June 1967
Summer was freedom.
No more stuffy clothes. No more cold. No more being locked in the house with her brother. No more listening to her father's stories that always scared her mum, though she seemed to be the only one to notice that...
None of that mattered anymore. Summer made it all better.
This was her favorite time of year because it was the only time that she could easily sneak away. If there was ever an opportunity, she was sneaking out. Just like now.
The little dark-haired girl sat on the floor, struggling to put on her boots. She tugged them on with small grunts and smiled toothily when she managed to put them on the right feet on the first try. Feeling quite proud of herself, she jumped up with all the grace of a seven-year-old and ran into the hall.
Though her house, or mansion rather, was ancient and consisted primarily of squeaky floorboards, Elmira moved soundlessly through the house. She jumped from one side of the hall to the other, knowing exactly where the weak spots were. Large, moving paintings of intimidating, severe-looking people stared down at her, shaking their heads and murmuring in disapproval. Elmira remembered being afraid of them once upon a time, but now she grinned at them as she passed, her dimples flashing.
The small girl only slowed her excited pace when she approached the foyer. Cautiously, she peered into the room through the wooden double doors. Her father sometimes spent his afternoons in there and she knew how he felt about her little trips outside. She had to avoid him at all costs.
Now though, the setee and arm chairs sat empty. The only sound coming from inside was the hush of the wind as it blew in through the open glass door, the curtains billowing, waving her forward. Elmira grinned happily at the sight, her green eyes sparkling, and she wasted no time in running to the door.
It was a curious thing. Every time she took off on one of her escapades, she always found the door open and waiting for her. She remembered her mother telling her that strange things might start happening to her. Maybe a book falling off a shelf or sparks shooting from her fingertips, any sign of magic, but it seemed like she had a particular proclivity for opening doors…
No doubt that was a strange skill, but Elmira didn't care in the least. If it could get her out of her house, she loved it.
It was hard to hold in her excitement as she ran outside. The Avery family had a very large and very beautiful garden that stretched as far as she could see. Granted that wasn't very far since she was a very small little girl, but she knew that her garden was special. Flowers of every sort peeked out from the green hills while wild cherry trees hugged the pathways, littering the stones with their white blossoms and serving as excellent shields to hide her from her father's eyes.
When she was far enough from the house to know that no one could hear her, Elmira let out a string of giggles. The sun felt marvelous on her skin, warming her like a hug, and she couldn't help the small skip in her step.
Out of all the lovely places in the garden, Elmira loved the fountain the most. It sat in the exact middle of the property, surrounded entirely by juniper bushes and tall aspen trees. The only way to it was through a small opening between the trees and, once inside, there was a world all its own. No one could see in or out, creating a deliciously isolated atmosphere as the sunlight beamed down through the leaves overhead. Though it was a large space, the fountain took up most of the area. It was large and filled with water so clear it couldn't exist other than through magic; not even one stray leaf could be found floating there. A wide basin sat in the middle of the fountain, constantly trickling water down into the pool underneath and creating small, tranquil ripples on the water.
Though the place was beautiful, Elmira didn't care much for aesthetics. No, that wasn't why she loved her fountain.
After pulling her dress off a branch it had caught on, she shoved her way through the entrance and hurried behind the fountain. It was almost unnoticeable, but one particular juniper bush stuck out further from the others. Elmira plopped herself down on her knees in front of it and leaned forward, grinning wildly.
"You can come out now." She coaxed, "It's just me."
Her green eyes darted excitedly from side to side as she watched the bush. She had to wait a few moments, but slowly the leaves began to move and a small, leafy creature peeped its head out from its hiding place. It blended into the bush so well that Elmira didn't notice it at first, but once she did she eagerly lifted her palm toward it.
"Hi, Trucks!" She exclaimed, leaning forward to see better, "Did you miss me?"
The little bowtruckle nodded its head and happily jumped into Elmira's hand. Her fingers carefully cupped her friend in her palm and brought him close to her face, her eyes almost crossing as she peered at him.
