The number one topic Lyra would bring up would be when she could go home. She wanted desperately to remember, she hated feeling so helpless. Pan had been restless as she was, hoping that they could leave.
Her mother and father rarely spoke unless in hushed soothing tones to her if she asked them anything, she sensed an unease between them. The only thing that Lyra noticed where they showed affection had been her mother had read the card from the flowers the other day, it must have spooked her. Ever since she had been glancing nervously towards the door, keeping close to Lyra while she would make glances at Asriel.
The doctor had come in checking up on her from time to time, Lyra had become frustrated as she pouted in her bed laying back as Pan chased his tail on the bed as Ozymandias watched from sitting on the arm of the chair her mother sat upon. Marisa had been going over some correspondence and forms that were important glancing up time from time to check on Lyra.
Seeing Lyra's expression Asriel smirked as he knew the girl was stir crazy especially from the sight of Pan. He then picked up the journal from the bedside table as he then sat on the edge of Lyra's bed.
"Lyra, do you remember your journal?" he caught her interest as she turned her head towards him, he then proceeded to open it as he settled on the edge of the bed-sharing the view with her. Lyra then proceeded to curl close to him catching Asriel off guard, having not been so close to his daughter much.
He said nothing, Marisa caught his expression with an amused smile. Lyra did not know, all she knew was this man was her father. She remembered not of their relationship before she lost her memory and how she wouldn't have been so bold to seek comfort from Asriel. As the two were on the bed, Lyra sat curled next to him, just like other fathers would with children when they would tell them bedtime stories.
Asriel's expression and demeanor melted, Lyra glanced at the journal "I don't remember" she explained to him as she reached over Asriel's hands that were gripping the journal open on both sides attempting to turn a page.
The page that Lyra landed on happened to be one of the sketches of Jordan College, this sparked feelings in Lyra as she stared at a sketch of the Master, Dr. Carne. As she glanced at the sketch she remembered the man, she was brought back to Jordan College where she had been raised.
As Lyra brushed the page, Asriel watched her stare at the journal as she said nothing "Lyra?" he inquired, Lyra then looked away towards Asriel "Did we live at Jordan College?" she asked him, to which his eyebrows raised and his eyes widened.
At the words Marisa snapped her head up towards Lyra and Asriel, she held her mouth open slightly before closing it in surprise. Asriel breathed in before he thought of what to say "Yes, however, I was there less frequently taken away by my work" he explained, as Lyra looked down in thought as she tried to remember her life at Jordan.
Lyra's eyes then watered as she developed tears as memories swirled in her mind, running on the roofs of Jordan. With a boy, what was his name?
Lyra turned the page captured by the journal, landing on a sketch of a familiar boy.
"R-Roger" Lyra stuttered while she whispered, Marisa snapped her head upwards upon hearing the name. A sketch of Roger Parslow was drawn upon the page, there was an entry written in Lyra's handwriting.
Marisa had abandoned her paperwork and forms pushing them to the side as she sat at full attention towards Lyra. She had mentioned the boy's name, her friend that had gone missing that she wouldn't cease going on about. Marisa held a small amount of guilt of having him taken away, she feared Lyra would remember him causing the issue of finding him to be brought up one more.
Marisa chose to speak up as she sat on Lyra's bed on the other side of Lyra "Perhaps when you are allowed home, we can go over the journal together" she smiled at Lyra's with a smile that didn't reach her eyes however her warmth was still present. Asriel noticed with slightly narrowed eyes that Marisa was trying to hinder Lyra from remembering her friend, he then had suspicions as his train of thought took its course.
"I believe it best for you to rest, you have gone through quite the ordeal darling I don't wish for you to have a setback while you are still healing" she spoke of care eyeing Lyra's head injury with sympathy and pain seeing Lyra had gotten hurt. Lyra looked to her mother along with her father, the girl nodded her head settling into the pillow a bit listening to her. Marisa had been expecting Lyra to give her some resistance to her request for her to rest, only she complied showing how much Lyra had changed from losing her memories.
