10th November 1941

It was a cool November evening in France. The frozen straws and grass cracked under Elizabeth's feet as she crossed a field. Because of the endless landscape, a stiff, icy wind was blowing, which made her squint her eyes.

She had put on a coat over the uniform she was still wearing, and a thick wool scarf was wrapped around her neck and pulled up to her nose. The medical utensils in her shoulder bag were almost exhausted, which made the bag pleasantly light. In contrast to her backpack - it was quite full because she had to get clothes for the winter.

In her pocket was a box with six cigarettes that had to be kept for a while. Who knows when she would get a new package again?

With an empty expression she trotted across the deserted and wide landscape and was lost in her thoughts. It was the 10th of November - a day before Bert's birthday.

"We should all be sitting in London and celebrating 'is birthday tomorrow" she said, kicking away a frozen lump.

"I agree with you for once, young lady," said a strange, male voice behind her.

Startled, she turned around: no one was to be seen anywhere. And nobody could hide either - there was nothing there except for wide land.

"Who's there?" She asked skeptically.

She looked left, right, everywhere. But there was simply no one there. Panic rose in her.

"Not so scared, Elizabeth"

"'ow do you know me name!?"

"We have known each other for 11 years now and you ask me how I know your name... Maybe just take your backpack off."

After a short hesitation, she carefully took off the backpack and put it down at her feet. Nothing.

"I'm crazy!" She said and reached for one of the straps. But then the voice spoke again:

"You are not crazy," said the voice. It was the parrot umbrella!

"Wow!" Elizabeth took a few steps back. "That's impossible!"

The parrot rolled its eyes. "Nothing is impossible, Elizabeth. And you should know that."

"B… But... But 'ow!?", she came a few steps closer and knelt in front of the backpack.

"You should know that there is magic in this world... and more than you might think at first."

"Yea', but why 'aven't I 'eard you talk before?"

Elizabeth was overwhelmed. Even if magic really wasn't new to her, this was.

The first time she experienced magic was with Mary when she gave her the medicine - but this was unconscious. She only became aware of it when they explored one of Bert's pictures.

And then the fateful day when she noticed that she could control the fire and heal wounds.

"You weren't mature enough yet. Magic and its abilities don't develop overnight, my dear."

"Who else can understand ya?", Liz was curious. She took the umbrella out of the leather straps and held it in front of her so that they were at eye level.

"Only Mary Poppins and her dear Uncle Albert," replied the parrot, who now seemed more satisfied.

Elizabeth frowned: "An' nobody else?"

"No."

"Then… why do I understand ya?"

The parrot laughed heartily. "You still have a lot to learn, my dear," he became more serious, "you have more magic in you than you think. Much more! But as already mentioned: none of this comes overnight. Apparently you have only just learned to speak to animals. "

"But you're an umbrella. Not a living being."

"Still you understand me, don't you?"

"Yes… Wait a minute! Does that mean I can understand all animals? "

"Just listen," the parrot froze again and Liz listened. From a distance she heard silent voices. But these became louder and louder until she suddenly picked up a short conversation.

At that very moment, two crows flew over her.

"That's impossible!" She murmured perplexed.

The young woman was simply overwhelmed. What was all this about? Why did she have such a ability?

She thought about it for the next half hour, but when she reached the edge of a forest, she decided to take a break there and sleep for a while- after all, she was on her feet since the early morning and the knowledge of her new abilities makes her pretty tired too

After preparing her bed and lighting a small fire, she lay down and fell asleep instantly.

But it wasn't a good night; on the contrary! As if the parrot incident wasn't enough, she was plagued by a strange dream. A dream that was like no other. Almost lucid.

Elizabeth was standing in her park in London. The park, as well as the streets were empty and no human soul was visible. No birds or other animals either. She was alone.

When she looked down at herself, she saw that she was wearing exactly the same clothes as all day. But since this was a bit much, she got rid of her coat, bag and backpack. She only took the umbrella with her.

With a frown, she walked down the path and looked around. Everything was desaturated and dark - unusual but also familiar.

"Is that a dream?" She murmured to herself. It looked strangely real- but also somehow surreal.

Then she got an idea. She reached into her pocket and indeed: there was the cigarette packet. When she took it and opened it, she saw 6 cigarettes.

"That can't be a coincidence."

She took one of the cigarettes and lit it, as always, without a match or lighter.
The surroundings grew darker and darker, but she continued her walk. But then... suddenly everything was black. Before she could even ask herself what was happening, there was a voice that was neither male nor female. Liz couldn't even tell if the voice was light or dark. It was just... present.

"Elizabeth Katherine Alfred .."

She looked around, but everything was black. The park was gone too. It was just there in Bert's old uniform ... nothing else.

"Actually it's just Elizabeth Kat-...", she paused, "Wait ... Nobody knows me second name! Except Miss Fisher! "

A certain fear rose in her, but she didn't show it.

The voice ignored her question, however, and continued, "I have a job for you... an important one."

Elizabeth just nodded.

"You have to go back to London. A family member needs your support there at Christmas. Your feeling will lead you there, as well as to those in need. You have to find out for yourself who it is. And also in what relation you are to each other. It could be an uncle, but also a 9th grade cousin."

Before Liz could ask any further questions, she found herself in the French forest. She was sweaty and breathed heavily.

"What the 'ell was that!?"

Her hand snapped to the cigarette box in her pocket and she counted: there were only five cigarettes left!

"Huh!?", she was just confused. The incident just now must have been real in some way ...

But one thing was certain: she would be returning to London very soon.

—

Today's chapter was about Lizzy again :)

In this chapter I am particularly looking forward to your reviews and above all your guesses ;D