"I'm so happy to see you, Trucks! You don't know how long I've wanted to come visit you. I'm sorry it took me so long, but mummy and daddy don't know about you and they don't really like me to be out here. Daddy says its unbe-unbecumin of a young lady, but I managed to sneak out just for you!"
Despite Elmira's rush of words, the bowtruckle nodded along with her as she spoke.
The girl's smile grew wider and she carefully kissed him on top of his head. He made a small chirping sound as she did which only made her laugh.
"I hope you've been okay out here all by yourself." Elmira said, falling backwards to lean against the fountain, "I know it's been cold for a long time."
The bowtruckle nodded again before erupting into a string of high pitch chatter. Though Elmira had no idea what he was saying, she nodded along dutifully like she had seen her mother do countless times.
"Well I'm glad you're okay." She said once he had finished, offering him a bright smile.
"I've been pretty lonely without you, Trucks. Daddy keeps bringing his friends over. Bash thinks they're cool, but I think they're scary…"
Elmira drifted off, a far away look in her eyes. She remembered when she used to like being around her big brother. Where ever she was, he was there too, holding her hand and talking to her and always the first one to come running if she fell. He was so confident and she thought he knew everything. Now though, he didn't seem to have time for her anymore and even if he did, he too often scared her. He was becoming more and more like her father every day. She missed him.
The bowtruckle in her hand noticed the sad look on his friend's face and he leaned on her thumb. His leafy arms wrapped around it in a comforting hug, rubbing his head against her skin gently. Elmira shook her head at the feeling, clearing it, and smiled at the small creature.
"I don't know what I'd do without you, Trucks." She said softly, "You're my very best friend in the whole world."
"Who are you talking to?"
Elmira jumped at the voice.
She scrambled to hide Trucks, shoving her hands behind her and clapping them together so he was safely out of sight.
"No one!"
She jumped up so her back was to the juniper bush. It was difficult to plaster a nonchalant look on her face since her heart was beating so hard, but she managed it surprisingly well.
"Don't lie to me, Mira." Her brother said, rolling his eyes obnoxiously. Though they had both inherited their mother's kind, green eyes, hers were honest where Bastian's were deceiving. His kindness was superficial and never seemed to last very long.
"I'm not stupid. I know you don't talk to yourself."
The way he looked at her made her blush in embarrassment. Other than his blonde hair, Bastian looked just like their father. Tall and hulking and always looking down at her over his nose. Whenever he looked at her, his eyes stared unblinkingly, making her feel small, as if he could immediately see all her faults and failures.
"I-I talk to myself now." Elmira stammered, looking at the ground, "I can start, you know."
Bastian didn't say anything, but he came to stand right in front of her. She slowly lifted her head to see him still looking at her with that piercing gaze.
"Hand it over." He said, holding his hand out in an irritated manner.
Elmira clasped her hands tighter together behind her and stepped back from him.
"Why should I?" She exclaimed hotly, "You're not the boss of me!"
"I'm older than you, Elmira. You have to do what I say."
"You're only one year older! And don't call me that. You're not dad."
The siblings stared at each other in angry silence, neither moving but both of them glaring openly.
"Fine." Bastian lowered his hand and smiled at her in a way that made her nervous, "If you're not going to give it to me, I'll just take it then."
"No!"
He launched himself at her, grabbing her arm forcefully. Her hands were ripped away from each other and she immediately closed the fist that held Trucks, which luckily wasn't the one her brother had a hold of.
Bastian clawed at her hand, trying to open it, and Elmira tried desperately to stretch her other arm out to reach the juniper bush. If she could get Trucks back there, then everything would be fine.
Though she tried to keep her hand closed, Bastian was stronger than her. It didn't take him long to force her fingers apart. He growled lowly when he saw that it was empty and whipped his head up to see her reaching toward the juniper bush. Quicker than she could think, he grabbed her other arm.
"No, Bash! Please!" She yelled, frightened, as he got closer to Trucks.
