#magic flower

        When she was a child, her grandma would tell her stories from her own childhood in the mortal world. Often these stories were sung as songs- and though her grandmother didn't have a wide range when it came to singing, and was limited, her voice was one of the most soothing to listen to. It felt like candle light illuminating on your skin, or maybe harsher and deeper- like when you sit too close to the fireplace due to being so cold, and your skin starts to burn slowly from the heat. That was a more accurate assessment. But why was she thinking about this now? Y/N wasn't sure, but it seemed like memories came flooding into her at random moments of her life and they always served a reason- like it was her gut telling her something was going to happen before she realized it.

        The story she was thinking about specifically was that of the mother hen and fox daughter. She remembered being small, perhaps 6 or 7 at the time- her grandmother sitting in the drawing room and working on a tapestry that she was hand weaving. It was of the ancient story- and Y/N sat on the floor as she listened to her grandmother explain;

        "There once was a mother hen with her daughter chick. The hen was a loving mother, and deeply cared for her child, doing everything in her power to shield the young chick from the atrocities of foxes." Her grandmother's youthful looking hands moved diligently, that it entranced Y/N into zoning out as she listened. "Foxes were the natural enemy of chickens, and the Hen had seen the cruelties and tricks that foxes can play. How they stole and killed chickens in cold blood for their own gain..."

        She started on another line of the tapestry, pausing in the story. Once she remembered that she was speaking, her grandmother continued; "One day, the hen left to gather berries near the edge of the woods. When she came back, she saw before her a terrible sight; the house was destroyed, loose feathers, bones and blood scattered around the floor, and all that remained of her child was the dress she was wearing that was hanging on the briar with a tuft of red fur dangling below it." Now a lump had formed in Y/N's throat.

        "A trail of paw prints led into the woods-and so doing the only thing she could think of- she followed the path into the darkness. The hen didn't know where she was going, presumably into the fox's lair where they had taken her daughter to finish her off. However... that was not the case." She looked down to Y/N, a saddened expression crossing her features. Y/N sat up on her knees and tugged on her grandmother's dress.

        "So then what happened?" Her voice trembled. "Did she find her daughter?" There was the hope that perhaps she did, even if gone- because even finding her body would have been better than finding nothing.

        "Yes... yes she did, unfortunately." So then, she was dead. Y/N's face fell, as she slinked down to sit on her behind and listen to the remainder of the tale. "Perhaps it would have been better if the mother had never found her daughter, for when she did, it was not the daughter she had raised..." Her grandmother's eyes narrowed, as she set down her work and needles.

        Y/N's head picked up. "What do you mean by that?"

        Her grandmother looked down- her mouth opened as the song fell from her lips so clear and vivid in detail, that even Y/N could see the scene before her.

        "In the clearing in the forest

        I saw before me that which I had feared

        My daughter, a fox bride in the sunlight

        Her fur was wet with rain her face with tears"

        Y/N's eyes widened at the words, immediately understanding- the daughter became the fox, the enemy of the hen. That's why her grandmother had said unfortunately... because the Hen would have preferred her daughter dead than betraying her. That was the day when Y/N realized that death would always be the preferred choice over betrayal in her grandmother's eyes as well… 

        "If you wear your wedding dress for that charlatan in

        red

        Then you're already lost lost lost

        and when your bright coat starts to fade

        and your kits come out to play

        don't let them steal another daughter away"

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        Sunlight barely peaked through the windows of Vil's room, as it was early hours. The sun had yet to rise across the sky, meaning she had at least 30 minutes before Y/N needed to be up and getting ready.

        And she could see she was not the first to wake, for when she looked to her side- Vil was there, his violet eyes a welcomed sight and not a bad way to start off the morning. He already had one arm draped around her waist, scooting closer to her until he placed a soft kiss to her cheek. She let out a hum of approval, smiling and breathing in a deep breath. The room was cold but he was so warm, that she felt it impossible to even think of getting out of bed.

        "Good morning Leibling" He muttered tenderly, his eyes squinting. Even with the sun starting to disturb her vision, and the dwindling time they had together, she couldn't pull her eyes off of him. He was real, and he was here, and she had not dreamed about their night together. Which meant that now, she was protected against anyone waking her again... because there was nothing to be woken from. Her dream was real, Vil was her dream and he was real.

        She sighed out, her smile breaking into a grin as she thought back to the evening before. "Liebling..." She tried the word on her lips, not being able to pronounce it in the same way he had. It was a foreign word to her, so she asked "What does it mean?"

        "It means 'Darling'." He replied, bringing his hand up to glide across her cheek. She grasped his hand, stopping it half way in its journey across her cheek and placed a kiss on his palm. "Mein leibling." Another kiss to his wrist. "My Darling."

