An Alternate Universe

By: Final Serenity

---- A Daughters Love ----

----------------------------------

Chapter Three: Worries of Life


"Oh mama don't you think so too?" her mouth was wide and eyes big as she scooted under the covers a sniffle coming from her nose as she covered a sneeze.

"Yes I do," Almera smiled softly at her daughter before folding the top of the quilt then tucking the side in. "All of my daughters look beautiful with curled hair."

"But mama I mean her hair bounces and bounces," she motioned an up and down wave with her hands. "It's so soft and curly! Aeris has the prettiest hair!"

"Ha," nodding in agreement the mother of the girl quietly bent over to kiss her forehead; she didn't show the concern she had at the heated skin that plagued her daughter…a fever. "Now it is time for rest darling, so you can feel all better."

"Mama when I am all better can I have curly hair too?" Marlene yawned before sinking back into her pillow. "Mary too she wants curly hair too."

"We'll see my darling, we'll see."

With a final farewell kiss she stood and strung her finger in the candle plate; quietly closing the door she sighed and touched the wooden slab. "Please goddesses…please bless my daughter, have her get better soon…"

Shaking her head she wiped her eyes of the impending tears and turned to start heading for the stairs; she stopped only as she saw her daughter at the base of the steps a basket in her arms.

"Mother," Tifa stated as she took a step forward. "I shall do the picking today, you must rest."

Almera's head tilted to the side her face slightly quizzical.

Last night she and her husband discussed the very daughter that stood before her now. Her loving husband Dane had expressed his concern and also curiosity about the daughter that was closed off. He stated that for a single moment though just ever so brief he had seen that there was life behind her; that even though every day they see this stone hollow of a girl there was so much more too her.

He stated that she had shown a face of pain when her mother announced the pregnancy. That was peculiar indeed her sisters loved the idea of a new sibling especially the fact that it could be the boy that they were all waiting for. Tifa however it would seem didn't like the idea of another child; Almera could only think that Tifa felt some sort of guilt of when she had been born. It had been the hardest time in her life and a point that she had almost lost it and Tifa as well could have died but there she stood.

"Tifa," she started her words escaping her, she wasn't sure what to say to this daughter she knew nothing of. She promised herself and her husband that they would try and start making an effort to include this daughter. It had become painstakingly clear that perhaps she was so closed off because they had been busy with her other sisters…she had been caught in the middle. "Are you sure you wouldn't like some company?"

"No mother rest is best for you and the baby," she quietly stated while shifting her arm. "Marlene should need you if she wakes up and I will not be long."

"I can help I'm not far along in my pregnancy," although she stated this she couldn't help wondering if that itself had been a lie…she was tired and rest was much needed, but there were things to be done around the household.

"I finished the cleaning early and the last chore for the morning is to pick apples," her eyes shifted to the left side where the door was before returning to her mother. "It is a good time to rest while the others are away."

"Mm." she hummed while giving a lazy nod.

This was true, all the other children and her husband had left earlier in the morning for town and wouldn't be back until nightfall knowing that the girls were looking for material for the baby's blanket. Each of them were so indecisive about the whole ordeal that they would not agree on anything for hours; and Dane would probably allow the mess to continue considering the business he will be congregating with others from the village area. Here left home were Marlene, herself and Tifa who had volunteered to stay behind but that was nothing new she wasn't one for the bustling business of the village.

"I shall be going." Tifa remarked while turning on heel and heading into the kitchen.

"Tifa…" Almera whispered softly as she cupped her cheek her husband was right…that daughter was certainly different than the others.

----

Her left foot popped up as she stepped over the root her hand holding tightly to the blanket underneath her arm while she pulled her right leg over and continued on her trek.

The forest was much different during the day than at night as she so clearly could see now the tranquil lively woods she had trekked through the night before. It had beams of light through the canopies above that shot down and gave the bed of the forest a haunting golden glow. The colorful hues the large labyrinth trees had; their long tendril of branches reaching out with leafs on their ends and small animals scattered around them.

