My Daughter's Eyes

~*~

In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daughter's eyes

- My Daughter's Eyes- Martina McBride


"Mommy, look I found another one!"

Savyna looked up and saw her daughter holding up a seashell in her hand, smiling as she held her pail in the other hand. A wave of water splashed at her tiny feet and the little girl giggled as she backed away from the water.

"Excellent, Marina, honey!" smiled the mother, sitting on the picnic cloth as she arranged the snacks.

Marina strode into the ocean, reaching her hand into the water as she picked up shinny rocks and shells. Her daughter was eight years old, going on nine in a few months. The girl was the splitting image of her mother, having her dark raven hair and facial shape, yet had her father's deep chestnut eyes. She also had the tan of a typical Diadem citizen.

She was such a tiny thing when she was born... thought Savyna as Marina dived her face into the water.

At first, raising Marina was awkward for Savyna. She thought that Marina might crumble in her care. With the help of Anna and Gibari's supporting words, Marina was well brought up and successfully reared. Marina had Gibari's brashness, which made Savyna love her even more.

Watching Marina munch on her sandwich, Savyna smiled as she saw the little girl's cheeks puff as she chewed.

She'll have to find out soon...

Savyna winched and shook her head, trying to get that thought out of her mind.

It was true and inevitable. Marina was going to have to learn about her disgraceful deeds as Lady Death one day. One thing in her mind was certain: will Marina be ashamed of her and won't acknowledge her as her mother anymore? The risk of telling Marina was too great, that it would tear Savyna apart if her daughter rejected her.

"Your father will be coming in from the fishing," began Savyna. "Want to go see him?"

A pair of eyes lit up. "Yes, yes, yes!"

The two packed up the picnic and began to walk to the city square. Marina skipped enthusiastically, humming a tune while she walked.

"It'll love you for you... I'm sure it will!"

"Are... are you sure?" the expecting woman rasped, holding back a sob.

A smile was across his face. "It's part of me, too... and I love you!"

The woman buried herself in her husband's arms. The couple embraced each other, holding on to each other for what seemed like a long time.

"I wouldn't be more proud that you're the mother of my child, Savyna... It'll love you... I know it!"

"Daddy!"

The fishermen scooped up his daughter, whirling her around and placing her on his shoulders.

"Hey, I just got a letter from Kalas and Xelha in Wazn! They want us to visit them. Do you think we should go?"

Marina was a happy girl. Gibari was affectionate and fulfilled his duty as a husband very well.

Gibari loved her for her. Wouldn't her own daughter do the same?

No matter what... thought Savyna. I think Marina will still love me, no matter what I am. But not now... probably when she's older.

"Yes... I think it's about time."


I know it's hard
But you've broken all my walls...
You've been my strength, so strong

And don't ask me why I love you
It's obvious your tenderness
Is what I need to make me
a better woman to myself
to myself, myself
You're gonna save me from myself

- Save Me From Myself - Christina Aguilera