Asriel, having been surprised as well at how easy Lyra had listened to Marisa, Asriel shifted so he sat on the other edge of the bed. Lyra had each of her parents on each side of her, something she felt was not normal considering how uncomfortable they both looked. Lyra had noticed the couple were distant or either very close for brief moments, it confused her however she tried not to notice much more focused on trying to remember.
They spent the next moments softly talking to each other about random ramblings, Lyra asked them what they did for careers and how they were like. The pair of them moved closer to Lyra where they were cuddled up on the bed with Lyra in between them, Marisa was holding one Lyra's hands while Asriel had wrapped one arm around them both.
Ozymandias was sitting on the floor at the end of the bed with Stelemaria slowly coming close to one another over time. They avoided going into detail about family topics such as past moments that never existed, and where they did exist they hadn't been together.
As Asriel went into a story of his exploration of the north hoping to excite Lyra as it would normally have in the past, his tale of fighting off tartars after being surrounded and fending them off singlehanded. Marisa had jumped in stating that she had fought off tartars on occasion, Lyra's eyes widened in wonder at the knowledge of her parents' adventures. They went off on retelling of the adventures they briefly had together in the north together and of their time at the arctic institute, Asriel's blue eyes caught Marisa's with a soft smile as he spoke of the very first time he saw her across a ballroom catching her eyes before asking near begging her for a dance.
Pan had rested on Lyra's shoulder leaning half of his body on Marisa's shoulder causing her to become misty-eyed at the feeling of Lyra being comfortable in their arms. Shortly in the middle of the tale, Lyra had slowly fallen asleep once more, having her head on Asriel's shoulder, mid-sentence Asriel had noticed from a look of Marisa's soft eyes at their daughter Lyra had fallen asleep.
Lyra breathing softly her face innocent, peaceful and content; Asriel hadn't seen Lyra like this since she had been a baby and even then she didn't even seem to be so content. Glancing at his daughter at this moment as she laid her head on his shoulder. Asriel knew in his heart that he had made the right decision, in his head, it was to be foreseen.
For their lives, like they always had been. They are going to get more complicated, all they could hope was to keep Lyra safe. All they could do at the moment was to take every day as it comes.
"We have to tell her" Marisa spoke softly to Asriel as she clutched Lyra's hand gazing at their daughter asleep on Asriel before looking at Asriel who did not dare lift his eyes from Lyra.
"I know"
Shortly the very next day, the doctor had mentioned the process in which Lyra could go home which sparked Asriel to make arrangements. He quickly made strides to contact the appropriate people to re-obtain his family's estate that had been given back to him by the magisterium per their arrangement. He was taking his daughter to the home that should have been her's from the start before everything was ripped from him, he pursued it with a vengeance needing to be useful in helping Lyra or in anything to distract from Lyra's condition.
At first, Asriel along with Marisa thought Lyra would be back to herself in no time, only to see being up close the damage that had been done. This would take some time before Lyra would be anything close to herself once more, she kept slurring her words, had trouble focusing at times and would become very exhausted and sleepy. They had been reassured that all these symptoms would pass however it did not keep at bay the fear for Lyra one bit.
Asriel made preparations for everything along with Marisa, asking her which would be best to keep the magisterium appeased providing everything that was asked; he left out an important aspect of his research and kept his field notes journal secret hidden from all eyes, even Marisa.
The pair had listened to the terms set out and were privately wed with a magisterial witness within the week. Marisa Coulter was no longer on records and in words, Marisa was Marisa Belacqua also known as Lady Belacqua providing Marisa with an elevated status than before from her first marriage. On the very day, Marisa had with shaking hands removed the curse wedding band from her first marriage, it had been a stain on her soul for years only now cleansed. The two were wed in matrimony, holding each other close however still holding back on their emotions for one another having lost trust between them all those years ago.