Much to her fortune it seemed that some time ago there had once been people who traveled through the forest with the same destination she desired to reach for a second time, a pathway was created though not distinctive anymore. She carefully laid the bundle blanket atop the basket when she noticed the small insects floating around; near the flowers that laden the pathways sides. They were small white little flowers that spread their tiny silk petals out; she'd seen them a few times near the farm but not in so much abundance as this.

Noises sounded through the forest, birds and small animals at the most so she decided nothing to be too worried about.

This place was far from the horror filled nightmare she had believed last night the scary wisps and howls of the wind; the night darkness peaking the chilling fear that seemed to instill into the men of the village and her self. It was easy to be deceived by the outwards appearance of the forest how its massive trees cover such a vast portion of the land; how the entire thing seemed to be filled with a ghostly darkness.

It was alright by her that such things would occur that the truth would be revealed as she happily went about her way towards the other side of the forest; to the valley.

Last night had been one of the most strenuous nights she could have possibly endured.

She decided not to think of it for now it held memories that were still just too raw to relate; what she didn't mind thinking about was the young man after all was said and done. They had entered into the valley just an hour after she had found him laying there.

The creek had a wide width around five to six yards at her best guess; with a thigh high dip in the center she had an easier time getting him across the water rather than walking with him on her back.

Her eyes peeled from the forest floor to the distance in the trees; a smile slid across her mouth as she gazed down the pathway to the opening. Is she already close to the end? Had she been so lost in thought that she hadn't realize she was coming upon her destination? She knew that the time between her and the valley wouldn't be as much without all the added weight but still…it was fairly soon.

Shifting the weight of the objects she held in her arms she wondered if it would be enough to support the young man for the time being. Inside the basket were two loafs of freshly baked bread that she had accidentally made too much of during the earlier morning breakfast. A block of cheese from their stock in the cellar though she knew her mother probably wouldn't notice she had to be cautious and make sure the block was not too big of a size. Preserves in a jar with a secure copper lid, and dried beef that she had hidden in the cellar behind the large grain barrels also stocked within her basket and a few apples she had picked this morning.

And lastly her own quilt lay bundled and folded over her arms; the stitches were golden thread and it sewn together the design of a dark blue diamond petal flower. White, gold and blue were the themes of her colors each girl in the family had specific colors designated to their person. Even their dresses were made of material with only the colors that their quilts were made of; it was a family tradition that each person was given a specific color at least until they marry.

Honestly she simply thought that it was easier for her mother to remember each girl more by color than by face as most of her family members looked very similar. Also with fatigue from a labors day of cooking, cleaning and caring for a large family colors wasn't a bad way to have reminders.

A smile crept to her mouth, an unusually giddy large smile her eyes lighting up as she walked passed the large trees that were the last bit of forest before the valley.

"Oh," once bright and happy her smile faded and her eyes quickly filled with liquid, the boy…was gone.

The valley was a beautiful natural crafted piece of land; two mountains were the sides of the valley the only spot that wasn't mountain range was the forests entrance. At least as far as she had seen last night the valley continued down further she could only assume how long it was. Figuring that the mountain was the cause of the large creek she didn't bother to investigate the surrounding area; the light had been coming soon and she had to…bandage up the poor boy.

It had been rather shocking when she first found the blood; it was all over her shirt and pants, and the young boy was bathed in it. The rain washed most of the crimson liquid off but there was still the matter of stopping the blood from continuing its flow. Being her first priority she treated the young boy as if she were treating her father; she'd watched her mother several times as the girls were instructed to in their studies of medical uses for herbs. Bandages was the second thing taught, how to cut the bandages, how tight around the wound it should be, how long before the bandages should be changed and lastly how to properly cut and tie the straps.

The young man's wounds had been fairly deep and the strips of cloth she had in her satchel hadn't been enough; she had to rip up her shirt…it was now barely something that could be called a shirt.

