Shades of Gray by Kiyofox < Submission | Inkbunny, the Furry Art Community

Keywords mouse 54526, love 24058, romance 9117, fanfiction 3018, redwall 295

This story is set in the realm of Redwall Abbey,
which is copyrighted and created by Brian Jacques

Shades of Gray

Heat was all around her, enveloping her like a constricting blanket that she could not shake off. Lily cried out in terror, “Help me, please! Somebeast, anybeast please!” Every gasp for breath became painful as she coughed on the choking smoke that was growing thicker by the second. Trying to back away from the flames that were appearing all around her, Lily tried to find some escape from the blaze that threatened to trap and consume her. Every direction she looked was blocked by a wall of flame, covering the many shelves of books and large tomes that she had spent so many seasons of her life studying. For the briefest of an instant she was saddened by the enormous loss the fire would leave in its wake, for the monastery residents had dedicated their lives to recording the world around them to pass on to those to come. It would take generations to recover the information that would be lost by the fire Lily now faced.
Stumbling and crawling along the floor seeking a way out of the blaze, Lily’s searching paw bumped into a sandal that could only be another resident caught in the same fire. Quickly she crawled to the side of the slumped form, and rolled the figure over. Shocked, Lily found it to be Brother Tam, a young male roughly the same age she was. Tears flowed down Lily’s face as she patted his cheek to try and rouse him. In her heart she knew that she was already to late to help him, though her mind told her that she should try harder.
Not quite realizing the dangerous situation around her, Lily tried to drag Tam in the same direction she had been going, trying to reach the furthest area from the flames. All of her attention was focused on getting Tam, and herself, to safety. Lily was becoming exhausted from coughing and her efforts to drag her companion along. Finally, collapsing on the floor Lily called out feebly, “If anyone can hear me, please, please help me!”
Not knowing what exactly to do, Lily tried in vain to shelter Tam from the flaming debris that was now beginning to rain down from the shelves and the rafters. Just as a burning ember settled on Tam’s robe, Lily brushed it aside as best she could. Seeing her own robe smeared with soot and scorched from the intense heat, Lily noticed with horrific fascination that her fur was beginning to curl and shrivel from the furnace she was now stuck in. As a coughing spasm clutched at her chest, Lily doubled over from the lack of air and bent all her remaining will on wishing someone would come along and lead her out of the flames.
A few heartbeats later, Lily heard several loud crashes followed by many shouts. It took many seconds for her to realize that others were working their way across the burning library to the area she was trapped in. In one final attempt she screamed, “Here! I’m here!” before the smoke once again stole the breath from her lungs.
Trying desperately to cling to consciousness, Lily covered her head with her arms, as the blaze seemed to grow impossibly hotter. The intensity of the heat seemed like a physical force, pressing down on her; crushing her to the floor. Suddenly, Lily let out a bloodcurdling scream as the left arm cuff of her robe burst into flames! She frantically tried to smother the flames, but it quickly spread up her arm. Screaming out again, Lily was on the verge of passing out from the pain when several books from a nearby shelf fell onto her, knocking her flat across the back of the head.
Seconds later, a burning shelf toppled over backwards, followed by several bucket loads of water to try and tame the flames consuming it. “Oh no! Its Lily and Tam. Quickly now! Get more water in here!” Lily was vaguely aware of the other residents scrambling to transport her and Tam to safety. She was quickly wrapped in a wet blanket, but was numb from the shock and was for the moment unaware of her pain. Although her lungs felt like thorns in her chest, she managed to gasp out thickly, “Tam?”
The only reply given to her was a short, “I’m sorry lass. We were too late.”

~~

Lily sat up quickly as she gasped for air and clutched her chest. Her sleep was often plagued as her mind replayed the experience over and over. Each night she felt the fire sear her anew as if it had happened only moments ago, though it had been many seasons since that day. This night was no different.
“I may as well get up, since it will be useless to chase after sleep,” she told herself.
It was still pre-dawn, but Lily was used to this time of day. She even seemed to favor it, for there was little chance of running into one of the other residents and having to endure their looks of pity and sadness when they would see her. Of course, everyone would avoid the subject and conversations abruptly ended when she passed by.
“At least I can be useful in my own way,” Lily mumbled as she roused herself and put on her robes.

Unlike her brethren, Lily always wore the cowl hood of her robe over her head. Mainly to hide her scarred appearance and she preferred to keep to herself. Tying the rope belt at her waist, she briefly looked down at her paws. The right paw was well groomed and had a delicate grace to her slender fingers. The left paw was vastly different in appearance, having survived the aftermath of the accident. It had a red mottled appearance of where the fire had left its embrace upon her flesh; white streaks of scar tissue that would forever be a reminder. Sighing deeply, she looped an arm through her small whicker basket and put her hands into the robe sleeves. Silently she left the quiet corner of the dormitory, down the passageway and out the front gate of her home.
Since that fateful day, Lily had taken up many tasks around the monastery that could be fulfilled by a solitary person. Many months after she had recovered, she became acutely self-conscious of her unappealing appearance. The others of her age would protest that they could hardly notice the scars, but she would often catch looks and gestures of pity out of the corner of her eye. That is when Lily began to write privately, keeping a journal of her thoughts and feelings; the way she viewed the world around her. This was a common practice at the monastery, for that was the purpose of their establishment; to keep a record of observations and useful information that was to be passed along from generation to generation. Lily’s journal however was different because she was able to capture emotion in her writings; a stark difference to the dry, to-the-point diction used to fill the tomes now occupying the library. She would often bring a quill and her book along when she left the monastery as she did now, but today she was still contemplating the dream that had woken her and was thus too preoccupied to remember to bring it along.
On many such occasions as this, Lily would quietly stroll through the forest to collect herbs and various other reagents that many of her fellows would use on a daily basis. A handful of spring onion greens to use in a salad, a sprig of berries used for ink dye; even a brightly colored lilac for one of the young mouse maidens she was fond of.
Observing that her basket was already half full, Lily decided that would be enough ingredients for one day but could not resist leaning down to grab a couple of button mushrooms she had noticed. As she knelt down to scoop them up, she heard a peculiar noise and stood stock-still to listen closer. It was an awkward kind of creaking sound, and she could not recall anything in the forest that might produce it. The source seemed to come from just behind the hedge in front of her. Still in a crouch, Lily crept along on paw and foot to pull back a branch and look thru the bush. At first, she could only see a slight movement of the leaves ahead of her until she heard the sound again and had pinpointed the location. Leaving her basket stashed behind a tree, Lily cautiously pushed through the hedge to discover what was making the eerie noise.
At her feet lay what looked like the remains of a small, one-beast traveling cart. For some reason this is where the creaking sound was coming from. Lily found it strange that she had never seen this before, since the surrounding forest was familiar to her and only a few paces from the regular path she always took. Leaning down, she lifted one of the shattered pieces of wood and saw that a portion of it was painted in a bright green color but could not discern what the symbol was. Seeing another piece of wood with the same color on it, Lily reached down to pick it up as well when a paw shot out of the pile and grabbed her robe! Out of reflex she let out a startled scream and tried to tug her arm away, but the paw grasping it held firm. Once rational thought returned, her mind shouted, Oh no, someone is trapped!
“Can you hear me? Are you all right?” she called out.
Tossing the pieces of wood aside, Lily began to uncover the arm attached to the paw still holding her robe firmly.
“If you can hear me, please let me go. I need to use both hands if I am to get you out of there.” There was a brief pause before a hoarse, muffled voice said, “Please…help me. Just…don’t…just don’t leave me.” Reluctantly, the paw relaxed its grip on Lily’s robe.
“Just lie still, I’m trying as best I can,” Lily said as she tossed pieces of timber aside. A few moments later she had discovered a male field mouse roughly her age buried under the rubble. The fact that he was entirely gray did not escape her notice either, but for the time he seemed to have lapsed into unconsciousness.
When Lily had managed to get most of the debris off him, she gently shook him. With a groan, the stranger raised a paw to his head where there was a noticeable lump.
“Shh, don’t try to move. Are you hurt anywhere? Is anything broken?” she told him gently.
“I’m not entirely sure,” he said groggily. “My head feels like a walnut in a vise. And my eyes feel like-“ and suddenly he opened his eyes with a flash and let out an anguished “Oh no…”
Lily took hold of his hand and asked, “What is the matter?” with a distinct note of concern in her voice.
“My eyes. I cannot see. It must have happened when the cart fell apart. I got some of the ink dust in my eyes.” When the stranger tried to lift himself up he promptly cried out in pain.
“Where are you hurt?” Lily asked again.
“My foot is definitely broken, and probably my arm as well judging by how much it hurts to move,” he told her with a grimace.
“All right then. We can manage this. If I find you a crutch, I should be able to help you get to the monastery. We are going to have to work together, mister…um…”
“Gray,” he said with a halfhearted smile, “my name is Gray.”
“Mister Gray it is then,” she replied with a touch of softness in her voice. “My name is Lily,” she said and briefly touched his hand. “Please don’t move. I’ll see if I can find something you can use. It is not very far. I’ll be right back.”
As she prepared to stand and scrounge for a makeshift crutch, Gray snatched her robe once again…gently this time. “Thank you, Lily.” Patting his paw a couple of times, she stood and began her task.

