Personally, this would have been better posted on February 1st, but I'm not going to make you guys wait that long. At the same time, we will never know any of these characters' real birthday. Anyway, enjoy.
Chapter 9: Your New Birthday
Three years have passed and quickly approaching was Brigid's tenth birthday. It was a special day that the girl was too excited to sleep. It was also evident that the girl grew into a lovely young maiden. She now wears dresses that has a bit more darker shades of green compared to the light green she wore as a child. Dressed in middle sleeves, dark Peridot green corset and forest green overskirt over the first glittering black with gold trims, Brigid put on long white socks and green slippers before putting on a new tiara. She quickly brushed her hair as she looked at the mirror. Her hair has out grown, reaching mid-back. Putting down the brush, the girl took a purple ribbon and tied it into a bow in front of the neckline.
In the early morning, she sneaked out of the palace to the Flower Meadow. It was her tenth birthday, so she could have a little fun. Despite it was technically still winter, because of the barrier, some patches of snow landed on the ground. At the same time, the barrier also keep out the cold, which allows flowers to blossom. As Brigid sat down in the field of flowers, picking the plants, she wasn't aware that someone was watching her from the dark. He has been secretly watching. Despite he can't get through, he was at least grateful to catch a glimpse of his daughter from time to time.
"Happy birthday, my little hope." Nuada smiled fondly at the girl, "She has grown up to look so much like you, Wanda."
He continued to watched over her. Despite seeing his daughter in joy made him happy that she was doing okay, it also made him feel sad. Was she happy here? Did King Henryk raised her well? The Daemon Prince started to frown. What if she doesn't want to go back home? What if this is her home now? What he wants started to conflict with the possibilities of what his daughter wants. Of course, he wants her to be happy, but he also wants her to come back to Solwood.
'Maybe... Maybe, we can think of a compromise, Henryk.' he thought.
He continues to watch as his daughter was picking flowers to make crowns out of them. Oh, there were so many to choose from! Picking pink, orange, yellow, and white, the Salt Princess had the flowers in her skirt as she started to pick blue, green, and purple ones. Eventually, the darken sky slowly brighten up. Rays of the sun split the dark blue colors. Humming happily, Brigid kept on picking flowers and connecting them to her crown. Lost in happy thoughts, she continued humming a melody until she paused.
Strange. Where had she heard that melody before? Sadly, she still doesn't remember. Everything about her past was a blur. Maybe it came from a song she heard somewhere? Shaking her head, she resumed working. Warm colors for Serafina and cool colors for Mercy.
After some time, her guards finally caught up with her. They looked exhausted and who could blamed them? On the day of their little sister's birthday, they find her room empty with no trace. Alarmed, the Royal Guards were in a state of panic that early morning as they searched everywhere in the palace to find their Princess missing. Having finally found her, they have a few words they'd like to say.
"Princess, do not leave in the earliest of mornings ever again." Mercy half scolded between breaths. "We were really worried about you!"
"Sorry..." the girl answered sheepishly.
"Anyway... Happy birthday, Princess Brigid." Serafina smiled.
"Aw, thank you very much, Sera." Brigid replied as she resumed with her flower crowns.
The guards looked at one another for a minute before turning their attention back at the girl.
"Princess, you should return home before your father becomes as worried as us." Mercy suggested.
"She's right. After all, today is your birthday." the older sister agrees.
The Princess slightly frowned as she continued to work. She was well aware that Serafina would call her by her name, but never in front of Mercy when it was the three of them. The older sister was worried that Mercy would reprehend her for being "disrespectful". Only when it was the two of them or with Mercy alone, would Serafina drop the formalities.
"Serafina, Mercy, why do you refer me as 'Princess'? We're friends, after all, and you're my sisters. Just call me 'Brigid', like you normally do."
"It's not polite if we addressed you otherwise, Princess." Mercy insisted.
The girl sighed as she slumped quietly... Until she has an idea.
With an impish smile, the girl replied, "Very well, then I would like to proclaim my first official order as the Grak Princess. Serafina, Mercy, you two are to call me by my name and only my name when we're together. If there happens to be an occasion that specifically request formalities, then you shall address me by the title. Is that understood?"
"Y-Yes, Princess."
"No, you got it wrong, Mercy! It's Brigid!" the girl giggled.
"R-Right..."
"As you wish, Brigid." Serafina gave a bow, also taking her hat off.
Giving Brigid a kiss on the hand, the older sister is gifted with a flower crown of sunset color on her head. Mercy simply watched until the Princess turned her attention towards her. With the most cheerful smile ever, the girl gave her a flower crown.
"Thank you... Brigid." Mercy replied.
