something she'd have to fight off. No one wants to live a life of constantly turning her head, to be equal to others.
"Sometimes I wish I didn't have Down syndrome… sometimes I want to be like the rest." Grace sighed. Marla frowned.
"And why would you want that?" Marla asked. "Who wants to be like the rest when you can be unique and different?"
"You know what I mean." Grace sighed. "I'm that different type of different." Marla smiled.
"Dear, don't care about the rest. Being you is the best. Everyone loves you for you, and you wouldn't be you without Down syndrome." Marla explained. Grace sighed and thought about her words before returning to the task at hand.
Meanwhile…
Clarion and Milori were enjoying a nice stroll by Swans Lake. The sun was setting which illuminated the lake, making the swans look like shadows in front of the sun. Milori suddenly stopped walking and sat down on the lush grass. He tugged Clarion's hand and had her sit between his legs. Clarion snuggled into his warm but cold embrace and sighed. Milori sensed there was something on her mind.
"You alright, love?" Milori asked his lover. Clarion smiled and cuddled further in his arms.
"It's just…I'm worried about Grace." Clarion said. "I'm wondering what King Robert will say about her 'clumsy' child." Milori tightened his arms around her waist and buried his head in the curve of her neck.
"I'm sure everything will be fine. She is a strong fairy without a doubt, she'll get through this." Clarion smiled at his answer. "You know…she reminds me of you." Clarion turned her head to look into his deep brown eyes.
"Really?" Milori nodded.
"She is very intelligent, beautiful, helpful, giving and…" Milori trailed off.
"And what, sweetheart?" Milori just smiled.
"I just realized that if I continue, the list would go on forever! There is not enough time in Neverland to say all your features." Clarion smiled. She then felt Milori pull the pins from her bun, allowing her honey brown hair to tumble to her hips. Milori moved her hair to the sighed and kissed her neck. Clarion sighed and moved her head to give him better access.
"Thank you." She breathed. Milori stopped kissing her and nuzzled her neck. "I'm still worried though…"
"We can ask James to tell us more about Down syndrome if it would make you feel better." Milori suggested. Clarion thought for a moment.
"Yeah…I think I'll ask him. Just to put my mind at ease." Clarion said. Milori turned her head to give her a kiss. Clarion of course returned it with passion. Milori always made her feel better whenever she was down. Once the lack of oxygen forced them to break, Clarion spoke. "Thank you Milori."
"For what?" Milori asked her.
"For just being here for me…I don't know what I'd do without you." Clarion began to tear up. Milori wiped her tears with his thumb.
"Clarion you don't have to thank me, I would help and protect you until my last breath." Milori said.
"I know." Clarion said, blushing terribly. "I want no harm coming to Grace. I wouldn't forgive myself if something happened to her."
"Don't worry, my love." Milori assured her. "Nothing will happen, nothing at all."
Authors Note: This is a very short chapter, but I felt like I had to write it to show you a bit more about Grace. And of course Milorian fluff! I tried to let Grace's insecurity shine through when she as talking to Marla and hopefully that came across. And the Milorian scene was my way of showing Clarion open up since we haven't heard much of her thoughts on the matter. Sorry if these chapters are slow, but they are building up so don't worry.
Please review this chapter I honestly love reading them! And I love hearing what you think. Thank you to all of you who have either reviewed or PMed me! See you all in the next chapter
