Lyra sat there in her bedroom in silence, staring at the floor in her thoughts and emotions.
Pan sat diligently next to her upon the bed, with his head hung. Lyra felt upset, conflicted, confused, and mostly at the moment overwhelmed.
There were so many things changing in her life, she felt that she couldn't keep up with adjusting.
Suddenly there was a light rapping on her closed bedroom door, Lyra's face scrunched up and she crossed her arms. However, she kept silent hoping whoever it was left, either her father or mother. Lyra had a sneaking suspicion it was her mother, for her father to come appeal to her would be highly out of character for him.
Lyra's eyes were slightly red and puffy from crying only minutes ago to where she had just dried most of her tears.
The knocking sounded out once more. Lyra gritted her teeth in frustration, when was her mother going to understand to leave her alone.
The knocking continued once more, getting on Lyra's nerves. Lyra then slid off the edge of her bed before marching over to her bedroom door and aggressively opened it.
"I want to be alone!" Lyra then shouted in frustration and overwhelmed emotion, however, she quickly deflated when she saw who was behind the door.
Thorold nearly flinched as Lyra snarled, opening the door to greet him, he composed himself before hiding a smirk, noticing how alike her parents the little girl was being in the moment. Stubborn like Marisa and hot-headed like Asriel.
"Even alone and away from me?" Thorold had lightly teased with compassion in his eyes, Lyra's shoulders and frustration deflated at Thorold's presence.
Pan peeked out into the hall as if to see if Thorold was alone, he was. Her parents were nowhere in sight at the moment.
"I thought you were-"
"Your parents? I'm afraid not, though I wouldn't mind being a lord if I do say so myself" Thorold joked softly to lighten Lyra's mood and the tension. Lyra quickly hid a smile at the kind man's comment, she noticed he was carrying a small tray with him that had some biscuits and tea upon it.
"Are those biscuits?" Lyra innocently caught the sight of the treat, Thorold then turned his head down the hall as if to check if anyone was nearby.
"May I come in?" Thorold gestured his head towards Lyra's bedroom, she nodded before moving out of the way and letting the man and his daemon in before closing the door behind them.
Thorold gestured for Lyra to sit down with him upon the edge of the front of her bed, while Thorold then brought over the chair from Lyra's desk to sit upon himself.
Once Lyra sat down he then held the tray out to Lyra with a calm soft smile offering her some warm tea and biscuits for her tears and trouble.
Lyra quickly tried to wipe any remnants of stray tears from her face before Thorold would see, she didn't know he had already known she was crying for he had quickly gone to check on her the minute she had slammed the door. Hearing sniffles behind the closed door, he quickly went to fetch some sweets to cheer Lyra up.
Thorold had always had a sweet spot for little Lyra, the little miss. He had known her ever since she was born and had helped look after her when just a babe and occasionally when Asriel hadn't wanted to deal with the girl at Jordan for years.
"Thank you Thorold" Lyra softly spoke appreciative to the kind man, Pan shifted into a white ermine and rested on Lyra's arm as she held a biscuit in her hand after taking a bite.
"Of course" Thorold then placed the tray upon Lyra's desk before settling back down in the chair, he stared at Lyra as she sat in silence eating her biscuit slowly knowing he wished to talk.
"If I may…..I understand given the circumstances everything may seem like it is changing all so fast. Your parents may seem overbearing however you have to understand they have been through so much. You all have. Your father had realized that in the pursuit of his personal goals he had left you vulnerable and alone. He won't admit it but he blames himself for your accident…..and your mother. Your mother has been trapped in a restrictive society for years where she was unable to care for you as she wished. Your parents are many things however one thing I have found is that they will sacrifice life and limb to keep you safe. I know it might be hard to believe…..deep down they do love you Lyra. …..They've just had a hard time showing it"
Lyra lifted her head to look at Thorold in the eye, to see if he may be lying but all Lyra saw was calm honesty and compassion from the man. She softly and slowly nodded her head at his words as they left the room quiet.
Thorold then sighed.
"Right, I better head down. Also…..I may or may not leave some extra biscuits out before bed in the kitchens" Thorold lightly teased in hopes to cheer the little girl up, seeing her upset. He would spoil her rotten, now given the chance.
Lyra said nothing but smiled at Thorold in appreciation. He then, seeing Lyra needed nothing else, silently went to leave the room to leave Lyra to her thoughts.
It was pitch dark inside the manor at this hour, everyone had gone to bed for the night as Asriel in his bathrobe and pajamas slid his feet across the cold floor sneakily and quietly towards the kitchens for a drink and perhaps a late-night snack with Stelmaria slinking at his side.
He was just about to go to sleep along with Marisa when he decided to go to the kitchens, it was a secret bedtime routine for the man.
He went through the open doorway before then by habit switched on the anbaric light, suddenly there was a small clang as a dish was moved upon the wooden center countertop.