Unbeknownst to them Madame Delemare received news of her daughter and the events have taken place from her son Marcel, she had briefly fainted onto the antique carpet in her home before coming to her senses only to write a folded note from her stationary along with some of Marisa's favorite flowers to her grandaughter's hospital room along with a gift.
They had servants brought in to clean and dust off the property and clean up any damage that had occurred over the years of it being abandoned the magisterium had used it as a property for housing rarely using it only for it to collect dust leaving it in touch all these years.
Having all their belongings brought over and moved into the manor, Marisa had carefully packed up her belongings and her grand penthouse apartment in London where she had lived for many years. It was where she had brought Lyra to first live with her, she was brought back to the time in which she had prepared Lyra's bedroom picking everything out in preparation and nervousness hoping the girl had liked it.
Everything she had moved to the manor mirroring the room she had set up in London to Lyra's bedroom in the manor. As she had done so Asriel had some ideas in which he shared after knowing Lyra a bit more closely causing Marisa to falter with some grief before she brushed it off. The very last items to be packed had been Lyra's clothes in which Marisa had spent a considerable amount of time folding very carefully into the suitcases, remembering their shopping trip in purchasing the clothes.
Marisa remembers Lyra's first expression to it all, having never gone shopping or having brand new clothes to herself in which she had picked out. Folding the last dress into Lyra's suitcase, Marisa sighed looking around the empty penthouse and bedroom, she ran her hand along with the fabric of one of Lyra's dresses in thought. Closing her eyes before opening them and making eye contact with Ozymandias before scowling and looking away as he whined in sadness. She may have not been there for her daughter, however, she would try her best to be now. Marisa wiped a stray tear from her eye as she painfully pondered if Lyra would ever be herself again. The girl that had taken her breath away, who made her feel a warmth inside she tried venomously to deny and stop; her heart refused not to love her child.
Lyra had been released from the hospital at the end of the week, where she had been brought her outfit to wear. A light blue dress, with a black stripe across; the same dress she had worn the day she found out Asriel was her father from Marisa herself. Lyra wore her mary janes with white socks and Marisa while shopping with Asriel after she dragged him to the store a periwinkle felt coat suitable for a little girl.
Marisa and Asriel held smiles as Lyra was led out of the hospital where they had an automobile waiting to drive them to Belacqua manor, Lyra wore a smile as well as she nervously and cautiously however happily left with them knowing she would be going home. Marisa had held Lyra's hand the entire time as they walked with Asriel walking alongside Lyra as well.
Once outside the hospital, Lyra glanced all around, not having been outdoors for what felt like a long time. Lyra's gaze was lost on the moving cloud on the bright sunny day outside, birds were singing and people were all out and about going about their business. "Come on Lyra" Marisa spoke, gathering Lyra's attention as she pulled the girl lightly towards the automobile and the chauffeur that had been waiting for them.
Marisa had not let go of Lyra's hand once, only until they were in the automobile where Lyra was still close to her. Asriel had noticed the reluctance and fearfulness Marisa tried to not show however was obvious to anyone watching, she was reluctant to leave and or have Lyra out of her sight for a second. As the chauffeur drove them to the manor Lyra stared out the window as she could from the middle of the seat in between her parents. Lyra was nervous and she held Pan on her lap as he eventually scurried in ermine form to the side of the inside of the car before going on the edge of the window next to Asriel eliciting a surprise and suppressed smile from the man.
Lyra perked up as they drove, seeing tall buildings and fields of land as they rode along, she grew excited as they got closer. As the automobile went under a bridge the car went dark before it passed through, as Lyra glanced at the tops of the buildings she could have sworn she saw blurred children that looked familiar to her. One girl's light chestnut hair waving in the wind her gaze not wavering as she caught a side glimpse of the girl's face before-
"Lyra" Marisa called out to her, sharply after not receiving a first or second response from Lyra from calling her name. Lyra then snapped her head towards her mother "Hmm?" Lyra inquired as she noticed briefly the worried look in her mother's eyes, Marisa's eyes softened before she looked away to glance at Asriel as if they were silently talking to one another with their eyes.
