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When Andra was born, the family rejoiced in welcoming a new member into the Pentrine family.
Andra Pentrine.
She had beautiful blonde hair like Crystal that shone like the sun and piercing dark blue eyes that were unwavering like Illian’s.
Crystal spent all his time caring and doting on his and Illian’s baby.
When Illian was home and was able to get away from work, she too was present, assisting Crystal with whatever was needed for the care of the baby.However, even though Illian was extremely helpful, she refused to be left alone with Andra at all costs.
She also avoided holding her as much as possible.
The times when Crystal would outright force Illian to hold Andra, Illian would become very tense and rigid as if holding her breath and sweat intensely.
It wouldn’t be long until Illian would come up with some excuse to leave, giving the baby back to Crystal.At first, Crystal didn’t think much of it, but then after many instances of repeated behavior, he noticed a pattern.
He became very concerned and worried.Was she not happy with Andra?Crystal acknowledged that Illian helped out tremendously with the baby as much as she could.
Illian had hand made the crib and meticulously went through the entire estate, baby proofing everything, much to Jenny’s annoyance.
Jenny complained on multiple occasions on her trouble of opening the cabinet doors in the kitchen due to the baby proofing.As Crystal contemplated, he realized that Illian never once had been alone with Andra.Crystal sought out the family for advice.“I just don’t understand why she’s acting this way.” Crystal stated, while holding his baby in his arms. The baby cooed softly, looking around with curiosity.
“Oh, what if she’s just disinterested?” Mel chimed in.
Jenny shook her head.
“Nah, I don’t think she’d waste her time baby proofing the entire house if she was disinterested.” Jenny said while stirring a pot full of roast.
“Hmm… Oh! What if she’s jealous?” Mel stated.
Crystal scoffed.“No, it’s not that. I know when Illian is jealous, trust me.” Crystal assured.“Her grace has never been around young children before. That could be a potential factor.” Damien explained.
“You know, I think she’s afraid. Maybe afraid of hurting Andra. She probably doesn’t trust herself to be alone with her?” Milo contemplated.
Crystal hummed in acknowledgment, thinking of how he could help his wife get more comfortable with their baby.It was afternoon and Illian had returned from patrolling the border that day.
Meanwhile, Crystal was in the nursery feeding Andra with a bottle.“My love?” Illian entered the room, speaking low in case Andra was sleeping.
“Illian! Just in time!” Crystal exclaimed, trying to make his voice sound urgent.
Illian’s brows furrowed.
“I need you to rock Andra to sleep while I go and retrieve a couple of things.“ Crystal said.
Illian began to shift uncomfortably, her eyes widening in fear.“No, no, I can go get those things for you!” Illian stated frantically, backing away.
But before she could escape, Crystal placed Andra in Illian’s arms.“I’ll be back soon, darling.” Crystal cooed as he kissed her cheek and dashed out the door.“B-But!” Illian stuttered out but was only met with the door closing, leaving her and the baby alone.Illian looked down to find Andra gazing up at her with quiet curiosity.
Illian gulped, her arms became rigid and her heart rate greatly increased.
She began to sweat profusely.“I-I’ll just lay you down here and wait until your father returns, sound good?” Illian said as she awkwardly placed Andra inside the bassinet.“Whew… now, I’m just going to sit over here…” Illian said but was cut off by the sound of Andra beginning to cry.
Illian’s eyes widened in panic. Her body and ears jolting from sharp shrill of Andra’s screams.“Oh no, it’s alright... please don’t cry.” Illian pleaded desperately. She attempted to shush the baby with a rattle, a stuffed bunny rabbit, and anything she could find to soothe, but the crying only intensified all the more.
Illian’s heart broke seeing little tears form in Andra’s eyes.“Damn it, Illian. Why are you so afraid of a little baby?” Illian cursed herself.Then, Illian took a deep breath.
“A-Alright… I am going to rock you asleep. Are you okay with that?” Illian asked gently as she picked the baby up and sat down in the rocking chair.Andra’s crying immediately ceased and began to blink and coo softly.
Illian sighed a breath of relief.
However, her respite was short lived realizing that now the baby was back in her arms.
Illian began to get nervous again.
She hesitantly peered down again to look Andra in the eyes.
The baby was smiling up at her.
Her heart melted instantly.
Illian chuckled.
“I-I suppose you wanted to be held by your mother after all.” Illian softly spoke, her heart softening and her body becoming more relaxed.Even though she knew and understood that Andra was her baby, she didn’t believe she was qualified to care for her.
She had never been around young children before ever in her life.
Illian was truly terrified of holding Andra in fear of accidentally hurting her.
Babies required patience and gentleness. Qualities she knew she didn’t possess.Illian watched Andra move her arms and hands.
Her hands and fingers were so little.Illian placed her finger close to the Andra’s hand. Andra gripped her finger instantly.
Illian smiled with delight.
In response, Andra giggled with glee.Deeply overwhelmed with love, Illian spoke low.
“I love you, Andra.” Illian whispered, placing a kiss on her forehead, a silent promise. A vow to love and protect her baby for as long as she lived.After about a hour, Crystal hurriedly ran to check on Illian and the baby. He was biting at the bits to see how well she was faring.As he opened the door, he was met with Illian lying on her back on the floor, Andra lying on Illian’s chest, both fast asleep.Crystal beamed with pride and joy witnessing both of them sleeping peacefully.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Mother! You’re so strong!” six year old Andra beamed, lying on her mother’s back as Illian performed push-ups in front of Crystal.Crystal blushed a bright pink watching his wife’s display of strength. Since she was wearing a sleeveless shirt, her arms were on full display for him to see. He watched intently as her arms tensed and flexed with each push-up.
Andra held on tight, enjoying the up and down motion of the exercise.
After Illian was done, Andra jumped off.“Mother! Can you do push-ups with father on your back?” Andra asked, her eyes were bright, full of awe and wonder.
Illian smirked as she eyed Crystal.
Crystal’s eyes widened in excitement.“Most definitely.” Illian stated confidently.Andra’s face lit up as she took Crystal’s hand and dragged him over to where Illian was.“Father, come on!” Andra pleaded.“Alright, alright.” Crystal laughed.He hesitated a bit, trying to hold back his blushing as he slowly laid down on Illian’s back.
Illian also blushed slightly, feeling her husband’s weight on her. After comfortably distributing his weight, she spoke.“Alright, Andra, how many?” Illian asked.Andra tapped her chin in deep thought.
“Hmm… one thousand!” Andra yelled in excitement.“Heh, how about ten?” Illian chuckled as she got into a plank position.“Yeah!!!” Andra exclaimed with glee.Illian glanced over her shoulder to Crystal whose face was now a cherry red.“Hold on to me, love.” Illian said, her voice low with a mischievous smile curved on her face as she began to bend her arms.
He wrapped his arms around her waist, holding on to her tight.
Crystal was in awe of Illian’s strength as she lowered herself down and pushed up effortlessly.
It seemed as though he was weightless as she pumped out ten perfect push-ups in record time.
Andra giggled with glee watching her mother and father.
As Crystal began to get up, Illian quickly flipped on her back and pulled Crystal back down, landing on top of her. Crystal’s breath hitched and his heart glowed with happiness feeling his wife’s warm touch.“One thing is for certain, Andra…” Illian stated, staring into Crystal’s bright blue eyes.
Andra furrowed her brows, tilting her head to the side in confusion.
“What is for certain, mother?” Andra asked, watching her mother and father stare into each other’s eyes.
“That I am madly in love with your father.” Illian declared as she pulled him down into a kiss. He melted into the kiss, feeling her arms hold him around the waist.
Andra made a dramatic disgusted face watching her parents kiss on the lips.“Look! I can do pushups too!” Andra stated loudly as she placed her stuffed bunny rabbit on her back and began to do push-ups.
Both Illian and Crystal got up from the ground and smiled brightly.
“You’re so strong, Andra!” Illian and Crystal praised.
After doing about five, Andra sprang up and flexed her arm for her parents.“My, you’re getting so big!” Crystal gasped in excitement, feeling Andra’s little muscle.
Andra blushed.“I want to be strong like mommy!” Andra announced.
Crystal’s heart melted, glancing over to Illian who was now smiling from ear to ear.“I’m so proud of you, Andra!” Illian stated lovingly and with great pride, pulling Andra into a warm embrace. Andra closed her eyes, feeling her mother’s love.Illian then pulled back and grasped Andra’s shoulders.
“You know what? Let’s go get some candy at the shop before it closes!” Illian suggested, earning an excited gasp from Andra.Crystal crossed his arms.
“Now you both know dinner is in the next hour.” Crystal interjected.Both Illian and Andra began to pout.
“Please, can we eat just a tiny bit of candy before dinner, father?” Andra asked as she leaned in and nuzzled her head against him.“Yeah, just a little?” Illian chimed in as she knelt down below him, also leaning her head against him, mimicking Andra’s behavior.“Please?” Illian and Andra both pleaded in unison.
Crystal could barely contain his amusement watching both his wife and Andra’s expressive faces.
Both pairs of piercing dark blue eyes gazing up at him.Crystal giggled softly, putting his hand over his mouth in glee.
“Oh, alright.” Crystal relented.
Both Illian and Andra shouted for joy as Illian swooped Andra up in her arms and placed her on her shoulders. Andra smiled bright seeing everything from a different height.
Illian then took Crystal’s hand in hers as they left the estate.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Crystal enjoyed the moments he got to take baby Andra, Milo, and Mel into town to shop at the farmer’s market.
Andra was just past her first birthday, sitting in a stroller, staring up at the many vibrant wares the vendors were selling.The farmer’s market brought in an abundance of fruit, vegetables, seeds, and other various items.
Milo and Mel specifically liked browsing through the books about plants.Crystal eagerly shopped along the street that was littered with vendor stands. Baby Andra cooed softly, sparking some of the townspeople’s interest.“Aww, she is absolutely adorable.” A townsperson spoke to Crystal about his baby.
“Why, thank you!” Crystal smiled back.
Andra giggled and moved her arms in excitement watching her father and another townsperson converse.Afterwards, Crystal found themselves near the end of the street.While shopping, he felt an overwhelmingly strange feeling as if he was being watched.
After walking to the end of the street, he noticed two women walk past him.“I’m sorry, your grace, but the road is closed. You’ll have to go this way.” The woman gestured down a dark alley.Crystal’s heart dropped. He could see some workers begin to place barriers up, separating him and his baby from Milo and Mel.“S-Surely not. There must be another way…” Crystal stuttered out.
