Anonymous. He gave his name and then began to move. It wasn’t an idle shift, as though he’d grown restless standing still; it was a move which meant to turn him away, to pull him from her presence and take him from the conversation entirely. He only made it one step though, just one small step that drew a soft cushion of space between them. Abigail, with her eyes now warm and soft rather than dull and sad, watched him with the curiosity she had maintained since they began to speak. In a life which had, thus far, lacked mystery and only been filled with longing, he was something new and different and kind.
“Well, thank you, again, Anonymous.” She said, voice gentle as ever, small, kind smile following after she’d spoken. Her lips parted as though she meant to speak, but Avangeline silenced herself, closing her mouth and exhaling softly before turning her gaze away. The piece of her that despised dependency, that hated being alone, begged her to open up further, to crack away at the stranger in the night and befriend him as she had Al-Hattaal; as she had Bjorn.
It was only then, with her eyes grazing the star-dusted night sky, Avangeline realized the first time she had met both her past friends it had been deep in the night as well and, both times, she’d been awake for some reason that was troubling her. They’d always managed to help her feel whole again, secure. Even if they had not been able to resolve her issues, they’d reminded her of other ways she should be happy.
Her gaze returned to Anonymous. Courage restored to speak as she wished, Avangeline wasted no time. “You’ve helped me tonight.” Her smile returned, eyes searching his face. “Just with your company and kindness, for a little bit, I forgot how alone I’ve been.” She paused, just briefly, before speaking again, very sincere in what she said. “Whatever it is you’re looking for here on the islands, I hope you find it.” Be it a home, be it a herd, be it friends… whatever it was his heart desired, Avangeline hoped he would be graced with it. Good things should always come to kind souls.
And may Tsura watch over you, she prayed silently, thinking of how much her goddess would shine on a soul such as his.
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