Dona Mihi Serenitatem

[catko]

Author: catko
Category: Firefly; pre-series and Serenity, the episode
Rating: PG
Words: 200
Disclaimer: Don't own
Summary: Book says a prayer. For the prompt "sign" at  firefly100

Note: The idea was from

just_unravel, late one night.

 

When he left his old life, he wasn't sure he'd survive. The crushing guilt and fear put a vise on his head, a grip on his heart; he could hardly breathe. The life of the Abbey, so simple and structured, was a gentle balm that could barely penetrate the thick shadow he wore always. Only these words could keep his legs moving through the day, and his heart beating through the night. Eyes closed, lips mumbling, hands twining: "…to accept the things I cannot change… accept the things I cannot change…cannot change, cannot change. God grant me…"

When at last he could feel dawn breaking on his soul, a ray of hope for survival, he knew he had the courage to leave the Abbey walls. So one day he packed some things, fruit for passage, and set his sight on the ragged horizon of Eavesdown Docks. Back into the worlds. He would know the Way when he saw it, moving among the swathed locals, dust rising around the stalls, dull glint of the transports. Suddenly, a peacock-and-rainbow vision. Sweet sell, talk of engines, parasol and a chirpy manner.

"Well, I'm Kaylee, and…this, this here's Serenity."

He took it as a sign.

 

 

Comments

[open-embrace.livejournal.com]

oooh... i really liked this :)

Nice to get an insight into this wonderful (and often under-represented) character! also, i like the way you created the mood - the desperation conveyed by Book's feverish repetitions at night, the shadow hanging over him, the imagery of the Abbey as a 'balm'...

one or two minor technical errors - you want 'vice', not 'vise', and there are one or two places where your commas don't feel right but I can't quite work out what it should be (i know what you mean in both cases, its just a little... off, if you get what I mean) - but OMG congrats on correctly using a semi-colon! :P

[catko]

Thanks for the comment. I looked up vice/vise and I think it's ok with the 's' but it does look funny, so I may change. I also agree on the commas. Too many, and I changed them around so many times I got confused. Trying to keep to the 200 (I was originally trying for 100!) words is tough. I'm going to try a few edits and just get rid of some, see if that helps.

[ellan-vannin.livejournal.com]

Wow. What poignant word play at the end!

Book is a particular enigma in the Firefly world, and one more reason to be disappointed the show didn't get it's full run.

I think this is a beautiful way of sinking into the mystery without "solving" it.

[catko]

Thanks, ellan! I too wonder what would have been revealed about Book. I like the mystery, though.

[isha-libran.livejournal.com]

Ooh, I like. =)

I especially liked Book's prayer, it seems like those words in particular would have great meaning for him.

Also, as far as I know, 'vice' is the UK version, 'vise' is the US one. Hope that helps. =)

I quite enjoyed this, thanks for sharing. =)

[catko]

Thanks for the comment, and spelling help!

[ceslas.livejournal.com]

Been a spell since I passed this way, saw the comment on the OB. Thought it warranted a visit as my very own mei mei worked her magic inspiration on you.

He would know the Way when he saw it, moving among the swathed locals, dust rising around the stalls, dull glint of the transports.

This made me feel right to home, thank you! Miss home every day, good to get a taste of the World.

[catko]

Oh, lovely comment, and from you whose fiction I've admired so much. Yes, it is thanks to our friend's inspiration. Thanks so much, ceslas.