Challenge -
Done by CHARLENE for SEALGIRL
A short fic (no more than 1000 words) set after Child of the Stargazer and The Last Illusion, where Diana and Presto have a heart to heart about what they have lost. Not necessarily deep or laden with angst, just them both recognising that they are both in the same boat.
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Lovesick
Tonight, like every night, Diana gazed up at the Heavens, scanning the stars despite knowing that she wasnt going to find anything up there. Since Hed gone, the stars had turned dead and cold. They didnt offer her the comfort they once had. They werent as attractive to her any more, no longer beautiful. They served only to remind her that He had gone, that shed never see Him again. The stars were nothing but a barrier that served only to separate her from someone whose name she couldnt even bring herself to even think anymore.
She sighed and berated herself. She didnt like wallowing. Diana was generally a half-full kind of person. Self pity never got anyone anywhere as far as she was concerned.
But during her watches, when everyone else was asleep and she had only her own thoughts for company and nothing to do but wait for the morning suns, it was just too easy to remember.
The sound of feet meeting grass brought Diana fully back to the present. Without turning she knew Presto stood behind her, ready to take over as it became time for his watch.
The stars were disappearing. Light was beginning to sweep over the Realm as dawn began to arrive. Diana knew shed be able to catch a few hours sleep if she let herself drift off now, but she felt too awake.
Ill take your watch, too, if you want, she offered as Presto sat down next to her, yawning tiredly.
Its okay, Presto dismissed the offer I cant sleep anyway.
You too, huh? Diana smiled hopelessly, shaking her head to herself as she asked: Really? Whats wrong, Presto?
She didnt really need him to tell her. She knew what was wrong. Because she was going through the same thing.
I keep dreaming about her, he sighed I miss her.
It had been three weeks since theyd left the little village where Varla lived. Outwardly, Presto seemed to be coping well. He was the same old Presto, still struggling with his magic, still bantering with Eric and still not believing in himself nearly enough.
You couldve stayed, said Diana She asked you to. Maybe you could have lived with -
Come on, Diana. You know as well as I do we dont belong here. We have to keep looking for the way home, all of us.
She could agree with that. The need to find home had become more important to her than ever. If she could get home, she could move on. Shed never forget Him, but maybe shed be able to move forward, get on with her life. She sensed that Presto felt the same way about Varla.
Do you think well see them again? Presto asked suddenly, surprising Diana by his cryptic mention of Kosar. None of them spoke about Him, knowing it upset her.
Dungeon Master said that I knew Him before and that Ill know Him again. Whatever that means. As for Varla I think in this world almost anythings possible, said Diana, giving Presto a wink, hoping it would lift his spirits just a little.
Presto laughed.
Whats funny? asked Diana.
We never had much in common before we came here, and now look at us we might as well be the co-founders of the Lonely Hearts Club, Presto joked, the atmosphere becoming a lot lighter as the two young adults both finally relaxed a little.
We didnt socialise back home really, did we? mused Diana I guess thats the one good thing about this place.
Yeah. Its been great getting closer to you guys Ive never really had real friends before, you know? But here, it feels like were kind of a family it almost makes the monsters and everything seem worth it. Sorry. That sounds really corny.
No, its true. I feel the same way. Im glad I got to know you better. Youre a good friend, Presto.
Diana gave the magicians arm a reassuring pat and they sat together as they waited for the sun to rise.
(END)
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