Chapter 4
Lost and Found
(Daniella's POV)
"She WHAT?" Snow cried, looking at my equally shocked face.
Teagan nodded, "I know. She asked if there were any girls in the village called Daniella. I didn't tell her the truth of course but why? I mean, why did she ask about a girl with the name Daniella?"
I continued looking up at the two adults, darting my eyes between their expressions. Teagan was genuinely confused but Snow's face was unreadable in a strange way. Teagan saw this and urged, "Snow, what is it? What do you know?"
Snow shook her head at Teagan. "I don't understand why Regina would ask such a thing. I mean, she couldn't have known young Daniella here..."
Teagan narrowed her eyes at the Princess before turning to me with a frown on her face. "Daniella, come with me...I want to have a little chat with you." Teagan took my hand and we walked out of the cabin. "Where are we going?"
"Just somewhere a little more private."
I didn't answer as I let Teagan take me past some trees in the forest. I looked back and saw the cabin become slowly concealed by the maze of trunks. "Let's sit on this log," I swiveled back around to see Teagan make a gesture as she patted the space on the log where she began to sit down.
I took a seat next to her, "We seem so suspicious!"
Teagan didn't smile and in a straight voice, she asked, "Daniella, have you ever met the Evil Queen?"
I shook my head quickly.
"You haven't? Have you talked to her? Seen her? Associated with any of her guards or servants or..."
"No Teagan! I haven't! I haven't even seen her...I told you so yesterday! I came from another realm, the one called Wonderland."
"How does she know about you then? Don't hide anything. Just tell me. Please. I want to know"
I leaned backwards as her eyes looked intently into mine. She was demanding an explanation. One that I didn't have...but Snow's story suddenly filled my mind. My mouth gaped slightly open. No, its impossible. But my magic...and the lady at the festival...and the mirror?!
Teagan saw that spark of thought in my mind. "What is it?"
I looked sideways and briefly shook my head. "Nothing. I don't know anything."
Teagan sighed. "Alright. You won't tell me. But I know that you're hiding something..."
"I'm not..." Before I could finish, Teagan stood up promptly. She put her hand over my mouth as a soft rustle of leaves sounded throughout the air. The forest had a sudden eerie silence but that was soon broken by the clink of someone's clasps of their belt. Then, Teagan's shocked mouth opened, "Snow! I thought you..."
"Its my fault. I mean, its my fault that the Queen is after Daniella."
Neither three of us spoke for a second because we didn't know how to respond. To my own surprise, it was I who spoke up. "So, the Queen is looking for a child. Her child."
Teagan's face remained shocked. She finally let the words stumble from her mouth, "the Queen has children?" Snow looked away but answered, "yes the Queen had a daughter and..." Snow paused. With a reluctant breath, she muttered, "and I think that I was the cause of her disappearance."
I didn't even wait for Teagan to say anything. I had a sudden foreign fiery feeling in my voice, "What did you do?"
Slightly confronted by my outburst, Snow shuddered and looked at me in surprise. "I think I said something wrong at the wrong time. Its the only explanation. My sister wasn't dead like I thought she was. She was taken away and...I think that shattered the child's mother."
I spoke up again, growing curious at this story. "What did you say?"
"I revealed something that shouldn't have been mentioned. I used to share anything with anyone so I told my father about something discrete. Its too strange though, after saying these words, I never got to see my sister again". My heart was hammering against my chest by now. "How old was the child when she disappeared?"
Teagan, having never heard the story about Snow's sister, was a little lost and surprised about the whole ordeal but she stayed quiet as Snow spoke. "She was a little over 1 year old when they told me that she had passed away."
In a shaky voice I asked,"but she hasn't right? Do you know if she has died for sure?"
"No I don't. But I think you're right. I think there's something that my father wanted to hide from me. I'm now pretty sure that my sister wasn't dead back then. Now, I don't know if she is still alive or even in this realm though. I mean, my sister should be around 16 years old if she's still living". My breath hitched. I am technically 16 years old. I've lived in Wonderland, where time operates differently to the Enchanted Forest.
Snow and Teagan didn't notice the sudden frown on my face. Instead, they engaged in a rapid conversation; one that I wasn't listening to.
"So that's why the Evil Queen was in the village, she was looking for her lost child?" Teagan concluded.
Snow nodded. "Yes. I believe so. She was looking for girls with the name Daniella...because that was the name of my sister."