        She repeated the word again, and then again- trying to practice it. She loved it, especially the idea that she could be his. "How romantic of you." She let go of his hand finally, leaning up on her arm to lean into him and place a kiss on his cheek. "I think that's the most romantic thing I've ever heard." Now she was just being overdramatic and sappy, but it was like a poison that Vil had slipped into her and now it was hard to stop it from oozing out. Is this what pure bliss was? Being held in your lover's arms, completely unaware of the outside world?

        "Considering what I said and did last night- I hardly think that calling you 'my darling' is the most romantic thing I've said..." He paused, thinking over his words. "It seems I will need to change that if that is how you currently feel." Finally, he leaned upwards and placed a kiss on Y/N's lips. It was even sweeter than she recalled, savoring the feeling as he broke away momentarily to breath before leaning back in. He placed a hand on the back of her head, so that she was given no choice but to lean further into him, laying on top of his chest. After a couple of minutes, they parted, with a hesitance like neither of them were completely satisfied, but it needed to be done.

        Vil looked like he wanted to say something- and that made a knot form in Y/N's stomach, like she needed to prepare for the worst. She swallowed her nerves. "Whats wrong?" He looked startled, but his face became serious and it only solidified her nervousness.

        "We should talk about what happened last night." He sat up now, looking down at her. She looked at him, confused as to what he meant. Did he... not enjoy himself? That was the first thing that came to mind and she internally cursed herself. No, she didn't think that's what he was talking about. Did he have regrets? That might be a higher possibility. He might now regret the whole thing and has woken up with his senses intact and a clearer mind to simply imply they should only be friends from now on. Now, that would sting. She held her breath as he spoke; "I... I want to ensure that you are alright. I don't want it to be something that weighs on your conscience or that you grow to regret and harbour against me." He sat up, looking down to her. “Not like-” He stopped, because he didn't need to explain any further. She knew he was talking about when they first kissed and how she had avoided him afterwards.

        She let out a breath, her heart simultaneously breaking but relieved. She shook her head- it was easy. "No. I won't regret this, not now and not ever." She looked to Vil, with such confidence she did not know she had, as she never waivered. "In the past, I might have felt guilty, or even ashamed, but... Now I can see that this is something I will cherish forever." She swallowed the lump forming in her throat. No way could she start crying now of all times... "What better way to experience something so special than with someone I could not love or trust more than you. I love you- and I've forever given up trying to deny that after finally being able to tell you that last night." She sat up as well now. "So please, you don't have to worry. I'm not going anywhere, and I love you." She didn't think she could ever get tired of telling him how much she loved him- and hopefully he didn't mind. 

        His face though did not change- he still looked troubled by something. Y/N shifted in her spot, placing her hands in her lap and avoiding his face now as she asked; “Is it that… you hold regrets then?” He didn't seem startled by her question- which just confirmed it. She nodded her head- but he reached for her hands in her lap, making her look to him- confused.

        ”Do not misunderstand what I mean- I regret not taking my time.” Y/N’s face became red at that. “I used to dream of this day- but I wish I would have taken the time to properly show how much I care for you, rather than sleep with you right away.” He sighed, lacing his fingers in between her own, and settling their joined hands between the two of them. Her hands fit so perfectly in his- “I will admit my fault, last night I was weak. Despite being able to be in your presence all day yesterday, it was like I could not satiate my desire. And then when you were in my bed…” He didn't need to say anything else-  the memories of last night were now burned into her memory for a lifetime. “What I mean to say is; I wish to now do things right. I want to have your heart- and be affectionate to you- go on dates, spend more time with one another-”

        ”You wish to court me then?” She asked, and that earned her some laughter from Vil- who seemed to have found genuine humor in her question. She raised an eyebrow- as if silently asking him for an explanation- as his laughter quieted down. 

        ”Yes- I wish to ‘court’ you. Though, now most would call that ‘dating’.”  Y/N was unsure how it all would work out. She didn't want to ruin this morning bliss she was experiencing by bringing up the issue of Malleus and her arranged marriage again- but it hung over her like a cloud. Still… the idea that she and Vil would get a proper chance to try ‘dating’ now did ease her burden. Even if it was only for a semester, that was a semester that she would have Vil. He embraced her- wrapping his arms around her and holding onto her. She did the same- and she could have sworn there was no better feeling in the whole world. It all felt right, like she finally belonged somewhere- like she belonged in his arms and the world made sense when she was there. He pressed a kiss to her forehead once more, as he said “Lets stay like this for a few more moments…” and that's exactly what they did…

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        When their time was up, she got ready for the day as she would have done, even with Vil’s eyes on her as he watched (and probably judged) her morning routine. She had practically sighed with affection when Vil offered to pick out her outfit, pulling a lilac purple that almost matched the color of his eyes. She would have thought it would be unintentional, however, anything Vil Schoenheit did was never unintentional, especially when it came to appearances. Detail was everything to him- and so it was no surprise when he picked that dress, and then helped to dress her- sliding the fabric over her body until she was covered up once more and he could not admire her form. He almost looked sad once she was dressed, as if he preferred her completely nude- actually… he might have. 

