III. She Who Vowed Immortality
Wings
Like many children before her, Else was unwittingly taken in by Mother Gothel.
She was lost, wandering the forest in a torn dress and muddy boots, starving and thirsty. She was a little girl, confused and crying, doing all she could to stay alive in a world of sharp brambles and wolves with glowing eyes. She didn't have the courage to go back – after all, she was mute. Her parents hadn't wanted a mute daughter; otherwise they wouldn't have given her to the forest.
Gothel found her weeping by a stream and carried her home.
And Else's new life began.
Unforgiven
Gothel cared for her and fifteen others like her. She fed and clothed the children, bathing them, sheltering them – and for that, she expected payment. Nothing came without a price.
"Don't worry, child," Gothel said after Else's first night. "A voice is not necessary for hard work. Keep up with your duties and you will be rewarded."
Else did as she was told. She was wholly obedient, for she would not fail again. She had finally found a place and she intended to stay. She would not allow herself to be thrown from this new home, as some children were.
Rocky
Of all the children, Else was the best; she was also the only one to stay. After three years, the fifteen others disappeared. Gothel said they left of their own accord. Else didn't believe her, but she knew better than to ask. She had her suspicions about Gothel.
For Gothel always found new children to replace them.
It didn't change much. Without a voice, those new children always bullied her. Else was alone, separated, completing her chores without complaint. Even though Gothel praised her and punished the others, Else couldn't help wondering what it would be like to be them.
Titanic
"Else, it is time for your reward," Mother Gothel said.
Ten years had passed and Else had blossomed into a young woman. Gothel remained very much the same – beautiful and terrifying as always.
"I wish to make you my apprentice," Gothel told her, leading her towards her study – a room Else had been forbidden from entering. Else hesitated, uncertain of what Gothel meant, but the Mother held up a finger.
"Time for questions later, pet," she said, pushing the door to her study open. Else blinked, blinded by the light in the study. "I want to give you a voice."
Crash
Else tasted freedom and felt like she could soar. She was a witch's apprentice. She had a voice. She was learning her own magical art, step by step. She had never been happier.
It ended too soon.
Else's life came crashing down when she returned home to find the house destroyed and Gothel dead, set aflame by frenzied villagers seeking to kill the witch of the forest. Else fled that night, vowing revenge on the murderers and their descendants for all eternity.
She was alive. She was powerful.
She was the new Mother Gothel, and she would outlive them all.