Asriel sighed as he made eyes with Marisa, he adjusted himself in his seat as Stelemaria shifted on the automobile floor placing her head resting it upon Lyra's foot. After a while of silence and Marisa giving Lyra reassuring eyes, Asriel decided to talk about the history of the buildings in the area of the estate as they drew closer.
"How much further?" Asriel and Marisa chuckled at Lyra's excitement, Marisa smiled at Lyra as she reassured her "Nearly there" as they pulled down a side road leading to the manor in the distance.
The road had cobblestones along the whole length of it leading to a grand manor in the distance, Lyra's eyes and mouth widened in surprise as she took in the grand sight of Belacqua manor in the distance.
The automobile pulled up the center where an elegant water fountain was centered in a circle of the drive. The chauffeur pulled to a stop in front of the walkway and entrance, before turning the engine off and exiting the automobile before opening the door Asriel's side letting him out before opening Marisa's side and extending a hand to her to assist her out of the automobile.
"Ma'am" he greeted as Marisa took the gentleman's hand with a smile as she exited, the chauffeur tips his cap to her before standing to the side.
"Lyra" she called out as she then gestured for Lyra to join them, Lyra exited the automobile next as her eyes widened along with her mouth as she took in the sight of the manor in its entirety. The estate was grand, stretching long and wide along with beautiful gardens and extensive land.
"This is all ours?" Lyra asked shocked and in awe causing Marisa to falter and Asriel to look at her in concern. Marisa took a breath looking at Lyra looking at her with innocent eyes as she was brought back to when Lyra first saw her penthouse in London. Asriel, seeing Marisa looking at Lyra like she was mourning tears brought to her eyes jumped in to answer their daughter.
Asriel smiled before placing his hand around Lyra's back pushing her towards the manor front entrance and placing his other arm around Marisa as he embraced his family. "Yes Lyra….welcome home" Asriel smiled as he held back emotion at being able to bring his daughter to her rightful home, the home in which he grew up in along with his parents and their parents before him.
As they entered walking up the grand staircase, the smile reappeared upon Lyra and Asriel's face as they entered the foyer of grand polished marble and a circular ceiling with a gigantic crystal chandelier lit up and sparkling under the light. Lyra traced the patterns on the circular ceiling mesmerized "wow" she whispered as Pan sat upon her shoulder, Asriel came close to Lyra. "Breathtaking isn't it?" Lyra glanced at his smiling face, she returned his smile as she nodded.
"I used to spend hours daydreaming at it when I was your age" he shared a memory of his youth, making Lyra feel comfortable. Marisa then placed her hand on Lyra's shoulder bringing her close to her guiding her to walk down the elegant corridor Asriel following along. "Now, Lyra let's show you around"
Lyra smiled as her parents showed her around the estate, each room having a meaning and a history behind it; Lyra noticed looking around it appeared as if they had just moved into the estate. "Are there any memories you can tell me about any of these rooms?" Lyra asked as she and Pan were only stepping on certain patterns in the marble to entertain themselves, Pan jumping with each pattern. Lyra's words caused the smile and excitement from Asriel's face to end abruptly, Marisa tightened her grip on Asriel's hand as they stopped walking. Marisa looked to Asriel who appeared as crestfallen as she was, Marisa attempted a smile once Lyra noticed their expressions had changed.
They glanced at each other knowing eventually they had to tell Lyra the truth for they simply could not lie. It would have been all so simple to cover up the truth however, eventually, events and facts wouldn't add up and Lyra would figure it out. Especially of the changes happening going forward in their lives from all of this. However, for the time being, they were hoping to dodge Lyra's questions seeing how long they could last before hard truths came out of the shadows.