The tall woman eyed him up and down.
“I can with walk you if you’re scared.” the woman smiled a venomous grin.“T-That won’t be necessary.” Crystal stammered out. He was terrified. His breathing became rapid. He immediately picked up Andra, abandoning the stroller and set out down the alley.While he walked through, he witnessed many low lifes sitting on steps, smoking, and drinking. Some were passed out from drunkenness while other’s looked as though they had been lying there for days.Crystal shuddered when he spotted a brothel to his right."Get off my corner, boy!" a prostitute said as he folded his arms.“Hey, pretty thing, you lost?” a woman called out to him.“You want to sit down for a bit?” another woman yelled out, gesturing to her lap.Crystal gulped but didn’t stop and kept walking, picking up his pace as best he could.
His heart pounded hard in his chest, tears beginning to form in his eyes.
He was grateful that the baby wasn’t crying from the rough bouncing due to his fast walking pace.He could see the light that led to the main street.Safety.However, before he could reach his destination, he saw the same two women from before standing between him and his path of escape.“Hey pretty boy, where do you think you are going?” The woman asked, her mind filled with evil intent.Crystal said nothing and tried to walk past, keeping his head down. However, they blocked him in completely.“She asked you a question.” The other woman glowered; agitation was in her voice.“Please, just let us pass.” Crystal begged, gripping his baby to his chest.“You look scared. You look really cute when you’re scared.” the woman jeered, leaning in very close.Crystal stepped back.
“P-Please, I-.” Crystal stammered out.“Hmm… you sure you don’t want to come inside and relax with us?” The woman offered as she reached out to touch him.Crystal flinched.
“Leave us alone!” Crystal screamed, clutching his baby all the more closer to him.Crystal could feel a rough hand grasp his arm and pull him into a small area between the buildings.
Crystal gasped in terror when he looked up and saw the face of his attempted kidnapper.
Her face was slightly deformed. Scars riddled her face, and her breath smelt like mead and rotten fish.
Had it not been for his terror, he would had gagged in disgust.“Unhand me! Help!” Crystal demanded trying to pull away without hurting the baby.
Then, to Crystal’s horror, the other woman ripped his baby from him. Baby Andra began to cry from being roughly held in a stranger’s arms.“Shut up, boy!” the woman said as she tried to force his arms behind his back to bind him, Crystal felt an overwhelming surge of anger witnessing his baby taken from him and mistreated.“No!” Crystal screamed as he unsheathed a concealed dagger and whirled around and slashed the woman in the face, momentarily gaining his freedom.“Damn brat!” the woman cursed out, howling in pain, grasping her bleeding face.
“Give her back now!” Crystal demanded, his voice filled with unbridled rage while holding the dagger the way Illian had taught him.“Easy, boy. You don’t want your baby to get hurt, do you?” The woman threatened, holding a sharp blade to Andra’s crying face.This notion caused Crystal to lower his guard briefly, opening himself up for another woman to come up behind him, disarm him, and hold something over his nose and mouth.
His throat began to constrict, and he wasn’t able to scream. He felt himself slowly blacking out, struggling within her grip.
“Illian…” Crystal muttered out before finally passing out from the laced cloth.
As he fell to the ground, he could hear the sound of his baby crying.
Crystal woke to the sound of Andra crying close by and the painful throbbing in his head.
As he got up, he noticed he was locked in a tiny cell, with three stone walls surrounding him and iron bars as the door.
It looked to be an abandoned underground prison, perhaps?
He noticed that the lock on the door was newer and not the original.
He stood to his feet and followed the sound of his crying child.He peered through the bars of the cell door to find his baby lying neglected on a wooden table, crying loudly while the four women were smoking and playing cards.Andra was crying nonstop.
He noticed one of the women get extremely irritated with the constant blaring noise.“Ugh, will this damn baby ever shut the hell up?” the woman cursed out.“Please, let me have my baby.” Crystal yelled out.“Shut up, brat!” the woman with the scars said to Crystal.“I’ll keep her quiet. I promise.” Crystal begged.The women were beginning to get headaches from the consistent crying.“Ugh! You know what? How about I just kill it right now?” The woman with the scar declared, unsheathing her sword.“No! Please don’t hurt her! I beg of you, give her to me!” Crystal cried out, falling on his knees with tears streaming down his face, sobbing loudly into his hands.One of the women rolled her eyes.
“Ugh, if it will shut both of them up… hell, let him have it then.” the boss shouted.The younger woman picked up the baby, unlocked the door, and gave Crystal his daughter.
Crystal immediately swooped the baby in his arms and retreated to the back of the cell.
Crystal held Andra close, kissing and rocking her gently, softly speaking to her in a gentle voice until, at last, the crying ceased.Andra stared up at Crystal with tears in her eyes, happy to be back in her father’s arms.“It’s going to be alright, darling. Illian is coming to save us.” Crystal chanted over and over again.His fear was now manifesting fully.
What was going to happen to them?
What did these women want?
Were they going to kill him and his baby?His mind began to imagine the worst scenarios.He couldn’t bear his baby getting taken away from him again, being hurt, or even… killed.
Crystal violently removed that thought from his head.
He tried to think positively.
He knew Illian was searching for them in this very moment.
Milo and Mel would have informed Illian immediately after hours of searching themselves.
Illian wouldn’t stop at nothing until she found them.
He would just have to survive, keep his baby quiet, and wait patiently.What felt like days, Crystal tried desperately to keep Andra from crying but to no avail.
He was able to determine who of the four women was the leader.
The older woman was the boss. Her name Dane. The woman with the nasty scars name was Ferr. The two younger women names were: Jame and Jo.“Can you not make that baby shut the hell up?” Ferr groaned.“The reason she’s crying is because she’s hungry.” Crystal stated matter of fact.“Jame, go get some baby food or somethin’, damn.” Dane commanded.The younger woman left out.
Within twenty minutes, Jame returned with a bottle and looked to be milk.
Crystal eagerly took it and began to feed Andra.Previously, he had removed his outer garment to makeshift a tiny bed for Andra to lay in.
After ensuring Andra was asleep, he leaned back against the wall, attempting to also get some rest.After a couple of hours, Crystal jolted awake from one of the women’s booming voices.“What the hell is that smell?” Ferr screamed out, holding her nose in disgust.Crystal got up and approached the door to his cell.
“My baby needs to be changed. I am not able to do so unless with cloth diapers.” Crystal folded his arms.“Jame, go get some diapers. I can’t take this smell anymore. It’s even worser than the sewers.” the boss remarked.After what seemed to be a hour, Jame ran in holding the diapers.“Ugh, what took you so damn long?” Dane whined.“Sorry boss, long line…” Jame said.“Damn!” Ferr cursed out, causing everyone in the room to jump.“The diapers cost how much?” Ferr asked Jame.“Sorry that’s the cheapest I could find.” Jame said as walked over and handed Crystal the diapers.“Who knew diapers would be so expensive?” Jo chimed in, earning glares from the other three.“This is ridiculous! We’re losing money instead of making it! Any word from Pentrine?” Dane asked.Crystal perked his head up upon hearing the last name.
However, he couldn’t make out what was being said.Afterwards, Crystal placed the dirty diaper outside the cell.The four women looked at each other.“I sure as hell ain’t throwing it away.” Ferr stated.“Me either!” The boss and the other woman said in unison.“Ugh, we will have to draw straws then.” the boss shook her head.Crystal watched out his cell while holding his baby, the women draw straws on who would dispose of the dirty diaper.
Crystal winced as Jame cursed loudly from losing the draw.Jame slowly approached the diaper as if it was sleeping bear. Visible sweat was on her forehead and she was breathing heavy.
Crystal rolled his eyes in annoyance watching as Jame attempted to strategically pick up the diaper without managing to touch it.
“Ugh, you’re such a pansy. Just pick it up!” the boss ridiculed.“I-I can’t do it, oh gods…” Jame said while accidentally dropping it, causing the aroma to infiltrate her nostrils, making her nauseous. She immediately ran away to throw up.“Oh the smell…” Ferr whined while she and rest of the women held their noses.Crystal huffed in agitated, laying Andra down on the makeshift bed, and approached the door of his cell.“I can get rid of it for you.” Crystal offered, tired of the dramatics.“Let him do it!” the boss commanded.Jame walked over and unlocked his cell.
Crystal immediately picked up the diaper nonchalantly and went in the direction of the exit.“Hey! Don’t think you’re going to escape!” Jame threatened by grasping his arm tightly.Crystal rolled his eyes as he turned to look up at her.“First of all, why would I try to escape and leave my defenseless baby with the four biggest buffoons in the country?” Crystal glared.
“Second, unless you want to continue to smell the odor, I will need to dispose of it outside. And thirdly…” Crystal paused while glancing down as his captured arm.
“I would unhand me unless you want this hurled your direction.” Crystal threatened as he gestured at the soiled diaper in his hand.Jame’s eyes widened in terror and immediately let him go, even opening the door for him.
“W-Well, I’m still going to go with you to ensure you won’t try anything.” Jame stated.“Hmph.” Crystal puffed and walked up the stairs outside.
Once outside, he noticed that he was completely in a different location where he was initially kidnapped. However, he knew they were somewhere deep in the city.Once throwing the diaper in a street garbage box, he removed both of his gloves and threw them down near the door.
Jame eyed him harshly.
“They are dirty.” Crystal deflected while walking past and returning back to the basement.
Jame growled following closely behind him.Once back in the cell, Crystal breathed heavily.
Hopefully, someone would recognize the unique fabric of his gloves and know he and Andra were there.He overheard the women discussing their plan and what they were going to do with him and his baby.He began to get anxious.“Illian… please hurry.” Crystal prayed.After a day had passed, the woman with the scar opened his cell. Crystal jolted awake, grasping his baby to his chest in reflex.“Let’s go! On your feet!” Ferr commanded, her tone insistent.“W-Where are we going?” Crystal asked nervously. He noticed the other three were leaning against the wall, smoking. After many self defense lessons from Illian, he knew that changing locations after initial kidnapping would be a death sentence, making it near to impossible for Illian to find them.“I suggest you keep quiet and do as you’re told unless you want watch your baby get cut up into tiny pieces.” she threatened, an evil grin plastered on her face, holding up a rope to bind him with.Crystal face morphed from fear to bitter anger.