Delighted at being called by her name, the girl giggled before hugging her sisters, "This is the best present ever."
As the sisters make their way back to the palace, a thought suddenly came into Brigid's mind. She stops and turned around to face the Royal Guards, startling the sisters.
"Sera, Merce, when is your birthday?"
Looking at her older sister, Mercy answered with her own question, "Why do you ask, Brigid?"
"We've been together for a long time, but... I've never seen you two celebrate your birthdays at all. Not even once." the Princess pointed out.
The guards were surprised. They didn't expect a question like that so suddenly.
After some silence have passed, it was Serafina who answered, "We don't know."
"I don't think we even have a birthday." Mercy respond.
"So... You never have presents before?" the child asked, feeling a little sorry.
"No." both sisters confirmed.
"Then can we make up a birthday?" Brigid's eyes widen as she became excited.
"Sure...?" Mercy replied uncertainly.
Jumping up and down, full of joy, the girl immediately declared, "Well then, from this point forward, your birthday is going to be on the same day as mine on February first. Happy Birthday, Serafina, Mercy!"
The sisters had a puzzled and confused looked on their face until it eventually turned into a warm smile as Brigid turned around. In her rush, however, she nearly tripped.
"Brigid!" Serafina exclaimed, catching the girl before she could reach the ground. "Are you okay?"
"What happened?" Mercy wondered.
"I-I don't know. I suddenly feel tired all of the sudden." Brigid respond, feeling confused herself.
"I think you shouldn't sneak out in the morning or else you'll become tired." Mercy insisted. "Let's go."
At the dining room, Mercy and Serafina were astound. They have seen what humans do on their birthdays, but this year seemed to be more extravagant. Then again, all the previous celebrations weren't celebrated largely because of the other traditions. They say the tenth birthday was special too... From this room alone, many decorations hung around the walls, so many vibrant colors. The table has so much food and desserts that is looked grand for a big feast!
"I've never seen this much food on the table before, more than a regular feast." Serafina mused.
"It's a joyous event, Serafina. Of course, the table will be filled with this much food." Mercy replied, feeling a little exasperated by her older sister's antics.
"If you say so." the older sister simply shrugged off the remark.
As a cooking servant came out with a small cake, Serafina immediately got taken in by the sweet smell. From the scent, the Royal Guard can tell that the dessert has many mix of other pleasant smells. Even from the look, she could tell that the cake was going to be good.
A mischievous smile spread on her face as the three of them were getting closer to the table. Barely passing by the dessert, Serafina tried to take a frosted cherry, but Mercy - having saw her older sister eyeing the cake - swat her hand away.
"Ow! What was that for?!" Serafina hissed quietly so Brigid wouldn't hear.
"The cake is made for Brigid. You can't eat that until she has her first slice!" Mercy scolded in a whisper. "Besides, it's not even the birthday cake."
A sly smile spread on Serafina's face as she gave her younger sister an amusing look, "Oh, I see Brigid is starting to break the ice."
"Oh, you!" the younger Royal Guard hit her older sister in the arm.
Serafina laughed teasingly before joining Brigid followed by Mercy afterwards.
After some time, the sisters parted and went their separate halls. Brigid was very excited and upon entering her room, she immediately started to work. It was so exciting! To share her birthday with her sisters. However, the Salt Princess didn't really know what to give to her precious Royal Guards. She never have given much even though she really wanted to. In her room, the girl was pondering over what to do before looking outside her window. Seeing the Old Town from her balcony, the girl smiled for an idea has come into mind.
Meanwhile, Serafina and Mercy were in the Fire Room, figuring on the same problem. They didn't know what to give to her. Or rather, they didn't know what to make to give to her. After a long time of pondering on what Brigid would like for her tenth birthday, Serafina came up with an idea.
"We can make little dolls of ourselves and Brigid."
"That's a good idea, but we will probably need something to keep the dolls in place. Otherwise, the Prince - I mean Brigid might lose them despite her tidiness." Mercy counters.
"Good point." the older Royal Guard suddenly paused, "Um... What are we going to use to make the dolls?"
"We could use magic."
"Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of a birthday present?"
"...Well, why not use magic for our dolls and make Brigid's doll by hand?" the younger sister suggest.
"I guess it will have to do. This is our first time making a present for Brigid..." Serafina reluctantly agreed.
Making a small doll version of themselves were easy and didn't take much time. It looked exactly like them. When it comes with Brigid's doll and the stage, the sisters divided the work. Serafina took charge in building the stage while Mercy worked on the Princess Doll. With more time, it resembles more like Brigid now. At least, to Mercy, the doll was more like a flower ready to bloom.
