Walk of Stones: Setting

She was on the walk of stones when she found the key, lying on top of a journal and set in front of her feet as if it had always been there. She hesitated before picking it up. Yes, the paths gave, and that was why they were walked by the devout and the brave or the ambitious and foolish, but most liked best the paths of pearls or the path of flowers. Wealth, ease, those things were cherished. But the full loop always went through the path of stones, and nobody who skipped a path would ever receive a gift. She had heard that anyone who rejected a gift would never receive one again, and (whispered) that things would be taken from them and given to others. But it was the path of stones, and that always caused suffering, although it ended in greater--solidness. Foundations. The power that comes from things other than wealth.


Inspiration: Flickr photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/malrabaal/7026475301/
Story Potential: Medium
Notes: This has potential, it could go places, but it isn't jumping out.