“Now, hand me your baby, and face the wall.” she grinned.He had to escape now.Crystal quickly pulled out a diaper he had been hiding and threw it at the woman’s face. The woman recoiled and wailed in horror.
In turn, Crystal stomped on her foot and brushed past her, running up the steps with his baby in his arms to freedom as quick as he could.“You little…” Ferr cursed out, realizing it was an unused diaper. She dashed after him in an attempt to catch him.
Crystal ran up the stairs with his baby clutched to his hip.
The door to freedom a few steps before him.Just one more step.However, before he could reach the door he felt his ankle grasped by the woman’s rough palm.“Help! Please!” Crystal screamed as loud as he could. Andra began to cry from her father’s loud yelling and rough movements.“You’re not getting away, boy!” Ferr said as she pulled him down the stairs, her hand wrapping around his waist, lifting him off the ground.“No! Please! Let us go!” Crystal cried out desperately, tears streaming down his face, kicking and thrashing in her grip.“I’m going to make both you and your precious little baby pay for that.” Ferr threatened while carrying him back into the cell and shoved him to the floor.He hit the ground.Hard.He made sure to angle his body as he fell so that Andra wouldn’t be hurt, however now his whole body ached and trembled from the rough treatment.“Hey Ferr, don’t do nothin’ stupid.” the boss warned.“I’m just going to teach him a little lesson about obedience.” Ferr retorted, while staring Crystal down.Ferr grabbed a hatchet from her hip and walked towards them with an evil grin.
Crystal cowered in fear, attempting to shield his baby as best he could from the potential pain his kidnapper was about to inflict upon them.Before Crystal could flinch, he heard the upstairs door swing open.“Hey! Who goes there?” the boss yelled.No answer, but the sound of heavy footsteps descending the staircase.Ferr’s focus was no longer on Crystal and the baby, but now on the intruder.The intruder was a woman of tall stature with a cold, stern scowl on her face.
The woman’s presence alone struck fear in the four women.“I-I’d leave if I were you!” The boss threatened.“Or what?”Crystal knew that voice.Illian.“You kidnap my husband and baby. Then, you threaten me? I don’t know whether to call you bold or mind-numbly stupid…” Illian spoke, her voice clear with an underlying cold edge.“Either way, you’ve made a fatal mistake.” Illian stated, rushing forward with vengeance and with swiftness of the wind,
disarmed the scarred woman and kicked her the ground. Illian yanked the woman by the hair, slammed her head down with a brutal force, cracking her head open on the stone floor.
Blood oozed out of the kidnapper’s ears and open skull, dying upon impact.The rest of the kidnappers cowered in fear. Illian stood to her feet with an unyielding narrowed gaze.The boss lunged forward with a sword in hand, and Illian parried easily, grabbing the woman by the throat, and slamming her into the wall.The boss’s eyes bulged out of her head from the brutal impact of the wall on her head and Illian’s hand gripped tightly around her throat.“Where are they?!” Illian demanded while she choked the woman out, collapsing her esophagus, snapping her neck, killing her instantly. Illian then turned her head to glare at the other two women. Illian’s eyes were dark and filled with immense hatred.
The two women trembled in fear and tried to escape, but were blocked off by Jenny and Milo.“Illian!” Crystal called out.Illian’s gaze shifted towards the direction of the voice she prayed she’d hear again.Crystal.Illian turned the corner to the small cell and found Crystal and the baby on the floor.
Illian’s heart was filled with great relief seeing her husband and baby again.“My love…” Illian spoke, her voice softening as she approached him quickly, kneeling down.“Illian! How I prayed you’d come.” Crystal cried out joyfully, feeling his beloved wrap her arms around him and Andra. Illian leaned in and kissed him softly on his lips. Crystal melted into the kiss.
Both caught up in the blissful feeling of reunion.Illian pulled back swiftly.“Are you hurt? Is Andra hurt?” Illian asked while inspecting any injuries and helping him to his feet.“No, but I was shoved to the ground while Andra was in my arms, b-“ Crystal explained but was cut off by Illian growling in anger and raising her blade to go finish off the rest.“I’m going to kill every single one of you bastards.” Illian yelled, however as she approached, she noticed how young the other two women were. One was at least sixteen and the other barely thirteen.
They both shook and trembled with fear.
Illian yielded.“How the hell did children get caught up in this?” Illian asked.
Jane fell to her knees in front of Illian.
“Y-Your grace! W-We needed the money… she’s my younger sister. She was just following me! Please, punish me, but have mercy on her, y-your grace.” Jame pleaded.
Her sister began to cry and fell on her knees as well.
Illian shook her head in disapproval.“Understand, if you weren’t so young, I would not have hesitated in killing you both for the crimes you have committed against me and my family.” Illian reprimanded, her voice harsh.
They both nodded their heads shamefully.“Even so, I still could easily have you both turned in, serving a life sentence either in prison or in a work camp for rest of your lives, despite your age.” Illian continued.Both Jame and her sister’s bodies shook in terror while keeping their heads down.Illian sighed heavily, sheathing her sword.
“Promise me you’ll both never do anything like this ever again.” Illian said sternly.Jame raised her head in disbelief.
“Y-Yes, your grace! We promise! Please have mercy on us.” Jame stated earnestly, her younger sister nodding in agreement.“Hmm… very well then. Get out of my sight. You saw nothing here. Got it?” Illian glared at them.Jame’s eyes widened with tears in her eyes from gratitude.
“Thank you, your grace! Yes, your grace!” Jame bowed, her sister following suit as they ran away as fast as they could.Meanwhile, Crystal and the baby approached from behind. Milo hugged him.
“I’m sorry Crystal for not paying attention… it’s all my fault.” Milo stated, her voice full of guilt.“No, Milo. Things like this happen all the time.” Crystal assured.
“Besides, how did you find us?” Crystal asked Illian.
Illian chuckled.“We noticed patterns of unlikely buyers purchasing baby supplies.” Illian said, while pulling something out of her pocket.
“These belong to you?” Illian smiled while holding up his gloves.Crystal smiled brightly.Illian sighed a breath of relief seeing Crystal’s smile and her baby coo softly in his arms.“Let’s go home.” Illian stated, gently lifting the baby out of his arms and helping Crystal up the stairs.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Living in the north territory, while mostly was heavy blizzards and snow, occasionally the weather would bring severe thunderstorms and heavy rain.At midnight, the wind began to howl and lightning flashed through the sky, lighting up the surrounding environment, briefly with its piercing light.Five year old Andra was fast asleep in her room. Hours prior, her father had told her a bedtime story and tucked her in. A little while afterwards, her mother entered, still dressed in her everyday attire since she still had a habit of working late, and kissed her goodnight.Now, it was midnight and Andra jolted awake from a frightening night terror, gripping the covers, hearing the crack of lightening and rumbling thunder outside. The room was pitch black, though lit briefly by the lightening.Andra was terrified of the dark.She clutched her stuffed bunny rabbit to her chest, her lungs heaving with fright and little tears began to glisten in her eyes. Her imagination began to play tricks on her, creating horrifying monsters and images in the dark. Images of the monster she had dreamed previously.She wanted to call out to her parents, but decided against it. If there was something in the dark, speaking would alert the monster of her location.She hid under the covers and shivered with fear.
The rain was beating down hard on the roof of the castle.
She was afraid to move. The candle near her nightstand had gone out.After a few agonizing seconds, Andra decided to take the risk and call out to her parents for help.“F-Father! Mother!” Andra yelled. She shook and her body trembled.
No response.Andra couldn’t take it anymore.
She wanted her parents.Mustering all her courage, she threw her covers back, gripping her stuffed bunny rabbit and rushed out the door.
The route from her bedroom to her parents was a daunting trek in the eyes of scared child.
She creeped down the hall, afraid of making any noise.
Her breathing became quiet and she became hyper-aware of every sound and shadow.A loud sound of thunder rumbled. Andra broke out into a sprint down the hall.Once to the door of her parent’s bedroom, Andra turned the knob, hearing the faint creaks of the door as it opened. Due to the single candle lit on the nightstand, Andra could barely make out both her parents sleeping on the bed.
Andra was filled with relief upon seeing them, however just seeing them wasn’t enough.
She longed to be held and comforted by them.She entered slowly to the foot of the bed.During this time, Crystal turned over in the bed and inched himself closer to Illian.
Crystal quaked in fear hearing the resounding of thunder outside the window and his crippling fear of the dark.
He pressed himself up against her, snuggling up close for protection.However, as he did so, the lightening penetrated the windows, illuminating the entire room. As he gazed ahead, he noticed an odd, unnerving ghost like figure standing at the foot of the bed.
His breath hitched and his heart felt it leap into his throat.“ILLIAN!” Crystal screamed loudly, smacking Illian hard in the back from panic.“Ugh, what? What is it?” Illian groaned out, feeling Crystal’s frantic blows against her back.“THERE’S A GHOST!” Crystal yelled.Illian jolted up, grabbing her sword, preparing to defend against an intruder.
However, due to her unbalanced movement of still being half asleep, she accidentally hit her head on the headboard.
“Ugh, damn!” Illian cursed out loudly.Andra jumped back in terror.
“Mother? Father?” Andra spoke, tears in her eyes.“Andra?” Crystal asked in confusion as he reached over for the candle.
Andra was standing still, hugging her stuffed rabbit, with tears running down her face.Upon realization it was his daughter, Crystal got up and approached Andra, grasping her trembling hands in his.
“Darling, what’s wrong are you alright?” Crystal spoke softly with a hint of concern in his tone.Illian was still groaning and rubbing her head, returning her sword to its place due to the false alarm.“I had a bad dream a-and… the lightening and thunder was really loud. I’m scared.” Andra choked out, beginning to cry loudly.“Oh darling, it’s alright.” Crystal said, embracing her. Andra melted into her father’s arms, cuddling her head into his chest, her tears soaking into his nightgown.“No need to be afraid, Andra. It’s just a little wind and rain.” Illian assured.“C-Can I please sleep here tonight?” Andra requested.“Of course you can!” Crystal agreed, picking her up and carrying her to the bed.
Andra’s heart glowed as she was placed in the middle.Illian followed suit and climbed back into bed.
Andra gave Illian her stuffed bunny rabbit to hold. Illian laid down and placed it on her chest, staring at the uneven buttons that made up the rabbit’s eyes.“Are you alright, my love?” Crystal asked Illian, gently stroking her head.
