[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3 (You are here)] [Part 4]

“You should’ve seen it… You still could, if you want." Wanderer X's voice echoes in Daffodil's mind from their brief encounter.
"It’s just a step back in time."

When it comes to curiosity, cats have nothing on Daffodil. She watches, fascinated, as the scene around her shifts, taking on a hazy glow like the essence of a beloved memory. Water pours freely from the fountain, cascading down the intricately carved stone and splashing energetically into the basin, now filled with shimmering clear water. The sculpture, as well as the surroundings, appear clean and bright, no longer bearing the decades of weathering and abuse. Exotic animals now inhabit the previously lifeless cells, and the sounds of chatter and footsteps echo throughout the courtyard. Two figures, wispy and undefined like a mirage, stand beside Daffodil. Between them they hold a small object that glints in the light - an exact duplicate of Daffodil's own coin.

The figures utter a verbal request, and then to Daffodil's confusion, toss the coin directly into the fountain, sinking it irretrievably to its depths. As visitors come and go, they echo the same ritual - asking for favors, prayers, wishes for good health, fortune or love, then casting their currency into the pool in the hopes their request will be granted.

Daffodil was conflicted.
It appeared as though the express purpose of this treasure was not to possess it. By trading away this thing of value, it seemed a greater fortune may be fulfilled at a later date. Whether or not any of these wishes actually come true, Daffodil did not know. Would it be worth the risk? No one would really know if she chose to keep this treasure for herself... would they?

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I was beginning to enjoy the monochromatic theme I had going with each page - this one almost ended up being entirely blue, but my friends convinced me the gold was more fitting. Since I had to work fairly fast on this one, I hope we can all overlook the fact that I didn't quite have enough time to research more period-specific clothing and currency. I think those aspects did come out a bit too clean/modern looking, but 18th century accuracy is not really the focus of the story.

In this page, Daffodil explores a very interesting aspect of the human condition - superstition. Humans have a LOT of superstitions, and we often express them in such small, ingrained ways, we don't even stop to think about why or where it came from. The tradition of tossing coins into fountains happens to be incredibly old!
Water, a precious resource necessary for life, was not always as easily accessed as with indoor plumbing. Water had to be found in naturally-occurring locations, which were often scarce, and being vital to survival, they were considered sacred. It was believed water itself was a gift from the Gods, and to ensure the continued flow of this resource, tribute was often paid to appease them. Water was believed to have healing powers, and coins also served as payment for a prayer, wish, or good fortune.
Even though these installments that were once necessary access to bathing and drinking water are now purely ornamental, we continue the tradition of offering payment in the hopes of having a wish granted! :)

Now that Daffodil understands the purpose of her treasure, I wonder what she will choose to do with it! :0c

[Daffodil]
_{Esk are a closed species by @witherlings and part of the @ThoseWhoWentMissing ARPG}

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