"Haa...!"
Suddenly, a sharp gasp escapes from her mouth as Mercy grasped at her heart gem. Serafina, having heard of the discomforting sound, glanced over her shoulders to see her sister slumped over.
Concerned, the older sister inquired, "Mercy, are you okay?"
"Y-Yeah..." she turned around to give a smile, although it looked awry. As the pain returned, she tried to keep the pain in her voice from escaping to spare Serafina of her worries. "I-I'll be right back!"
"W-Wait! Mercy!" Serafina stood up from her seat, but Mercy had already left the room.
Hastily, she tried to get away as far as possible. Allowing her body to melt into a swirl of water, she quickly travel pass hallways and around corners until she reached her Snow Room. Entering the double doors, Mercy materialized and shut the doors before leaning her back against it. Looking at her chest, she could see her core glowing a faint blue light. It was beating heavily again. Alone in her room, Mercy rested her head against the door as she tried to bear with the pain for a while, waiting for it to subsided. It was an agonizing ten minutes until the pain went away.
Gasping for air, Mercy began to feel light headed. Sweating from her hot face, she can feel her body overheating. It wasn't long until her legs gave out on her and she collapse on her knee.
'I can't think about Brigid too often. If I do, Meranda would be winning this battle against me within my inner turmoil.' she thought. 'What should I do?'
Looking up at her reflection in a mirror, the water doll realizes something. Getting up and running towards the mirror, she got a closer look at her reflection. What if... It wasn't with herself she is fighting against? What if Meranda isn't really her enemy? If that's the case, then the real enemy she is fighting against is...
Meanwhile, aware that the Royal Guards were busy in their room, Brigid sneaks out of the palace once again. This time, she went to the town. Wearing a simple cloak and servant's clothing so no one from the palace will recognize her, the Princess left the Grak Palace again. If she doesn't get caught leaving, perhaps her sisters won't get blamed by her father. Besides, she wasn't going to leave for long. Just enough to find what she wants.
Taking her chances in the Old Town, Brigid began asking a few villagers her question. Alas, some answers didn't help. Some villagers were either busy or paid her no mind. She didn't blame them. After all, she was dressed like a common servant of the palace. Then again, the girl didn't mind. She was glad to not be paid attention at. However, she really need to find an answer soon. Sighing, the girl sat down at the edge of the fountain, pondering on what to do now.
"Is something the matter?" a voice asked.
Turning to the sound of the voice, Brigid found a poor fruit seller.
"Oh, I've asked many villagers what present I should get for people I care for." Brigid explains.
"A present? Is it someone's birthday?"
"It's their first time celebrating." the girl replied. "But I don't know what to give them."
"I can give you an idea." the woman suggest. "And I can tell you where to find it."
The kind old woman urged for the Princess to come closer. Interested, Brigid move further as the woman lean over and whispered something into her ear. After she finished, Brigid felt this satisfying feeling.
"Dziękuję, dobra pani." she thanked.
"To nie problem. A pleasure helping the Princess." the old woman winked.
Brigid thanked the woman again and was about to turn to leave, but she stopped. Glancing over her shoulder, she could see that the woman looked very poor. Apparently, she is taking care of her family since three young children came huddling around her. Feeling pity for her, the Salt Princess called out for her attention before summoning a few salt dragonflies. When the old woman cupped her hand, the dragonflies dissolved into a pile of salt. Hopefully with this, the woman can sell the salt for anything she or the children want.
Satisfied, she returned home. Well... Not exactly. There was a slight detour she will have to go first before returning to the Grak Palace. On her way, Brigid thought back over the years. From what memories served her, over the years, she has always wondered when were her sisters' birthday. You would think that over these six years, she would have asked, but the thought never cross her mind.
She would have thought that one day, they would exclaim that its their birthday, but they never did. Reminiscing over the past, Brigid remembered that she would always sneak out early to search for materials to make her sisters' their birthday presents. She would work on it, gathering the necessary items, but never had the chance to give them their gift. But today is going to be different. It may be simple, but it will contain six years of love. Of course, she'll have to get the necessary requirements she need.
Carefully entering the Salt Mine, Brigid travel further deep to find what she needs. Normally, salt can be found very easily near the surface. However, further down the mines, one might be able to find crystals and minerals other than salt. Lucky for her, she won't have to travel too deep within the mines. Very soon, it didn't took long for her to successfully retrieve what she needed. Leaving the Salt Mine, the Princess made her way back home. As she was sneaking back to her room, Brigid noticed the door to Serafina's Fire Room opened.