After a grueling journey back, Lily stumbled into the courtyard of the monastery supporting the shaky Gray as well as she could manage; his good arm clutching the crutch and the other hung in a roughly made sling. Though it was still early morning, there were noticeably more patrons moving about. A few steps inside the gate, Lily called out clearly, “I need some help.” Instantly, brothers and sisters came to help the injured Gray, and a tired Lily, to the infirmary.

After a meal and a cup of tea, Lily was no worse for wear, having rescued and escorted the new guest back to the monastery. Gray on the other hand, did not fare as well. His right foot paw was bound in a firmly wrapped cast of bark cloth and clay to prevent him from moving it while the bones mended. His right arm was not as bad as it had seemed earlier, only suffering a minor fracture. It was bound in a splint, but Gray could move his arm if he needed though it caused him pain. For now, the new occupant found that he was just happy to be free from the wreckage of his cart and very much alive…despite the fact that he was blind, battered and bedridden.
On the third day of his stay in the infirmary, Gray awoke as the early morning sun cast a shaft of light across his bed laying a warm swatch on his chest. He yawned and began to stretch out of reflex before his arm sharply reminded him of the state of healing it was in. Gray let out a startled, “Ouch!” before settling back on the bed. Just then, he heard a soft rustle to one side of the room.
“Is someone there?” Gray called.
Lying still a moment, he thought he could hear the breathing of another beast in the room. Straining his ears, he suddenly realized that he had been holding his breath and let it go with a whoosh. Not sure if he had imagined it, he thought for sure he could sense the presence of someone else but soon dismissed it as he contemplated the events over the last few days. Quietly, Gray’s breathing once again became soft and regular and in only a few moments he had fallen back asleep. A faint creak from a corner chair and the whisper of robes over the stone floor were the only things heard then, barely audible over the sounds of the slumbering mouse.

Lily had watched Gray through a portion of the night, since once again she was unable to sleep. The events of her rescue of Gray left her deep in thought. Why had she chosen to help Gray? From the childhood accident, Lily had barely let anyone see her, much less touch her. But for some reason her self-inflicted isolation had never been a thought when she saw Gray trapped under that wreckage. Perhaps in some way she was trying to make up for the fact that she was unable to save Tam all those seasons ago, and by helping Gray she would forgive herself of the tragic circumstances that had allowed only her to survive. As Lily wandered about, she was so lost in thought that she bumped directly into the back of the person in front of her.
“Oh my,” Mother Clover said, startled from the book she was reading.
“Mother Clover!” Lily uttered with a gasp. “I’m terribly sorry, Mother,” she stammered as she bent to help the old mouse pick up the book she had dropped.
“Quite alright, deary,” Clover said as she smoothed out her smock without looking up, “no harm done.”
As Lily picked up the book and stood to give it back to the elder mouse, it dawned on Clover who had bumped into her. Instantly she broke into a warm smile.
“Why, Lily my dear, I have not seen you for some time. What a pleasant surprise, come sit with me a moment.”
The old mouse made her way to one of the many stone benches lining the corridor and patted the vacant seat next to her. “I won’t bite, I promise.”
Reluctantly, Lily joined her at the bench. “I’m sorry, Mother, I should have paid more attention to where I was going.”
Though Clover was not really Lily’s mother, she acted the part, for she was one of the eldest monastery patrons and was often the one people went to when they needed advice or to work out a problem. Now that her attention was focused on the young mouse before her, Clover could see that Lily was troubled by something.
“Lily, my child…I can see there is something bothering you. Is there anything I can help you with?” Clover patiently waited for Lily to sort out her thoughts enough to reply.
“I’m not sure, really. I still have nightmares every night. I guess that is to be expected…but now…” She trailed off with her thought unfinished, as she cast her gaze across the hall in the direction she had come from.
“This would not have anything to do with our new ‘guest’, would it?” Clover said with a smile hovering about the corners of her mouth.
“No, of course not!” Lily said all too quickly. “I mean…maybe. It’s just that-“ Lily sighed in defeat and looked back at Clover. “Is it that obvious?”
“Lily, dear…you have hardly left the bedside of that poor fellow for the past three days,” the Mother said with a small chuckle. “He is quite handsome, after all,” she added with a wink. Lily let the briefest of giggles escape from under the scarf she always wore, before sighing again.
“So, you can laugh. I was beginning to think a Sea Rat was masquerading under all those robes the way your eyes have that scowl, and you continually avoid your Brothers and Sisters.” Of course, Clover was only making a friendly jibe but her tone turned serious.
“Lily, my child…I do care about you, but you make me worry too much with all this hiding in the shadows. It would do you good to enjoy the company of others, join in a story and a laugh…have some fun!”
Lily looked pleadingly at Clover. “You know how uncomfortable I am around others, please don’t ask me anymore. I just don’t think I can- I don’t know how to-” Lily wrung her hands in frustration. Gently, Clover reached over and took the young mouse’s left paw in hers. Lily half-heartedly tried to pull away, but the elder mouse held firm.
“Please, Lily, just look a moment.”
Lilly looked down at the old frail paw that held hers, amazed at how similar they now looked. Clover’s hand was old, wrinkled…bones showing their age as her paw looked hardly strong enough to grasp a wooden spoon. Her own paw, scarred long ago from the fire that burned her…nearly white flesh that too was wrinkled and looked barely strong enough to pick a fresh dandelion. Clover let her contemplate a moment.
“I bet I can guess what you see. You see the constant reminder of what happened a long time ago. Every time you reach for a utensil, or hold a book you see the aftermath of that accident from long ago. But let me tell you what I see, Lily. I see the great potential this paw has,” the old mouse said.
She took hold of Lily’s other paw as well, “And this one too. These paws have the power to do many wonderful things yet to come; you have only to use them. I have read some of your writings, child. You have a unique gift for capturing what you see in ink on the page, which is a talent not many of us have these days. I can see that you truly are descended from Loamhedge.”
Lily took her hands from the elder mouse and held them up, staring. “You have read some of my writings, Mother?”
Clover nodded, “Indeed, young one. You have quite a talent for words. But the point I’m trying to impress upon you is that you must share your gift with those around you lest it be lost. That is why I try and steer you out of your isolation, Lily. If only we had more scribes like you to record the world,” she said wistfully.
“Not like Brother Burthold, bless him. He has a heart as big as a hedgehog…well, he is a hedgehog, but a natural born scribe he is not,” she said with a laugh. “That silly ‘hog spends more time day dreaming about his cellar barrels than he does worrying about keeping the library in order. No wonder all the books are in disarray.”
Rising stiffly, Clover once again took possession of her book and trundled off to her previous destination. Only a few paces away, she turned and smiled back at Lily.
“Why don’t you share some of your writings with our new guest? I hear that he is having some trouble with his eyes?” Lily nodded. “Ah, then why not paint him a picture with words.” Clover winked again and tapped her head with a frail fingertip before turning and resuming her walk.
Lily softly replied, “Thank you, Mother, perhaps I will.”