This caused Stelmaria to become alert, spreading her paws in a defensive stance as Asriel nearly jumped at the noise spinning around as his eyes focused on the lump of a figure sitting upon the counter with their back to him.
Asriel's eyes focused as he realized who it was from their short stature.
"Lyra, what are you doing out of bed?" he asked briskly a little annoyed he let the girl get the drop on him, scaring him slightly not that he would admit to it.
Lyra sleepily blinked at him in the dimly lit kitchens recognizing his voice turning her head to see him as she realized one of the lights had been switched on. Lyra was there in her pajamas, her hair slightly tousled wearing her white long socks to keep her feet from being cold.
"I um...I thought I heard a noise. So Pan and I thought to investigate" Lyra said trying to sound convincing and failing at covering up that she thought of the excuse right at that moment, she then slid a plate out of Asriel's view as if to hide it.
No matter, Asriel was still quick to see and hear the plate moving on the counter.
"Huh, really?" Asriel then very softly smirked in the corner of his mouth as he crossed his arms in calculating thought.
Pan appeared into view on Lyra's leg nodding his head as a cat, as if to help convince Asriel and Stelmaria of their little white lie.
"It doesn't have to do with a plate of biscuits Thorold supposedly left out. Does it?"
Lyra's eyes suddenly widened knowing she and Pan had been completely found out, she tried to focus her eyes which were heavy from it being so late and out of bed.
"No" she stretched out trying to convince him.
Asriel looked at Lyra for a moment, before Stelmaria herself purred with contentment sighing before going into the icebox in search of some milk. He brought the container out before reaching and retrieving two glasses and going over to stand by Lyra and Pan.
He said nothing as he poured milk into one of the glasses before handing it over to Lyra who silently shocked took it in her hands taking a sip as Asriel poured himself milk into his own glass.
He placed the milk down on the counter before gulping down half the milk in his glass before eyeing over the rim of his glass, the plate of biscuits that Lyra had attempted to hide.
Asriel reached out his hand and slid the plate into view in between him and Lyra on the wooden countertop. Pan watched and debated swiping his grubby hands away from the biscuits but thought better of it.
There was silence as Lyra stared into her milk with her head not meeting her father's eyes, which landed Lyra looking into Stelmarias when she walked underneath the countertop next to Lyra looking up at her with soft eyes.
After a moment Lyra looked away and debated taking a biscuit and joining her father in the calm moment, she did as she took another one and took a bite before sipping her milk along with Asriel.
"When I was your age, I would sneak into the kitchens just like you for some biscuits when I couldn't sleep. Thorold got into the habit of leaving some out"
Lyra thought about what Thorold had said to her earlier, as she sat there sleepily listening to her father. It was the closest they had been in her whole life that she could recall, he had never had the time in the past. Thorold would have always sent her away when Asriel would visit Jordan.
Thinking back on it now it made Lyra upset about the past however confused and deep down a little hopeful for the future.
Lyra smiled softly at her father showing that she had listened to him, realizing he was seeing himself in her and sharing something of himself.
Asriel looked at Lyra with playful narrowed eyes. "I don't believe your mother would fancy you having sweets let alone being out of bed at this hour…..Good thing I won't tell her"
Lyra's head turned towards her father as she smiled at his words, Asriel then lifted himself up onto the countertop as well, joining Lyra to sit. Too tired to care about being proper, the circumstances being very domestic.
The two feasted on biscuits and milk for another thirty minutes, both of them just talking about various little things.
Lyra listening to her father's soft calming voice found herself growing more and more tired and at ease the more he spoke; Pan found himself relaxed.
Asriel told Lyra a story about how he used to run around the halls of the manor driving his nanny and mother mad with frustration causing havoc and mischief. How he broke his mother's favorite vase and had one of the butlers try and hide it so she wouldn't see it since it was given to the family by a diplomat that would visit during a party in the upcoming month.
As Asriel was recalling his mother, finding it by chance one day, Asriel and Lyra heard footsteps approaching the kitchen.
Lyra tried to quickly rub some sleep from her eye as she started to panic, knowing exactly who it would be in search of her father. Especially when they heard her soft musical voice calling out to him down the hall nearby.
" Asriel? "
Asriel then stood up from the countertop, arching his back for a moment with it being slightly sore from sitting upright with no support for a bit of time.
"It's alright. Stay here, I'll handle your mother" Asriel then quickly left the kitchen leaving the light on and Lyra behind who took another sip of her milk.
Asriel had just stopped Marisa before she reached the doorway door to the kitchens, he slipped his arm around her waist as she placed her hands on his chest near his shoulders.
"What are you doing in the kitchens, I thought you were coming to bed?" Marisa asked softly tired from the day dealing with their wayward daughter around the manor.
"I was only getting a drink. I will be right up" Asriel quickly said in a calm dismissive answer as he went to give her a kiss which only landed on the corner of Marisa's lips as she narrowed her eyes and tilted her head in suspicion. Ozymandias wiped his tail softly around Asriel's ankle lightly touching him.
