Word Count: 765. Works for me. <3
Grace's life contained little in the way of drama or complications. She had never been much for confrontation, but then, she'd never been much for boxing herself in with rules, either. She was a tie-dyed satchel like the ones she made, all pretty colours and beading, full of surprises. Her life scarcely changed since coming to AniWaya, and yet, every day was a new adventure, a surprise, just like herself. This place was still new to her, full of new experiences, things to learn and discover. Grace could not truly own anything in this world, not even herself - life was a loan overdue, borrowed time, and everything in it, a temporary blessing. Turquoise eyes were wide with wonder, caring heart overriding a naive and carefree mind. She created beauty wherever she could, knowing that she could not have it or keep it for herself, but she could make smooth a passage into this world, for all to know, and for all to enjoy.
Even moments were fleeting. They happened, and then they were gone, leaving only the shadow of memory, the experience of being among those who could still touch the ghost of experiences. Those memories, they belonged to her in a way that nothing tangible could. Her feelings, they too belonged to her. They were the invisible connection between herself and that which she could not own, that which she could only have and touch and enjoy for a time. Briar had been one such thing, and while Grace missed her, she knew that her friend could never have belonged to her, just as nothing in this world could. She had only been given the blessing of proiximity, of experience, of creating feelings and memories that could touch Briar when she herself couldn't. And regardless of distance or change or difference in experience, those moments still existed, intangible, but no less real for being so. She could keep her friend and still let her go, and in reverse. The eighth wooden bead on her bracelet was tangible, yes - a reminder of Briar. But even when that was gone, even +w\hen all things were gone, she would still have the memory of it, and of her, and those were the only things that were real.
Grace rose at Taj's caw. She had plenty to do. Where Hadley was, or where he ever was, was yet a mystery to her. He seemed to come and go as he pleased, and she encouraged it - he needed to experience the world, and freedom. Dressing in a pale blue blouse and a pair of faded jeans, she thought about her tasks for the day. They weren't many - she would go and look after the horses soon, else see if Hadley had done so. He wasn't bad with them, really. She fed Taj, who cawed appreciatively before beginning to pick his way through the seed. As she sat to meditate, her mind drifted to and fro, filtering and processing all of the things that might distract her this morning. Meditation allowed her a clear, open mind with which to experience the world, and soothed any worries or troubles that might plague her. Currently, her worry was her tribe - Hadley had not yet sought to join them, and she wasn't sure if he would or not. She was careful not to pressure him, for he was fragile and needy, and she had accepted responsibility to him until he healed. However, she very much missed being alone at night, and she did so hope that he would make a choice soon. She would be pleased if he were to get his own place - it would be good for him to be truly independent again, and besides that, she'd never say so, but she wanted to smoke up alone for a night.
She left home soon after that, Taj perched atop her head, his usual seat. As she approached, she spotted the scout who had once greeted her, and called Ulilohi to accept her into the pack. He was called Anatole, she thought. She was absent-minded about many things, but she was socially inclined enough that she recalled names with relative ease. She waved to him as they grew nearer, smiling pleasantly. "Good morning, Anatole! What has you out this morning?" Her tone was cheerful and curious. She hadn't seen the male since he had greeted her at the borders, and she knew that he didn't come into the village terribly frequently. What was of interest to him here now? Perhaps there was something of interest here?