"We only just moved in, while the estate had been in the family for generations it had been lost. However, after some perseverance, we got it back" Marisa looked to Lyra as she moved with Pan playfully stepping on the marble corridor flooring. While Asriel's face held a scowl as he thought of the meaning behind her words, he knew she was talking about Lyra however it still brought his thoughts on what else he had lost. Asriel thought bitterly of him being stripped of everything he had as Marisa had condemned their affair, their child and him, he knew it was the magisterium to blame for stripping him however she hadn't helped in the matter leaving a painful memory.
"After many years, it was wrongfully taken from us" Asriel bit back at her with hidden meaning which went over Lyra's head as she took in the information. Marisa had picked up on Asriel's thoughts as she knew he was talking about what he had lost besides Lyra and her choices in his trial. The two held scathing calculating eyes for each other with a hint of lust underneath. Lyra made a glance at Pan who stood in front of her on the floor, as he eyed the couple with uncertainty.
Marisa looked away as Ozymandias emitted a low growl towards Stelmaria who prowled close to him before low growling herself before the moment was over. The growling ceased as Stelamaria noticed out of the corner of her eye Pan who had curled against Lyra's mary janes half-asleep falling on himself before he arose once more at the growling stopping.
"Lyra are you sleepy?" Asriel's eyes became concerned, catching his eyes at Lyra who Marisa had turned to Lyra quickly at his words. Marisa then reached out to Lyra, she cupped her chin rubbing her thumb softly on her cheek. Lyra, who was still recovering, got sleepy at times. The doctor had told them she would need to take naps within the day if she were to tire, be cautious not to become too exhausted which would lead to undesirable consequences.
Lyra stubbornly tried to hide her sleepiness, they had been walking around the estate giving Lyra a full tour. After coming out of the hospital from the car ride which had been an hour to afterward venturing and traversing the massive estate Lyra had started to feel herself getting sleepy. It took a lot out of her, Pan was proof while she tried to hide it not wanting to sleep frustrated at taking naps while all she wanted to do was remember. "No" Lyra tried to deny with a straight face, she was tired of being sleepy however she also wished to sleep however she wished to see the estate more.
"Lyra" Asriel chastened knowing the girl was sleepy, Lyra sighed before she agreed in defeat, feeling her tiredness along with her feeling pressure in her head building.
"Perhaps it is time to show you your bedroom, hmm?"
Marisa then hugged Lyra to her side placing her arm around her as they all turned in the opposite direction, Lyra attempted to keep herself awake feeling herself grow weaker.
They reached the grand staircase dark brown accented wood fitted with antique carpeting. The stairs contained two on each side leading to the upstairs, they ventured upstairs to the left-wing of the estate whose corridors were dark brown wood along with elegant walls to match the carpeting.
Lyra tried to glance around and notice the unique details of the estate as they walked slowly through the upstairs corridor, as her mother held her to her side leading the way while her father walked on Lyra's other side. They eventually reached the middle of the left-wing, Marisa then gestured to a door. "Now Lyra, this is our bedroom. While your bedroom is across from our here" Asriel reached the adjacent door to their bedroom opening the grand wooden door leading to Lyra's bedroom which had painted periwinkle and white similar to how Lyra's bedroom had been in London however with some minor adjustments and additions from her bedroom at Jordan.
As they entered the room, smiles upon all their faces, Lyra in awe slipped away from her mother's side and arms as she took in her bedroom. It contained a high ceiling and walls painted mainly white with periwinkle accents along with off white carpeting in half the room and traditionally wooden flooring. A white matching wardrobe, dresser along with a closet behind a dark oak door in the corner of the bedroom. On one wall in front of large lattice windows with white lace curtains on each end, the windows opened onto the roofs causing a mischievous glint to reach Lyra's eyes caught by Asriel who smirked. Hope flooded Asriel at the sight, Lyra was still in there somewhere; not all was lost. Marisa who was more focused on Lyra's needs and fearing the girl will pass out like she had done while in hospital. They had found out that if Lyra does not sleep when she is exhausted she will faint unexpectedly which causes Marisa and Asriel to fear and worry over her; it was hard to say who was worried deep down more.