        Y/N shook her head at that thought, brushing it aside otherwise she would have to sit down for a moment to calm down. When Vil had gotten the dress from her luggage, the necklace that Malleus had gifted to her fell out of the clothing and onto the floor. Luckily, he had not seen it, and she quickly scooped it up and placed it back into her luggage gracefully as she placed her folded nightgown on top of it. When she returned home, she would leave the necklace in her room- and return without it. She did not need a piece of metal hung around her neck, as if being tagged like some animal of who her owner was. 

       Vil sat at his vanity, doing his own hair in its signature style of some up and some down, and an ornate golden clip holding it back that depicted a heart with a knife through it. He also wore more casual clothing than his school uniforms- A V-cut shirt adorned with multiple golden necklaces around his neck ranging in sizes, black pants and a large violet coat over it all embroidered with golden designs. After doing his makeup, he stood and turned to her.  

        She was brushing her own hair, when Vil spoke up. "Let me see." She turned her face to him, and he examined it, placing his hand on her chin and tilting it right to left, before shaking his head. "You're missing something." He seemed displeased, and Y/N furrowed her eyebrow. She double checked the internal list in her head that she had made sure to check off each task as she got ready- ensuring she did not miss anything. Sure, she wasn't as detailed as Vil, but she was presentable and she had tried her best. 

        "Am I?" She looked down at herself, feeling a bit ashamed. Clearly, she had earned his disapproval somehow, and this was only strengthened as he gripped her chin even tighter… but then he leaned in. He kissed her, and even with the confusion she melted into it.

        When he pulled away, he now seemed satisfied, as if he had placed the final touches on a painting, or had just won in a game of cards. He brushed the strands of hair away from her ears just as he always did and admired her. "There." He exclaimed. "I couldn't just let you walk out of here without one final kiss..."

        Y/N gapped at him, shocked, but then leaned into the playful tune in his voice- agreeing with him. "You are simply too good to me, my queen. I am truly unworthy of your attention and grace." It was sarcastic in tone, but there was a hint of truth to it- and even Vil blushed at her words- which she considered a win. 

        He tapped his finger on her nose, his eyes alternating between looking into her own eyes and at her lips as he stood so close to her. “Be careful what you say mein Leibling-” There was that nickname again that had her face becoming warm. "I might just need you to remind me of how grateful you are when we come back." 

        She would certainly hold him to that promise.

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        Her ride back home felt shorter than her arrival to NRC. Maybe it was because she was dreading going home, and so no amount of time would ever be long enough, meanwhile she had been excited for the new semester, and so time could not pass fast enough... Whatever the case, she was home now to the only place she had ever called home; Evergreen Gardens.

        It was a beautiful place to live, she could not deny that. Even with the winter cold, and snow that covered plants and bushes, the trees and wildlife around the manor held a dark green tint- very much still alive despite how majority of the plants should be long dead and wilted. It was lush, just as it always was... but something was undeniably different. There was stillness in the air, but Y/N brushed it off as it being winter. The stream down the way from her house that she loved so dearly had frozen over, which may be why it was so quiet as well. Normally, aside from the occasional wolf or fox, the only other noise that could be heard from this far east was the stream and the birds. 

        She looked to the sides of the house, overlooking the large meadow that was part of their area. Most of the fae had taken to living in the denser areas of the forest, however her Grandmother had settled their family at the edge of it- next to the large opening of where the meadow joined the trees. And thanks to her grandmother's magic, the area had flourished far beyond what it had been 500 years prior. The grass was as tall as the waist, aside from where paths had been set up throughout the property. Large bushes separated different areas of the garden, leading all the way up to the greenhouse that was connected to the house- and the most secured area, reinforced by magic. After all, that is where their flowers were kept. 

        She made her way up the long walkway, carrying her luggage behind her. When she finally did make it up the veranda and to the double set of oak front doors, they opened just for her- as she possessed Galloway blood and the magic barrier that surrounded the house recognized her. The Foyer was empty, but that was to be expected especially for such a large house with only 4 people living in it.

        She set her luggage down at the base of the stairs that wrapped its way in a spiral upwards towards the second floor. It was odd being back home- the architecture was an older style than NRC, often reminiscent of what humans would call a "medieval" style. And even though the house had been lived in for more than 400 years by her family, there was hardly any furniture or portraits that held real sentimental value to them. The only portrait that was hung was here in the foyer, overlooking the front door. More specifically, the subjects of the portrait were that of Y/N's grandmother, Grandfather, Mother and... supposedly her aunt.

        Actually, it was the only thing that remained of any trace that her aunt had even existed in their household. It was at least 100 years old. Her grandmother and grandfather- looking exactly as they did currently- sat down in a set of matching wooden chairs. Her mother stood tall behind her grandfather, and her aunt stood behind her grandmother, hands resting on her shoulders and a whisper of a smile gracing her features. 

