A/N I have not written short stories for a very very long time. This was written and completed way back in 1999. Not too original, I know. Enjoy!

Anista looked into the reflecting pond, her hands occasionally dipped into the water. Anista bent down to look into her reflection. Do I dare to do it? She asked herself consistently. Her finger drew ancient symbols on the surface of the water. Her decision became clear at once. Yes, she made her choice to run away from her privileged life as the daughter of the most powerful sorceress and to become an ordinary human. To break free from the realm of the magic and the arranged marriage to Ike, the prince of wizardry, which was due the next day. Anista twisted off a flower and drew the magic symbols with the stalk; symbols that would lead her to a different place, a different time.

She completed the spell and drew a breath as she steadied herself to leap into the pond.

“I won’t permit you!” Anista turned around to see her husband-to-be running towards her, shouting on top of his voice. Anista, wasting no time, leaped into the pond.

Anista plunged into the cool water. She tried to swim further down but she felt hands clasped around her waist. It was Ike. He had jumped into the water with her. But Anista didn’t care about his hold on her, trying to drag her out of the water. She could feel the magic working. Slowly, both Anista and Ike drowning, being pulled towards the abyss of time at the bottom of the pond. Ike released her at once, knowing what she intended to do at last, letting her drop down slowly. Anista smiled as she felt herself entering it. She would start a new life now, and she would be able to find Luke, her heart’s dear love, who had slipped into the abyss sometime ago.

“I will find you, wherever you are,” She vaguely heard a voice that sounded like Ike before darkness closed over her.