Lily once again occupied the chair a few paces away from the Gray’s bed. He had been moved to a deserted corner of the infirmary once his wounds were no longer critical. Since no other beast was currently in need of attention, the ward was empty save for his bed and the chair with Lily.
Lily was clutching one of her journals, still trying to muster up the courage not only speak to Gray but to read to him as well. Glancing at her book, then to Gray and then across to the door, Lily was unsure of what action to take.
Many moments passed before Gray started humming to himself. Lily was not familiar with the tune, but was watching him curiously since he had hardly uttered more than a handful of words the whole time he had been here. She smiled silently as she watched Gray twitch his whiskers in time to the ballad he was composing. After a few choruses of his song, the guest concluded his tune and smiled to himself.
Lily very quietly got up and started towards the door across the room, when she heard, “Don’t go...” She stopped suddenly, not daring to move. Gray added, “…please?”
Lily, somewhat surprised, returned to the vacant chair. “How did you know I was here?” she asked.
“You are the only thing in this room that smells so nice as strawberries and sage,” he replied with a smile.
“That must be from this morning. I gathered some berries and sage, among other things.” Gray turned towards the sound of the voice.
“You seem familiar, have I met you before?”
“Yes,” was Lily’s reply. “I’m afraid I’m the one that got you stuck in the infirmary.”
“Ah, then you must be Lily. I feared you were only a hallucination,” he said with a giggle.
“I’m sorry. I should have…told you I was here. I just…didn’t want to exaggerate the fact that you are blinded…I just wanted to make sure that you were…okay,” she said hesitantly.
“I’m doing much better, now that I have some company. I’d be pleased if you stay and have a conversation with me. I have been bored nearly to tears for lying here all day with no one to talk to. Tell me about where I am. Oh! But first, could you do me a favor and help me to sit up? I’ve gotten a cramp in my tail from lying down so much.”
“Of course,” Lily said as she put her book on the chair and came over to the bed. Retrieving an extra pillow from the next bed over, she helped Gray lean forward so she could prop him up.
“Ah! That’s better. Thank you kindly.” Gray inhaled deeply at the proximity of Lily. “I’m sure that you must be twice as beautiful as you smell. I wish my eyes were working right so I could look you in the eye and express my deepest gratitude for helping me get fixed up.”
At Gray’s comment, Lily suddenly let go of the pillow as if it had been the fire that had touched her so long ago. Choking back a sob, Lily snatched up her book and ran from the infirmary quickly muttering, “I’m sorry, I’ve got to go.”
Confused, Gray called out, “Wait! Come back, please. What did I say?” His only reply was the sound of retreating footsteps running down the hall.

Lily did not visit Gray for many days after that. She became doubly conscious of her appearance and shied away from anyone who would want to talk to her. Afterwards, she had felt embarrassed for running away from Gray like that. She knew he would have no idea of the circumstances that set her off, but still she could not gather the will to face him just yet.
Gray was very confused by Lily. She had willingly helped him when he was in peril, but now she would not talk to him? He did not know what to make of her actions. One afternoon shortly after Lily had run from the infirmary, Gray asked the attendant who came to serve him lunch. An older mouse named Brother David.
“Can I ask you something, David?”
“Of course, my son, what would you like to know?”
Gray took a bite of his bread and chewed in thought a moment, unsure of how to ask his question. “Why does Lily avoid me? I gather that she is the quiet type, but when I asked her to talk to me she ran away.”
“Ah, that,” the Brother said as he took a bite from his slice of apple pie. “That there is a delicate subject. I know you still are having trouble with your eyes, so it is not obvious as to what the dilemma is. See here, Lily was caught in a fire when she was just a youngster. She was trapped with one of her fellow mates and suffered some bad burns. We managed to pull them out, but she was the only one of the two to survive.”
“Oh my,” Gray replied, suddenly losing his appetite. “But she is okay now, right? When she has spoken I can hear the strong will of character she possesses. But she only would visit if no other beast where around.”
“Aye, son, she is terribly self-conscious of her scars. Nary a person has seen her face in a long many seasons; she simply won’t allow it. She shies away from the rest of us, but she still continues to do her share of the work around here. Kind of strange in a way, you may not see her but you see the results of where she has been. She’s always picking herbs and flowers, organizing some of the books in the library, straightening a writing desk here and there.”
Gray turned his head in the direction of the remembered echoes of those footsteps. “Thank you, Brother for the luncheon. I think I’d like to be alone now, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course, lad. If you need anything, just ring the small bell on the bedside table,” and with that David cleared the remains of the food and departed leaving Gray to sort out his thoughts alone.