        The sisters were both young during the time of the portrait, maybe only 120 years old, perhaps younger. And whether it was the painter playing off the opposing forces that were her mother and aunt, or whether this is truly how she looked, there was a small sparkle in her aunt's eye. A spark that invited the viewer in, made her look like the center of that painting, calling out to whoever could hear her saying; I’m here. I existed, and no amount of erasure will get rid of me. I will always be here and watch who comes and goes from this house. 

        She looked so eerily familiar too- and not because she shared the same eyes as her grandmother, but because she looked like Y/N. Her mother had taken after her grandfather, ridged posture, thin lips and the classic fae ears. And Laurel had taken after her mother, there was no doubt about that. But Y/N didn’t look like her mother, sister or grandfather. She looked like her grandmother and Aunt, the same shaped eyes and color, the same flush in their cheeks that was so undoubtedly human, and the same rounded ears. But Y/N had always been told that she had taken after her grandmother anyways, so it must have been an unfortunate coincidence that she looked alike to her aunt as well. 

        Still though, Rook’s words plagued her mind as she looked at her aunt's painted face- a type of curiosity that she had never indulged in until now: What happened to her?

        A set of steps could be heard making its way down the stairs, and Y/N's head snapped from the portrait to the staircase. After turning the corner, her sister's charming face made itself known, her head held high and sporting the famous RSA uniform- which looked out of place in their household.

        "Sister." She greeted, her smile shrinking, as she nodded her head and gripped tighter to the stairs railing as she descended down a couple of more steps and then stopped short of the bottom. Y/N assumed it was so she had a while longer to be able to look down upon Y/N- make herself feel like the bigger person. 

        Y/N breathed in."Laurie." She greeted back. It had only been a couple of months, and already her sister was starting to look so much older and more mature. She looked exactly like their mother- so much so that it scared Y/N. She even looked at Y/N like their mother did, through her bottom eyelashes as she looked down upon her.

        Laurie scoffed, correcting Y/N quickly with a sneer in her tone. Y/N simply smirked- not pleased that she angered her sister, but more so adoring how her sister was still trying to pretend she was older than she actually was. "It's Laurel."

        Y/N rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "You used to always let me call you Laurie-"

        Laurel snapped back, anger now more evident in her voice. It seemed she had also inherited their mothers quick anger. "That was when I was a kid. Now I'm 16, and want to be taken more seriously."

        "Alright Laurel." Y/N finally conceded. "But you'll always be my little sister no matter how much you age." Laurel looked irritated at Y/N's last sentence, but let it go and so Y/N continued. "How was your first semester at RSA?"

        That perked up her attention, and her mood quickly improved as she clapped her hands together in delight. "Wonderful! I met so many kind people there- and you'll never guess who I got to meet-" Y/N didn't have time to ask or even guess before Laurel continued her rambling, now walking down the remainder of the steps and walking towards Y/N. "I met Neige LeBlanche." She had a spring in her step and stopped in front of Y/N.

        Y/N tilted her head to the side- confused at who that was. She had heard that name before- she knew she had, but from where? "Im not sure who that is-"

        Laurel sighed, and Y/N felt a bit slow at that moment as it was obvious her sister was able to pick up on human culture faster than she was. "Neige is a famous actor, who plays the role of lots of loveable characters. Even though he is a year ahead of me, he was so kind and welcoming! He really is the fairest like everyone says-" Y/N's eye twitched at that.

        She knew where she had heard of him before- Vil. Vil detested Neige, and had told her so in their first year. After all, Neige was always given the more popular and kind roles, while Vil was left to always be the Villian. Y/N's heart had ached and still did at the idea of Vil being plagued by the idea that all he could be was the Villain when he was so much more. So perhaps it had been that anger in Y/N that coursed through her as she gritted her teeth and shot back at Laurel. "He is not that great... Besides, I got to meet an even bigger celebrity at NRC." She couldn't help the hint of playfulness that crept into her voice when she referred to Vil. 

        Laurel raised an eyebrow- doubt in her voice as she asked; "Yeah right, what celebrity would possibly talk to you?"

        "Oh, you know..." She walked past Laurel, trying to act nonchalant. "Just Vil Schoenheit."

        Laurel trailed after her, on her heels in a moment as she gaped. Never mind that she hadn't only met and spoken to Vil, but had done… much more with him. He had even dressed her that very morning! Though Laurel would never know that, Y/N took immense pleasure in watching her sister try to get anything she could about him out of Y/N. "Vil!? Thee Vil Schoenheit!? Hey- Wait!" Truly, Y/N had no idea how big of a deal he was, and probably would never be able to grasp it completely because to her he had always just been Vil. Her Vil. 

