A/N: Next chapter is up! I'm going to make a point clear, to Fan of Games and anybody who's interested: the full length fanfic will act as a sequel to Amnesia, during the time Daniel returns to London, spends some time with Hazel and then the inevitable goes down. As you can expect, more Amnesia-related creep-outs will happen, along with mystery, horror and all those things we all love. I can't give out any spoilers now, but I have a plot point that will work nicely. Stay tuned! And guys, thank you SO MUCH for the reviews: they warm my heart.

Disclaimer: Apply the usual here. Copyright goes to Frictional Games.

XVIII

Chords

I never was too much of a music enthusiast until I played the piano once more at Brennenburg.

I assumed Alexander was one, for I had seen books about music in his library and study, along with some piano sheet music. Scattered around the vastness of the castle, I'd seen some pianos, all of them closed, covered in a thin layer of dust. Seeing them reminded me of my mother, who was an excellent piano player and from whom I learned to read sheet music. I'll never forget how well she taught me and thinking about her, one day I decided to sit down in front of one of the pianos and play. Feeling a light tinge of playfulness, I chose the one closest to Alexander's study. I wanted to see how he would react.

At first, I hesitated. The sight of the black and white keys was unfamiliar, and no song I'd memorized came to mind. My fingers hovered over the keys, my mind racing, desperate to remember something before Alexander showed up. Then, I did: a song my mother had written as a gift for my ninth birthday. And when I remembered, I played. I was surprised at my own skill when I hadn't touched an instrument since I was sixteen: it had been ten years since that. After ten years, I felt a little bit better.

I became so concentrated in playing that I didn't notice Alexander coming up behind me. It was only when I finished that he, well, made me jump like a cat.

"Another musician?" It was barely a question. I stood up so quickly I almost knocked the seat over, but I was in time to hold it. I watched him smile at me.

"Yes!" I said, still recovering from the startle. "Actually, it's the first time I've played in ten years. Frankly," I chuckled, "it wasn't too bad, I think."

"That was wonderful." It was strange to hear something like that coming from Alexander, but I supposed everybody appreciated good music. "Who taught you?"

"It was my mother. Seeing all these pianos scattered through the castle reminded me too much of her," I explained, feeling the blush on my face. "I suppose that was a bit-"

"Not at all," Alexander cut in, nearing the piano. "Even though I don't play anymore, I keep them here because, like you, I am reminded of somebody close to me who, unfortunately, doesn't walk this world anymore."

My heart sank. Alexander spoke with a wistful smile, something that told me that he was not too affected and that he'd accepted what happened, but it still instilled a feeling of melancholy that I could not keep at bay. I fixed my gaze upon the keys.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. If she literally pleaded for me not to mourn her, then I assume she'd do the same with you." I lifted my gaze to Alexander, alarmed and surprised. At this, his smile widened. "My wife was quite independent and strong, which is why she asked me such a favour. Of course, I had no other choice but to comply." He grew pensive, absently stroking a black key. "I suppose you've seen the white orchids I grow around the castle?"

"Oh, yes," I said. "If I may ask the question myself, are those connected to her?"

Alexander nodded, lifted his gaze to meet mine. "Indeed they are. Every time I see them, it helps."

I smiled again, averting my eyes from him. Playing the piano had affected me the same way the orchids did Alexander: it had helped. Not only to remember the bitter experiences of the past, but to remember that anything could connect you to the ones you love the most. When Alexander told me himself, I was not too surprised. He was a silent man most of the time, yes, but eloquent when the opportunity presented itself.

Even then, looking at Alexander helped. Because of him, I remembered what I had come to do to Brennenburg; because of him, I was reminded of my own deeds, of the blood that stained my hands.

And even then, it helped.

A/N: This has a much more macabre hint to it, going back to Daniel and Alexander moments. I do imagine Daniel as a piano player, maybe violin, and given the sorrowful tone you can play, I think the cello suits Alexander just fine. Maybe the organ, too, now that I'm listening to Davy Jones' theme from POTC, lol. Who knows? There are many themes that work!

Reviews are appreciated!^^