The golden clip shone as it caught the light. It’s circular shape, with delicate detailing representing a bright sun filled her small hand.
“Don’t you lose that EllaDoraa”, said her mother gently, taking the clip from her child and fastening it into her own hair. “It is one of the only things I have to remember him by.” Her voice became quieter “He used to say the sunshine is our daily reminder to shine light wherever it is dark”.
EllaD watched as her mother finished getting ready. The soft leather of her boots slipped on and the buckles of her jacket fastened easily, while the dagger and hatchet were looped into her belt. They were preparing to make for the road once more. She picked up her mother’s bag and brought it to her.
“Thank you Ella. Are you packed?” she enquired.
EllaDoraa looked round the room. Her few belongings, a book with a pencil, a few drawings and a hand carved horse were safely packed in her own satchel. “Yes mama”, she replied. “I am ready to leave”.
Once outside, her mother helped her onto their horse, and then seated herself behind her, and with a firm nudge they began on their journey down the road.
Years later, as Ella fastened the clip into her own hair, and attached the weapons to her belt, she thought of her mother. Would she have been happy with her? She had not settled down as her mama had hoped, but instead had continued to follow her heart and go where it led, taking jobs along the way that gave her enough to survive, whilst fulfilling a need to make a difference. Her current position, although she was still unsure where it would lead, was her most stable to date. She had been paid in advance, and quite a sum, so she had invested in some new clothes and boots as well as arranging for her bag to be repaired. And as for making a difference? Well, the locals who Bara had pointed her towards, always seemed grateful of her assistance, so for now, that would be enough.
Looking around her room, she still had very little belongings to call her own. She still owned a leather journal, in which she scribbled notes and insights of the people she had met along the way. She picked it up and slipped it in her bag, along with her pencil. The only other things of note in her quite bare room, was a bowl full of apples, which were primarily for Iduna her faithful horse companion, and a small vase filled with daisies. Their rich yellow centres and bright petals reminded her of the sun and made her smile each time she saw them. She may not have settled, but she had continued to try to shine a light wherever it was dark.
For that at least, she hoped her parents would have been proud.