        "Girls." A cold voice called for them as Y/N and Laurel paused outside of the dining room. They both crept into the room- and there sat one of the scariest women that ever walked the earth. Y/N's mother, sipping on a cup of tea from a porcelain tea cup with a saucer that was older than Y/N (Actually, everything in the house was older than Y/N, Laurel and even her mother). "'celebrities' and the like should not be your concern whilst attending school. All humans, regardless of following, are the same. They are stupid and primal- you both are the best of them. They are below you." Though it was supposed to be 'uplifting' or a 'compliment' she said it so harshly that it felt like she was snubbing their interests in anything having to do with humans.

        "Of course mother..." Laurel bowed her head instinctively, something that both of the sisters did often when talking with their mother. It was always better to never fight back- let her anger fade like a bad storm and then sunlight would shine.

        Y/N swallowed her nerves as she cleared her throat. "Mother..." Her mother looked to her- her pupils scanning Y/N and her attire before nodding- as if allowing her to continue. "How is grandmother?" Laurel picked her head back up at hearing about their Grandmother.

        Her mother was silent, before answering. "She has been resting." Y/N caught onto her words- pressing the matter. She had learned that how her mother worded things always mattered, as she could not lie- but the way she spoke about her grandmother didn't make her sound like she was indeed improving or getting better. 

        "But she isn't improving." She stated, not even bothering to ask. "there is something else... isn't there?" Her mother remained silent- now glaring at Y/N. She wouldn't say anything, she just held the look of contempt on her face as it trained on Y/N's features. Her mother used to hold Y/N's face between her hands as a child- stating how she hated the way she asked questions and looked at her. And for a moment, Y/N was transported back to her childhood when she felt so small and fragile. "I want to see her."

        "No." Her mother uncrossed her legs and stood. "She is not taking visitors right now."

        Y/N scoffed. ”I'm not a visitor. I'm her granddaughter. I should be able to see her"

        "I. said. no." Every word was punctuated as her mother stepped closer and closer to her until Y/N had to look upwards just to meet her eyes. "She is in no shape right now to entertain anyone. Even seeing me had her spiraling into her ramblings. I will not allow you to come in here and disturb her peace."

        "Gloriosa." A deep voice came from the entrance way of the dining room that led back out into their private family room. It was her grandfather- a face she had not seen in many years. He and her grandmother- though still married in technicality- were long separated. He went about his life completely separate and had for some 8 years now since after she turned 10. He still looked the same as he had when she was a child- and if anything, her mother was starting to look more and more like him. They had the same frown indentations between their eyebrows and on their forehead. They both had the same shaped eyelids, pupils, and agitation in their words. At the call of her name, her mother stepped back, letting out a huff.

        "Tell her that it is not wise for her to see mother, father." Y/N frowned, looking at her grandfather with the best look of concern as he looked between his daughter and granddaughter- as if trying to choose.

        He let out his own sigh, that sounded so hoarse and tired in tone as he shrugged. "Gotilda has asked to see Y/N."

        "What?" Both Laurel and her mother let out the same question, their voices harmonizing as they did so. Finally, her mother argued back. "Father-"

        He silenced her with a raise of his hand though. "she saw her from outside her window, and begged. She wants to see Y/N, and I wont deny her- lest she throws another fit." The very idea that her grandfather- someone who had fought in war and many battles- would be opposed to a human throwing a tantrum was almost laughable- but Y/N could see the sadness behind his eyes at the statement so she withheld any judgement she otherwise would have had. He's known her grandmother for so long... and perhaps once they were in love as well... They had two children together afterall. And now what remained of the woman he married all those years ago?

        Her mothers face dropped, disappointed clearly, and then returned to its natural resting position of a frown. She stepped back once more, clearing the way for Y/N to make her way towards her grandfather to follow him up into her Grandmothers room. Y/N took the opportunity gladly, gliding past her mother, and following after her grandfather. The walk down the hallway was quiet, before Y/N piped up. "Is grandmother so bad that you've come back?" She asked. "Youve been gone for years, why now?"

        He looked at her momentarily, his body becoming tense. Not tense like it normally was- with his rigid posture and closed off demeanor... but like he looked at her like she was a ghost. He was silent, before saying. "I wanted to see her. I missed her, I missed you and Laurel, and Gloriosa." He clenched his jaw. "There are some things about family that make you feel safe. I was gone for years, but for me it felt like nothing but a week. Time... it passes so fast- and one day you will understand that, and perhaps be more forgiving of me..." 

        She hoped she never understood. Time already felt like it passed by her quickly, she didn't want it to go faster. But, she did believe him when he said that. 8 years was nothing for the fae- and he probably didn't even realize how much he was missing until now with her grandmother's health declining. It must have been like a wake up call. "I see.” Was all she could choke out- because she didn't know if she forgave him just yet. 

