Words

"Here, on the last day of the year, I give you the gift of words to end your trials and take with you into your new world with its fresh days and unlimited power," she whispered as they slept in the rooms above the kitchen, her eyes closing in the soft candlelight. "Steadfast. Grateful. Hopeful. Free. Loving. Healed. Patient. Seen. Brave. Wise. Imperfect. Shining ... " and it went on for some time, a soft hum that formed the heartbeat of the house, until the candle had burnt low. And she slept at dawn, drawing the tender first light into herself to recover a bit before they woke and started yelling their good mornings (the way the world always did when it was rested and magic was in the air).