Welcome to Gaia! ::

It was the last day of December, but the air still held the cold bite of winter. LuLu shifted a canvas bag on her shoulder so she could draw her scarf just a bit tighter around her neck to keep the chill at bay. The sigel was floating along one of the many paths which lead to the town square like small veins flowing to the city's heart. Despite it being late, the sidewalks were thrumming with activity like a heartbeat. LuLu had chosen to embark on an evening journey today, because she had heard there was a new type of event scheduled to mark the close of the year and welcome in a new one.

A bonfire.

One that would be fueled by the memories of the past year. Each visitor was welcomed to toss in a memento that symbolized the old year. It almost seemed poetic to the rabbit as a way to cleanse herself for the future. Watching her past fade to ashes would be a tangible form for her to finally put to rest some of the bad blood from her past. The idea was both exciting and nerve wracking due to the probability of having to relive some of her most hurtful feelings before she was finally rid of them.

She wondered idly if others had seen the event and would also be coming to start the year fresh.

LuLu was also having difficulty finding the bonfire. It should have been in full swing by now, but the stretch of pavement it wasadvertised to be on was relatively empty and devoid of any warm fires to heat her through. The sigel was about to forfeit her search in favor of a steaming cup of tea at one of the nearby cafe's. However, she soon overheard the dejected grumbles of a pair passing by.

"I cannot believe it was canceled!"

"Something about a permit missing."

"You think they would have taken care of something like that."

LuLu followed after the couple and beckoned, "Excuse me. Was the bonfire canceled?" She rolled the strap of her bag nervously in her gloved hand. It would be disheartening to have her plans fall through after setting her hopes so high for the event. This was supposed to be a night where she would start making good memories.

A man who appeared a few years older than Josh spoke up in response. "Yeah, and they did not tell anyone until the night of!" He was obviously growing agitated by the turn of events. "Seems like a waste to come out here for nothing though so we are going to catch the fireworks show over the lake after the big countdown."

LuLu nodded softly and replied, "Thank you. Enjoy the rest of your night." With a sigh, she withdrew a picture from inside her bag. It was gently crumpled and the sigel's expression was pensive as she looked at it. "I will not get the goodbye I wanted."

The girl perked up at the call of her name. She stuffed the picture away into her coat's pocket. "L-Luka?" The sigel gaped slightly before straightening up and approaching the frei. She gave him a brief curtsy once they were close. "Good to see you. What brings you out here?"

Luka's smile was as bright as ever as though lit from within. The sigel returned the action and replied, "Thank you. Many months have passed. Wounds fade with time." LuLu's hand moved to gesture towards his face, but she quickly pulled her hand away. "You also look well. It... it looks better."

The girl perked up. "I came for the same event. I just overheard that it was canceled!" She could not help but look distraught as she revealed to Luka the horrible turn of events.

His next statement nearly struck her as funny, because she felt plenty capable of taking care of herself. Nevertheless, it was nice knowing the frei had concern for her well being. "Me being alone worries you? You can keep me company." LuLu's expression grew hopeful. Perhaps, tonight would not be a loss.

LuLu twined her gloved fingers with the satyr's before their arms were joined. "I feel much better."

The sigel flapped her free arm at his next statement. She objected, "Of course not! I am happy you want to spend time with me." It was true. She was content to learn that any malice Luka still held had waned with time.The awkwardness their previous meeting had conjured was nearly a distant memory now.

The rabbit then spotted the notebook guarded by Luka's arm. She pointed to it curiously, "Is that what you brought?" LuLu fished around in her pocket until she produced the photo she had been inspecting earlier. It was a still of a house with a picket fence. A beaten up truck was parked in front of it. The rabbit commented slowly, "My old home. I want to say my final goodbye."

Upon further inspection, she saw the book's edges were tattered and its spine was cracked from use. "It looks like you worked really hard on whatever it says." LuLu looked a bit bashful as she asked, "Can I see a page?"

LuLu's thumb ran over the edge of the picture as she collected her thoughts. "There are good memories but just as many bad ones. I used to feel a lot of hatred when I looked at this photo." Her eyes met Luka's, "We were thrown out by Josh's father." Her expression looked more tired than vengeful, however. "I can finally be happy at my new home."

The sigel shook her head, "Do not worry. Regardless, that event helped remind me of how many friends I have."

The rabbit complied with his request despite her curiosity. Tonight they were supposed to let go of the past, not relive it. Everyone had changed so much and the new year would celebrate that.

She squeezed his arm and smiled, "Neither am I."

Her fear, pain, and anger had ended.

LuLu noticed a few couples beginning to gather at a nearby lake. She tucked away her picture and pulled out her cell phone. She scrolled over the screen to see the time was growing closer and closer to midnight. "Do you want to watch the fireworks after the countdown?"

LuLu hummed her agreement and was delighted by the satyr's excitement at her proposal. His eyes held a childlike glint in addition to their normal soft glow. She felt it was not often she got to see this reaction from Luka. "I want to see them, too. Fireworks are loud but pretty." The rabbit would have to cover her ears to reap the best experience, but it was only a minor grievance.

The sigel began to float in the direction of the lake and the stone bridge crossing a portion of it.