“Yeah, yeah I’m alright.” Illian huffed, her head still ached a bit.Crystal laid back down and held Andra’s hand.
“What was your dream about?” Crystal inquired.
Andra thought for a moment.
“It was about a scary monster in the dark! I don’t want it to get me!” Andra shivered in fear, pressing her back against Illian, cuddling up close for safety and protection.
Illian turned over to face them while both Crystal and Andra looked at her.“Never fear when mother and father are near.” Illian made a rhyme for Andra to remember, placing Andra’s stuffed rabbit beside her and kissed her gently.“That’s right.” Crystal agreed, kissing Andra and lying down, holding her hand.
Andra laid with her back pressed against Illian, while facing Crystal, still holding on to his hand tight.Meanwhile, lightening struck outside causing the entire estate to rattle and quake.
The whole room lit up brightly.Illian found herself bombarded with both Crystal and Andra cuddling up close to her in fear and terror.Andra scooted down to bury her head on into her mother’s side while Crystal buried his head into Illian’s shoulder, both shaking with fear.Illian chuckled in amusement, wrapping her arms around both of them.“It’s going to be alright. The storm will pass soon and bring with it, the promise of spring’s warmth.” Illian calmly assured, her arms squeezing them tight.Crystal and Andra both murmured contentedly while they closed their eyes to imagine springtime and all the beautiful things to come, both feeling safe and protected in Illian’s arms.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It was wintertime at the Pentrine Estate. The cold wind whipped through the land and with it, brought an abundance of snow and ice.
That day, the weather was clear and the sun was shining bright. Illian took Crystal and eight year old Andra outside to a small pond, a short walk from the estate.
Andra was always joyful getting to play in the snow, creating snow angels, building snowmen, and ice skating. Sometimes she mischievously initiated snowball fights with her parents, much to Illian’s delight and Crystal’s dismay.
Without fail, Crystal would end up drenched, having to always change clothes afterwards.During their walk to the pond, Crystal clung to Illian’s arm to avoid slipping while they strolled the snowy path. Andra playfully ran ahead, laughing and kicking the snow with her boots.“I can’t wait to go hunting with you when the spring comes! I’ll be all grown up by then!” Andra said to Illian, beaming pridefully.“Ah, yes. You’ll be quite the grown up.” Illian chuckled, watching her daughter play in the snow, rolling around on the ground, and pretending to shoot something with her imaginary bow.Crystal sighed in slight agitation, watching his daughter get slicked over once again after a long, tedious bath prior.“Andra, you just took a bath, darling. Don’t get dirty again.” Crystal pleaded, but was unsuccessful as Andra slid down into a muddy portion of the snow, staining her pants, white shirt, coat and even on her face and hair.“Oh me…” Crystal rolled his eyes in slight amusement, a faint smile forming on his lips watching Andra laugh gleefully.Andra’s smiling face melted both her parent’s hearts.“Come on! Let’s go to the pond! I shall lead the way!” Andra declared, taking the lead and running ahead.The pond, with the northern mountains in the background, was a breathtaking view.
The water was frozen over, with a light dusting of snow on top.Once to the pond, Illian unsheathed her sword and began to slice tree branches.
Crystal had asked Illian to cut some of the branches off the cedar trees for Christmas decorations.While her parents worked, Andra threw rocks on the frozen pond.As she peered out to the middle of the pond, she noticed an odd shiny object that piqued her curiosity.“Mother?” Andra called out.“Yes?” Illian replied, continuing her work.“May I walk out in the middle of the pond?” Andra asked.Without much thought, Illian approved.
Crystal, on the other hand, shook his head.“Illian, I don’t think it’s safe for her to walk out there.” Crystal nervously said.“It’s been frozen over for months. It’s fine.” Illian said back.Crystal anxiously watched Andra step onto the ice.
Andra wobbled a bit, but regained her balance and slowly began to walk across it.Crystal’s gnawing worry overcame him.
“Illian, please.” Crystal begged, biting the tips of gloves.Illian sighed and turned to call Andra back.Meanwhile, Andra had made it a quarter of the way on the ice.Andra could hear the faint creaks of the ice cracking slightly beneath her weight.
She could see fish swimming underneath the frozen pond.“Andra! Come back!” Illian yelled out firmly.“It’s okay, mother! I’m almos- ack!“ Andra yelped.Andra’s voice was cut off by the ice buckling from under her feet.
The ice broke away revealing the bitterly cold water that lay beneath the ice’s surface.
Even though the pond wasn’t very deep, it still was significantly over Andra’s head.Andra breath hitched in fear, screaming out for her mother as she fell back, sliding down under the water.Illian and Crystal’s eyes widened in horror witnessing their daughter fall and disappear entirely under the icy water.“Andra!” Crystal screamed in terror.A hoarse cry erupted from Illian’s throat as she immediately broke out into a sprint, running down to the pond, dashed across the ice, and dove in the water to save Andra.Tears streamed down Crystal’s face as he ran to the shoreline, watching with painful anticipation, praying silently for Illian to find and save Andra before it was too late.After a few torturous moments of silence, the surface of the water broke with Illian coming up out of the water, holding Andra in her arms.Illian’s movements were slow and painful.The shock of the extreme cold water and below freezing temperature made her body shake.
However, Andra remained motionless and unresponsive.Once to the bank, Illian laid Andra down and began to do chest compressions.“P-Please, Andra, c-come b-back to us…” Illian prayed, her voice shook from her fear and the gnawing cold.
For the first time in Illian’s life, she was genuinely terrified.
Her emotions swirled inside her head and her body was running on pure adrenaline.
Crystal got on his knees, wiping the water from Andra’s face, holding back his own tears of terror and panic.At last, Andra coughed up water and began to breathe again, however she never opened her eyes.“Andra! Speak to us, darling!” Crystal spoke softly.“W-We n-need to g-get her out of t-the cold.” Illian stammered out, her body beginning to shake violently.
The extreme temperature stung Illian’s skin. She noticed her hands and feet had now completely lost their feeling.
She knew they both wouldn’t last long if they didn’t get inside soon.“T-Take her and go!” Illian commanded, trying to lift Andra up into Crystal’s arms.“What about you?” Crystal asked, eyes wide with panic.“D-Dont worry about me, s-she takes priority.” Illian stuttered out.Once he had secured his daughter in his arms, Crystal ran as fast as he could back to the estate, screaming at the top of his lungs for the rest of the family.
Jenny, Milo, Mel and Damien all came running to Crystal.
After seeing Andra dripping wet and unresponsive, they knew immediately what had happened.“Where’s Her Grace?” Damien asked firmly.“B-By the pond!” Crystal cried out.
Jenny gave Damien a nod and both dashed out the door. Meanwhile, Milo and Mel helped Crystal upstairs to get Andra dry and warm.
Jenny and Damien found Illian a couple of feet from the pond. She had attempted to crawl, but was only able to move a couple of inches before her body seized up.A somber, frightening feeling pervaded her senses like a dark, impenetrable mist. Illian’s vision began to fade.
The last thing she saw was two people running towards her.After about a hour, Illian had recovered completely after being brought inside, dried off, and placed by the fire. She had briefly blacked out, but after a few minutes, she woke.
Due to her many days and nights exposed to the cold, Illian didn’t suffer any effects from the water.Andra however, never woke.
Milo did everything in her power to heal Andra with her magic, but to no avail.Illian immediately called for a doctor.After about a day later, the doctor finally arrived.
Andra lay motionless in bed, barely breathing, her skin hot to the touch due to an extremely high fever.Illian and Crystal stood back and watched silently as the doctor made her assessment.Crystal clutched Illian’s arm tightly, praying that Andra would be healed and wake soon.After what felt like an eternity, the doctor finally spoke.“I’m sorry, Your Grace… but your daughter has become extremely ill. Even though it looks like she didn’t suffer any damage from the water entering her lungs, she has developed a post hypothermic fever. Because of this… there may be some damage to her brain…” the doctor paused mournfully. “The… chances of her ever waking up are slim to none. I’m sorry.” the doctor stated somberly, sighing heavily.“No!” Crystal screamed loudly as he broke down crying into Illian’s arms, burying his face into her shoulder. His tears soaking into her shirt.Illian’s breath ceased for a moment.
Her heart felt as if it had stopped. Her stomach churned and for the first time in her life, her mind refused to rationalize.“N-No… T-There must be something you can do. I can pay you anything. Tenfold the amount. Please, doctor… heal her.” Illian pleaded, unshed tears glistening in her eyes.The doctor shook her head.“There is nothing more I can do for her. I apologize greatly.” the doctor reverently bowed and left the room to tell the rest of the family the news.Crystal dashed forward to the edge of the bed and fell on his knees, holding his daughter’s hand in his, crying bitterly into the sheets.Illian stood still.
Motionless.
Struck with a debilitating numbness and sorrow she had never experienced to this intensity before.Even when her mother, brother, and father passed, nothing could compare to the sorrow-stricken pain she was experiencing in this moment.Her heart physically ached and her throat felt like a huge painful lump was in it that she could not swallow, no matter how hard she tried.
She noticed that many streams of tears had already stained her cheeks.Her guilt and grief seeping into her mind like a poison and began to overtake her completely.“I-It’s all my fault…” Illian choked out.Crystal turned his head.
“No, my love… please don’t blame yourself.” Crystal got up and reached out for her.
However, she backed away from him and left out the door.“Illian!” Crystal screamed.Jenny and the others watched as Illian descended quickly down the stairs to leave the estate.They all entered the room to find Crystal crying bitterly with short rapid breaths. He was hyperventilating from his crippling fear and sorrow.Jenny and Mel rubbed his back gently while Damien handed him his handkerchief.Milo adjusted Andra’s pillow, while tears also streamed down her face.All stood around the bed and mourned bitterly.That night, Illian had returned to the estate late, much to everyone’s relief.
Illian staggered up the stairs and was met by Crystal.“Illian?” Crystal spoke low.Crystal longed to be held by her. Comforted by her touch and strong, loving embrace.Illian was the only person in his life that he knew he could lean and rely upon fully. And likewise, he was that for her.He needed grounding. He wanted to hear her comforting logic and rationale. To tell him that everything somehow was going to be alright, despite how hopeless it seemed.However, his soft smile began to fade when he witnessed the scowl on her face as she approached him.“You left her all alone?” Illian accused, glaring up at him with anger.Crystal's brows furrowed in confusion.“W-What?” he asked.“You know she’s afraid of the dark and you left her alone in that dark room?” Illian yelled, her voice cold.Crystal could smell the faint odor of alcohol on her breath.