It was a willing sacrifice to stop the blood for the night; she didn't think her chance to come back during the day would happen at all but now that it came she wouldn't let it get away. Especially when his bandages needed to be changed as soon as possible; the most likely reason she could say why he was unconscious was loss of blood. Her mother had mentioned that losing too much blood affects people seriously they can fall asleep and never wake up…this boy…she couldn't think that it was some sort of luck she'd found him when she had.

His wounds…she had never seen anything like it before, she couldn't help but be sad for him, and also wonder what happened to him?

It wasn't her business to pry but…

Turning her head left and right she searched up and down the bank her eyes scanning every single little detail of the area. The fairly large rocks that lined the shallow area of the creek; the pebbles that rolled hither and thither and then the patches of dirt or grass that sprouted through the stone infested area. The mountain sides were steep and had several cracks and openings enough to clime through; though she doubted in his condition he would even attempt to climb such height.

In fact she was surprised he was gone at all, she figured that the strain on his wounds and at the pain he was most likely enduring how it was possible he could keep moving. Sadly she set down the basket first followed by the bundled blanket to the side; her hands smoothing it out before she stood up and took a deep breath. He couldn't have gotten far, if she ran at a good pace she could probably get half way to him or if he's collapsed again she could be there. It wouldn't be her fault…she wouldn't feel guilty about leaving him alone, about not caring for him when she was the only one who knew.

Tugging on the bow that tied her apron around her waist; she folded it quickly and placed it on the blanket. Next came the faded dark blue dress; she tugged her arms through the long sleeves with a swift movement the entire dress pulled over her head along with two white thin petty coats. Folding that much like her apron she gently settled it on the blanket and bit her bottom lip; she didn't know why but today was one of those days she wondered if she were meant to be someone else….somewhere else.

Underneath her dress instead of the young woman's attire that consisted of three thin layers of petty coat, and stockings, was something different unlike any other. She disliked everything that came along with the dress including the under parts of the ensemble; so when night came she had taken one of her petty coats and created something in the design of pants. They were white and lacy but at least they were better than the dress; they were in resemblance to pants however they had to be able to be worn underneath the dress so she had to shorten the length to around her knees.

Her arms were not covered for the shirt she wore had the sleeves cut off and the neck line dipped lower than any girl would ever dare to wear; she had made it like her fathers shirt with buttons up the front and a tie in the back to adjust the size if needed. There were ties at the bottom of the shortened pants and tied higher or lower if needed, the shirt tucked in and the only thing that wasn't pleasant of the clothes was the lace that made up most of it. Her mother insisted that even though the petty coats were not seen they should still be as beautiful as the dress that they are under and of course the girls in the family had no objections and there was only of them who gave a silent opinion that hated the idea.

Sighing she knelt down removing her worn leather shoes and faded white stockings putting them in the basket aside the dress before grabbing the basket, then stepped into the creeks shallow end and closed her eyes from the shock.

She hadn't realized the water to be so cold such as this; last night really was a blur of everything that had happened…a former shadow of what it once was.

"Cold…" she mumbled while continuing her wade into the piercing water.

Each step further into the sharp icy liquid the more she felt the cutting of winter hitting the natural balance of things. In fast approach came the season that barred the most against the humans of the world as they try to keep warm, steady and have food during the harshest season. What if the young man was still around by the time the season came…what if he was trapped into the valley with such frosted snow and unable to keep warm? Would she be able to help him still without notice of her family? Could she care for him as she intended to without striking suspicion?

Her mind halted in thought as she reached the center of the creek; the water barely beneath her undergarments, the basket held above her head. Letting out a shuddering breath she continued on her feet below skimming across numbing rocks and other sluggish things that are created in the world of water. It was a tingling feeling that spread through her legs as she quickened her step though had to be cautious of the various spots where there were larger rocks she could step on.

No use would she be if she injured herself.

Not that the young man being gone was of any thing either…still she had to be sure, absolutely sure he did not need her help.

It was the haunting thought that his life rested in her young hands; that a life of a human being really relied upon her…She had never been the spotlight of the family, never had any really big responsibilities, she just…was there. It didn't bother her as much as you may think however; because she was fairly content within the moonlit field of wheat. She enjoyed the hard labor as she worked into the night and helped the family in a way that she was actually accomplished at. Her skill with the scythe astounded her how her talent with the large blade that a grown man like her father could not use as quick and efficient as she, made her wonder.