"If you had just given it to me, this wouldn't have happened!"
"But you'll kill him! I know you will!"
Tears pooled in her eyes as she tried desperately to yank her arm out of her brother's hands. Her words didn't seem to have any effect on him. He continued to claw at her, his nails piercing her tender skin.
"I won't let you hurt him!"
With strength she didn't know she possessed, she shoved her brother squarely in the chest. He stumbled backwards clumsily and released her arm.
Elmira sprang into action the second she was free and quickly ran to the juniper bush. She opened her hand to reveal a slightly crumpled and shaking Trunks.
"Go!" She yelled, shoving her hand into the bush, "You need to hide!"
She felt her friend jump out of her hand at the same moment she felt her brother's hands slam onto her shoulders. He pulled her backward roughly, but she spun around and pushed him back.
"No!" She screamed, tears streaming down her cheeks, "He's gone now! Leave him alone!"
Bastian glared at her, his blonde hair ruffled from their tussle, and made a move toward the bush but Elmira moved into his path instinctively, blocking his way. The furious look he gave her almost made her cower in fear, but she stood tall, balling her hands into tight fists.
"Oh, you're going to fight me now are you, Mira?" Bastian said hotly, giving her an incredulous look.
"Mmhm." She nodded her head weakly, the tears still pouring from her eyes.
He glared at her for a few more moments, the pair frozen in a tense stand-off, before he gave a frustrated sigh. Some of the tension eased from his body as he ran a hand through his hair, but the angry look in his eyes was still there.
"Stop crying, will you?" He demanded.
She sniffled, watching him closely in case he tried to get to Trunks again.
"Really. You're making yourself look a mess."
In a slightly agitated manner, he fished a rag from his pocket and thrust his arm out toward her.
She eyed him cautiously, "You're not trying to trick me, are you?"
He rolled his eyes and shoved the offered rag further toward her.
"No." He said, "I'm just tired of looking at your snotty face."
Elmira frowned but slowly took the rag from him. Still watching him, she blew her nose. The loud blast would've made her giggle if she had been anywhere else, but she remained stoic and wiped at her cheeks until they were dry.
"Good." Bastian took the rag from her hands as soon as she finished, "Father wants us to come inside. We're supposed to meet some people."
Elmira sniffled, wiping at her face with her arm, "Are they scary people again?"
"No, Mira. They're not scary." He sighed, rolling his eyes, "They're never scary."
"Maybe not to you."
"You just need to grow up a little. You'll be fine then."
He started walking toward the open space in the trees and Elmira hurried to catch up with him.
"Mummy's afraid of them too, I think, and she's a grown up."
"She's not afraid." Bastian frowned as he pushed himself through the trees, "Did she say she was?"
Elmira shook her head and followed him through, "No. But her eyes always look different when daddy's friends come over. They're not happy anymore."
He laughed at that, "That's not because she's scared, Mira. She just knows what's expected of her. We have to act a certain way around certain people, that's all."
Elmira frowned as they walked through the gardens. She knew she should believe her brother, he would never lie to her, but she just knew there was more to it than that.
As each step brought her closer to her house, she felt more and more nervous. Soon, her brother's broad back was a significant distance away from her as she slowed down, almost stopping on the path.
"You wouldn't let me go see bad people, would you, Bash?" She asked, her little forehead creased in worry.
Bastian chuckled as he turned toward his sister. Looking at her then, she looked very small. Her dark hair was frizzy and messy, her boots covered in mud, and her green eyes looked at him with so much trust it made him nervous. In two strides, he came to stand beside her and took her hand into his.
"No, Mira. I wouldn't let bad people anywhere near you." He said, giving her hand a squeeze and leading her down the path, "Father says that these people are good, so they must be. And even if they weren't, you'd have him and me to protect you. There's nothing to worry about."
Elmira gave him the most brilliant smile he had ever seen.
It had been awhile since Bastian had talked to her so kindly and, in that moment, she wasn't worried at all about anything. All the fears she had earlier about losing her brother disappeared.