"Well the Queen will have to look elsewhere. Daniella is an uncommon name around this village, or even this district to be exact! The only girl with this name here is Daniella, standing right beside us," Teagan mentioned.
I didn't speak. I simply nodded as I thought about the conversation that had just occurred. Then, Teagan and Snow gestured for me to follow them as we started walking back to the cabin. I trudged in the thin frosty snow behind them as they walked in silence.
I felt my eyes grow warm and as if my emotions betrayed me. Then, I felt a stream of tears suddenly starting to flow down my cheeks...
(Regina's POV)
I motioned for the servant to refill my glass of wine. I could see the slight hesitation in the girl's eyes as she approached me. However, she couldn't disobey my orders so after quickly pouring the wine, she retreated. After she was gone, I saw Father's gaze eyeing the wine. Frowning with annoyance that I was getting judged, I raised the glass to my lips and in a few gulps, downed almost half of the liquid. Then, I set the glass back down next to my plate of barely touched food. The thoughts that were running through my head had made me lose my appetite. Whilst the steak lay uninviting to my taste buds, the warm burning taste of alcohol tempted me. I was unaware of how many glasses I had already drunk but it didn't matter. I needed a distraction from the failure of today's search. Daniella, my only connection to Daniel is still lost to me; all because of that insipid brat and her tattles!
I sighed. Now I was reminded of Daniel once again. I closed my eyes and when I did, I saw him in my mind, sitting on the right of me at the dining table. I knew that the seat right now was vacant but I yearned for his presence. In my subconscious mind, I saw him there...taking my goblet of wine away from my shaky fingers. He smiled but in a blink of my eyes, I saw the vacant seat again. Clenching my jaw, I bit my lip as I pushed the wine away from me. Then, I stood up and used my magic to swing open the doors of the room. I needed some air.
When I walked out into the gardens, the atmosphere was quiet, unlike the previous weeks when the weather was still comparatively warm. Filling my lungs with the chilly air, I knew that yet another bitter winter would pass. Winter was a cruel reminder. The cool months was just a counter for all the years that I had been separated from my little firefly.
I huffed and cursed myself for thinking these thoughts, I don't need to be more miserable... so I made my way to my apple tree. It was one of the places that would always calm me down. Despite the cold, my apples still remain lusciously red thanks to my magic. I find it funny how visitors and even the guards tend to refrain from walking too close to the tree. I mean, they have probably realised that they would be set on fire by my hand if the tree was harmed but the visiting royals don't know about the tree. Yet, they are intimidated by the apples. At this thought, I chuckled. I walked over to the stone ledge that surrounded the tree and sat down. Then, I waved my hand and the novel that I had been reading appeared. Illuminated by the torches that had been lit around the palace walls, I began to read until a loud approaching clomp of boots distracted me. I glared at the direction of the noise and stood up, hearing that it was coming towards me. I was about to shout at the person who dared disrupt me but stopped when I saw the Huntsman walk into view from around the rose bush. Then, the realisation hit me.
"Your majesty, there you are! Do you still want to..."
"I forgot, but don't worry about that now. You can go back to your rooms for the night. I'm in no mood for this tonight."
Surprised, the Huntsman raised his eyebrows. I suppose he wasn't expecting me reading in the palace gardens instead of waiting in my bedchambers for him as usual. So in a quiet voice he spoke, "is there anything I can do for you, your majesty?"
He looked bored so I answered, "Yes. Yes, there is. Take this book and put it in my chambers. I'm going to go out for a ride...But DON'T alert anyone about this. If you do, someone will probably be forced to tag along behind me purely as per the rules. I want to ride alone tonight."
The Huntsman nodded curtly and took my book before turning away. "I'll see you tomorrow then. Good night, my Queen."
I watched him disappear into the castle corridors before turning away. Then, I used magic to take me down to the stables. Seeing that there was a guard there, I cast a temporary spell on him. Watching him slump down in sleep on his post, I walked straight into the stables. Most of the horses were resting but there was a chestnut brown mare that poked her head out towards my direction. Seeing the white diamond path on her forehead, I let a small small escape my mouth as I approached Rocinante. She dipped her head as I pushed open the swinging doors to stroke her head.
"We're going out for a ride tonight. Do you feel up for that?"