Marisa reaching Lyra's bed began to undo the only the top cover removing Lyra's grey fur blanket first knowing Lyra would wish to sleep with it on top. Marisa fluffed the pillows shifting them around as she eyed Asriel pointed out the little details in the room they had designed and picked for Lyra. Pan climbed onto the painted white metal bed frame at the edge of the bed, there were metal flowers within the design.
Lyra excitedly through sleepy head tried to take in every detail of the room listening to her father pointing out all the details, mostly all the books and maps on Lyra's desk and miniature bookcase next to it along the wall. "Wow" Lyra whispered in awe, as she forgot all about sleeping for a moment, reluctant to sleep, after sleeping so much in the hospital to get better Lyra was growing frustrated and tired of sleeping wanting to remember and be better as fast as possible.
"Lyra it is time to rest" Marisa called out as she finished preparing the bed for Lyra to take a nap, Lyra nearly groaned as she looked at Asriel with pleading eyes hoping to bypass the nap. Asriel had to shift his eyes away from Lyra's after catching her eyes knowing what the girl was attempting, he caught Marisa's eyes and face which held a cross expression.
Lyra smiled trying to convince them she did not need a rest only to perhaps sit down for a while or explore only her bedroom. "Do I have to?" Lyra challenged as she whined and Marisa raised an eyebrow at Asriel telling him to stand his ground, Asriel turned away to close the white curtains for Lyra. "No, now came have a rest" Lyra groaned softly as she sighed before she slumped over towards her mother and the bed.
Marisa placed her hands softly on Lyra's shoulders as she guided her towards the bed, Ozymandias was on top of the bed watching Pan as he guided Pan towards Lyra and the pillows. Stelmaria purred as she reached the edge of the bed following Asriel who stood a bit away waiting for Lyra to take her nap making sure she did before he left the room; he kept busy trying not to seem to be watching Lyra and Marisa as he opened one of the books upon Lyra's desk to a page with a map.
Lyra sat on the edge of the bed as she attempted to remove her mary janes leaving her socks on, Marisa after Lyra took a minute longer than normal took over removing Lyra's shoes with care. Lyra then laid down onto the pillows reaching out to grasp one of the tiny purple decorative pillows into her hands, hugging it close.
Marisa raised Lyra's grey fur blanket to be on top of Lyra which muffled Lyra's words, as the girl spread her arms feeling the bed.
"It feels like I'm drowning" Marisa quickly tucked Lyra in however stopped once she heard Lyra's words.
Marisa's breath was stolen at the sound of those words, Lyra covered her face twirling the purple pillow in her hands. Marisa slowly moved Lyra's hands to put the pillow down on the girl's chest away from her face "Lyra, what did you just say?" she asked breathlessly as she tried to hold in her emotions, Lyra without batting an eye repeated herself "It feels like I'm drowning" Marisa's eyes got moist at the words, Asriel hearing Marisa's reaction came close to the edge of the bed gripping the white metal bed frame as he listened.
A tear made its way down Marisa's cheek that she quickly wiped away so Lyra or Asriel wouldn't notice, Lyra noticed and she frowned. "What's the matter?" Lyra asked worried for her mother, she hadn't meant to make her sad. Ozymandias sat near the edge of the bed near Stelemaria as he turned away from Lyra. Marisa who was at on the edge of the bed, she then brushed Lyra's hair back from Lyra's bandages "Nothing darling you just reminded me of something you had said in the past, you rest now" Marisa cupped Lyra's face, Lyra looked down in thought as she frowned sadly now herself.
"I want to remember, I'm sorry…" Marisa shushed her as she shook her head as if to tell her it was alright, she turned her eyes away fearful that she would sob. Asriel then stepped behind Marisa coming up behind her as he then reached for Marisa's hand taking it into hers' before placing it on her shoulder causing Marisa to calm slightly at his touch, he ran his thumb on her hand to comfort her after seeing her painful expression.
