Zara the Fair – #BlogBattle Writing Challenge

I saw a fun game this morning when reading a post on Blondewritemore. It is a writing challenge, organised by Rachael Ritchey, and one I couldn’t resist. Rachael provides a single word for inspiration each week. This week that words is ‘DROP.’

Here is my contribution to the challenge, I hope you enjoy.

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It’s a privilege to be chosen. A gift for our kind. I’ve prepared for this moment for centuries, explored the endless possibilities of this new role. For the Fall. Yet I’m nervous. There is a deep cavern forming in my chest; a sense of knowing I can’t quite reach.

Perhaps it is the unfamiliar chambers in which I sit. In the mortal realm, I imagine it is something akin to a receiving room; a waiting area when I have no patience to wait. I am lacking that particular virtue, though I hide it well.

My attention drifts, my gaze roaming the chamber; exploring the smooth, clean surfaces. The seating area borders the room in a wide semi-circle, set back from a dial shaped alter in the centre. I am both curious and afraid of the intricate symbols marring the gentle curves. They are harsh, foreign even, and my anxiety quickens in my stomach.

“Why so glum, Zara the Fair?”

Looking up I watch Lucas cross the room; his abrupt arrival signals that my waiting time is at an end. He has a knowing look on his face, one I have seen in the light of his eyes since childhood. The energy which swirls around us, turning the calm into a chaotic storm of emotion, is the only chance we’ll get to say goodbye. I will miss my dear friend, though we will surely meet again.

“Glum, Lucas?” My amusement quells the tension. “You spend too much time with mortals.”

“And yet, you are the one who will fall. Not I.” His powerful light, the essence of him, flares bright. Evidence of his own good humour.

“Is it time?”

My brothers and sisters have already joined the ranks of the Fallen. They await my arrival, will assist my transition on Earth.

“As impatient as ever, I see.” Lucas takes my hand and leads me to the alter. “Will you miss being a Guardian?”

I think about his question, smiling when I find the answer I know he will appreciate. “Once a Guardian, always a Guardian.”

His laughter envelopes me, a play of red in this sea of blue. “I will enjoy watching you learn and grow. I haven’t had this much fun since your early days of training.”

It isn’t the whole truth. He will miss the teasing, miss the subtle ways I am able to lead him astray. Lucas is far too serious. It is not his only flaw. Contrary to popular belief, angels are not perfect.

Glancing down at the dial, I follow the movement as it opens wide like a giant mouth. It reveals only darkness, the edge of nothing I am supposed to embrace as part of the process.

Lucas bends to place his forehead against mine. “Be well, Zara the Fair.”

Panic bubbles again, threatening my composure. “What happens now?”

“Now?” Lucas grins, his azure blue eyes twinkling with a mischief I rarely see. “Now you fall.” He leans in close to my ear. “You can do this. Just…drop.”

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Thanks for stopping by.

Mel