I watched Rocinante stand up straighter as if waiting for her saddle to be put on. Preferring to do it without magic, I reached for the tack that was hanging over the stall. When I was putting it on, I heard a small grunt behind me. Turning around, I saw my black steed looking at me intently. I smirked. She was probably feeling indignant that she wasn't the one chosen to be ridden tonight. "I've taken you out so many times already...but I can't always take Rocinante out can I? Her coat colour doesn't blend in with the procession."
Snorting, the black horse retreated to the back of her stall but continued to stare at me.
I looked at the pitch black eyes of the horse and raised an eyebrow. Seeming to catch my expression, she bowed her head into the shadows. I turned back to Rocinante and finished putting on her saddle. After doing so, I led her out of the stables and into the mild moonlight. As soon as I came out into the open, I was surprised at the amount of small yellow lights that filled up the night sky. Realising what they were, I sighed. I hope that Daniella may also see these fireflies tonight...
Rocinante bumped her head gently against me and I could tell that she was impatient. Without hesitation, I quickly waved my hand around me and changed my outfit into something more appropriate than the dress that I was wearing previously. Satisfied at the new black velvet that hugged me and the white lace ruffles that kept me warm against the chilly breeze, I jumped onto Rocinante. Without my command, she already began a soft canter down the hill that would eventually meet the travelling road. Feeling the wind whistle past my ears, I became excited at the freedom that awaited, even if it was only for a split second. Kicking Rocinante softly, I urged her to build momentum as we galloped past the dark shadow of trees that surrounded the track. Everywhere I looked, there were fireflies illuminating the darkness. It felt warm and comforting, running right through them. What surprised me most though, was the position of the fireflies. Their light seemed to make a specific path along the track.
Soon, Rocinante and I came to a two headed intersection...I knew that whilst the one on the right led to the villages, the other led to faraway kingdoms. The fireflies darted towards the left. Cautiously, I let Rocinante follow them. After cantering for perhaps an hour, I recognised the scenery that emerged. Frowning, I urged Rocinante to a gallop and when she did so, it only took minutes until a very familiar hillside arose. My childhood home.
I watched as the stone manor came out into view in the distance. Having being abandoned for a few years, it looked deathly calm against the night. However, I didn't wish to evoke any more memories so I rode past it until I felt a gradual slope under Rocinante's hooves. Now I knew why there were so many fireflies along the path. We were approaching Firefly Hill.
Despite the absence of my true love or Daniella, I still felt oddly comfortable when the gentle breeze invited me towards the hill. Slowing Rocinante to a stop, I jumped down and we both walked towards the little outlook that stood at the top of the canopy of leaves. Pushing back some twigs, I was surrounded by small glows of yellow light as I looked out onto the land that lay before me. From here, I saw the faint outline of villages and in the distance, there stood the dark palace, carved into the forest mountains.
Not knowing what to do now, I sat down onto the log that seemed to forever lay facing the outlook. I had a strange urge to wait for something...but I didn't know what that something was, yet.
(3rd POV)
Daniella tossed and turned throughout the night. Although the small glows of firefly light continued to glow peacefully inside the cage that stood next to her bed, Daniella could not fall into deep slumber. The events that recently occurred unsettled her. Feeling annoyed at her restless mind, Daniella got up and ducked out of the cabin into the cool blue night. Glancing this way and that to make sure that there wasn't anyone following her, she walked into the trees to find a place where she could be alone.
Daniella was contemplating about the words of the witch, Wilma. "If I'm really a witch, I should be able to control and feel my powers...right?"
Finally, in a small open space, Daniella stopped and stood still. Reaching her hands out in front, she tried to feel the same warmth that sent the branch falling on top of Leyton and the boys. With brows frowned and glares towards her hands, Daniella's hands shook in effort to summon magic. However, her hands remained unlit. Daniella sighed. She had already let go of the anger that fuelled the magic last time. "If only magic could be summoned with other ways."
Unknowingly, Daniella's mind drifted off to the warm crackling fireside that had existed insider her dream. The dream in which she was inside a beautiful room with a figure gently stroking through her hair. A gentle smile lit up on Daniella's face as a sudden realisation clouded her thoughts. What if the dream was a memory? In that case, does it mean that I'm part of the story that was told by Princess Snow?