"Thanks, Bash." She said, swinging their arms, "You're the best big brother in the whole world."
The older boy chuckled lightly as he watched her, "I know."
The warm feeling Elmira had was short lived.
As soon as she and Bastian walked into the foyer of their house, they were greeted by the cold presence of their father.
"I thought I told you to be quick." The intimidating man said, his voice sounding flat.
Bastian looked at the ground and mumbled an apology. Elmira held onto his hand firmer, trying to comfort him.
"Elmira. What have you done to your clothes?"
She froze as her father turned his attention to her. His dark eyes stared into her, his chiseled features looking more severe than normal. When she didn't answer right away, he straightened up to stand even taller than he already was. It seemed like his hulking form blocked out the light.
"This is unacceptable, young lady." He said, "Go find your mother so she can find you something appropriate to wear."
Elmira nodded her head once before hurrying out of the room. She wanted to run but she knew better than to do that.
As she passed the dining hall, she heard the murmur of voices and, thinking her mother might be inside, peaked her head in. She soon found that that was a mistake.
Dozens of men sat around the Avery's expansive dining table. Most wore black robes and gave off a dangerous air that immediately made Elmira nervous. She looked around the room and noticed that the men were listening attentively to a man who sat at the head of the table. As soon as Elmira's eyes landed on him, the hairs on her arms stood on end and her breath caught in her throat.
She knew her brother said these people weren't scary, but he was wrong about this man. Very, very wrong. Whoever he was, he was pale, almost ghostly pale, and his eyes were a sinister shade of crimson. He had no hair on his head, almost like a snake, and every word he spoke was drawn out, deliberate.
Elmira had never been more afraid in her life.
She was about to run as far away as she could when the snake man's eyes fell on her. All thoughts except fear left her and she froze under his red gaze. His lips curled up as he stared at her, not blinking.
"My dear, Elmira Avery." He said, his voice cold and hissing, "Come in. Come in."
Something about his words told her he wasn't asking.
Her legs moved forward on their own, her heart pounding in her throat as she wrung her hands in front of her. Right as she stepped through the threshold, she felt a small pang on the right side of her head. She knew she shouldn't stop walking, but she looked to the right and there, against the wall, was her mother.
Larissa Avery stood very still, her back rim-rod straight and her beautiful face frozen in cool indifference. She looked picture perfect, not one blonde hair out of place as she held her head high, looking forward. On the surface, she looked almost cruel, uncaring, but Elmira saw how her green eyes followed her as she walked, fear hiding behind her mask.
Elmira tried to keep eye contact with her mother as long as she could but she eventually came to stand in front of the snake man. The air around him felt cold and empty. The last thing she wanted was to look at him, but her parents had taught her her manners and she knew she had to.
Timidly, she raised her eyes to meet his. Eyes like blood stared back at her.
"It seems that you were not prepared to meet me." He said, slight mocking in his tone though his gaze remained intense.
The men in the room snickered.
"That is no trouble though," he continued, "you are young. There is still time to learn and learn you shall. I trust your parents are teaching you well?"
Elmira swallowed the lump in her throat, "Yes, sir."
"Mmm, very good. Tell me child, what do you plan to do when you're older?"
Elmira froze for a moment, unsure why a man so scary was asking her about her life. It seemed very strange and she didn't know what to do. She felt her body growing hotter by the second.
"Come, come," the snake man said, growing impatient, "What is it that you want to do?"
"I-I don't know sir." She stuttered as a line of sweat appeared on her forehead. She tried to think of what her brother would say...
"I'm sure my parents will help me with that when I'm old enough."
That seemed to satisfy the man because he hummed in appreciation.
"That is very true, Elmira." He said, "I trust your parents to guide you in the correct path as I am confident they will."
She nodded tersely and her vision blackened with the movement. Her hands felt clammy. For a second, she was worried that she would fall over but a warm hand gripped her shoulder and pulled her backward.