Had she been drinking?“Illian…h-have you been drinking?” Crystal asked softly, reaching out for her.Illian snarled in disdain.
“Get out of my way.” Illian said sternly, brushing past him.For a moment, Crystal thought he would strangle at the pain in his throat.
Crystal stood shocked, hurt by his beloved’s cold words, rejection, and harsh actions as he silently watched her ascend the stairs.However, he couldn’t find it in his heart to harbor any anger or resentment towards her.
He felt the same grief wash over him.
His child was dying.
Hopelessness engulfed him.
He slowly lowered himself down on the steps and cried into his knees.
Illian entered Andra’s room.
The room was dark with one candle illuminating the entire area.She frowned and began to light every single candle stick in the room.Once satisfied by the room’s brightness, she glanced down at Andra still lying on the bed.“It’s alright, I’m here. You don’t have to be afraid anymore.” Illian gently spoke, sitting down on the stool by the bed.“They all think there’s something wrong with you. I don’t, though. You’re fine. Healthy and strong.” Illian stated with pride.Andra’s eyes were sealed shut.Illian picked up Andra’s hand and rubbed it gently.Illian mustered a fragile, happy chuckle.
“When spring comes, I’m taking you to the festival to get candy. I know you like to get the blue sour gumdrops…” Illian paused briefly while reaching down in her pockets. “Oh! Look what I have here!” Illian smiled brightly, holding up a piece of blue candy she knew was Andra’s favorite.No response.Illian swallowed hard.
“W-When it gets a bit warmer, we will go on that hunting expedition to the mountains and I can show you how to kill your first squirrel. I know you’ve been wanting to go. You’ll be old enough by then…” Illian stammered out, her happy facade fading away witnessing Andra’s motionless body and labored breathing.“I-I can’t wait to t-tell you how proud I am of you when you master that sword technique I taught you… I-I know you’ve been practicing really hard.”Illian choked out, tears glistened in her eyes and her body began to tremble.“And also t-that…” Illian continued.“I love you… so very much…”With that, her grief overtook her and she began to weep bitterly while pounding the end table with her fist, almost breaking it in half.“Why… why you?… why did it have to be you…?” Illian asked, her gaze landing on Andra’s red swollen skin from the fever.Illian found herself moving to get in the bed pulling Andra into her lap, holding her in her arms.“M-My baby…” Illian cried out, holding Andra tightly as if her very embrace alone could protect and heal Andra from the illness.She rocked them both back and forth continuously, placing a loving kiss on Andra’s hot forehead.Illian noticed Andra’s fever had gotten much worse.Illian’s crippling guilt reached its peak.
It was all her fault she allowed Andra to walk out on the ice.
Her fault that she had failed to save her in time.
Her fault she had failed to think rationally and protect her child. Now, her daughter was having to suffer because of it.Her thoughts turned dark… it was all her fault that her daughter was eventually going to… die.Illian groaned in agony. Her heart shattered and ached painfully.Andra was so young.
So little…Still a baby…Innocent and undeserving of such horrible circumstances.She desperately wished she could trade places, wished that it was herself that was lying in the bed motionless and barely breathing and not Andra.Illian was a woman always prepared for the worst, always ready, always with a plan.
However, nothing could have prepared her for the agonizing pain she was in. Her own child, suffering and on the brink of death and she was powerless to stop it.Illian finally understood now.The pain that her own father experienced when her older brother passed away. For all her years, she never understood the madness that infected and claimed her father’s mind and life.Now, as her own child lay dying in her arms, her grief surpassed even her own understanding.She could feel her heart becoming numb and calloused and filled with unspoken pain. Her own sanity and rationality slowly diminishing away.
After a couple of hours, Crystal approached the door.
It was locked.
His heart filled with concern and worry.
He knocked.
“Illian?” Crystal called out.
He could hear the door unlocking and the creak of the door opening.Crystal gasped seeing Illian dark against the blazing background of candles.
Her eyes, bloodshot and red rimmed, misery crying out in every line in her face. The heavy smell of alcohol on her breath.“Illian…” Crystal spoke gently.“What do you want?” Illian asked harshly.“My darling, please, go rest…” Crystal begged.“I’m not leaving her… what if she wakes up?” Illian spoke.Mustering a fragile calm, he spoke.“You need to rest. She will be alright for a bit. Please, my love.“ Crystal tried to gently persuade, reaching out for her.However, Illian dodged his touch.
“No! How dare you want me to leave her!” Illian yelled aggressively.Crystal swallowed hard, his emotions spiraling out of control.
He stepped back in fear.
He had never seen Illian act so cold and bitter towards him before.
He also noticed from earlier some of her words were slurred.
Was she drunk?
From all his years spent married to her, she rarely ever drank.“Leave. I will not hear anymore!” Illian stated while slamming the door in his face.Crystal sucked in a breath rapidly, the faint sound of his wife crying from behind the door made his heart drop, meanwhile, his own sniffles filled the air.“Please, Illian. O-Open the door…” Crystal begged.He needed her, and he knew she needed him.However, Illian never opened the door and Crystal was forced to walk away, holding his arms in an attempt to comfort himself.Later, Illian called Milo in the room.
Milo was terrified. Illian’s eyes were dark and soulless, filled with unfathomable sadness.“Cast a spell to help keep her sustained.” Illian commanded.“But I-I don’t know how t-“ Milo pleaded.“Then find out!” Illian screamed, slamming her fist into the wall. The panel of the wall cracked under the powerful force.Milo shook in fear, nodding her head.
“Y-Yes, your grace!” Milo stated, running out of the room.Illian slowly turned back around and sat down on the stool, gazing at Andra.Crystal stood at the door, his heart aching from not only watching his own child slowly die, but also witness his wife go insane with grief.Crystal slowly approached her. He noticed many empty bottles of whiskey discarded on the floor.
Illian was drinking herself to death.“Illian…” Crystal spoke.
Illian didn’t turn around.
Crystal wanted to reach out and touch her, but decided against it.“What did you ask of Milo?” Crystal asked.“To sustain Andra while she heals.” Illian stated bluntly.Crystal understood what that meant.
A spell that would only sustain the body. Providing nutrients as if consuming food and water.
A coma like stasis.Crystal and Milo discussed the many options with the doctor regarding a spell to induce a coma state.
The doctor shook her head, saying that while it would keep Andra alive, it wouldn’t guarantee her healing if the fever had already damaged her brain.It would keep her barely alive.
A cruel, inhumane, painful existence and nothing more.
Crystal couldn’t bear forcing his daughter to remain alive while she continued to suffer silently.“T-The doctor said that isn’t a good idea…” Crystal spoke low, trying to keep his voice soft and gentle.“I don’t give a damn what that doctor said.” Illian snapped back.“Please try to understand, my lo-“ Crystal tried to explain but was cut off by the sound of Illian rising to her feet quickly to turn around and face him.
Crystal jumped back in response.“What are you implying?” Illian growled, walking towards him aggressively.“I-Illian, please stop… you’re scaring me…” Crystal begged, walking backwards.Crystal felt his body trembling with fear. He had never witnessed her act hostile towards him before. She was imposing, her eyes devoid of love and replaced entirely with agonizing misery and rage.“Answer the damn question!” Illian yelled, her voice getting louder and louder, backing him into a corner.“P-Please Illian, I-I just don’t want her to suffer more than she already has!” Crystal blurted out, his back hitting the wall.Illian face contorted into a snarl.
“Do you want her to die, Crystal? Is that what you want?” Illian accused harshly.Tears pricked Crystal’s eyes.
“H-How could you say such a thing?” Crystal choked out, his eyes gazing up at her with hurt. His heart broke in two from her harsh words, his tears were now flowing freely.Illian lowered her head, and slowly turned to walk away from him.
Crystal stood frozen watching her walk back to the bed.“Leave now. I won’t ask you again.” Illian warned as she sat back down on the stool beside the bed.
It had been a week since the accident. Milo had learned and successfully casted the spell on Andra.Illian had made herself sick from all the drinking she did, however she didn’t relent. Grey hairs began to sprout on her head from all the stress she was under.Jenny would hide nearby, listening in horror when Illian and Crystal would talk to each other.
Wincing with every harsh word uttered.“Her Grace, has lost her mind. She keeps herself locked in the room all day and night with Andra and refuses to come out. Her drinking has gotten more out of control since then too.” Jenny discussed with Damien, Milo and Mel.“Not to mention hearing her and his grace’s conversations. It turns my blood cold every time I hear her talk to Crystal like that.” Jenny stated, tears of rage in her eyes.
Damien shook his head mournfully while Milo and Mel started to cry.
“I-I did all I could do with the spell… Crystal didn’t want me to, but Illian did… I didn’t know what to do…” Milo murmured out.
“You did the right thing, Milo.”Jenny spoke gently.
After two weeks, Crystal was finally fed up with being denied seeing his child.
Even though he had found ways to see Andra secretly to clean her up and roll her every so often, he would have to time it just right to where Illian was either passed out from drinking or from sheer exhaustion.However, on one fateful day Crystal had failed to notice Illian wake up while he was in the room.“What the hell are you doing?!” Illian yelled.“I’m just cleaning her up. No need to raise your voice at me.” Crystal retorted.“Get out!” Illian screamed, as she grabbed his arm with an unyielding grip and pushed him forward.Crystal thrashed and writhed in her grip.“I have just as much right to be in there as you do! If you don’t roll her she will get pressure ulcers! Let me go! You’re hurting me!” Crystal demanded, feeling himself get pushed out the door.Illian kept silent while trying to slam the door in his face.“Illian, stop!” Crystal tried to push himself against the door to get back inside. However, due to the force with which she closed the door, it caused the door to hit him painfully on his side, resulting in him falling to the floor with a loud thud.Illian’s eyes widened and her breath hitched.“Crystal!” Illian shouted, running out the door and kneeling down, grasping his hand and his back gently.
Crystal yelped in pain while she raised him up.
“A-Are you alright?” Illian asked, her voice filled with deep regret.Crystal nodded, his head lowered with sorrow. Illian noticed he was crying.“Oh my love… I-I’m so s-sorry…” Illian cried, her arms wrapping around him, pulling him into an embrace.