Asriel then looked fiercely at Lyra with warmth in his eyes "Lyra...listen to me...It is not your fault you can't remember" he stood firm trying to convince her however she was Marisa and Asriel's daughter she had their stubbornness combined.
Lyra then jumped in to interject her feelings and frustrations bursting out "I just wish I did, then everything would make sense…"
"Lyra look at me.." Marisa called to her daughter demanding her attention, with tears in her eyes Lyra looked into her mother's eyes which held such emotion. "It is not your fault…." she murmured as she spoke, "Do you understand?" Lyra still looking into her mother's eyes nodded as Pan snuggled up upon her chest yawning before circling and curling up to Lyra.
"Good...now get some rest" Marisa made sure Lyra all tucked in and comfortable before she stood up from Lyra's bed and smoothed out her dress before leaning down and pressing a light kiss on Lyra's forehead as Lyra closed her eyes softly trying to get comfortable.
Asriel then held Marisa's hand as he led her out of the room, he had to pull her slightly as she did not wish to have Lyra out of her sights for a moment. "Come on, she'll be alright. She's home, we're home...we will only be down the corridor if anything" he whispered trying to reassure her as Marisa held her gaze on the now sleeping Lyra and Pan. Lyra's chest rising and falling with her breathing, Ozymandias held the bedroom door open wishing to leave the room as Stelmaria gilded her side against him as she exited before Asriel and Marisa then followed as Marisa reluctantly listened to Asriel nodding her head.
As they exited the room, they left Lyra's bedroom door open slightly for air to flow in and to check on Lyra. They retreated down the corridor making it halfway before throughout the house the doorbell rang announcing someone was at the door. The married couple glanced at each other in anxiety and fear along with suspicion as they theorized on who it was considering they hadn't been expecting any visitors.
They heard Thorold opening the door and greeting the guest who had asked for Marisa by name, he was led inside the foyer as Asriel and Marisa quickly made their way down the stairs to greet the person who had arrived. Asriel followed Marisa fixing his suit as they began to descend the stairs trying to keep up with his wife, Asriel put up his guard as they rounded the corner in the stairs.
The man was dressed professionally in a grey tweed suit and had their back to them as they reached the bottom of the stairs, Thorold made eye contact with Asriel. "A Mr. Delemare to see you my lady" he announced with skepticism and slight annoyance for the man rubbed him the wrong way.
Marcel then chose to turn around at that moment and as soon as Asriel saw his face, he became enraged "You!" Asriel shouted as he then sucker-punched Marcel across his smiling sickly charming face, Marisa gasped in surprise at the punch not expecting it.
Marcel jumped back clutching his face as he groaned at the pain, he had blood within his teeth as he smiled at Asriel "Hello Asriel, glad to see you haven't changed" he then turned to Marisa his face softened becoming serious within a second as he smiled softly through the pain with soft eyes holding his nose slightly.
"Hello, Marisa..." Marisa eyed her brother with contempt and annoyance, as her eyes held pain and slight anger inside, she was as mad as Asriel was when he had punched Marcel how she wished it was her who had.
Marisa smiled with no warmth behind it as she looked towards her brother, Asriel kept a protective stance between Marcel and Marisa ready to strike once more if needed, holding himself back for the time being; always quick to anger. Stelmaria growling leering near Marcel in warning, as Ozymandias sat on the stair railing disinterest however eyeing Marcel's snowy owl daemon who was sat upon one of the ceilings supports eying Ozymandias as well.
"What brings you here Marcel?" Her eyes narrowed as she quickly glanced upstairs swearing she heard a noise.
"Did you receive mother's letter?" he inquired as Marisa's gaze was brought back to her brother's face, the face in which she hadn't seen for years as her mind was brought back at his words. The flowers, he was talking about the flowers that had been sent to Lyra.
"Yes" she spoke softly before a crying scream from upstairs sounded out echoing across the estate.
" Father! "
