Disclaimer: I do not own the Maleficent movie.
Innocence
o4.
"You approve of her."
"Mistress?"
"You think she's good and kind; you think she's adorable."
"Mistress, I –"
"Enough."
In a lot of ways, Maleficent was cruel and cunning. She didn't adhere to the delicacy of things, such as the common art of conversation and of listening to another speak, and that was just the way she was. Diaval knew there was no point in arguing with her, so he merely locked his fingers together and bowed his head. She'd finish with her wild tangent soon enough, and then she'd order him to do something else. It was really quite simple.
"Go see what she tells the idiots," Maleficent continued, snapping her fingers.
Just like that, Diaval lost and became everything as he returned to his raven state. The myriad of emotions that had poured through his extended body now shrunk to their true, native forms, and he rejoiced as he felt a strange sort of power flow back through his bones. He felt alive as he took flight and dangled in the air, life appearing to be frozen as it waited for him to adjust, and he closed his little black eyes to take in the wafting scents of the forest.
Though it felt good to be back in his prime form, as Diaval flapped his wings and stared over at Maleficent, all of his feelings felt blurred. A part of his heart glowed for the gratitude towards Maleficent, just as it always had, but another part dimly shined for something else.
"Of course," said Diaval, spreading his wings. With a final glance at Maleficent, Diaval took flight and then spiraled down to the cottage, that familiar rush of excitement consuming his very soul.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
"Auntie, I have a new friend." Aurora was sitting at the kitchen table between two of the caregivers. One had blonde hair while one had brown, and they tilted their heads slightly in Aurora's direction as they continued to sow.
Watching them from the window ledge, Diaval couldn't help but dislike the women. They seemed flustered and disinterested, and while one would normally understand those feelings when they came from caregivers, Diaval honestly couldn't. There were three of them caring for the best-behaved child in the land, so it couldn't be that difficult. Additionally, they were three fairies gifted with fairy powers, so for them, life should be a pleasant, simple breeze.
Diaval had started to develop sympathy since he awakened to his human body, and though he typically felt less strongly as the raven, he felt a pang of sorrow for the small girl huddled between the two women. She was so sweet and so loving, but inside her home, it was almost as if she had no one to sincerely appreciate it.
"How nice," said the older of the two, her voice high-pitched and stern.
"His name is Diaval." With a rush of emotion, Diaval felt his feathers start to ruffle.
"Diaval? That's a pretty name," said the younger woman, pausing to give Aurora a smile. "Did you name him?"
"No. It's his name, Auntie."
"But animals don't have names." The older woman set down her needle and let out a sigh, staring at Aurora as though it was painful to reason with her. "Of course it's his name, but it's the name you gave him."
"No, Auntie." Aurora smiled. "He's a person."
"A person?" As if on cue, the other caregiver stumbled into the room, and Diaval was aware that things were going very badly. He watched the three consult with each other and then eye Aurora suspiciously, as if not sure to believe her, and he cringed as they finally approached her and spoke with clear, ringing finality.
"You are not to talk to strangers," ordered the older one, her hands on her hips. "We never thought we'd have to tell you that, but apparently we do. No more talking to strangers, Aurora."
Knowing that there wasn't much more to see, Diaval pushed off from the window ledge and took flight. His heart felt very raw at that particular moment, and though Diaval the Raven wasn't as sophisticated as Diaval the Man, he knew that he was experiencing disappointment and heartache. He had enjoyed his time with Aurora, and he was looking forward to playing with her again. Now that there was a possibility that he couldn't, however, Diaval realized how fond he had become of the child, and he wished that he could somehow find a way to talk to her again.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
"Diaval," said Maleficent, beckoning the man with her fingers. Instantly, Diaval bowed his head and came over to her, waiting. "In the future, you are to go back and play with her."
Diaval felt warmth spread through his stomach, and he couldn't help but feel excited. He had promised Aurora he'd come back to play with her, and even with the caregivers' fear and Maleficent's anger, he still could.
"As you wish, Mistress."
"However, from now on, you'll only go to her as a bird." Maleficent's eyes flashed green. "It's only fair. We don't want you to get too attached, now do we?"
How was that?! What do you all think of the story so far? I'm always welcome to ideas and suggestions. (Elizabeth, I've been definitely using a lot of yours. :D) Thanks you so much for reading, and thanks for all the support! I really appreciate it. As always, I'll try to update as soon as I can!