Was her birth was meant for another purpose…that her strength and will to dream, to defy the laws that set the people apart. In the end will she be forced between the two indefinitely, will she have to choose to live in society with other peoples or will be cast out into the world to pursue her happiness of life?

She often wondered what would become of her in the years to come. What would her father do when he found out, that all the while it had been her doing everything in the night? Will he condemn her to give up such dreams before it drags their family into the nightmarish void of being shunned by all others? Or worse, would he abandon her saying she is no more part of that family than their dead cow had once been? Things like this concerned her it plagued her thoughts on how the world she loved would fall apart within just a few moments of clarity to her parents.

"His shirt…" she frowned, her legs carrying her to the other bank side and to the small indent in the stone valley wall where she had laid him to rest.

There on the ground a black lump of cloth with a few pieces of torn up dirty shirt, the once liquid blood that had drizzled from him seeped into the cloth and now was just a discolored brown. Pursing her lips she pulled the basket from atop her head and saddled it onto her side, while bending down and scooping up the black dusty material. Surprisingly something she must not have noticed as well the night before; his shirt was unusually soft for the cloth that was normally used for men attire.

Thinking for a moment she sighed while placing the basket on the highest rock and closest to the wall as she could get; then she eyed her dress for a moment before making a funny face to it and turning around. Folding her arms she tilted her head to the right side then to the left.

Which way had he gone?

Letting out a defeated breath after many minutes of hard concentrating and her mind getting a little achy from the indecision, she simply took a step to the left.

"Down seems like a better way to go." She commented to herself, it was more logical to think that he headed down river…what kind of logic she was getting it from was unknown but still she had to do something!

Bobbing her head she let a half smile cross her lips before she stopped again and swiftly went to the basket she had placed down. Slipping her hand into the woven carrier her fingers trailed across different things before it hit the strips of cloth she had brought to replace the shirt bandages, and make sure his wounds aren't getting infected.

In order to make it easier for her to carry she wrapped her apron on and set it too the side, pulling the corners through the waist wrap creating a makeshift pouch. With her knew destination set out before her she quickly started a fast pace step her arms swinging too and fro as she gained momentum. Time was of the essence, something she had been ignoring up until the point she realized the sun had moved signaling that it was an hour passed since she had been home. It would be suspicious to her mother if she were to show up later than any more of two hours, luckily she had a thought that this might happen and picked quite a bit of apples that should look like a full two hours of work.

The valley was pretty much the same as you continued on the southern route, the other side of the bank where she had come from was covered by the vast forest acting as the wall and mountain range was the stone wall on the other. It had rocks the size of cows and bigger, she had various encounters with boulders far larger than her father standing at his full height.

Her eyes widened as she gazed further ahead, twenty yards down the river path was a massive rock pile. Taking a quick glance to the side of the large mountain she saw a large hole seeming to be the culprit in supplying the quantity of rocks. She dashed frantically towards the pile when she had caught an unusual color of something bunched up on the ground.

This definitely wasn't good, not the rocks those she could handle, it was…

"More bandages…" she knelt down and picked up the shirt pieces, they were still tied together so either he slipped them off or they fell off. "Oh no!" her hand clutched the cloth tighter as she gave it little regard and darted up the pile of rocks.

She slipped and fell several times getting nicks and cuts all over her though she had little care for them; all that mattered was the small cloth in her hand that still had fresh blood on it. The young man couldn't be far, not if there was still the smooth liquid all over the cloth and sure enough as she reached the peak of the large stone mound. She saw there at the base a body quivering to keep steady; the shaking was evident and if she didn't know better her ears picked up a slight gasping sound.

All common thought flew from her mind as she nearly leapt from the highest stone down to the young man; she could barely remember calling out to him….

But something she did see as her legs carried her down the stones, was as the young man turned his head with great difficulty…was his eyes.

Those enchanting capturing sapphire eyes…