“NaNoWriMo 2020 Pt. 21”

Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!

Additional note: In honour of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), all 30 stories written in the month of November will (hopefully) create a single multi-part story that will reach its conclusion by the end of the month. Stay tuned for a new story part every day!

Read the compiled NaNoWriMo TTtW story here!

Prompt: “Write about a legend about a snowy island where icy flowers grow.” — suggested by Mary

SKYE’S POV

I check the map that Ryan gave me as I ride the elevator down. Obviously I’m looking for exits, but proper food is just a tiny bit more present on my mind at the moment.

I decide to check out the hamburger place on the top floor. Hopefully I’ll be able to see a way off this island from there at the same time as getting delicious food. See? Who said that multitasking was impossible.

The elevator doors open to a burst of fresh sea air. I take in a deep breath as I step out onto the top deck.

The place is crowded with people. Actual people. Like, living human beings.

I head over to the bar and miraculously find a seat. Immediately, a man appears to take my order.

As I wait for my food to arrive, I spin in my seat to look out over the ocean. There doesn’t seem to be a boat in sight, nor any type of aerial transportation.

So how the hell did I get here in the first place?

“Ma’am, your food,” a voice says behind me.

I turn around to see the most delicious-looking burger I’ve ever seen in my whole life.

“Thank you,” I murmur, taking a moment to just stare at it.

“Ma’am, is everything okay?”

I look up to see the server watching with me concern.

“Yes, thank you, everything’s perfect,” I say.

He smiles and gives me a small nod before turning to help someone else.

I pick up my burger and take a bite. It’s just incredible.

I turn around again as I continue eating. There’s got to be some way of getting to and from the mainland from here…

“I heard a legend once…”

I let out a gasp as the voice suddenly rings out beside me. My burger goes tumbling from my fingers, but before it can hit my clothes, a hand darts out to catch it. I turn to see a girl sitting beside me. Her eyes are slightly red and puffy, but she has a bright smile on her face.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you,” she says, handing me back my burger. “I just got excited to see someone else who looks my age around here.”

I nod and mouth a ‘thank you’ before she continues.

“So, this legend you see. It was about a princess who lived on an island. She had been exiled there, because she had these strange powers.” The girl pauses for a moment–for dramatic effect, I’d assume–before saying, “She could create ice with just the wave of her hand.

“The princess was trapped on this island because she was powerful, but not nearly powerful enough to turn the ocean into ice so that she could cross.

“So, instead, she spent her time creating flowers from ice, honing her skill so that she could one day return to the mainland.”

She pauses, and I feel obligated to prompt her. “Did she ever escape?”

The girl’s smile fades, her expression turning serious. “Yes, but she lived on the run for the rest of her life. Most people feared her powers, and the few who didn’t wanted to use them for their own selfish desires.”

Just as quickly as it had left, her smile returns. “But luckily it’s just a legend. I mean, imagine if people actually had real powers? That would be insane, wouldn’t it?”

Instinctively, I curl my hands into fists. “Yeah,” I agree nervously. “Insane.”

The girl suddenly slides off her stool and brushes down her skirt. “Well, I’d best get going,” she says, her eyes darting around as if she’s trying to avoid someone. “Looking forward to seeing you around.”

Just before she can leave, I call, “Wait, I didn’t catch your name.”

She glances back at me. “It’s Maddie,” she says, flashing me a smile before disappearing into the crowd.

Final Comments: This prompt was actually surprisingly easy to integrate into the story today.

Overall Rating: 😏