Post by Tottie Braelin on May 3, 2009 23:24:03 GMT -5
The time was late afternoon and grey, pre-twilight rays were beginning to filter into the marble-paved square. Hardly anyone was about at this time of the day. Most people were closing up shop and heading home to family and loved ones. But there was still one person present, a girl, perched on the edge of one of the furthermost fountains. With one look it was obvious that there was something very strange about her. It was not because she wore only grey and white, nor was it because the dress, gloves and veil were more suited to a nun or a widower than a 17 year-old. It was the simple fact that she was surrounded by a swarm of birds.
Tottie reached into the bag of stale bread crumbs and pulled out another handful. The birds, who were mostly pigeons, cooed in excitement as she moved her hand upwards and scattered an array of crumbs over the ground. Instantly a flurry of movement began, almost like a dance that involved only ducking and pecking. She watched in delight and wings rose and fell and a different type of cooing filled the air. They might not have been rare or exotic, but they were still beautiful birds. The shy afternoon sunlight set the pigeon's feathers off with a sheen of pink and green which never failed to displease her. This was a ritual which Tottie often did. When she had time in the afternoon, when the square was most quiet, she'd ask the cook if she had any bread crumbs this week. The cook almost always said yes. So Tottie would venture down to her favorite spot on the furthest fountain and feed the pigeons.
As she threw more crumbs she began to feel a deep sense of contentment. Slowly she began to relax and unwind, forgetting about the things she had to worry about and enjoying the feeling of being out in the open air amidst the sounds of the city. A sly look crossed her face and she furtively looked to see if anyone was in the square. When she was satisfied that no-one was in sight she happily removed the veil and scooted along to a place were the last golden rays of sunlight could hit her face. The pigeons followed, eager for more food. She sat there then, in peaceful bliss. Her hair lit up like a golden halo. Throwing crumbs to the pigeons.
Suddenly, there was the unexpected nose of shoes on marble. Tottie gasped in surprise and turned to look at the stranger in her solitude. Reaching in panic for her veil.
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