        They finally reached her grandmother's room doors. Her grandfather gave a soft knock on the wood, as they both heard a soft ‘enter’ from her grandmother's voice on the other side. Her grandfather opened the doors, and at once, several attendants rushed out of the room as Y/N and her grandfather entered. “My dear Y/N.” There, in all her glory, her grandmother sat by the window that overlooked the front of the house. Her hair shined, the stained glass of the window casting different colors that made it look like a rainbow- purple, yellow, green, and more danced across the strands of her hair. Her face had a shadow casted across it as she turned to look towards her doorway- but even with the shadow Y/N could see the wrinkles and lines that had not been there previously. She had always looked no older than maybe 40- but now… she looked like she had aged so much. 

Y/N’s grandmother must have caught her staring at her wrinkles, for she laughed into her handkerchief at Y/N’s reaction. “Do not worry dear, it is a temporary side effect. In order for the medicine that has been given to me to work, I must refrain from using my flower for the time being…” She sighed, leaning back against the chair she was in. “I just try to avoid looking at myself in the mirror, that is how I am coping.” She laughed it off, but Y/N could see it was something that was truly bothering her. The room smelled of her grandmother's perfume still, which she considered a good sign- as when she had heard of humans getting sick and dying, the smell was always something that seemed to indicate decay and death. 

       “Well regardless, you still are beautiful, Grandmother.” Y/N smiled, and walked over to sit beside her in an open chair. “How have you been? I know it must be difficult being confined to your room all day-” 

       “Everyone is treating me as if I am incompetent. I might be going mad, but I am not crazy.” Y/N wanted to point out that there wasn't a difference in the two things she had listed, but stopped herself. Her grandmother then got that look on her face- the one that screamed ‘I know something you don't’ as she asked; “How has things been going with Prince Malleus as of late?” She tilted her head- in the exact same way that Y/N did when she was curious about something. It was hard to escape reminders of habits and traits she had picked up. “I’ve heard talk… mainly from a certain someone, that your relationship has been progressing quite nicely. Even to the point where you were given a certain necklace…” Her grandmother's words trailed off, and Y/N looked out the window. 

       “Yes.” She admitted. “I’ve been polite to him, and he has given me a necklace. That is all I wish to say.” Her grandmother looked as sly as a fox as she chuckled. 

       “Then that is all you will have to say.” The older woman set her hands down in her lap, a much more smug look on her face. “Though, I do say, politeness does not pertain to entertaining late evening walks, and spending more time with one's fiancee. No, politeness is greeting in passing, and discussing the weather. It seems you have developed something more real, more stable than that…” 

       Y/N frowned. She didn't like the speculation from her grandmother, especially about her ‘relationship’ with Malleus. It was just another reminder of her situation. “Perhaps a friendship is the word you are looking for? As that is all that is happening between me and Malleus as of now.” She gritted her teeth. “Besides, would you not agree that a friendship is always the most stable support of any relationship?” 

       Her grandmother looked stunned for a moment, before nodding. “There are no doubts in my mind about that. That is how me and your grandfather developed our own relationship before we got married.” Y/N’s face deadpanned- not the comparison to her grandmother and grandfather's marriage. That was one of the last things she wanted to think of now. “Actually, me and him had a very similar situation as you and your prince do-” He was not her prince. She did not want a prince, she wanted her queen. What could a prince compare to a queen anyhow?

        He did not understand her in any capacity. It was true he was kind to her, and considerate- but he didn't know the real her. Not like Vil did- and he never would because she didn't want him to. There were parts of her that she wanted only Vil’s attention and gaze to fall onto, and the real her was one of those parts. 

       Her grandmother continued going on about how romantic of a notion it was for someone who was immortal to choose you over anyone else (or something along those lines- her grandmother rambled quite a bit). Normal individuals would be concerned- start to question her sanity (especially with her diagnosis) but Y/N’s grandmother had always been like this- dramatic, bold, unafraid of uncomfortable topics of discussion- including the love life of her granddaughter. Nothing scared this woman. 

       Y/N cleared her throat though “But, let's just say that something happened between me and Malleus, and we do not end up… getting married.” The room grew tense with just her statement. “What would happen then?” She wanted to test the waters- see what her grandmother said. Even though she had arranged the marriage herself, her grandmother had always told her all she wanted was her happiness… So maybe there was a sliver of a chance that if Y/N expressed her happiness was with Vil (a human), her grandmother would be accepting?

       “What do you mean? Why would your relationship with Prince Malleus fail?” Her grandmother's voice now had an edge to it- like she was expecting something. 

       “Well, lets say hypothetically it did- because we both were not a match for one another… and lets say, again hypothetically, I…” She pursed her lips, sweat forming on her brow despite being cold. “Lets say I wanted to marry a human… then what?”  

       There had been no movement as her grandmother stared out the window. She didn't acknowledge Y/N’s question for a few minutes; and then something snapped in her. Her grandmother's eyes- which had been sagging as if she was tired or it was a chore to keep them trained at a specific target, widened and became so focused on Y/N’s face- that it almost caused Y/N to fall backwards in her chair. Her grandmother pointed towards her, tears quickly flooding her eyes as she mumbled out weakly; "Alouette..." Who…?

