HBS' Writing

‘The Emerald of Ciria is a legendary gemstone. Little is known about it, for it was valuable and kept secret. Some say that it is cursed; once found it will latch itself to an owner and grant them great power…’

Lucy was sitting under a tree, admiring the sunshine. She didn’t want to admit it, but the fresh air had done her good- along with all the extra sunshine. She sighed at the prospect of having to return to town next week, and resume her endless cycle of working and sleeping. It all seemed so far away over here, but it would soon resume its place as the shattering reality.

Picking up her book, she made her way back to her aunt’s cottage. It was a small and dear one, she felt, with little flowers growing in the garden and the gentle whiff of another delicious pie. Smiling to herself, she went inside to enjoy her tea with her aunt and brother.

The next day, Lucy awoke with a smile, for it was another bright morning. She got dressed, made her bed and went downstairs. Finding she was the first on awake, she put the kettle to boil and started making breakfast. Her brother, Alfred, awoke to the delicous smell of sausages sizzling, and headed down to help his sister make (and eat!) them.

The afternoon was filled with all the little things Lucy liked to do: bake, embroider and relax. She and Alfred helped her aunt clean and sat down to read together afterwards. He seemed very absorbed in his book- a dusty old tome Lucy had never noticed before. She had reached an interesting part in her own book though, and asked no questions.

To her delight, her brother had said that he would like to accompany her in one of her recent hobbies- flower picking. As the fields were huge and vast, she was greatful for his help.

After a short walk to the field, they began. Lucy loved the flowers over here, her attemts at home were overshadowed by the bright and wonderfully scented ones here. She liked placing vases around the cottage and pressing them into her books, thinking they looked almost as nice when dried than they were when fresh.

They were at it for some time before it was time to eat. Alfred helped spread the picnic mat as Lucy unpacked the basket, and they had a very nice, but simple meal. As they ate, they watched the birds flying around which created a nice scene with the light-gold skies. All too soon, it was time to head back to the cottage.

They walked in silence through the fields, in the light of the now blood-red sun. Alfred was kicking small stones out of the way as he went. Lucy was admiring the sunset as she walked, when, suddenly, she struck a stone and fell to the ground. Alfred bent down and Lucy stretched out her hand so that he could pull her up. He didn’t take it. Instead, he reached down and picked something off the ground. Lucy looked up at him. His face was dark and there was an odd smile on his face. And in his hands, he held a deep green emerald.