Crash! BOOM!
Lightning streaked across the sky again, and left an earthshaking peal of thunder in its wake. The small cart shuddered, threatening to shake itself apart at the seams.
Muttering to the squeaky cart, Gray said, “C’mon, hold together. It’s just a lousy storm. We’ve weathered worse than this before. I promise I’ll get you fixed up once we get to a new town.”
Another boom of thunder shook the cart and jostled the many shelves lining the interior. Filled with small bottles, vials and pouches, his wares danced like a small army of insects clinking and clattering together. Just then a loud hissing susurrus began outside and Gray knew for a fact that the sky had opened up because almost immediately a large drop of water bounced off his nose.
“I know, I know…I’ve been meaning to get that patched,” he apologized to the cart. As if in reply, another very large drop splashed on his nose again.
Not daring to travel in such a storm, Gray had parked his cart near a large yew, hoping it would provide a brace against the worst of the weather. It seemed that the storm was attempting to prove that nowhere would provide sufficient shelter. As the wind buffeted the small cart, Gray was having misgivings about neglecting the repairs of his shelter and portable home and muttered, “Bet father never had days like this…”
Gray had been raised the son of an ink maker, providing inks, dyes and paints to the small towns, farms and outposts he came across in his journeys. When he was old enough and had learned the trade, he ventured out on his own. This cart where he now huddled against the storm was the only home he had known for quite some time.
“Ah, the glorious life of a traveling vendor,” he said as yet another water drop landed on his nose. “No use fretting over what I don’t have. Might as well try and get a few winks while I can.” Pulling out a rather worn blanket, Gray wrapped it about his shoulders and curled up in the floor of the cart, barely big enough for him to lie between the shelves.
Just as another boom of thunder rattled his teeth and violently shook his cart again, a distinct and very loud “SNAP!” rang out. Gray had just enough time to sit bolt upright before the sound of splintering wood deafened him and a crushing weight knocked the breath from him.

Gray sat bolt upright and cried out, “Ahhh!” Out of reflex, he brought is hands up to cover his head. This time the crushing weight never came, and Gray realized he was panting from the nightmare. Slowly lying down again, he concentrated on regulating his breathing and racing heartbeat.
It took several moments for him to remember where he was, and once again his thoughts turned to Lily. He vividly recalled how he had come awake the dawn after the storm, pinned and unable to move. Fearing that he might very well have died trapped under the rubble, he was unsure if Lily’s voice had been real when she called out to him.
Rubbing a paw across his face, Gray noticed for the first time since he had been bedridden that he was not completely blinded. He could now see a vague blur of light. His vision was far from clear, and in fact was very clouded and murky, but he could now see the difference between light and dark He reached his hand towards the source of the blur and nearly burned his finger when he discovered it was a candle.
“Well at least all hope is not lost,” he murmured to himself.
Hearing another rustle of cloth, Gray was once again aware of another presence, though his vision was still too vague for him to discern any more than the direction of where it came. Retreating footsteps once again floated about the infirmary and Gray called out, “Wait! Lily, is that you?”
A hesitant and muffled, “Yes,” was his reply.
Gray sighed in relief. “Oh Lily, I’m so glad it is you. Please come sit down, I want to talk to you.” He again heard a rustle of cloth as Lily approached, but she did not sit down.
“I just wanted to check on you,” she said softly, “I suppose I fell asleep. I did not mean to disturb you. I heard you cry out in your sleep.”
Gray shuddered at the remembered dream. “Yeah, seems my mind won’t let me forget that cart falling apart on top of me.”
“But you are safe now,” Lily said softly. “Tell me, what were you doing out there in the forest in the middle of such a terrible storm?”
Gray related his tale of how he had become a wandering vendor, and how he had parked under the tree hoping for shelter. “And I would probably still be under that pile of rubble if you had not found me, Lily. You have my deepest gratitude and thanks.”
Lily smiled beneath her cloak. “I’m glad I could help you.”
Silence stretched out as the two sat pondering the events of the past weeks. Gray finally broke the silence. “I have just recently found out about your childhood accident. Lily, I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings. That comment the other day…I had no idea.”
Normally, Lily would have avoided the subject completely, but the pleading look for forgiveness in Gray’s searching eyes made her stay. The expression on his face told her that he was sincere in his wish to make things better between the two of them.
“You could not have known, Gray. I know you have found out about the accident. It is not something that I would usually share with a stranger.”
Gray nodded. “I may yet be a stranger, but I would really like for us to become friends if you can forgive me?”
Lily sighed and said, “Really, Gray, there is no need to apologize. I should be the one to ask forgiveness of you for acting the way I did.” Gray relaxed visibly, and Lily added in a friendly tone, “I think I would like for us to be friends too. But I think for now it is time that both of us got some rest. It is still many hours before dawn.”
“But you are awake now? Please Lily, stay and talk. I need the company, and besides I doubt I could sleep if all I have to look forward to is being crushed under my cart again,” Gray said as he shuddered once again.
Lily nodded and replied, “Very well. What would you like to talk about?” as she once again took the vacant chair.

Gray and Lily spoke for a long time about a variety of subjects, letting the conversation float along as if it were a stream meandering through the forest. Lily told him of her life here at the monastery and he in turn told her of some of his travels. They both spoke as if they had been childhood friends who had not seen each other in many seasons. The pair would have continued to speak well into the day, but Gray’s stomach chose to interrupt them with a loud growl.
His ear tips blushing, Gray sheepishly said, “I guess I could use a spot of breakfast.”
Lily said, “I think that is a good idea. It’s about time you got out of bed, don’t you think?”
Gray nodded and said, “I’m ready. Was beginning to think I’d have to beg to get out with as much time as my tail has been sitting here.” Gray swung his foot cast off the bed and attempted to stand. He promptly fell back on his behind with a weak laugh. “Guess my legs don’t have quite as much energy as I thought they did.”
Lily went to his side and took his paw in hers, “Let’s try once more. We’ve got to get you down to the kitchen. It is still early, so you don’t have to worry about bumping into others.” She got Gray to stand more confidently this time and fetched a cane for him to use.
After a long a slow walk down the hall, they came to the kitchen where Lily gathered up a few scones left over from dinner. She also took a pot of mint tea and a small jar of damson preserves. Putting the simple breakfast into her whicker basket, she escorted Gray to one of the benches littered about the monastery. As their conversation continued about life in general, the two ate and drank, hardly noticing as the sun broke over the horizon.
Lily paused and looked at the beautiful scene before her. The sun had just risen over one of the nearby hills and was at the right angle to set the dew on the grass sparkling like crystals sprinkled across the lawn. She sighed contentedly.
Gray mistook the sigh for one of sadness and asked, “What is it? Something wrong?”
“No,” Lily replied. “I’m just admiring the sunrise.” Suddenly realizing what she had just said, the young maiden quickly apologized. “Gray, I’m sorry. I did not mean to point out that-“
“Quite alright, Lily. Really, it’s fine. I will get my vision back eventually.” Smiling across at her, Gray said, “Why don’t you describe it for me? All I can see is a bright blur.”
Reluctantly, Lily replied,”Alright, I’ll try.” Lily let out a slow breath and clasped her hands together.
“Across from where we are sitting is a small clearing. Benches similar to the one we sit upon surround the clearing, and several trees surround the benches in turn. Beyond the trees the sun has just crested a low rise, spilling its light across the crisp green lawn like it had poured golden honey down the hillside. The dew on the grass looks like a tiny crystal flock of insects scattered all around, waiting to take flight in the morning breeze.”
Turning slightly, she sees Gray close his eyes as if attempting to conjure the vision in his mind. Continuing, Lily says, “We sit upon a stone bench among the sea of sparkling crystals. Behind us is the sturdy shelter of the monastery that has been my home for as long as I can remember. Its smooth lines and brown clay bricks give it a quiet, inviting feeling, like a place you would look forward to after a long journey. A striking mouse sits next to me, his fur taking on the colors surrounding us including the golden honey color of the sunlight. He is quite handsome, wearing a brown habit. He looks very content.”
Gray smiled at the compliment. “And what about his companion?”
Lily muttered, “Oh, well…His companion wears the same brown colored habit.”
Gray giggled at Lily’s modest description. “Is that all? Well then, what color is her fur?”
Lily pondered a moment before saying, “Hm, well let’s see.” She rolled up her sleeve of her right arm a bit and looked upon her fur in the sunlight. “It looks like she has a light brown cast to her, like cream poured in a cup of tea, though in the sunlight she too has a golden hue of honey.”
Gray smiled her way, with his eyes still shut. “Who needs eyes with someone such as you to describe things?”
Although her robes hid the fact, Lily was blushing from the compliment. Clearing her throat she said, “Perhaps we should get you back to the infirmary. I still have a few chores to do, and I’d hate for you to get lost if you tried to make your way back alone.”
Crestfallen, Gray sighed. “Very well, but promise that you will visit me when you get more free time?”
“I’ll see what I can do,” Lily replied.