Crystal held her back instantly.“I-I’m sorry for hurting you… I’m sorry f-for saying all those things to you, and… I’m sorry for not protecting our daughter… I-I didn’t mean for any of this to happen…” Illian whimpered out as she cried into his shoulder, her tears soaking in the fabric of his dress.
“I know…” Crystal spoke gently, leaning his head to rest on hers, holding her close and stroking her head.Illian raised up to look at him.
She noticed his eyes too were blood shot and filled with unspoken pain. She could faintly see newly sprouted grey hairs glisten on his head.He was suffering just as much as she was.Illian reached out and caressed his cheek. He leaned into her touch, closing his eyes.“I’ve… treated you so terribly…” Illian sniffled. “C-Can you ever find it in your heart to forgive me?” Illian choked out. Her guilt for failing to keep Andra safe and the regret of her harsh treatment towards Crystal was eating her alive.Crystal tilted her head up by her chin to look at him.
“For better or for worse, my darling.” Crystal smiled tenderly at her as he leaned in and kissed her.
Illian melted into the kiss, closing her eyes while her bitter tears mixed with his.Crystal pulled back slowly.
“She’s going to be alright, Illian.” Crystal smiled warmly, his hand rubbing soothing circles on her cheek.
“She’s strong like her mother. Her fever has dwindled.” Crystal assured.A glimmer of hope flashed across Illian’s face.“W-What?” Illian muttered.“I believe she can make it.” Crystal smiled.“Y-You mean… she’s going to be fine?” Illian asked.Crystal smiled softly, nodding his head.Illian took in a deep breath, gathering her thoughts and emotions.
At last, she was able to think clearly since the accident.Once helping Crystal to his feet, they both walked in the room.
Illian felt Andra’s head.
Crystal was right.
The fever had gone down quite a bit.
Illian’s hope was renewed all the more.“We will just have to wait patiently for her to wake up!” Illian smiled brightly earning a nod from Crystal.From then on, Illian and Crystal talked with each other normally, much to Jenny and the rest of the family’s relief.They both spent all their time together in the room with Andra. Illian assisted Crystal with any care that was needed.One day, while Illian and Crystal sat in the room both reading books, there was a faint stirring coming from the bed.Andra began to move her arms and legs.Illian and Crystal’s eyes widened, throwing their books to the ground and rushing over to the side of the bed.“Andra.” Crystal spoke gently, grasping her hand in his.
Illian stood behind him, eyes eager with anticipation.At last, Andra opened her eyes. Her vision was a bit blurry but was able to make out two people.Andra winced trying to move. Her little bones and muscles ached from laying motionless since the accident.“M-Mother? Father?” Andra spoke, her voice hoarse.“We are here, my love.” Illian said tenderly. Tears of joy pricking the corner of her eyes.Andra’s vision became clear, seeing both of her parents smiling brightly, with tears running down both their faces.“W-What happened?” Andra asked.“You fell under the ice, darling.” Crystal spoke, his thumb rubbing small soothing circles on Andra’s hand.Andra brows furrowed as if in deep thought.
“You saved me, Mother.” Andra looked up to meet Illian’s eyes.Illian took in a shaky breath, her legs began to wobble as she approached the bed.“Why are you crying?” Andra asked in confusion, watching tears stream down both her parent’s faces.“M-My darling…” Illian said as she embraced Andra, hugging her tight. She kissed Andra on the forehead while her hand found Crystal’s waist, pulling him into the hug.
“I love you, Andra.” Illian and Crystal whispered, both of them placing many kisses on Andra’s head.
Andra beamed from her parent’s warm embrace and affection.After a while, the rest of the family entered and abounded with joy seeing Andra sitting up and talking normally.
Jenny was so jubilant she performed a perfect cartwheel despite her age, much to Andra’s glee and everyone else’s shock.After two days of assisted walking, Andra was able to walk on her own again. Returning back to her normal self.Illian and Crystal’s love for each other had grown stronger and Andra from then on, never played on the ice ever again.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Illian was in her study working when Crystal entered, wringing his hands in a sorrowful and concerned state.“Illian? I need to talk to you.” Crystal stated, his voice full of worry.Illian’s head popped up quickly, her eyes widening as she stared at him.“Crystal, what’s wrong?” Illian asked, noticing his sad demeanor.“Andra has decided she doesn’t want to go to school anymore… and her grades are beginning to suffer because of it.” Crystal explained.Illian narrowed her eyes.“And did she give any reason as to why?” Illian asked.“No! She won’t say!” Crystal stated frantically.Illian sighed heavily.
“She’s fifteen. It would be extremely foolish of her to drop out.” Illian said back.“I know! Please do something! …I’ve tried but she’s just so stubborn!” Crystal huffed.Illian remained calm, nodding her head.
“I will talk to her.” Illian assured as she resumed her work.Later that day, Andra arrived home from school. She was tired of going to school. Even though Andra was highly intelligent, she loathed the teachers, and nothing interested her anymore.
She wanted to go on big adventures and see the world.
Though, she knew her mother wouldn’t approve of it.As Andra walked through the door, Damien met her.
“Afternoon, your grace. Your mother requests your presence in the study.” Damien announced.
Andra could feel her heart drop.
She knew what was coming and dreaded it immensely.Illian’s lectures were always long and extremely uncomfortable to sit through. Though, Andra was determined to plead her case to her mother.
Andra stood up straight, mustering a fragile confidence, and began to climb the stairway.As Andra opened the door, she was met with her mother and father in the study, Illian at her desk, and Crystal sitting nearby.
She could feel an uneasiness in the room.“Ah, hello, Andra. How was your day at school?” Illian asked, her voice a bit too cheery.Not a good sign, Andra noted.“U-Um it was good… Damien said you wanted to see me.” Andra stated, noticing her father’s sorrowful gaze as he nervously got up and left the room, seemly closing the door behind him.Andra’s heart began to beat quickly now that she and her mother were alone.
Illian stood from her desk.“No sense in drawing this out more than needed. I hear you want to drop out of school?” Illian stated bluntly.Andra began to fidget where she stood.“Y-Yes…” Andra stuttered, her confidence beginning to dwindle under her mother’s stern gaze.“Hmm…” Illian pondered as she walked over to peer out the window.Before Andra could open her mouth to argue her point, Illian spoke.“Very well then. I will allow it.” Illian approved.Andra was dumbfounded, shocked by her mother’s words.
Even Crystal’s eyes widened and jaw dropped in disbelief as he listened quietly outside the door.“W-What?” Andra muttered.Illian turned to face Andra.“I will allow you to drop out of school.” Illian repeated herself, her eyes were emotionless and her tone had an unnerving calmness to it.Andra stood in disbelief.“Wow! T-Thank you, I-“ Andra exclaimed.“However,” Illian interrupted. “since you refuse to go to school to work with your mind, you will then learn to work with your hands and back.”Andra’s face morphed from jubilant to forlorn in a matter of seconds.“Any daughter of mine will know how to work for a living.” Illian expressed.Andra stood frozen in place as Illian gestured out the window to the wide open field.“I will gather the documents necessary for your retirement from academia. In the meantime, since you will not be going to school anymore, your task for tomorrow is this; beginning at dawn, you will pick up every single rock in the field,” Illian explained. “Furthermore, I will allow a thirty minute lunch and two ten minute breaks throughout the day. You will quit at dusk.” Illian stated sternly.Andra lowered her head.“Any questions?” Illian asked, her voice cold.“No…” Andra replied back mournfully.“You are dismissed then.” Illian said as she sat back down at her desk.Once Andra shuffled out the door, Crystal snuck back in the office and approached Illian’s desk.“You’re seriously going to let her quit school?” Crystal asked in a panic.Illian looked up at him with a calm demeanor.“Yes.” Illain stated with a deadpan.“B-But-“ Crystal muttered.“Do you trust me?” Illian asked, her eyes gazing up at him intensely.“Illian, you know that I trust you but don’t you think-“ Crystal replied.“Then don’t worry. I’ve got it sorted.” Illian smiled at him.Crystal sighed heavily.
He was well aware of how stubborn both Illian and Andra were. He wasn’t too confident if this master plan Illian had conjured up would even work. He had no other choice but wait it out and see.The next morning, Illian assigned Jenny to supervise Andra as she worked.Andra began at dawn, picking up rocks big and small and chunking them in the wheelbarrow.
She wiped the sweat from her brow feeling the sun beat down on her as it got higher in the sky.While Andra toiled tirelessly, she came across a huge rock, halfway buried in the earth. She wasn’t for certain if that counted as a rock to remove since there was no way to pick it up without digging it up first.“Aye Jenny!” Andra hollered out.“Yes, your grace?” Jenny replied as she approached Andra.“Do you think she wants this up too?” Andra asked as they both stood gazing at the enormous rock.Jenny scratched her head, still a bit uncertain as to why Illian asked her to supervise Andra in the first place in this odd task.“Uh… not sure to be honest. Besides, why did Her Grace decide to assign us this?” Jenny asked.Andra rolled her eyes.“I suppose mother is trying to teach me a lesson for wanting to drop out of school.” Andra huffed in agitation as she resumed her work.Jenny was perplexed at Andra’s answer. She knew Andra was very bright.“Why do you want to drop out of school?” Jenny asked, watching Andra struggle to lift the buried rock.“Because I want to experience life, go on adventures, instead of being tied to a desk all day. I want practical knowledge… book knowledge is useless.” Andra strained against the rock, finally giving up on trying to lift it out of the ground by force.
Jenny really didn’t know what to say in response, so she stepped back and resumed watching.Illian would occasionally peer from out her study window to see how Andra was faring. Around ten in the morning, Illian made her way outside to where Andra was working.
Illian noticed many rocks already collected in the wheelbarrow, however she saw a huge rock partially buried in the ground.
Andra spotted Illian inspecting the buried rock.“I wasn’t able to get it out of the ground, so I left it.” Andra stated.Illian frowned slightly.“You have permission to leave your work briefly to retrieve a shovel.” Illian stated.Andra felt a wave of dread wash over her from the implied meaning.“Ugh, she seriously wants me to dig this up.” Andra thought to herself.
She then quickly left to retrieve a shovel.Once back to the site, she began to dig.
However, by the time Andra returned, Illian had already left.Andra could feel the sweat pour from her face as she dug deep around the sides of the rock.At last, noon struck.Crystal eagerly came out to serve Andra and Jenny lunch.“Thank you, Father!” Andra beamed as she threw the shovel down and sought shelter from the sun under a shade tree.
