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Epistolary fic: Zoe Alleyne
Nov. 20th, 2015 12:59 amTitle: Every Seven Years
Fandom: Firefly
Word Count: 493
Note: Pastfic. This is related to a head-canon/series I have about Zoe Washburne, growing up. Other parts are here and here.
My dearest daughter Zoe: So it's your 14th birthday, and you know, it's the way of our people to celebrate the 7s something special. Don't know where that came from, some old story from Earth-That-Was, something about the seventh son, but never mind that about sons, because it's for girls, too, and you especially. When you were seven, you were so happy, to have the cake, and the giftings, and all the folks gathered round. I can still remember you blowing out your candles, and the light shining in your eyes, and I knew that was your beautiful spirit, shining through and lighting up everyone around you. Even if it was just our same old crew and kin, and our same old table and ship and protein mush. You didn't seem to have a care in the 'Verse, and I remember my wish for you I knew would be in vain, but I wished it anyway: that you would always be so happy, with the light shining in your eyes.
I know the last few months have been tough on you. Hell, they've been tough on all of us. Sure 'n' all, with the dratted Alliance squeezing us honest folk further and further out to the Black, and the ship getting to feeling smaller with alll the crew and taking on passengers and all. Maybe it's becoming an unfit life for a girl entering her womanhood. Your dad and I, we've talked about setting you down at a school somewhere, but we can't bear to let you go just yet. Maybe in a year or so. We can talk about that, okay?
I don't know what else to say to you to make this way of life easier for you now, except that you are a gift and a marvel and you are very very loved. Be angry if you need to be, rage for your freedom, but turn that energy toward your own power and your own future, and not against those around you who care for you and your happiness.
I want you to be able to sit down with the family and celebrate just like you did for your 7th. Do you remember that every time you have a birthday with a seven, the clan gathers and gifts you with a special talent, a skill, or a tool to help you get along in life? People want to give to you, and it's a sign of grace to be able to receive, even now when you wish you were anywhere but here.
And I want to tell you a secret. No matter what the gifts that people give you, the biggest gift you get is something you already have within you. So you think about what that is, find it deep down inside, and let it out, and you’ll have it forever. Find your strength, find your power, and soon we will watch you soar free. With all my love,
Mother
Fandom: Firefly
Word Count: 493
Note: Pastfic. This is related to a head-canon/series I have about Zoe Washburne, growing up. Other parts are here and here.
My dearest daughter Zoe: So it's your 14th birthday, and you know, it's the way of our people to celebrate the 7s something special. Don't know where that came from, some old story from Earth-That-Was, something about the seventh son, but never mind that about sons, because it's for girls, too, and you especially. When you were seven, you were so happy, to have the cake, and the giftings, and all the folks gathered round. I can still remember you blowing out your candles, and the light shining in your eyes, and I knew that was your beautiful spirit, shining through and lighting up everyone around you. Even if it was just our same old crew and kin, and our same old table and ship and protein mush. You didn't seem to have a care in the 'Verse, and I remember my wish for you I knew would be in vain, but I wished it anyway: that you would always be so happy, with the light shining in your eyes.
I know the last few months have been tough on you. Hell, they've been tough on all of us. Sure 'n' all, with the dratted Alliance squeezing us honest folk further and further out to the Black, and the ship getting to feeling smaller with alll the crew and taking on passengers and all. Maybe it's becoming an unfit life for a girl entering her womanhood. Your dad and I, we've talked about setting you down at a school somewhere, but we can't bear to let you go just yet. Maybe in a year or so. We can talk about that, okay?
I don't know what else to say to you to make this way of life easier for you now, except that you are a gift and a marvel and you are very very loved. Be angry if you need to be, rage for your freedom, but turn that energy toward your own power and your own future, and not against those around you who care for you and your happiness.
I want you to be able to sit down with the family and celebrate just like you did for your 7th. Do you remember that every time you have a birthday with a seven, the clan gathers and gifts you with a special talent, a skill, or a tool to help you get along in life? People want to give to you, and it's a sign of grace to be able to receive, even now when you wish you were anywhere but here.
And I want to tell you a secret. No matter what the gifts that people give you, the biggest gift you get is something you already have within you. So you think about what that is, find it deep down inside, and let it out, and you’ll have it forever. Find your strength, find your power, and soon we will watch you soar free. With all my love,
Mother