Her instincts were sending her light signals that something was amiss.
"Who else is with you?"
"No one" Stelmaria stood in front of the doorway to the kitchens blocking it slightly with her body to the side as if a casual shield.
"No, I don't believe you" Marisa tisked as she then let go of Asriel and silkily moved past Stelmaria into the open doorway of the kitchens, while Asriel sighed and closed his eyes before following her.
Asriel shuffled into the kitchens right after Marisa, stopping right next to her as she stopped walking when she saw who was in the kitchens.
"Oh" Marisa softly spoke into the silent air, as her eyes softened and filled with warmth.
Thereupon the wooden countertop lay, Lyra who had curled up and laid fast asleep on her side her hands under her head, and Pan curled up in front of her near her chest asleep as well.
She had fallen asleep in the time Asriel stepped out and was talking and attempting to stall Marisa, Asriel was as surprised as Marisa that the girl had fallen asleep. However, it was rather late as it was for Lyra to be up.
Marisa and Asriel very silently approached the sleeping Lyra and Pan, Asriel looked at Marisa as he silently spoke with his eyes.
How could something so pure come from them?
Marisa returned his gaze as they both shared the same sentiments about their child, their innocent sleeping child. Stelmaria leaped up to sniff and inspect Lyra, the girl was deep asleep completely.
Marisa approached her child, she cupped her face very gently before stroking Lyra's cheek with affection as she slept. Lyra's face shifted in her sleep leaning into her mother's touch.
"Lyra"
Marisa whispered ever so softly, as she glanced at Asriel who was by her side. He had placed his arms around Marisa's waist briefly before leaning his head for a second on her shoulder before kissing it affectionately.
"Let's put our girl to bed" Asriel then whispered in Marisa's ear. He then let go of Marisa's waist before reaching his arms very carefully under Lyra's legs while Marisa walked around the countertop and helped Asriel then lift Lyra's head delicately.
As Lyra was lifted into Asriel's arms, Lyra within her sleep laid her head within the crook of Asriel's neck and shifted her arms to hug her father. Which made Asriel sigh with some emotion, as Lyra showed Asriel some affection as she was cuddly once asleep.
This was something both of them thought they would never see let alone experience with their child.
Once Lyra was cradled in Asriel's arms still deeply sleeping, Marisa then noticed the plate of biscuits and glasses of milk left out. She then realized what the pair had been up to and why Asriel had attempted to hide it.
Marisa then sighed being too tired at the moment and looking at the state of Lyra she found she didn't seem to really care. Marisa was more concerned for her child and Asriel carrying her, they then both made their way out from the kitchens turning off the anbaric light behind them before going up the stairs out of the kitchens. They both were very careful to make sure Lyra did not hit her head and were quiet as to not wake her. Lyra sighed into Asriel's shoulder as she slept, cuddling up to her father seeking comfort in his arms.
If Asriel was more wide awake and not as tired he would think carrying his daughter to bed would suddenly make him soft. He didn't care, he had a child to put to bed and it was too late for her to be woken up to walk herself.
Marisa followed Asriel's footsteps as he carried their child, she opened Lyra's bedroom door as Asriel then carried her into the room. Marisa then quickly went to turn down the bed for Lyra to sleep for the night. When she grabbed Lyra's blanket to place spread out she saw out of the corner of her eye Asriel believing she wasn't looking place a kiss upon Lyra's forehead as he held her.
Marisa then gestured her arm outward towards Asriel telling him silently to bring Lyra to bed, he then moved forward softly. He placed Lyra gently onto the bed, making sure not to disturb Pan as well. Lyra's legs were bent from being held by Asriel since she fell asleep that way. Marisa gently lowered Lyra's legs down so she was comfortable. She carefully removed Lyra's little socks from her feet before placing her under the covers with such care.
Asriel lingered a foot away as he watched his wife put their child to sleep, she made sure Lyra was cared for, covering her with her blanket making sure Pan was comfortable as well where he was. He still was amazed at how much Marisa had changed from what he knew, how she cared for their daughter; Lyra had been right. There was love there.
Stelmaria lingered close to Marisa watching while Ozymandias sat next to Asriel waiting patiently for Marisa.
Marisa then stood from Lyra's bedside, she brushed Lyra softly with her hand moving Lyra's hair away from her face before leaning down and kissing Lyra softly on the forehead. Lyra smiled softly in her sleep content.
"Goodnight darling" she whispered to her child, as she smiled softly at her peaceful safe sleeping child.
Marisa then turned off the anbaric lamp at Lyra's bedside before joining Asriel at the door, who had been watching with a fondness. Asriel then softly and lovingly reached for Marisa's hand placing it in his, before bringing it up to kiss affectionately.
Marisa then kissed her husband on the lips with such love before they both left the bedroom with the door slightly open before looking at their child once more before going to sleep for the night.