Daniella closed her eyes and felt herself become immersed into the dream once again. When she opened her eyes again, she staggered a little in her steps. A pinkish purple globe of flames sat in her hands! It glistened against the trees, creating warm but beautifully hued shadows. I did it...I did it!
Not entirely sure what to do, Daniella slowly closed her palms into a fist and watched the fire die down with the movement. Then, she opened it again to find that the purple glow had built up again to rest peacefully in her palm. After repeating the action several times, Daniella paused. There was a quiet trickling sound of a stream that she had failed to notice because of her excitement. Deciding to test out the new fireball that sat in her hands, Daniella walked in the direction of the water sounds to find a narrow creek with ink black water, caused by the dark night. Her palms opened once again and with an experimental flick of her wrist, she threw the purple-pink fireball into the water. As soon as it met the surface, the flames seemed to separate from one another and with a loud sizzle, it dispersed into the air. By now, Daniella was grinning at her control of magic. Perhaps I am a witch...but I can't believe it. I wonder how the other kids will think of me now. I can do magic!
However, Daniella was too ecstatic to realise that the crackling hisses from her magic had attracted the attention of another who had walked out of the cabin due to the inability of sleep. "Daniella?!"
The young girl turned around in surprise, with her glowing hands held out in front of her in defence. Through the restless flames, Daniella saw the outline of Snow White. Both gaped at one another before Snow finally stuttered, "I was right...you're her daughter".
As soon as Daniella heard these words, her shocked expression slowly developed into a glare. Snow had mentioned that perhaps the reason why the lost Princess was indeed lost was at her own fault. The mature 16 year old side of Daniella finally came out and when it did, her voice was not unlike her mother's. "So you're saying that I've been living alone, without any family because of your actions?"
Snow furrowed her brow, not knowing how to respond. Choosing to avoid the topics, she said, "Come with me. Maybe we can be family again...like sisters."
Daniella shook her head and looked down. "Sorry Snow, but no. I can sense that there is something you're not telling me. Why do you avoid mentioning exactly what you think you did...Your actions that lead to the consequences that is apparently my 'fake' death?"
Snow shook her head. If she tells Daniella about the possible fact that they weren't blood-related sisters at all, the word may spread about treason and when it reaches Regina, it would remind her of her lost love. Although Snow now hated Regina, she still felt sorry for her about Daniel's disappearance. But then again, Regina would probably tear the kingdom down to ruins to find her daughter again. Snow shook her head and asked once more, "Daniella, come. Come with me, I won't hurt you. You're my sister."
"And funnily enough, something is telling me that I'm not. Besides, how will people react when they find out about my family? Everyone is currently trying to dethrone my...my mother. What will happen if I say that I'm her daughter? Someone will probably spear a sword into my heart before I even explain that I've never seen the Queen before!"
Through clenched teeth, Snow replied in a loud voice, "Daniella. I cannot let Regina find you. She'll ruin you! Like she ruined so many others! You're still pure and untainted with dark magic. No one should learn from her evil ways."
Daniella pretended to not hear the last statement. Although, she was aware that the Queen had committed horrible acts, she now felt angry that her mother was being called evil; especially after finding out that Regina had grieved genuinely for her child's disappearance. Daniella was conflicted but she glared at Snow. However, in a few seconds, the harsh stare strangely turned into a wilted expression as her face dropped. The 10 year old confused and lost mind seemed to come back to Daniella. She didn't know what to do. As a child, she couldn't just walk into the palace and demand to see the Queen. Her only option seemed to be to follow Snow, the very person who had gotten her into this position in the first place.
Seeing Daniella's sudden sad look, Snow cautiously stepped closer to the young girl. As soon as she put hands on Daniella however, the girl flinched and stumbled back. Daniella felt her eyes water but in desperation, she glanced once more at Snow White before running through the trees. Holding out her glowing hands to guide her way, Daniella wanted to go far away from Snow, the cabin, the village. She didn't want to care anymore because she knew that her life just got much more complicated than it already was.
...
In the silver moonlight, Regina remained sitting on the log, huddled in her thick fur cloak. She didn't want to leave, as she was imagining Daniel's presence amongst the gentle rustling of the leaves at the Firefly Hill outlook. After being alone for quite a long period of time, she finally let her guard down and a single tear trickled from her eye. Despite the death being so many years ago, her heart still ached at the thought of Daniel. However, it also found comfort in the matter as Regina thought about her young teenage years. Those years had been free from any burden...well, perhaps apart from Cora's strict mothering discipline.
