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[log] [march event/ the unfreezing] [locked to elise]
[ Sakura had declared The Hidden Falls as her favorite spot in all the forests friendly to the Seelie. Though it didn't seem fair to grant one a superlative title, not when each verdant territory-- Breagha, The Great Greenwood-- possessed a special character. Walking through The Greenwood felt like wrapping oneself in a woolen blanket, the magic woven through its leaves and boughs thick with warm affection and security. Entering Engalais was like walking into a living temple, majestic, ancient and scared, but not in the least bit intimidating.
But the Hidden Falls, on the days that she could locate it, was her favorite.
It's favoritism in the purest form-- a love for the unicorns and mermaids and fairies that come to drink the water and play in the roaring falls. All the lovely, magical creatures that populate the daydreams of young girls like Kinomoto Sakura.
Never had Sakura dared approach one of these beloved creatures, as though interacting with them might break the spell, as much as she wanted to pet a unicorn. And never did Sakura expect that the day she dared touch one, they'd be--- they'd be like this, entrapped in ice like a glass miniature in a crystal cabinet display. Even its wild, wind-swept mane is defined by the ice, as if the poor creature had been in mid-motion as the ice overtook it. There are three others beside it. The unicorn's poor family...
It's terrible, awful, horrible... there aren't enough words for it! And worst of all, Sakura knew how to fix it. One time, Syaoran and her had nearly been frozen by magic, but back then she had figured it out. All she needed was The Firey to melt the ice, but here and now...
She didn't have that magic anymore.
To know that she could've once done something to help the unicorn.... Sakura feels even more helpless and heartbroken about it. And so she does an equally helpless thing, sinking to her knees, head in her hands, as she gives into her tears and starts to sobs. ]
I'm sorry Mr. Unicorn- I'm so sorry! I wish I could help you!
But the Hidden Falls, on the days that she could locate it, was her favorite.
It's favoritism in the purest form-- a love for the unicorns and mermaids and fairies that come to drink the water and play in the roaring falls. All the lovely, magical creatures that populate the daydreams of young girls like Kinomoto Sakura.
Never had Sakura dared approach one of these beloved creatures, as though interacting with them might break the spell, as much as she wanted to pet a unicorn. And never did Sakura expect that the day she dared touch one, they'd be--- they'd be like this, entrapped in ice like a glass miniature in a crystal cabinet display. Even its wild, wind-swept mane is defined by the ice, as if the poor creature had been in mid-motion as the ice overtook it. There are three others beside it. The unicorn's poor family...
It's terrible, awful, horrible... there aren't enough words for it! And worst of all, Sakura knew how to fix it. One time, Syaoran and her had nearly been frozen by magic, but back then she had figured it out. All she needed was The Firey to melt the ice, but here and now...
She didn't have that magic anymore.
To know that she could've once done something to help the unicorn.... Sakura feels even more helpless and heartbroken about it. And so she does an equally helpless thing, sinking to her knees, head in her hands, as she gives into her tears and starts to sobs. ]
I'm sorry Mr. Unicorn- I'm so sorry! I wish I could help you!
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Of course. It's no bother.
[There's nothing else they can do here, though. It's not a bad thing to allow Sakura her tears, but lingering will only make her feel worse.]
But we should go—you don't need to see thi...
[Except...wait. What? Is the frozen unicorn...sparkling?]
no subject
But I don't want him to be alone—
[ And that's when she notices it too: the luminous sparkling of a... what the hell is even happening. Sakura's taken by surprised, falling backwards, as the light grows brighter, eclipsing the frozen statue. ]
H- hoeee? What's going on? [ Sakura places her hands against the side of her head, a look of utter confusion.
And before either of them can see what's actually happening, they hear the soft snort of a freshly unfrozen and distinctly alive unicorn. The creature's long white head emerges from the aura of light, as it all begins to fade. ]
Mr. Unicorn! You're all right? [ She glances back to the other. ] Ms. Élise, he's alive! He's really alive!
no subject
So he is.
[And that makes very little senses. A few moments ago, the beast had been frozen solid, with no hope of the ice ever melting. So what had reversed the magic? More magic?]
But how, though? Did you do anything other than weep on it?
[Some intrinsic ability Sakura never knew she had? Maybe. Who can say?]
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[ Oh yes, she's going there, Elise. Don't choke on all the saccharine cuteness. ]
Mr. Unicorn, I'm so happy you're okay. [ As she pets the unicorn's drying flank, Sakura watches appreciatively as the creature nuzzles its head against her stomach. ] But it wasn't just me. [ Sakura gestures to Élise. ] Ms. Élise helped a lot!
[ The unicorn snorts happily, a sound that makes the easily amused Sakura giggle. ]
You can pet him too! I'm sure he wouldn't mind.
no subject
[The reply comes automatically and without sincerity; she's still thoroughly befuddled at this rapid turnaround. But perhaps Sakura is exactly right. Élise doesn't have a clear understanding of how anyone's magic works in the Drabwurld. Maybe strong emotion is the key.]
He does seem to be completely recovered, doesn't he?
[She reaches out to stroke the unicorn's mane, only to sharply draw her hand back when it lets out an alarmed squeal and takes several rapid steps back.]
no subject
[ First, she reprimands the mystical creature with the softest tap on the nose, and then applies several comforting strokes on its flank, before encouraging the creature toward Élise. But the unicorn digs its hooves into the ground, refusing to budge. There's a miffed sounding snort. Well, as miffed as a unicorn can sound. ] Why won't he let you touch him?
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Something drifts into her mind then, a hazy memory of unicorns and the legends thereof; the qualities they embody, and the ones they require those who touch them to have.]
That's all right, Sakura. Don't try to force it.
[If she's right, there's nothing the girl could do to make Élise acceptable. That ship sailed years ago.]
I believe it's because I'm...an adult, and you're still growing. In my world, they tell stories about how unicorns only let [ahem] young people close to them.
no subject
She gives a soft sigh and pouts a bit.] I hope he didn't make you sad. I mean, he must know how much you helped us!
[ She turns around to face the elder, giving a slight bow of thanks. ]
I know I couldn't have done it without you.
no subject
[Well, it wouldn't have been the worst thing in the world if it hadn't. But this way there's been no unnecessary loss of life, and Sakura isn't crying, and Élise has nothing more to cope with than a touch of awkward embarrassment.
She may or may not tell Arno of this when they meet again. And blame him.]
I think you did far more than I. But perhaps we should leave it be? It is wild, after all.