In the Courtyard

[smallestopener]

Not long after Ingress and Mary return from Valdemar, Ingress' lessons resume. She is pleased to be in school again, and she's very pleased to see Marian more regularly.

She's especially happy today. It's a crisp fall day, and all is right in the world.

"Hi Marian!" She throws herself into Marian's arms for a hug.

Comments

[queenofmay]

Marian caught the bundle of squeal and blue hair spinning slightly where she stood. "Hello, Dear One."

[smallestopener]

"Hey, guess what I did?"

She's been very excited about telling Marian what happened.

[queenofmay]

Marian drew out the first word, thoughtfully. "You...got a new dress?"

There would be obviousness in an adult that she's kidding, but she's encouraging the smile on the face before her.

She's had enough of people who aren't, smiling or happy or real, and it's not too hard to adore this change in Ingress's demeanor from the last time she saw her.

[smallestopener]

"I went back to Valdemar, and I told the mean girls I didn't care what they said. Mary went with me, but I did almost all the talking."