        Her grandfather was the first to intercept the interaction- even before Y/N could question who ‘Allouette’ was. His eyebrows furrowed, not in a frown but with a disheartened expression- as he grasped her hands and kneeled down besides her chair. ”She is gone, Gotilda.” He shook his head, but even so, she looked between him and Y/N, and then became agitated. 

        ”No she is not! She is standing right here in front of me-” She motioned for Y/N, roughly pulling her hands out of his. She reached towards Y/N, as if she thought if she stretched her arms far enough, she would have Y/N in her embrace again- “My sweet Allouette,” She cried out “my child-” But Y/N was not Allouette. She did not even know who Alouette was, and could not find the right thoughts to even piece together who she was calling out for might be in the moment. All Y/N knew was that this was not the grandmother she remembered. This was not Gothilda Galloway- she was a warped version of her. One still stuck in the past. 

       She was so scared by this version of her Grandmother, that she simply just wanted to run away. She didn't want to be confronted by this reality any longer- she just wanted to run into the woods and disappear. And then she breathed in, and she could smell it underneath the heavy perfume her grandmother always wore- decay. ”I… I should leave.” She stood from the chair she had sat in, and made her way towards the door. But that seemed to worsen the situation as her grandmother now started to scream hysterically after Y/N, still yelling out ‘Allouette’ and “Please, don't leave again’. But she was calling out to a person who was not there, and maybe had never really existed to begin with. She was calling out to a ghost. 

       And Y/N was certain that no amount of sleep would ever allow her to forget her grandmother's screams of her lost child. 

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

       She had been home a week and had avoided everyone in the house at all costs. Her mother made her feel small and unimportant, her sister had developed a similar attitude toward Y/N, her grandfather had been attending to her grandmother, and her grandmother… Y/N avoided her and her room the most. She couldn't find the strength to go back there after the scene she had witnessed that day. She knew if she did go back- she might never leave and go back to NRC. 

       It was early hours of the morning, and Y/N found herself wrapping herself up in a blanket and making her way out onto the veranda that surrounded their house. It overlooked the meadow, which was a beautiful sight with the early hour rays of the sun shining down and reflecting off the snow and water- making everything so shiny that it hurt to look at. She leaned against the wall of the house, before turning the corner to take a seat on the set of chairs that were outside before being confronted by someone already there. 

       ”Grandfather.” Y/N whispered, but even so, he heard her and turned his head. He didn't say anything as he patted the chair next to his and she made her way over, sitting down next to him.  

       The birds were so loud this morning, especially the larks. They were songbirds, who came out only for the sun in the morning- and loved to fly around the field singing. It was even more special, as winter break was the only time she could catch sight of them- as they only remained during the colder months. 

       Because of the larks, there was hardly any silence- but there was between Y/N and her grandfather. After watching one of the larks land on the veranda railing, continuing its song despite her and her grandfather being so close, she gathered the courage to ask him something. “How did you meet?” Upon speaking though, the lark flew off as if not wanting to stick around for the tale. 

       He didn't flinch, as he knew who Y/N was talking about. He sighed, and a soft smile appeared on his lips. “I was originally assigned to steal the flower from her. From your grandmother.” Y/N’s head shot to look at her grandfather- betrayal written on her features. He continued though; “My family held the belief that something of such natural magic should be protected and guarded by the fae- those who would know how to actually handle and care for it.” 

       “Your grandmother was a… hot topic in society at that time. There had been talk that a human had lived in the forest, away from the other humans, and she kept to herself.” Y/N turned her head away, watching the birds once more. “I figured ‘how hard could it be to overpower this human and simply take what she had’... but she was clever and cunning… She knew why I came to her, why I was there, and she made me a deal I could not refuse. Every evening, I would sneak away from camp and meet her by the stream, she would tell me a tale- but only enough of it so that I did not know how it ended. If I did not figure out by morning the end of the tale, I was to return the next night to try again. And then again and again.”

       Another lark swooped down but now to land on a bush at the edge of the meadow, where the other birds rested. “It became a game we would play for the next few decades.” Her grandfather laughed. “If I even guessed the right ending once, she would have given up the flower to me. I came almost every night without fail unless I was away for battle- and she came every night, setting up a home so that she would not miss a day.” He was talking about this home. Where their family now lived, by the stream at the edge of the forest… How perfect. 

       She crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow and asking in an exasperated voice; “How could you not guess the right end? And how many stories could she possibly tell? There can only be so many-“ 

       “But that’s the thing. Humans have the ability to grow and change- even their stories, no matter how similar they sound, always have a key difference and lesson to be told.” He shook his head, crossing his arms. “And perhaps I did not want to be right… Eventually I conceded- I admitted defeat. She had outwitted me for far too long and I had become far too enraptured in her to think of harming her or parting her from the flower- which would have certainly killed her at the age she was in human years.” He shrugged, as if he was not telling one of the most beautiful love stories that Y/N had ever heard. He was so casual about it all, that Y/N would have believed he was fibbing if she didn't know he couldn't. “And then I married her. She proposed, I said yes. I thought it foolish- a simple human custom that I indulged her in. But now, I am rather glad I listened to her- and was able to fulfill her request..." 

