(Untitled)

[estellabolger]

Lily, hurry up, we'll have to set off as early as possible to cover enough ground today, with legs as short as ours. I know you're not a good writer yet, but I showed you how to print all the words you need. Finish up the letter and pick up your bag. Ready? Ok, then, wave to everyone!

Bye bye!

Comments

[lilygamgee]

All right, all right, I'm hurrying. Sheesh, you are soooooo bossy!

[estellabolger]

Well, you'd be bossy too if you were trapped in the body of a child. I just hope we find a solution soon.

[lilygamgee]

Well, you'd be bossy too if you were trapped in the body of a child.

*pointed look*

Well, maybe your mun could help.

[estellabolger]

Yes, but you're supposed to be a child. I'm a woman of uncertain age, and I like to keep it that way.

We'll have a hell of a time finding her, she's an outlaw in these parts.

[sharpest_rose]

Taking each of the little girls by the hand, Mary steps through into the world of her story 'West of the Moon'. It's evening, and the Gardner children are playing in the front yard with their cousins and friends. Mary walks Lily and Estella (now sixteen) up the path. Ruby runs over, looks Lily up and down, smiles a gap-toothed smile, and taps her lightly on the arm.

"Tag! You're it!" the little girl giggles, scampering away. Lily turns to Mary a final time, her small face lit up from the simple joys of an ordinary childhood. The scars on her arms and legs, long tears from the memory of animal teeth, are fading already.

Estella grins at the older children, and laughs when Molly Brandybuck calls inside for her Mum to come see the new girl. Sam's the only adult outside, everyone else is busy preparing dinner for the rabble of children. He waves at Mary, she waves in return before pulling her red hood up against the slight chill in the air. The sounds of young laughter and voices follow her down the road.