Crystal smiled brightly. He had been biting at the bits to come out to deliver her lunch. He knew she must had been starving since she had stubbornly skipped breakfast.
As Andra began to eat, he noticed how red her face was.“Darling, are you feeling alright?” Crystal said as he felt her face.“I’m fine, Father.” Andra said, swatting his hand away and quickly scarfed down the sandwich and apple.Crystal was beyond worried about Andra’s health working out in the hot sun. His agitation with Illian’s so-called “parenting” festered all the more as he watched the sweat pour from his daughter’s forehead and flushed cheeks.After resting a bit and chugging a whole liter of water, Andra was eager to get back to work. Crystal sighed while he watched her walk back into the heat.Andra was determined to show her mother that hard work didn’t scare her. In fact, she realized she loved to work! Andra believed now that she could work with her hands and back for the rest of her life.“Who needs books anyways.” Andra stated as she tried to pry the rock up with her short shovel.For hours, Andra tried to lift the rock out of the ground, but to no avail.
Andra’s anger began to rise. The rock was firmly lodged in the soil. It wouldn’t budge no matter how hard she tried to lift it by her own strength.She was beyond fatigued and she hadn’t even made it to half the field yet.
To top it all off, she could see her mother approaching in the corner of her eye. Watching her.“Having issues?” Illian asked.Andra didn’t answer, nor looked up but continued to try to move the rock.“I thought you wanted to work with your back?” Illian jeered a bit.Andra was livid, straining harder to lift the rock.
Illian sighed from watching her daughter frantically push, pull, jerk and twist the rock.“If you continue to try to lift it like that, you’re just going to injure yourself.” Illian scolded.Andra audibly huffed and stubbornly kept going.“Then, if you get injured, you won’t be able to work at all but will be an invalid, confined to a bed for the rest of your life due to the excruciating pain.” Illian warned.Andra stopped abruptly.“Then how the hell am I supposed to get it out of the ground?” Andra cursed out, her eyes glaring up to meet her mother’s.Illian hummed as she dropped a wooden block next to the rock beside Andra.Andra eyed the block.“You remember leverage and torque?” Illian asked.“Yes, it’s the force multiplied by the distance.” Andra answered back, folding her arms.“Good, so using this block we can makeshift a moment arm.” Illian stated.Andra watched closely while Illian wedged a wooden block close to the rock.
She then took the shovel and began to lift up.
Illian gestured for Andra to move the block until flush with the shovel. Illian balanced the shovel on the block, gaining leverage on the rock. Then, Illian gave Andra the shovel.“Now lift.” Illian instructed.Andra was then able to easily pry the rock free from the ground.
Andra’s eyes widened in disbelief, fully taken aback by how easily the rock was extracted from the ground.“W-Wow… how did you know to do that?” Andra asked in excitement and wonder.Illian smirked while tapping her head with her index finger, gesturing to her intelligence, and walked away.Andra stood frozen. She was astounded at her mother’s intellect and the fact that book knowledge could be applied to real life scenarios.After Illian returned back inside, Andra resumed her work of picking up rocks in the field, lost in deep thought.After a long exhausting day, Andra was glad to rest in bed.
The next morning, Andra rose early. She noticed that her mother was also up working in the study.Andra entered.“Mother?” Andra timidly spoke.Illian glanced up from her work and leaned back in her chair.“Ah, I’m glad you’re up. I have the documents ready to be delivered to your school. I also have another task for you to complete before the sun sets today.” Illian explained.“Mother, I have something to say…” Andra spoke.Illian raised an eyebrow.“I want to go back to school.” Andra confessed.Illian hummed.
“Hmm, and why is that?” Illian asked curiously.Andra sighed.“I found that book knowledge and practical knowledge go hand in hand. I want to be able to understand both. While I am still willing to accomplish your other tasks, it can only be after school… if that is alright?” Andra asked humbly.Illian’s gaze softened, a gentle smile forming on her lips.
“Of course, my darling.” Illian said as she stood from her desk and peered out the window. The sun had began to rise.Andra smiled brightly.“So… what was the next task you had planned for me today?” Andra asked curiously, walking over to stand beside her mother.“Ah, building a fence around the greenhouse,” Illian answered and pointed out the window. “So, how would you calculate the footage of fencing you would need?”“Perimeter!” Andra answered confidently.
Illian nodded in approval.“I hope your pacing is well calibrated. I will be checking with a 66’ Gunter's measuring chain.” Illian challenged.Andra smirked.“It is.” Andra retorted.Illian chuckled.“We shall see.”
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“How hard can it be?” Andra shrugged her shoulders. She had been tasked with assisting in the kitchen due to Jenny being on vacation.Crystal gave an annoyed look.“Well then, can you dice onions?” Crystal asked nicely.Andra gazed at the two onions and knife on the cutting board.“Sure, not a problem.” Andra said confidently as she picked up the knife.It was at that moment, Andra was struck with confusion. She had never cut onions before or cooked ever before in her life.Andra stared hard at the onion, contemplating on where to make the first cut.“The ends, darling.” Crystal remarked, noticing his daughter’s confused face.“Y-yeah...” Andra stammered out, cutting off ends of the head of onion.After cutting off the ends, she began to slice into the onion, awkwardly chopping up it into uneven slices.Crystal winced watching her cut. The way she held the knife made Crystal cringe. It looked as if she was going to cut herself with each slice.Andra’s eyes began to burn immensely from the exposed onion peelings.She blinked violently, attempting to fight back her tears and the pain in her eyes.“Take a break if you need it, Andra.” Crystal stated with concern.“I’m fine.” Andra retorted. Her face down and her eyes literally burning with determination.After ten minutes, Andra finally presented Crystal with the diced onion.He smiled nervously.“What’s wrong?” Andra asked.“Well, the pieces need to be smaller.” Crystal said.Andra sighed heavily as she returned to cut some more.After ten minutes, Andra gazed at the other whole onion with dread.“Here, let me show you.” Crystal said, picking the knife up.Andra stood back and watched intensely. There was no way in hell he was going to cut it any faster than she did.However, her thoughts were turned on its head when she witnessed her father cut the onion up and dice it within twenty seconds. He had flawlessly diced it so fast that it didn’t even make his eyes water at all.Andra stood with her mouth gaped open.After Crystal poured the onions into a bowl, he spoke.“See?” Crystal smiled sweetly.“H-How? It was so hard! It took me ten minutes but it only took you twenty seconds!” Andra exclaimed in disbelief.Crystal giggled as he put his hand on her shoulder.“Many years of experience, my darling.” Crystal said.“I suppose so.” Andra chuckled, shaking her head in defeat.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Illian and Andra were ecstatic to go on their hunting expedition. Deer season had finally opened up and both were biting at the bits to set out on their journey.Crystal packed them both warm clothes and food to eat while away. The journey itself would consist of traveling on horse half a day, hiking a mile, and setting up camp. Then, the next day they would hike a quarter mile to their hunting spot.It was a weekend trip that both had planned meticulously. Between Illian’s work, patrolling, and Andra’s schooling, both were joyful to get away from everyday tasks and have some fun hunting and spending time with each other.“Please, both of you be safe.” Crystal begged, worry was in his voice as he walked outside wrapped in his shawl.He knew they would be gone a total of three days, out in the wilderness. Both Illian and Andra were more than capable of protecting themselves, however he still worried and fretted over them.“I will, Father. I love you.” Andra smiled as she kissed Crystal’s cheek and embraced him.Andra strolled away to finish loading her horse with the supplies.Andra had always been excited to go hunting with her mother. Ever since she was a very young child, she would beg to go with her. However, due to her young age, both Illian and Crystal didn’t allow her to go until she was older.Because of this, Andra would wait by the door for her mother to return from hunting.Andra would become giddy like a puppy when she saw her mother, decked in a long overcoat, walk through the door.“Did you kill anything?” Andra would ask repetitively.Illian would smile as she reached down in her coat to pull out a dead squirrel she had killed that day. Andra would squeal with joy upon seeing the mangled squirrel.
Presently, Illian approached Crystal and wrapped her hands around his waist and leaned in to kiss him.He melted into the kiss.“Please, Illian don’t do anything dangerous.” Crystal pleaded, looking up into Illian’s eyes.Illian smiled mischievously.“Me? Dangerous? What ever gave you that notion?” Illian smirked.Crystal rolled his eyes.“Illian…” Crystal pouted.Illian smiled tenderly.“I will ensure that we both return home safely, my love. Don’t worry.” Illian assured, caressing his cheek with her hand.“Come on, Mother! We are losing daylight!” Andra called out.Illian smiled as she kissed Crystal again in a frenzy.“Goodbye, my love. We will return in three days!” Illian bided Crystal farewell as she mounted her horse and led the way. Crystal waved, watching them ride away.Illian and Andra journeyed to the countryside, across rolling hills and into the dense forest where they would be hunting and camping.It was the beginning of fall. The leaves on the trees gave a bright orange, yellow, and red color as they softly fell to the ground. Andra loved hearing the crunch sound of leaves as she walked.“Are we almost there?” Andra asked.“Hmm, just about.” Illian answered.“Based upon the location of the sun, what direction are we heading?” Illian asked, testing Andra.Andra looked towards the sun. The sun was low in the sky, two hours from sunset she’d wager.The sun was to their left as they walked.“We are headed north.” Andra answered back, confidently.“Good, and what direction from here is the estate, as the crow flies?” Illian asked further.Andra knew the journey to get there was east, but she wasn’t sure how far south they went to get to their current location. Since they were headed north, she deduced the estate was south west.“South west.” Andra replied, a bit doubtful.“Hmm… did you factor in the half hour road headed south?” Illian pointed out.Andra face palmed. She had forgotten about that.“It’s North west…” Andra muttered out.“Correct. You must know your location and directions, at all times.” Illian instructed as they hiked through the woods, leading their horses behind them.Once to the site, they both began to create their shelter, build a fire, and inspect their bows for hunting.“Jenny said that she killed a bear the size of a house out here back when she was a mercenary!” Andra stated as she stoked the fire.Illian rolled her eyes.“She exaggerates and likes to stretch the truth. I haven’t ever seen any bears that huge,” Illian said back. “But… if we do, we got something for that.” Illian smirked, picking up her bow and shot an arrow towards a buckeye hanging in a tree. The shot was clean, piercing straight through the fruit.Andra watched in amazement. She had been practicing with her sword and her bow. From Illian’s many lessons and training, Andra had already become an accomplished swordsman even at the young age of thirteen that she was currently.After camping out, both woke before dawn to get into position.“Alright. I am going down the bluff and across the stream. You will go that way up the mountain and set up there.” Illian stated as she placed her bow on her back.Andra hummed in acknowledgment, packing arrows in her quiver.Illian reached in one of the knapsacks and gave Andra an orb.“If you’re ever in trouble, throw one of these up in the air. It will explode and I will be able to know your location. I shall carry one with me as well.” Illian instructed.“What time should I come back?” Andra asked.“We will hunt all day. I will be packing up and heading back a hour before sunset.” Illian replied.Andra nodded her head while walking in the opposite direction.“Be careful.” Illian said, her voice firm.Andra turned and smiled.“I will!” Andra said.
