Forever Young

[Mystic]

I look at my reflection in the full-length mirror. It shows a girl with blonde hair pulled back in pig-tails, bright blue eyes, and a fair complexion. Still a girl though. I should be celebrating my eleventh birthday in a few days, but I still appear much younger than that –six or seven at best.

My thoughts drift back to that day... when I said that spell which brought me here. It was a spell that would alter the process of natural growth. I knew that then, and I had wanted it. Did I still want it now? I *feel* older, but still young. It’s like I can’t make up my mind – one day a child the next more adultish. It’s having lots and lots of knowledge, but little experience and none of the wisdom!

I wonder if Erwyn or Amanda notice… or Xenograg. What happens if Erwyn and Amanda outgrow me?? And I stay little forever? It’s okay staying young for a long time if everyone else does. But no one else has slowed down - only me. I wish I could talk to someone about all of this, but I can hardly use my telepathy (it’s still so difficult), and writing or other forms of communication never quite seem sufficient. I get by all right, but it’s still lonely.

Frowning at myself in the mirror I throw a blanket over top of the reflection. I don’t want to see it. I get so angry and frustrated sometimes!! I’ll go practice some of the combat stances until the anger is gone.

--- Many hours later ---

I’m sweating ferociously now; I’m practicing without any weaponry, trying to get as much in tune with myself as possible. Perhaps if I dig deep enough I can learn how to reverse this magic. The effort is exhausting, but I am determined to work until fatigue overcomes me. Xenograg always said I could accomplish great things if I worked hard.