Taking a peek, she saw Serafina tinkering with something. She was sitting on a stool, building some sort of stage. After a while, the Princess notice a trail of water heading toward the Fire Room. Aware that the watery swirls was Mercy, Brigid hid as her sister passed her, entering the room. Once she knew that she hasn't been spotted, the girl resume to secretly peek on her sisters.
"Where did you go?" Serafina questioned, concerned about the way Mercy had left earlier.
"I had to check something." Mercy answered.
'She's clearly isn't telling the truth...' Brigid thought. 'But I don't think she is lying either.'
Apparently, Serafina was being skeptic with that answer. Turning around to fully faced her sister, the older Royal Guard had her arms crossed, looking at Mercy with a quizzical look.
"Are you really sure? You sounded like something was wrong."
"It doesn't matter." Mercy tried to get the subject dropped. "How are you doing with Brigid's present?"
Serafina gave one last look before sighing, "Well, I'm nearly finished with the stage..."
Trying to take her prying eyes away from the scene, Brigid started to tiptoe away from the door. She didn't want to hear or see anymore of what her sisters are trying to make. Finally reaching her room, the Salt Princess locked her door and began to make her present. Time has passed. Although Brigid hadn't look up at the clock to check the time, she felt like time has indeed passed. Taking out all the materials she has saved up in her jewelry box and the crystals she has taken from the Salt Mine, the girl opened the box as the content inside are dumped on the floor. Looking at all the scattered items on the floor, she recalled the separate memories that each of these items contain.
Back when she was five years old, she bought golden and silver chains from a shop. A year later, she got two gems from her old friend, Fand. The gems were rubellite and aqua aura. She recalled taking them to a blacksmith who crafted the gems into heart shaped. The third year, she didn't have an idea at the time, so she got salt instead, having them encased within the heart shaped charm. During the fourth and sixth year, Brigid had gotten small gift boxes and silk inside. And now, on her tenth birthday, she got blue kyanite and red sillimanite crystals from the Salt Mine. All together, this will make a present with six years of love.
"Now, let's get to work." she smiled.
At night, with a big feast at the dining room, everyone was waiting for the birthday girl to arrive. She was late, more so than her previous birthdays. King Henryk was a bit anxious. Today is his daughter's tenth birthday. Was was keeping her so long? The sisters were waiting patiently, although, they were trying their best to contain their excitement.
The Royal Advisor paid no mind. The girl was of insignificance, especially during this age. However, the witch will admit, now the Princess was four years away from her 14th birthday. Four more years of waiting with these impudent fools. Oh, how she wished those years come quickly. She really wants to perform that special ceremony.
Eventually, the doors opened to reveal Brigid. She was clearly in a rush based on the fact that she looked tired. Was she running? Did she lost track of time and immediately started running from her room to the dining room? Regardless, everyone paid no mind. It is her birthday. Today, all her excuses are forgiven.
Standing up, Henryk gestures for his daughter to join him, "Princess Brigid, may you accompany us on this fine feast?"
"Yes, Father." she smiled. Seeing the King giving her a look, she blushed, "Er... Yes, Your Majesty."
Embarrassed for calling her father by an affectionate term, the Salt Princess looked down as she walked over to her seat. With his daughter now joining them, King Henryk gestures for the chief to bring out the cake. Everyone was surprised once the chief brought out a three layered cake made out of cookie dough with chocolate frosting and fudge drizzles. On each layers were strawberries, five on base, four in the second layer, and one lone on the top. All the strawberries were dipped from the chocolate of the cake.
"Whoa..." Serafina whispered in awe.
"I know." Mercy whispered back.
Cailleach only scoffed in response after hearing the sisters marvel over the dessert. The chef started cutting the cake, giving Brigid the highest layer with the lone strawberry on top. Brigid knew that her father would always spoiled her. Maybe because she was the reminder of her mother, but she didn't want to be spoiled. So, after ordering the chief to cut her cake into three slices - much to his confusion - once her father wasn't looking, Brigid quickly made an excuse before gesturing for her sisters to follow her.
Once alone, she gave them the two slices that she had the chief cut for her. The Royal Guards were touched, especially Serafina, who was delighted. After the sisters ate the Princess' shared cake, they return to the dining room to resume with everything else. No suspecting. They softly giggled at that. With dinner and dessert finished, everyone knew what time it was. It's present time!
Leading Brigid to a room, King Henryk opened the door to reveal a room full of presents. Many of the villagers wanted to give her a gift since they greatly love her. The Princess has gained many things, but she saved the presents her sisters will give to her. Every time when Mercy or Serafina wanted to give her their present, she would always deny the request. After all, save the best for last, right? After opening many gifts, eventually... There was one last present left. It was very large that Serafina and Mercy have to carried it to the Princess.