The stars continued to roll along the night sky and Regina closed her eyes and let her head droop down. She was tired, but still not ready yet to go back to the luxurious prison that was the palace. Her mind nearly entered into slumber but approaching sounds of two people talking startled her. Although she would normally have used her magic to get rid of the people disturbing her, Regina found herself interested at the couple that was approaching her. With her back turned to them, she listened as the voices drew closer.
"I'm just worried about that girl, she seemed genuinely lost!"
"I agree dear, let's just hope that she finds her way home again. But then again, my father had the same issue; sleepwalk. Its a wonder that they don't trip over the tree roots scattered everywhere on the forest floor! Or crash into any trees for that matter."
"Hmf, I'm still worried about that child. Did you see her eyes, the poor thing. She has been crying. A child at the age of 10 years should not be wandering the forest alone...We should have taken her back but alas, she refused!"
"I think that's quite strange though. I mean, why would she refuse? Ahh, perhaps she's shy. That's the case with most young orphans."
At the mention of the last word, Regina's breath hitched. Orphan? 10 years old? Lost? Regina didn't want to interact with peasants but she was now getting very sceptical about the tale. Having never mastered the ability to shape shift or changed her appearance, Regina tugged her hood over her head so that it hid her face. Then, she stood up and walked towards the couple.
The young man and woman was surprised to find that a figure was approaching them from the outlook of firefly hill. However, the tall and strong built male cleared his throat and uttered a simple good evening. Regina nodded her head under her hood and giving a sigh before she spoke, she replied, "good evening. I couldn't help but overhear that you've seen a young girl around the age of...10 was it? Yes, 10 years wandering the forest. You mentioned that she seemed lost and full of tears am I correct?"
The couple gave a small sad smile before the woman answered, "Yes indeed. I have to admit though, I wasn't sure what to do. The child mentioned that she had a home but she refused for us to walk her back to her orphanage. What a strange girl...she didn't even answer our question about her name!"
Regina simply spluttered out as her heart beat faster, "Where is the girl? Can you please take me to her? Perhaps I can help."
In her mind however, Regina was considering the only scenario present in her head. Well, more like a dream. The girl must be Daniella. My little firefly.
The couple exchanged glances and nodded to the figure under the hood, not knowing that they were actually communicating with the Queen. Then, the company moved through the dense forest of trees. Regina was tempted to create some light using magic but as it would give away her identity, she refrained from doing so. The couple weaved in and out of the shadows, seeming to know the path very well, unlike Regina. Not used to the rough natural terrain, Regina soon lagged behind a little. I'm going to set these two on fire if they don't find the child soon, she thought silently to herself. Before she could complain any longer however, the woman called in a whisper to Regina, "I think I see her. Come."
Regina strode quickly through the forest and as she stood next to the couple, she followed their gaze to a outline of a small young girl, dressed in a simple and slightly dirty white nightdress. The clearing that she was in was surrounded by twinkling glows of yellow lights. Fireflies. The girl was shivering as she sat amongst the roots of a tall tree. The couple walked cautiously to the girl but before they reached her, Regina choked out, "Daniella?"
The couple' heads swivelled around to the hooded figure in confusion but the Queen's gaze was only on the young girl. After a few seconds of held breaths, the girl lifted her head and her eyes gazed into the shadowed face under the hood. Regina stepped slowly towards the girl and observed her. The girl had almost pitch black hair, except for a few highlights of dark brown. Despite wearing the clothes of a peasant, the girl's hair was not matted nor tangled like a bird's nest. Instead, black waves fell down like a waterfall cascading down the shoulders. Her eyes were beautiful dark shadows of brown and if it wasn't for the cold, her lips would have been a rosy pink colour. To anyone, the girl would have been stunning for a 10 year old but to Regina, she was more. The girl had Daniel's visage...as well as her own.
As the girl looked up into the hooded figure, she inched a little closer. Regina knelt down in front of the girl and took the girl's hands in her own. Feeling the cold numbness, Regina used barely visible magic to warm up the cool skin. A tear trickled from Regina's eyes as a smile lit up on the girl's face. Using her thin and pale fingers, the girl reached up for Regina's hood and gently pulled it back.
"Mother?"
The Queen nodded once and let out a rare genuine smile as tears now ran freely down her cheeks...
