The Gray Garden: The Most Beautiful Kind of Magic [eng]

It was an exceptionally sunny day. Singing of birds, sweet flower scents and the warmth of the bright sun – that was enough to make Etihw happy. The god slowly strolled through the garden behind Blankblack castle. With a smile, she lifted her head to the sky, letting a wind play with her hair. That was so nice.

On days like this, she really enjoyed going outside. Watching over the world she made brought Etihw's relief. Sometimes everything still seemed to be just a dream. That beautiful world, where nobody was fighting and all of them – angels and demons – living in harmony. The peace they always wanted.

During the war, Etihw was able to see magic of all kinds. She didn't know what spell Kcalb had planned to use on her at the very end, but that didn't matter now. However, she still wanted him to tell her what it was about. So far to no avail, but she believed that one day he would confess it to her.

Either way, she'd seen all sorts of spells. Also, those that only brought destruction, but... none of them could match the ability to create.

The world they created together was the most beautiful magic to her.

She was as well.

"Mommy?"

Her heart pounded with joy. No matter how many times she was called like that, Etihw still didn't get used to it. Okay, the god was like a mother for every one of her creations, but that one word in Silhouette's mouth was different.

"Yes?"

Eti opened her eyes to look at the girl before her. Silhouette, now five years old, reached almost to her waist, so Etihw crouched down, that her daughter's eyes – how similar to her own – were at her level.

With a most precious, innocent smile, Silhouette lifted hands to show a single flower she held.

"Here." Little one seemed to be so excited. Etihw raised her eyebrow, with a curious gaze at the blooming rose. It wouldn't be anything special – the garden was full of various flowers – if it wasn't for the color. The black and white petals seemed to be unusual. "Isn't that pretty?", asked Silhouette.

"Ah… You made that?"

Somehow that seemed to be obvious. Eti recognized the spark of magic, while it still filled the air. She didn't notice it at first, because that spark was so similar to her own.

The bright smile which Silhouette gave her was the best answer.

"Do you like it?"

"Of course", she assured, holding her daughter by the hands. Ah… Is that so? "You just surprised me. You learned it on your own?"

"I just wanted it to happen. I thought it would be nice." Silhouette looked at the flower in her hands. "I was trying to create one for a few days. It's a surprise."

"Ohoho."

Still surprised, Etihw brought Silhouette closer, holding her in embrace. The girl giggled and snuggled up to her mother, letting god lift her up.

You're growing much too fast, thought Etihw. She wasn't ready at all, but still… Daughter made her proud.

"Wanna me to show you something?"she asked, tilting her head.

"Really?!" Silhouette hold the flower close to her chest. Her eyes got wide. "Yes, please."

"Okay. Gave me your hand."

She set Silhouette on her hip to free her hand. Gently took her hand, stroking the top of it. Trying to focus, Etihw summoned her energy and mixed it with one she felt on Silhouette's soul. She did that before with Kcalb, trying to prove to him that he also could be part of their rebuilding world.

This time was much easier, because she didn't have to create the whole world. With a bright light, which was surrounding their hands, the butterfly appeared. The little creature spread its colorful wings and took flight. Silhouette squealed with joy and held out her arms to it.

"It's beautiful", she whispered.

"And you made it with me", said god, then kissed her daughter on the forehead. "There you go, sweetheart."

She bent down to set the baby down and let her play. Silhouette's laugh seemed as warm as the sun's rays that she felt on her face. At that moment, she wished she had persuaded Kcalb to come with them. She knew he didn't like such warm days, but just this one time would be worth a change of mind.

With the corner of her eye, she noticed a flower, which Silhouette dropped. Etihw picked it up, looking at it with a smile. Black and white, huh?

From a distance, she could hear her daughter's laugh. Eti strolled that way, holding the rose in her hand.

Yeah, she saw magic many times.

But Silhouette was the most wonderful spell from all of them.