After all day of not seeing anything, it was time to head back.Andra packed up her things and began the trek back to the campsite.Upon arriving, she noticed her mother with a knife in hand, and an entire deer hanging from a tree.Illian had strung the deer up by its hind legs with the rope tied off to a tree.“Whoa! You killed one!” Andra gasped loudly.Illian smiled while handing Andra a knife.“Help me skin it! I want to take the hide back to Crystal.” Illian said.Illian and Andra worked tirelessly skinning the deer before nightfall.Andra was sweating trying to yank the hide off the deer without ripping into the guts.Illian too was getting concerned with the time. Soon it would be nightfall and she didn’t want to leave a dead deer hanging up close to their campsite at night.Andra could hear her mother huff in frustration.Illian then stopped abruptly and walked away.Andra stared in confusion watching her mother search on the ground for something.“What are you doing?” Andra asked.“You’ll see.” Illian stated confidently, picking up a rock and grabbing a rope from her saddle.“I learned this from an old native woman in Ehbi.” Illian explained, taking a smooth rock the size of her palm, wrapping the hanging pelt of the deer and tying it inside the skin with another rope.Andra watched in quiet confusion and anticipation.Illian clicked her tongue, making her horse come to her.“Tie the rope to the horn of the saddle.” Illian commanded.Andra executed the command with haste, eager to see what was to come next.Once the rope was tied to the saddle, Illian took her horse by the reins and walked her horse forward.Andra’s eyes widened in disbelief as the pelt peeled off the deer with ease, while still keeping the integrity of the pelt.“Wow!” Andra exclaimed with admiration.“Now we can easily get to the meat.” Illian remarked, cutting the rest of the pelt off the deer.
Later that evening, Illian and Andra sat by the campfire.“Do you think I will ever get the chance to fight bandits?” Andra beamed.Illian frowned slightly while stoking the fire.“It is very likely, yes.” Illian stated somberly, narrowing her gaze. “Though, it is not something one should look forward too.” Illian scolded.“Why not? To be heroic and to right the wrongdoings! I don’t see anything wrong with that!” Andra argued.Illian breathed a sigh of disapproval while maintaining a reserved silence.Andra sensed her mother’s disappointment and lowered her head in shame, leaning back against the tree.After a while spent in heavy silence, Illian spoke.“If it ever happens, you must not hesitate in killing them,” Illian continued. “As the fire burns a forest, and as the flame sets the mountains on fire, you must pursue and eradicate them entirely…” Illian said, her voice heavy.“Without mercy.” Illian added.Andra blinked rapidly, lost in deep thought, unsure of the emotions stirring within her. She decided to not dwell on them for too long.
After a weekend of successful hunting, Illian and Andra were packing and getting ready to depart for home.“Looks like we didn’t spot that bear Jenny was talking about.” Andra pouted.Illian laughed in response.“Did you expect too?” Illian smiled.“I was hoping we would! Though, we could encounter it-“Andra was cut off by Illian shushing her.“Be quiet for a minute…” Illian interrupted. Her eyes darting around in all directions.“W-What is it?” Andra whispered, her breath hitched in fear.“It’s quiet…” Illian said back. “… too quiet… draw your sword.” Illian commanded.Bandits surrounded them immediately as both drew their swords. Illian and Andra stood back to back with their swords raised.Andra’s heart beat loud in her chest watching the many bandits close in around them.“Well, well, looks like we won the jackpot!” the bandit chief laughed, eliciting laughter in the other bandits.Andra could hear her mother’s voice, speaking low to where only she could hear.“Steady your breathing. Just remember what I taught you.” Illian instructed while her eyes were fixed straight ahead at the enemy.Her mother’s voice was soothing and her words brought comfort.Andra nodded her head, narrowing her gaze, readying herself to fight.“Kill them!” the bandit chief yelled.The bandits swarmed and struck first. Illian deflected the first attack and swung low, landing a blow on the bandit’s abdomen.Illian’s attacks were swift and precise.Meanwhile, a bandit with a long sword attacked Andra.Andra countered with her own swing, though the bandit blocked and struck back. Andra ducked last minute from the wild swing from the bandit’s sword and lunged forward.While Andra was able to strike back, the bandit was still too fast, dodging Andra’s every attack.Andra’s focus was beginning to wane. Her breathing become heavy and fatigue began to set in.Before Andra knew it, the bandit had kicked her hard in the side resulting in Andra dropping her sword.Andra winced as she hit the ground hard, her leg throbbing with excruciating pain from the swift kick. She was panting and overcome with fear as she noticed her sword was slightly out of reach.“Mother!” Andra cried out in a loud panic for help, her eyes scanning the surroundings for her mother.A couple yards over, Illian’s eyes widened in horror witnessing her daughter lying on the ground, disarmed, and defenseless. Illian attempted to tear past the bandit she was fighting and rush to Andra’s side, but instead was bombarded with three bandits at once, blocking her path.“Andra!” Illian yelled, her voice breaking and heart sinking from her powerlessness to save her.Andra’s breath hitched in fear as the bandit closed in on her.The bandit smirked.“Heh, looks like mommy isn’t coming to save you.” the bandit jeered as she raised her blade to stab Andra’s chest.Andra remembered the orb her mother gave her during their hunting trip.She quickly pulled it out and threw it at the bandit, causing an explosion of light.Even though the orb didn’t deal any meaningful damage, it bought Andra enough time to roll out of the way, grab her sword, and rise to her feet.Andra swung her sword at the dazed bandit. The blade glazed the bandit’s shoulder causing her to wail in pain.The bandit retaliated by lunging forward to strike Andra from above.Andra parried, whirling around and stabbing the woman in the gut.The bandit fell immediately to the ground from the brutal impact.Meanwhile, Illian finished off the last of the bandits and ran over to Andra who was standing frozen in place, sword in hand.Andra stared soullessly at the dead bandit lying on the ground, the tip of her sword a bright red, stained and dripping with the blood of her enemy.Illian grabbed Andra’s shoulders and spun her around.“Andra, look at me, are you hurt?” Illian asked in a panic, inspecting any potential injuries on her daughter’s body.Andra shook her head slowly, tears filling her eyes.“Speak to me, Andra!” Illian insisted, shaking Andra’s shoulders slightly, concerned by her daughter’s silence and distant stare.“I… I… killed her…” Andra muttered out in disbelief.Even though Andra for all her life had held a sword, practiced, and sparred endlessly, she had never taken a life before. Andra was distraught and filled with conflicted feelings. Her guilt began to grow and her heart broke witnessing the blood pour out of the bandit’s chest.Illian gave a forlorn look witnessing her daughter’s pain.“It was either your life or theirs. You did what was necessary to survive. It was self defense.” Illian explained.“But… she’s dead… I murdered her! What if she had a family? What if-” Andra spoke but was cut off.“It had to be done, Andra. She threatened your life and you defended yourself.” Illian stated, her voice stern.Andra sucked in air, her emotions getting the better of her.Andra lowered her head.“I-It doesn’t bother you any?” Andra murmured, her voice breaking.Illian sighed heavily.“It always has. However, in order to protect myself and the ones I hold dear, I do what I must…” Illian paused briefly. “I’m sorry you are having to learn that lesson the hard way.” Illian said somberly.Illian from a very young age had learned to detach and force her emotions away.It wasn’t until she met Crystal that she had allowed herself to feel anything again.Illian loathed the fact that Andra had to experience something this traumatic at a very young age.Andra kept her head lowered, ashamed that she couldn’t be as strong as her mother.Illian could hear Andra’s sniffles. Her gaze softened as her grip on her shoulders became more gentle.Tears glistened in Andra’s eyes, failing miserably to fight back her emotions.Andra’s breath hitched slightly when she felt her mother’s hand brush her cheek.“You fought well.” Illian praised, her voice gentle.Andra raised her head up to look her mother in the eyes. She was met with Illian’s warm, loving gaze.“You did the right thing, Andra. I’m very proud of you.” Illian assured, pulling her into an embrace.Andra melted into her mother’s arms, her tears flowing freely down her cheeks.“I-I didn’t want to kill her…” Andra sobbed into Illian’s shoulder.“I know.” Illian said tenderly, stroking Andra’s head gently as she held her close.Andra felt the warmth of her mother’s love wrap around her, feeling safe.Andra finally pulled away and attempted to regain control of her emotions.“All right?” Illian asked, wiping away any remaining tears on her daughter’s face.“Yeah.” Andra replied, mustering a smile.“Let’s go home.” Illian said softly.Andra nodded her head in agreement.
After hours of finding their horses, packing and loading up the equipment, they finally mounted their horses and began the journey back home.After a hour of riding, Illian spoke.“Could you… I don’t know… maybe NOT tell your father what happened today?” Illian strongly suggested, knowing full well that she was going to receive an earful from Crystal as soon as he found out.Andra smirked mischievously.“What’s in it for me?” Andra stated smugly, a wicked grin curved on her face.Illian was left flabbergasted and taken aback from her daughter’s mischievous smirk and words.“Damn, what have I raised?” Illian exclaimed, shaking her head in defeat, causing Andra to smile in response.“You see, you need to be more like your mother. Pristine. Benign. Innocent and Dignified. Not given to any mischievous thoughts or actions.” Illian dramatically remarked about herself.Andra burst out laughing from her mother’s words.“Haha, yeah right!” Andra cackled sarcastically.Illian chuckled a bit as she rolled her eyes, happy to see Andra’s bright laughter and smiling face.