The days passed slowly for Gray, with the vision Lily had described for him as the only thing to keep him company. One of the infirmary attendants had brought him lunch, but it sat untouched hours later as the lone mouse contemplated the events of that early morning days ago, now just a fading memory he clutched in his mind…unwilling to let it float away.
For Lily, the days passed quite quickly because she set to her tasks with a will. She seemed to finish one task only to pick up another and occupy her mind; trying to do anything to avoid thinking of the warm smile Gray had given her that lovely morning. After the sun had set and the evening meal had been prepared in the dining hall, Lily slipped into the kitchens and gathered a small meal for two and headed off to the infirmary where Gray was.
Lily walked into the large deserted room with her trusty basket loaded with the small dinner, the familiar setting triggering the remembered image of Gray. His handsome, warm smile was asking for her description. Why had she been so modest? She felt more comfortable around Gray than any other beast in quite some time, but still she felt reservations. She still held a fear of rejection from him, though her heart told her that Gray was not that kind of mouse.
Still preoccupied and wrestling with her feelings, she found herself staring at Gray’s empty bed. The linens were still rumpled as if someone had been lying there only a moment ago, but when Lily looked around the room she did not see anyone else. Strange, thought Lily, he could not have wandered far.
She set the basket of food down and made her way from the bedside, intending to go down the halls in search of Gray. Instead she had just made it to the door when she heard a sigh from a darkened corner, near one of the open windowsills.
“Gray?” she hesitantly called out.
“I’m here Lily,” was the subdued reply.
Lily walked over to stand by him as he leaned against the windowsill in a darkened corner. A faint night breeze ruffled her hood.
“What are you doing? You must be careful moving about alone, you could injure yourself…” Lily began with concern.
“I just needed a breath of fresh air. I heard you come in…smelled that fragrance that you always seem to have hovering about you.” Gray sighed once again. “Lily” Gray said, letting the name flow from his lips as if he were savoring the taste of a fine cordial. “You know you have a beautiful name? I confess…I find that you are the only thing I can think about during the day. Since my vision is still quite poor, I find myself with a lot of time on my paws. I paint pictures in my head. Pictures of you, of this place, of the lovely scene you described earlier…” Gray closed his eyes and leaned his head against the cool stonewall.
Lily stared at him a few moments. She then did a very impulsive thing and reached out her delicate fingers and lightly ran them down his cheek in a tender fashion. Surprised by the touch, Gray quickly and softly snatched her hand and gave it a comforting squeeze.
“Will you stay and talk with me again this evening?” he said as he pressed her hand to his cheek.
Lily nodded and replied, “Yes. I think I would enjoy that. But let’s have a bite to eat.” With that, she guided Gray back over to his bed where they sat and ate and once again carried on like excited dibbuns, talking about all things under the sun.

Days turned into weeks, and Gray was making steady progress on healing. He could now walk easily (with the help of his cane) and his arm no longer hurt (but was still a bit weak). Lily visited with Gray when she was not occupied with other tasks, and although Gray’s vision was improving it was not yet fully restored. During the times he was not listening to the stories the attendants would tell him, he asked to learn about the history of the monastery even receiving a visit or two from Mother Clover.
When Gray was able to move about without assistance, he was assigned a room of his own. Still under the watchful eye of the residents, he was free to roam about as he pleased, and if he ever got lost there was always someone close to paw to point him in the right direction.
This afternoon was one of the rare times when Clover decided to visit Gray. She came to a halt outside his room. Turning to the young acolyte accompanying her, Clover made a shooing motion muttering, “Go on Sara, you’ve more important chores than escorting me around. Why not pop by the kitchen and see what desserts they are preparing for the evening meal?”
Sara curtsied politely and replied, “Yes Mother,” before turning and walking at a brisk pace towards the kitchens. Clover smiled and allowed herself a small giggle before clearing her throat and putting her motherly scowl back on. Rapping smartly on the door twice, it was only a moment before Gray replied, “Come in.”
Clover unlatched the door and entered. Setting the books she was carrying on the small entryway table, she once again closed the door. Gray was standing facing the door several paces away as Clover turned towards him.
“My, my you look to be recovering quite nicely,” she said to him.
At the sounds of the voice, Gray broke into a smile and bowed slightly. “Always a pleasure to have your company, Ms. Clover.” Clover came over and hugged Gray, lightly admonishing him, “Please, just Clover is fine. Since you are not officially one of my charges, we can be on a first name basis.”
“Of course, marm. Please have a seat.”
“Thank you Gray.”
“To what do I owe the pleasure of your company today?”
“Oh, I thought you might like to hear some more about where we came from. The old domain of Loamhedge has a lengthy history, which we have strived to maintain…although that old fire so many seasons ago took many of our oldest tomes. We have salvaged only a small portion of the information, but even that contains a sizable amount of history. Perhaps you’d like for me to tell you about the seasons leading up to our decision to send out expeditions to set up monasteries such as this one? I was but a dibbun myself when this monastery was finished, but I still remember the stories my elders told of the journey…”
Looking up from the book she had been studying, Clover noticed Gray sat at the open window and seemed to be focused very far away from the room they occupied. Reaching out and placing a hand on his shoulder, Clover asked, “What is troubling you Gray?”
“You spoke of the fire that damaged many of your books. Is that the same fire that Lily survived?”
“Why, yes it is the same. Lily was just a youngster then, and she lost her very best friend. It was many months before she would even speak to another beast. She was very lucky.”
“She still feels guilty about the incident then? She has only mentioned it once to me, but she told me she felt responsible for his death. I have never asked any more of the subject because I did not want to cause her grief.”
Clover squeezed Gray’s shoulder gently. “You care for her.”
The young mouse withdrew from the old mouse’s touch, and rose to meander across the room. Many moments passed in silence. The old Mother could tell that Gray longed to tell her something, but she did not question. One of as many seasons as her knew that she had but to be patient and the young one would soon tell her his troubles.
Gray spoke at last. Barely above a whisper, he said, “I care for her deeply. In truth, I love her.” Clover could hear the anguish in his voice. “I want very much to make her happy once again, the way that she has made me happy these past weeks since I have been a guest here.”
“Have you told her yet?”
Gray sighed deeply. “No.”
Clover closed the distance to stand beside Gray. “Are you still having trouble with your vision?”
Gray rubbed his eyes slightly, and stared out the window. “Things are still blurry, but I can see colors and shapes now. The last effects of the blindness should pass soon, I can feel it.” Clover nodded in satisfaction.
“Look out the window then. The small garden we look at was once in bloom quite a number of seasons ago. I remember standing at this very window, witnessing a small young mouse carefully walking through the various flowers. Delicately treading so as not to trample any of the plants. For many moments she looked as if she were searching for something. From my vantage point I saw her lean down and do something, but I was uncertain what activity she was occupied with. I was distracted by my usual duties and had to leave the window for a time. When I once again looked out at the garden, the youngster was gone.”
“Many weeks passed before I once again found myself at the window gazing upon the garden. Then I saw the most peculiar thing. In the middle of a patch of daisies a single river lily grew there. Somehow that small mouse maid had gotten that flower to grow in the garden. Later that day I asked her about it. ‘Did you plant the lily in the garden?’ I said.”
“’Yes Mother. I planted it there because I wanted you to look out the window and see the lily, and know that in some way I was here with you. That way, even when I’m not beside you, I’m still with you.’”
“The compassion in that small gesture nearly brought me to tears,” Clover said with a small sniff. “Lily still carries that compassion around with her, she has just kept it locked away since the day of that accident. I think when she helped you she found an outlet for her true nature. I believe that is why her writings are so expressive.”
Gray nodded. “Indeed. The times she has shared with me pieces of her journal, or when I have asked her to describe something to me…it makes my heart ache, and I long to view what she is looking at. But in some small way, I wish I were to stay blind. To look at the same picture with my own eyes would be dull and mundane in comparison to the way Lily has given me such intricate details. For one who keeps their compassion locked away, she has the most expressive side I think I have ever met in a person.”
“That she does, Gray. When you are ready, you will find a way to tell her your feelings.” Clover put a friendly paw upon Gray’s shoulder. “I believe the history lesson can wait for another time. Would you like to visit the garden?”
Gray smiled and replied, “I’d love to.”