       “What happened then?” Y/N breathed in the morning air. The cold air was like a shock to her lungs, as she didn't realize she had been breathing shallowly while listening to her grandfather. “I never knew… I always thought you both just… it was for convenience." 

       "Grief. It separates and divides people- even the most loving of families.” He closed his eyes, still listening to the birds. Y/N followed, doing the same. It sounded like they were louder when she did close her eyes- like all her energy was now channeled in another dimension where the only important thing was song. “The loss of Allouette…We may be separated now, but there will never be a day when I will not love your grandmother…"

       “Allouette…” She repeated the name, opening her eyes. “That was my aunt?” Maybe she had pushed her luck and curiosity too far. Maybe her grandfather was still dealing with his grief in his own way- but when he stood up and left without another word, Y/N knew then that they were certainly related. Because just like her, when confronted with the truth or with something she couldn't accept, their only defense was to run. Run away from whatever they didn't want to know. He couldn't answer her- didn't want to speak the name that he had not said in the past few decades again. The name of his child- and without even needing to say anything, Y/N knew in her heart. 

       Allouette was dead. She would never return, ever again- and her grandfather's silence on the topic had proven that.  

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

       Y/N visited her flower only once during winter break. She entered the greenhouse whilst the rest of her family slept- in the middle of the night with the moonlight shining through the glass panels. The moon had undoubtedly become her friend in the recent months- shielding her from many secrets she now kept. This night reminded her of the night with Vil in his room- walking barefoot on the cold stone floor of the Greenhouse just like she had on the plush carpets of the Pomefiore dorm. 

       When her flower finally came into sight, she walked over and plopped down onto the floor in a rather ungraceful manner. No one was there to judge her, or correct her actions- citing them as undignified as her hands combed through the dirt of her planter. “Hello…” She leaned her arms on the thick planters ledge, retracting her hand from the dirt to fold underneath her elbow. “Its been a while, hasn't it?”

       She had always been told that speaking to her flower helped to improve its growth- and that was proven when in response to her words, her flower gave a weak pulse, golden light trying to break through the bud. 

       Around the time she turned 15, her flower had been propagated- separated from her mothers flower bush and planted in its own spot to eventually grow further. By the time she turns 20, it will be ready to bloom, but for now the small flower remains closed- its petals pressed and wrapped tightly into one another. It was a terrifying thought: to combine her life force to that of a flower. But- as long as the flower was alive, she would be. 

       Her grandmother's flower was the oldest, having risen far from the ground and no longer needed a support stick to keep it upright. The roots were so old and so well dug into the dirt that it almost looked more like a small tree than a bush. Her mothers flower was not quite as large, but still impressive in size- and no roots poked through the dirt at all- the network hidden deep in the dirt. The same could not be said for Y/N’s- whose roots were a tangled mess and unsure of which way to grow. Y/N’s grandmother had claimed it was just the personality of the bud, as all flowers had different personalities and feelings of their own- and Y/N’s flower was just showing her that the average pot could not contain all of her powers- that she would be a great queen. 

       Now though, Y/N thinks that her grandmother was just trying to be kind rather than admit that her granddaughter was a mess- her mind resembled her flower roots- a knotted mess, unsure of which direction and path to take. 

       Some dark vine in her mind slithered its way to the forefront of her thoughts; It would be so easy to just… reach out and crush the bud in between her hands. It wouldn’t even be hard or take any effort- just crush the petals and allow them to fall and everything would be done with.  There wouldn't be the choice between Malleus or Vil any longer because she would be worthless to Malleus- their engagement broken and she would be free- but… her family. Her family would surely disown her- toss her aside and leave her. Now that was an unbearable thought. 

       Her family had their faults- but they were all she knew. They loved her- even though sometimes it wasn't always as clear- but it was the kind of love that was a tough love. Even her engagement- it wasn't for her family's own status or want of power, but for her own good- so that one day she could hold her head high and be accepted by the fae completely and wholeheartedly. They wanted her to be loved, be seen as equal, to be happy. That's why they did what they did… When given the choice between Vil and Malleus, it wasn't truly between the two of them but between the choice of Vil and her family… and that was a fight that she was slowly losing… 

       But then- why did she feel so empty inside if she knew she would choose her family in the end anyways? 

        The canary has finally awoken, aware of its surroundings and the cage that keeps it blinded to the outside world. Though it does not yet hear the larks' song, it feels its presence and cry’s out to be heard- though all that comes out is another song. After all… it is all the canary knows how to do.