"My lord," Larissa Avery's cool voice sounded from behind Elmira, "I believe that my daughter is unwell. She was ill this morning and we thought it had passed, though it seems we were wrong."
Elmira frowned through the haze in her brain. She didn't remember being sick today…
"Yes. It seems that she is quite weak." The snake man's hissing voice echoed and she felt a freezing hand grip her face, squeezing both of her cheeks almost painfully.
"I sense a fever." He said, releasing her face, "You may leave to take care of her, Larissa. I am quite satisfied with her at the moment. You and Thanatos have done well. I look forward to meeting young Bastian later."
"Thank you, my lord. It pleases me to hear that."
Elmira felt her mother guiding her out of the room all of a sudden, though it was a blur to her. She was vaguely aware of the large doors closing behind them when she was whisked off her feet. It startled her for a moment, but the familiar smell of vanilla and almonds soothed her as she realized she was in her mother's arms.
"You're alright, darling." She whispered, as she frantically ran her hand over her daughter's hair, "You're alright. I've got you."
Elmira let out a small whimper and gripped her mother's dress in her fists. She didn't let go even as she was laid in her bed. The warmth of the blankets didn't match the warmth of her mother.
"Don't worry, sweetheart, you can let go. I'll stay right here with you. There's nothing to be afraid of."
Slowly, the little girl loosened her hold on her mother. Blankets were pulled over her in the few seconds that her mother was absent, before she was pulled into another embrace. The two lay there, holding onto each other in the darkness of Elmira's room and all was quiet. Elmira almost forgot that there were other people in her house, but every so often there was soft chatter from downstairs. She tried to listen to her mother's breathing instead. In and out. In and out.
Suddenly, her mother started muttering something and the haze in Elmira's head cleared. The heat that was flaring through her body slowly disappeared. All the pain subsided and she felt just like she had when she woke up that morning. Well, almost like she had. The only difference now was the fear.
"Who was that man, mummy?" Her voice came out so quietly she was worried that her mother hadn't heard. She was about to ask again, when her mother's arms tightened around her.
"Don't worry about him right now, Mira."
There was a finality to her voice that made Elmira not want to ask any more questions, but a horrible thought suddenly popped into her head.
"Is he a bad man?" She asked, her voice shaking.
Her mother took a shuddering breath before she sat up, holding Elmira by the shoulders. Their identical eyes stared into each other and Elmira was startled to see her mother look so… unhinged. Usually Larissa Avery was the picture of perfection. Always poised and coolly collected. Right now, though, she was vulnerable. Her brow furrowed as she gazed at her daughter, clear distress on her face.
Elmira's eyes filled with tears at the sight.
"Listen to me, Elmira." Her mother said, shaking her lightly, "I grew up just like you in a family just like ours. Everything was planned out for me, how I would act, who I would see, who I would marry, who I would be, and I never questioned it. Not once. But you're different, so different, and I couldn't be prouder. You're everything I wish I could be. You question everything and you know what's right without anyone having to tell you."
She lifted a slender hand to wipe away her daughter's tears.
"One day, you'll find out about all of this," she continued, waving her hand weakly in the air, "a-and you might hate me, you might hate all of us, but I promise that I will do everything in my power to protect you. You're going to grow up strong and brave and you'll fight for what's right. I'm sure of it. So, don't worry about anything, alright? I've got you and I'm not letting go."
Elmira nodded, tears in her eyes, but she trusted her mother more than anything. She wrapped her arms around her neck and buried her face in her shoulder. Her mother's arms covered her as she lay back on the bed, running a soothing hand through Elmira's hair.
They laid there, holding each other, the sound of the men's voices occasionally echoing through the room. Even still, Elmira wasn't afraid. Her mother and the darkness wrapped around her like a blanket and she felt like no one, not her father, not even the snake-man, would ever be able to find her. Slowly and peacefully, her eyes fluttered closed.
As she drifted off to sleep, she heard her mother whisper very softly, her voice strong and sure, "One day, you'll give them all hell."