Lily quietly shuffled into the secluded plot of land set aside a short distance away from the monastery. She had made the journey countless number of times since her childhood. This time was slightly different; she was coming to seek advice from an old friend. Following the path between the rows, she finally reached her destination. She carried a single river lily in her paw. Sighing, Lily gently placed the flower at the foot of the stone marker.
“I wonder if you could help me?” she said as her paw felt the smooth stone that bore the name ‘TAM’ across its face. “I’m afraid, Tam. I know I have no reason to be, but the more I think about it the more I feel it press upon me. I want very much to spend my time with Gray, but I feel something holding me back. Even after all these seasons, I still cannot forgive myself for what happened to you…”
Sighing again, Lily sat down with her back against the stone. “What should I do, Tam? You were always the one who had the answer to my questions. I secretly treasured that, and I could sure use one right now.” Left with her thoughts and the light afternoon breeze, Lily contemplated her quandary and closed her eyes.

A feather light touch brushed her cheek. Lily stirred and absently waved a paw to shoo whatever insect had bothered her. Yet again, Lily felt light fingertips brush her cheek. This time she opened her eyes only to find Tam looking back at her.
“Tam?” Lily asked in amazement.
“Shh. Just listen. I have listened every time you come to visit. Now it is your turn to listen, young maiden. You need not carry your burden any longer; the accident was not your fault. I forgive you, though you need no forgiveness. My seasons have passed, but you still have many seasons ahead of you. Do not live in the past, Lily. Live your life. Live the life that you have been given. Tell him what you carry in your heart. Share your heart and you will find happiness once more. Remember Lily…” And as the vision of Tam faded, in one final gesture he touched Lily’s scarred paw.

Gray was holding Lily’s paw in his hands, patting it softly and calling her name hoping to rouse her from the afternoon nap. She responded by squeezing his hand in turn and muttering, “Please don’t go!”
Patting her paw more firmly, Gray responded, “I’m not going anywhere, Lily. I’m right here.”
Slightly groggy from the nap, Lily opened her eyes to see Gray kneeling beside her. “Oh, it’s you Gray. For a moment I thought…” then she realized that Gray was holding her scarred paw and quickly pulled it away into the sleeve of her habit. A moment of silence passed before Gray spoke.
“Mother Clover said I might find you here…”
Slightly taken back at Lily’s reaction, Gray was uncertain what to expect from the maiden. He decided to stand and look around at the small cemetery.
“It’s quiet here. I can understand why you come to visit.”
Gesturing at the headstone, which Lily was still leaning against, Gray said, “You two were the very best of friends, weren’t you?” Lily glanced over her shoulder and sighed.
“Yes, he was…is, a dear friend. I should never have snuck into the library that day. He was just trying to find me before we got caught out of class. He would still be alive today if I had not wanted to read all those old tomes about Loamhedge.”
Gray shook his head slowly. “Listen to me Lily, the accident was not your fault. I have heard it from the very mouth of the one who summoned the rescuers that day. The fire was caused by a piece of parchment blowing off a desk onto a nearby candle. It was just happenstance that you were in the same part of the library.”
Gray once again knelt beside Lily. This time he looked directly into her eyes. The look was so deep and held such conviction that Lily suddenly realized, he is truly looking at me...he can see!
Gray smiled as he saw the surprised expression cross his companion’s eyes. Nodding slowly, Gray said, “Yes Lily, my vision is fully restored. I can see!”
“Oh Gray! That is wonderful.” Lily clasped both his paws in hers and squeezed them affectionately. Tugging slightly, Gray helped her to stand up.
“When everything became clear this morning, I knew I had to find you. First I roamed the somewhat familiar halls that had become new to me once more. I met anew all the familiar gentle beasts that had taken care of me, looked them in the eyes and expressed my gratitude. That is when I came across Clover and we chatted awhile. Before I knew it, afternoon tea had come and gone and I still had not found you. That is when Mother Clover suggested I look here.”
Gray released Lily’s paws and held her out at arms length. Bowing low, he took a step closer and gently grasped her left paw and kissed it softly. It did not escape his notice that Lily did not pull her paw away this time. Gray stood and when his eyes met hers he said, “Thank you so very much, Lily. Thank you for saving my life. Thank you for showing me the world through your eyes.” The sincerity he held in his eyes told Lily everything. She was at a loss for words. For a few moments the two stood gazing, content in the others’ presence. Finally, Gray broke the silence.
“How about we go back and see about fixing up a meal? I know you must have been out here all afternoon.” Gray stooped to pick up the trusty basket Lily always carried. “Maybe we can slip into the kitchen before everyone else and have a quiet dinner.” Smiling happily, Gray started to walk past Lily since he was expecting her to fall into step with him. Scarcely three paces away, Lily spoke.
“Gray…please, wait. I must tell you something.” Gray halted abruptly and turned.
“Of course, Lily. What is it? Something wrong?” the young mouse replied with concern building in his voice. “I’m sure if we-“ Lily placed a finger across his lips to silence him.
“Shh…please just listen,” she said softly. Gray’s only response was a nod.
Lily found herself confronted with such an intense stair from Gray that she half turned in sudden embarrassment. “Oh Gray…there are so many things I wish to tell you, but now that you are here my voice cannot find the words I’m looking for.” Gray placed a comforting paw on Lily’s shoulder.
“Take your time, I’m not going anywhere.”
Lily turned back and smiled. Though hidden beneath her scarf, Gray could still see the smile in her eyes. “I find the more time we spend together, the harder it is for me to be without you. I find myself counting the hours till I can visit you once more. The way you listened so intently at our conversations made me want to just talk all the more. Maybe that is why I felt so comfortable sharing my journals with you.”
Gray started to respond, “Lily, I-“ before she silenced him once more. The young mouse maiden took a step back facing Gray.
“I think it is time that you see me with your own eyes.” Again, concern crossed Gray’s features as he replied, “Are you sure Lily?”
Lily nodded slowly. “This is the first time in many, many seasons that I am not embarrassed or afraid of someone seeing me.” Gray simply nodded.
Slowly, Lily uncovered the scarf from her muzzle and held it out to Gray. Hesitantly, he took the item from her. Reaching up just as slowly, Lily grasped the edges of her habits’ hood and slid it back to reveal the rest of her face and head.
Gray did not realize that he had been holding his breath. Here, at last, Lily stood before him without the usual coverings the rest of the residents of the monastery see her in.
This close to Lily, Gray could see the aftermath of her terrible accident dulled by the passage of time. The mottled pink-gray skin where her fur would not grow back, leaving almost the entire left side of her face and head bare. He could see line of her delicate cheek, the rough edges of her ear. Comparing the right and left side of her face, he could imagine what she would have looked like without her scars, but somehow that did not seem right to him. The way he saw her at this moment, scars and all, was how he would always remember her. And the compassion held in her eyes was all Gray ever needed to see.
A single tear rolled down Gray’s furred cheek as he sighed. “Lily…” Gray reached out and grasped her delicate, naked left paw and kissed it. “You are more beautiful than I had imagined. All those afternoons I spent listening to your voice, and hearing what a wonderful spirit you have…I tried to imagine what you must look like. My greatest vision is a mere shadow to what I now see.”
Gray knelt at her feet and hugged her tight. “Lily, I must tell you what is in my heart. You are very dear to me, and I am very much in love with you.” Lily stroked his ears, not interrupting. “For some time now, I have come to that conclusion, I just could not find a way to tell you.”
Lily leaned down and whispered in his ear. “I have to confess, Gray. I also harbor feelings in my heart for you. I was trying to find a way to tell you as well.”
Gray got to his feet and offered his arm to his companion, “Then shall we take a stroll and enjoy the sunset together?”
Lily wrapped her arms around Gray’s and responded, “I would love to.”

