3 lives and 3 wishes ch1

A wish you seek
Of a life returned
Though I warn you
A price need be earned

With this life
A memory lost
Of the one
Who had paid the cost

~~~

Ch. 1     Cera Doven

"How.. How did he.. Die?" Cera asked tentatively. She sat down in one of the Daye's armchairs, across from Mr. and Mrs. Daye themselves. She held a tiny steaming cup of tea in her hands.

"We are unsure," Mr. Daye replied gruffly. "We told him we were going to the market and when we arrived back home.." He scrunched his face and held a fisted hand to his mouth to prevent him from crying. "We found him on the floor.. A pool of blood already settling in under his head," he finished with a shaky sigh.

Mrs. Daye let out another sob. "He was too young to die!" She cried loudly "barely even 17!" She buried her tear stricken face in her hands.

"Shh shh it's ok," Mr. Daye comforted.

"I.. I think it's best if I leave.." Cera said quietly. Mr. Daye nodded.

"Thank you for coming.. It means a lot to us and.. Kenny,"

Cera let out a forced laugh. "Well he was my best friend after all.. It only makes sence that I'd be there for him; in life and death,"

She stood up and made her way to the door. Before she reached the handle she turned around and threw a hug over Mr. and Mrs. Daye. "I'm so sorry," she whispered. She let go and ran back to the door, letting herself out.

Letting out a shaky breath, Cera made her way into town. Her mind raced with the many thoughts of why and how Kenny was dead. He looked so fine and happy the other day!  

"Uhhg," she shook her head, running a hand through her wavy brown hair. She walked on, passing the many shops and stands that littered the town market place.

"Ah Cera, my dear!"

Oh lord no. Cera mentally cursed. She did not want to deal with him.

"My sweet Fianceè," Hands gripped Cera's waist lightly. "Why, my dear, are you out in town all by your lonesome?"

"Francis, I am not in the mood," Cera grumbled, detaching Francis' hands from her waist. She turned around, ready to tell him off, when Francis clasped her hands in his.

"What upsets you my dear?" He asked. His deep blue eyes searching Cera's green ones. Cera stared at him for a moment, then shifted her gaze to the ground.

"What do you care.." She mumbled.

Francis sighed loudly, but kept her hands in his hold. "Just because this is an arranged marriage, does not mean I don't care for you," He said earnestly.

Cera grunted in reply.

Francis smiled and let out a small chuckle, "Now, now," he let go of her hand to put a finger under her chin causing her to look at him. "That's not how a lady acts! Especially one of aristocrat lineage," He laughed again. "My dear."

"Hmph," Cera smirked and rolled her eyes. Cera and Francis were put into an arranged marriage, both coming from aristocrat families. Though, as in most arranged marriages, Cera and Francis did not dislike each other.

"Now tell me what has gone and gotten you upset,"

"K-Kenny.." She started. Her previous sadness and confusion returned as she spoke. "He... Hes dead.." She felt a warm finger on her cheek. She hadn't even realized she had started crying.

Francis pulled her into a light hug. "I am so sorry," he whispered into her hair. "I know how much," he paused. "He meant to you,"

Cera's arms just hung limply at her sides. She nodded her head absently against Francis.

 After a moment Cera pulled away from Francis. "Francis," she whispered. "Thanks,"

Francis gave a tiny smile, "Of course my dear,"

"But.." She started "I.. I just need to be alone right now," Her gaze shifted back to the ground.

"Oh, yes," He brought a hand to her cheek, "If you need anything, you know where to find me." Cera nodded.

Francis gave her one last look of sympathy before he turned on his heel and left the market place.

~~~

Just as Francis turned the corner a block or so away, he casted one lat glance at Cera.

If only she knew how much she actually meant to him, just like how much Kenny meant to her.

Francis let out a sigh and left the market place.

~~~

A shaky breath escaped Cera's lips. After Francis had left, she had found herself a bench in the middle of the market place. Behind her was a fountain, many shiny coins scattered in its waters.

"Mommy! Look!" A child's voice squeaked. "It's a wish fountain!"

"Yes sweetie it is, why don't you throw a coin in and make a wish?" Cera watched the woman give her child a bronze coin to throw into the fountain.

A breeze picked up as Cera watched them. The ripped hem of her dress started to flap wildly.

A wish you seek...

A voice carried itself on the wind, reaching Cera's ears in a soft whisper. She looked around but saw no one other than the mother and her child near her.

"Who.." Cera started confusingly.

Of a life returned...

The voice came again. Cera stood up. The wind seemed to pull her forward. Instead of going against it, she skeptically followed it.

Soon the wind picked up, pushing her to move faster. What was this force? Where was it taking her?

Cera was now sprinting down the streets of the market place, her wavy hair and torn dress flew behind her.

Nothing could stop her from reaching this unknown destination.

"Hey-!"

Well nothing except running full force into a random stranger.

"Ow.. Damn.."  The stranger cursed as he fell flat on his butt. Cera too, fell back. She shook her head slightly before scrambling to her feet. She hurriedly dusted off her dress before re following the wind again.

"I'm sorry!" She called behind her, not seeing if the stranger was ok.

"Your compassion for strangers just melts my heart," the stranger grumbled crossly, rubbing his butt gingerly. He stood up and watched Cera go with a look of curiosity.

With the way the wind blew less and less she knew she was getting close. Then, the wind stopped all together.

Cera slowed to a halt. She turned around until something caught her eye. It was a brown poster, fluttering so slightly in the wind. On the poster was the photo of a woman. Her hair was sleek and black. Her outfit almost looked like that of a gypsy.

But what caught Cera's eyes were the finely printed words;

"A wish you seek,"