Clapping her hands with glee, Brigid carefully unwrapped the giant gift until it revealed a stage with little dolls of them. She could tell that they put a lot of time and effort into making this and she was pleased. Happily, she embraced her sisters, but for some odd reason, Mercy looked a bit hesitant. It was also like she didn't want to join in. Was she feeling too tired from making the present? Serafina didn't noticed, but Brigid kept a note of it. She doesn't want to make her sister feel worried, especially on her birthday. Now that the gift giving and opening has been finished, it was time for them to go sleep. Everyone has left, it was only the three of them in the room now...
"Should we go to our rooms?" Serafina asked.
"The celebration is over." Mercy answered.
Before they could leave, however, Brigid stopped them, "Merce, Sera, wait."
They stopped and turned around to see the girl pulling out something from underneath a cushion. She had two tiny gifts wrapped in red and blue in her hands. Walking up to them, she pressed the presents into their hands.
"What is this?" Serafina questioned.
"It's your birthday present, silly." she teased.
"Oh, Brigid, we can't accept these." Mercy softly spoke.
"But I insist. That is my order." Brigid smiled innocently.
The Royal Guards looked at each other before taking the wrappers off, finding a black gift box that looked identical to the other. However, whatever content inside was not the same. Opening the box up, the sisters gasped in surprise at what Brigid had given them. What lays in the silk within the gift box are charm bracelets.
Serafina's has a golden chain with little quartz of sillimanite around with the main gem, rubellite, shaped into a heart. Mercy's was the same, except hers have kyanite crystals and an aqua aura heart around a silver chain.
"Thank you, Brigid." Serafina gave her a hug, joined with Mercy.
"It is your birthday, after all." the girl insisted.
"We always wear it, we promise." Mercy replied, putting the bracelet on her wrist as Serafina does the same.
After all, how could they not? It is a gift from the Princess who brings salt.
After the gift giving, the sisters went to the Viewing Tower to watch the stars. There, they started to tell stories. And of course, it was the middle sister's turn to tell a tale. Mercy talked about a story involving a blue bird that brings happiness to those who can catch it. They say that only those with pure hearts can see this magical bird and since children are the most innocent, the blue bird would often be spotted by children from all around the world. Of course, the parents would never believe them, thinking that it's just a make believe story that the children created.
"Do you think we'll get to see the Blue Bird of Happiness one day?" Brigid asked excitedly.
"I don't know. Some say that the bird would appear in your dreams if you're in search for happiness." Mercy answered. "Do you really want to find it?"
The Princess thought for a moment before coming up with an answer, "No."
"Why?" Serafina questioned.
"Because I'm already happy. I don't need to search for happiness if I already have what I wanted. I'm grateful to have you two here with me. That is enough to make me happy." the girl smiled so innocently.
That brought smiles on the sisters' faces. Brigid always think like this. She was definitely different. Grateful, considerate, and loving. They stopped the story there for there really isn't anymore to tell. Just sitting here, watching the stars was enough for them. There were no need for words or gestures because they already knew.
This life is just perfect for them. Staring at the beautiful starry sky, the sisters pointed up as a shooting star streaks along the horizon.
Finally, until six chapters straight, Mercy finally calls Brigid by her name and her name only! To be honest, I was getting a bit tired of having to make sure that Mercy called Brigid "Princess". Only 5 more worth of chapters of no more "Princess".
1) Technically, I guess the day Serafina and Mercy were created is when they are "born" which is somewhere on August of 1915, but I really wanted a tender moment between the sisters, so why not make them have the same birthday on Feb 1st?
*Remember, way back in chapter 2, Brigid was four years old (recently, meaning it was a few days after her birthday). I had a six month time skip (which is on August) to mention what happen during the war. To Wanda, it has been days after the six months since Nuada left to aid his people. After Wanda's death, brought the conclusion to the war. In chapter 3, three days passed since all the chaos. That should be near the end of August, which ties perfectly to the Zodiac sign for Virgo (making Mercy's birthday specifically more believable to be on Aug 23-31).
2) The line that Brigid said was in Poland. It translate to "thank you, kind lady."
3) The woman answered back in Poland, "It's no problem."
4) The title for the chapter is just as it says. Serafina and Mercy have a new birthday. I love making the bonds between them and Brigid more stronger. Such a shame that it eventually broke.
5) The story Mercy told at the end was about Maeterlinck's The Blue Bird.
Also, did you caught one big thing in this entire chapter? No? Well, I won't be telling you. All I have to say is pay attention to small details... Or you might miss the context.