That evening was the happiest moment Lily could ever recall having. The stroll with Gray escorting her; the magnificent sunset that went practically unnoticed by the two pair of eyes that stared into each others depths…the quiet kiss that the two newfound lovers shared under an old willow tree.
Gray and Lily returned to the monastery just as the summons for the evening meal was heard. Spying a small vacant table at one corner of the dining hall, Lily went to sit while Gray fetched two plates of food for them. Nearly the entire meal passed with nothing but the quiet lull of friendly conversation. Mother Clover was at her usual place at the head table, pondering what she might sample as a dessert to follow her meal of vegetable soup, when the notes of a light musical laughter drifted over to her. Looking around curiously, it took her many moments to notice the two mice sitting at the small corner table.
She could clearly see Gray with his back to her, but she was having a hard time figuring out why his companion was so familiar. Clover prided herself on knowing all the members of the monastery on a personal level, but at the moment she was hard pressed to recognize this young female. Not until she laughed again and leaned across the table at Gray did the realization hit her so quickly she dropped her wooden spoon on the table and nearly knocked over her beaker of mint tea.
“Oh my goodness!” she gasped in shocked happiness. One of the Brothers sitting next to Clover noticed her surprised, and took the look on her face as if something bad had happened. “Everything all right there, Clover?”
Suddenly regaining her composure (for she had been staring open mouthed with a smile beginning to form on her lips), Clover blinked and rapidly tore her gaze from the small table and absently smoothed her robes and replied, “Oh, yes, yes, fine thank you. I…erm, just remembered where I left that quill I was looking for in the library earlier today.” Standing abruptly, she stood and inclined her head respectfully to the Brother, “If you will excuse me.”
“Of course, of course…” As she strode away, the older mouse sat pondering, “But you were in the garden all day…”

Lily could not remember enjoying an evening meal more than she did that night. Everything seemed to taste and smell so wonderful; she did not want it to end. Eventually, the patrons drifted away to their dormitories, and likewise Gray and Lily departed the hall paw in paw. Their conversation drifted along, taking them on no course in particular as it had on many occasions before. Lily escorted Gray to his room, and bade him good evening knowing that she would see him bright and early the next day. Somehow Gray had snuck a single flower out of the garden to give Lily.
It was a bloom of the flower Lily had planted as a young child for Mother Clover. Lily was, to say the least, surprised. “I had nearly forgotten about those flowers…”
“Well, ever since Mother Clover told me their origin I find my view lingering on them when I look out the window,” Gray said with a smile. Lily blushed slightly, and smelled the flower before putting it behind her ear. She gently caressed Gray’s cheek and smiled at him, “I shall see you in the morning.”
Grasping her paw, Gray kissed it and let go saying, “I look forward to it.”

Lily turned and nearly floated down the corridor, she was in such high spirits. Distractedly, she wandered about the halls replaying moments of her evening. Sighing contentedly, she mused to herself, “I’m glad I was able to tell Gray about my feelings for him.”
“He is quite handsome, isn’t he?” said another voice.
“Oh, yes he is very hand-“ Lily found herself replying before realizing she was not the one who had made the observation. Stepping out of the shadow, Clover surprised Lily by letting a small giggle escape.
“Oh, uh, hello Mother,” Lily stammered as she stared at her sandals.
“Come now Lily,” she said playfully, “I should be half jealous of you.”
With a twinkle in her eye, Clover said, “I see you have left your scarf and hood…”
“Oh that…well, I had completely forgotten about it,” Lily said reaching up to feel her naked, scarred ear while still staring at her sandals.
“I think it’s becoming of you my dear,” Clover said as she gently lifted Lily’s chin and looking her in the eye. “You’ve nothing to be ashamed of. You never have.”
Lily looked into the wise old face of Mother Clover and slowly broke into a huge grin. “Mother, I have something wonderful to tell you.”
“I figured you might,” Clover replied with a twinkle hovering around her eyes.
“Gray and I have feelings for each other. We are in love.” She sighed again.
“Is that so?” Clover said in a disbelieving tone that belied the knowing light hidden in her eyes.
“Oh yes, very much so! We told each other this very evening. We went for a walk and watched the sunset and had a nice conversation over dinner.” Retrieving the flower from her ear, she handed it to Clover. “He also gave me this.”
“I know, dear. I was the one who suggested he give it to you,” Clover said with a wink.
“Ah…” was all Lily could reply, blushing.
Clover carefully put the flower back in its former resting place behind Lily’s ear. Embracing her, as a mother would hug a daughter, Clover spoke gently to Lily.
“You have no idea how much it warms my heart to see you living life happy again, young one. I had very much missed that musical laughter I heard this evening, and I’m so very glad that young lad came to us.”
Breaking the embrace, Clover seemed to be pondering something. Lily took notice and asked, “What is it, Mother?”
Clover blinked a couple of time before answering, “Oh nothing, dear. I think you should come meet me in the courtyard at sunset tomorrow, there is something I want to give you.”
Lily smiled. “Very well, Mother. I will be there. Good evening then.”
“Good night, dear. Sleep well,” replied Clover.

Morning sun greeted Lily as she woke from her slumber. Feeling absolutely refreshed and content, she went about her normal routine of getting prepared for the day’s chores. Grabbing her familiar hand basket, she departed her room and took the shortest route to Gray’s room.
Arriving mere moments later, she found his room deserted. Slightly disappointed, she headed for the dining hall for a light breakfast before beginning her daily tasks. As she entered the hall, several of her fellows gave her warm greetings, which she returned enthusiastically. Snatching a couple of scones and a beaker of tea, Lily ate as she went, only stopping one of the Sisters to inquire about Gray.
“Excuse me Sister June, have you seen Gray this morning?”
“Good mornin’ Lily, dear. Yes, I caught a glimpse of him as he was headed out. Said something about needing ingredients I believe.”
“Ah, thank you. Well, I need to see to my chores, good day to you.” With a short bow, Lily left the hall and headed for the monastery gate to gather ingredients of her own.

Hoping to catch Gray, Lily traveled her familiar route but did not cross paths with her new mate. Slightly distracted, she barely noticed that teatime had come and gone as her basket filled with the supplies she was gathering. Finally deciding that she had spent enough time outside, she headed back inside the gates to distribute the contents of her basket, always on the lookout for Gray.
As the day progressed, Lily noticed an increasing sparseness in the halls of the monastery. Having skipped lunch, she decided to stop by the kitchen again for a quick snack, but no one was in attendance. The strange part was that the ovens were still warm as if someone had just been baking moments before. Even stranger was the lack of food present, which is nearly unheard of since there was always one of the friars on kitchen duty. A moments search revealed a russet apple, which Lily gladly took not realizing how hungry she was till it was nothing but an apple core a moment later.
Briefly sated, Lily started looking around trying to find anyone to ask if something had happened. Peering in room after room resulted in little success. Wandering down a hall that was open on one side, it occurred to Lily that sunset was approaching. Silently chiding herself for nearly forgetting her promise to Mother Clover, Lily made her way quickly to the large courtyard where her appointment was.
Rounding the final corner, Lily found Clover and Gray standing at the far end of the open space of the courtyard. It was quite serene as she was greeted by the warm sunlight shining on the loving smile Gray showed upon her approach. Clover too, held joy in her eyes as they met Lily’s. Slowly, she came to stand before the two.
“Hello, Gray,” she said with a twinkle in her eye. “Mother,” she intoned as well with a slight bow.
“Lily, my dear, how good of you to join us,” Clover said with a slight hint of mischief in her voice. “I trust the day finds you well?”
“Yes, mother. Thank you. May I ask why you wanted to meet me here this evening?”
“I think I will let this young one do the explaining,” she said with a gesture towards Gray.

With a nod of thanks, Gray stood before Lily. Raising his right paw, he reached up to stroke Lily’s left cheek. “My beautiful Lily. Mere words cannot express my feelings for you that I hold in my heart since I have come to this place. You have been my guide, my candle to light the way in the dark. The flame that had once long ago touched you and left you scarred, has in turn touched me and helped me from my place of darkness and despair. The gift you have of seeing the world in such splendid detail is amazing, and I find I cannot bear the thought of how drab my world would be without you in it.”
At his words, Lily blushed to the tips of her ears and yet could not suppress the wide grin on her face. Revealing his other paw, which had been held behind his back from view, Gray pulled out a long green silk ribbon. At the site of the ribbon, Lily gasped softly.
Nodding slowly Gray commented softly to Lily, “Clover told me about one of the old traditions of Loamhedge. I thought you might be pleasantly surprised.”
Turning to face Mother Clover, Gray extended the ribbon and knelt to one knee saying, “Please accept the offer of this ribbon as my pledge of loyalty and love for this maiden. From this day forth I shall always be by her side in support and fellowship until my last days upon this Earth.”
With the warmest smile, Clover extended her paw to Lily. “Child, please give me your hand.” Slightly bewildered, Lily did so. “Do you accept this fellow’s pledge to you, and in turn pledge the same as he is offering?”
Lily looked down upon Gray, and with the sincerest intent in her eyes turned back to Clover to reply, “Yes Mother, I do.”
Nearly bursting at the seams with joy, Clover proceeded to ceremonially tie Lily and Gray’s paws together as she recited, “As witnessed by all those present, let it be known that this young maiden Lily, and this young fellow Gray, be bound together by the mutual love that they possess for one another.”
As Gray rose from his knee to embrace Lily, she suddenly realized that all the brothers and sisters of the monastery surround them. Cheering broke out among all those gathered around the two. Hugging Gray closely, Lily said with tears of joy in her voice, “Oh Gray, you are magnificent. I could never have dreamed I’d be so happy.”
In reply, Gray kissed her firmly and said, “You deserve it most of all, my love. You see? You were never alone. You have always had those around you that love and support you. Now because of you, I have someone to love and support me as well. I look forward to spending many lovely sunsets with you by my-“
Gray never got to finish his sentence, for Lily proceeded to kiss him with such passion, in mere seconds he had forgotten what he even intended to say. Upon seeing such a loving embrace, Clover decided to get the assembly moving and let the new couple have a few private moments.
“Alright everyone, what say we start this feast? I can’t wait to have some damson pudding!” and with that Clover was the first to lead the congregation towards the dining hall, followed by laughter and cheering from the rest.
As the crowd thinned and dissipated, Lily and Gray were still enjoying each other’s company. Walking over to a nearby bench, Gray motioned for Lily to sit. Reaching behind a small shrub, he pulled out another surprise.
“I have one more gift to give you, love.” He held a small wreath in his paws, made of the same lilies that she had once planted so long ago. “Oh! Gray, where in the world did you find these?”
“I had to do a bit of searching, but I found a patch of them not too far from here. I thought it appropriate that you should have them,” Gray said as he softly placed the wreath upon Lily’s head.
With another loving smile and kiss, Lily replied, “Thank you. I love it.”
“So…what do you say we go join the feast before Clover gets all the good portions of the sweet stuff?” Gray said with a laugh.
“Lead the way, my love.”

As Lily and Gray departed the courtyard, paw in paw, the last rays of the sunset turned the warm brown stones of the monastery to golden honey. Nature once more embraced the quiet serenity of the land as it prepared for another night of peace and harmony.

~End~

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