The tale of Edith Liddell(Loosely based upon the 2010 Alice in wonderland film)
The tale of Edith Liddell(Loosely based upon the 2010 Alice in wonderland film) By cerial
I watched the 2010 Alice in wonderland movie recently in prepration to see the looking glass movie. A few things stuck out to me that I did not notice before. Why does the door room have so many doors? Why do they keep talking about another Alice? Where are the other leaders? This story is loosely based upon those questions. A second part of this story based loosely upon the "through the looking glass movie" is in the works.
This story is a work of fiction. It contains the names of actual people for effect. That is where the similarities end. This is for enjoyment reading only and should not be considered a reference in any degree. I have always enjoyed the name "ed" and the mysterious lure behind Edith and Harriett Liddell's questionable deaths has produced this tale.
"We are all forgotten in time." Cerial
1 The late afternoon sun crested through the foothills of Oxford. The warm texture of the rays comforted Edith as she looked over the field and then off into the distance for her lover. The pleasure of Aubrey's company during a summer sunset would become a most modest beginning. Edith could sense that he had more planned his nervousness throughout the last few days and the urgency that he placed upon her being here made for a query, that left Edith questioning his devolution to her. The sight of something shimmering off in the distance pulled Edith's focus from her perturbation causing her to walk through the grass towards it. The light bustled around before stopping within some bushes. Edith moved about cautiously before she seen the subtitle outline of a small hare. "Oh it is nothing more then a ..."Edith's thoughts drifted off as she looked closer at the rabbit. He had the makings of a trinket knotted up within his fur and noticed Edith taking a few small hops towards her before stopping. "Excuse me Alice." The hare rang out causing Edith's eyes to run wide before she up righted herself. Edith paused dropping her shoulders and stared at the small hare intently before relaxing. "Did you just, oh I must be going mad. For a second there I thought that you spoke." Edith exclaimed to the hare before watching it hop next to a tree. "I simply was wondering if you would help me with this" the hare held up his paw the luster of the chain shimmering in the light of the afternoon. "You can talk!" Edith shrieked taking a few steps back. "Why of course I can talk young lady. By what means has anyone told you differently." the hare remarked pawing at the chain. "What is the meaning of this folly. Aubrey if this is your doing I do not find this amusing." Edith questioned looking around then bent down towards the rabbit. The chain concealed the object but as Edith mustered with the chain she found the rabbit looking at her. "So how did you go about getting this wrapped up about you?" Edith questioned the small hare who simply twitched his nose at her and winced as she tugged the chain against his flesh. As Edith continued to move the chain about she recognized the face of the watch. "Why this is Aubrey's watch. How did you come about getting it wrapped up in your leg though?" Edith expected a response from the Hare as she began to question her sanity from before. "Come now you are making me wonder if you spoke before." Edith implored. The hare simply looked at the watch and then up at Edith and curved his lips up in a smirk. "The least you could do is!" Edith's words were stricken from her at the sound of a chiming inside the watch. The hare bustled around in a circle around Edith. "Oh, do now stay still I know how much that watch means to Charles." Alice exclaimed as she chased the hare further into the woods before she watched the hare scurry under a the roots of a huge tree behind her. Despite the size Edith had not noticed the tree before. The tree's trunk was massive covered in a English moss along one side. "Now come now. Come out of there this instant." Edith demanded staring at the large hole under a root. A moment passed and Edith found herself looking around the forest retracing her steps in her mind. "Your not just going to give up that easily are you?" The hair remarked as he sat at the foot of the hole. "Something seems amuck about this." Edith said moving towards the rabbit her eyes glancing down at the chain. "I simply want to be rid of this trinket and it sounds like you wish to acquire it my dear. I ensure you that my motives are just." The hair said as Edith entangled the chains within her fingers looping them off of the rabbit. The alarm chimed again startling the hare and he jostled causing Edith to fall forward upon her knees. Edith let out a sigh determined at this point to secure the watch she began tugging at the chain watching as the rabbit let out small whimpers. "Alice I would implore you to be more careful." The hare remarked between winces. Unbeknownst to Edith the footing under knees was crumbling as she worked the last of the pocket watches chain off of the Hare. The hare rubbed his leg and then looked up at Edith. "I must thank you Alice that trinket has been such a bother. The hare said as he bustled around Edith and into the daylight behind her. "She will be so surprised to meet you." The words chimed off of Edith's eardrums before she felt the hare kick at the back of her dress knocking her forward onto her chest. Edith's arm's outstretched before her and she felt the coldness of air and the lack of ground under her fingers. "What is the meaning of this stop this reckless now!" Edith demanded feeling the hare began kicking at the back of her footwear. The ground crumbled under her and Edith felt her self descending down a steep pebble ridden grade. Further into the darkness Edith went the sound of the pebbles around her muffled her screams before suddenly she felt weightless. The air whipped around her and she tumbling end over end trying to contain her senses. The feeling of branches snapping around her tore at Edith and struck pain through her until suddenly her forehead struck one that was unyielding and removed Edith from the horror.
"We did not plan on laying around all day do we Alice" Edith heard the words run into her ears and felt the warmth run over her. "What a strange dream" Edith found herself thinking before she felt a pain run over her for head and the warmth of the blood running down her arms. A cold checkered tile floor served as a reminder that Edith was by no means in her bed and she received a slight kick to her side ushering her onto her feet. "Get up now Alice, we don't want to keep her waiting." Edith heard as her eyes focus more clearly upon the rabbit that now seemed to be the same height as her. Edith got to her feet and looked around. The room seemed to be carved out of the earth and had roots hanging down from everywhere. Looking up Edith seen what seemed to be a fluorescence radiating off of the roots that shined down reveling doors of various shapes. Looking around Edith seen a door that seemed to be sweating as beads of water ran down the surface before disappearing into the tile. Adjacent to that was a door wove of vines that seemed to be inviting to Edith. Making her walk towards it Edith noticed a double door made of black polished onyx that reflected the brilliance off of the vines into the room. Then Edith noticed a door next to that that looked more like a mirror. For the first time since the ordeal began she noticed her appearance. Her clothing was tattered, draped off of her bloody frame she had twigs through out her hair and Edith began pulling them out. "Alice will you stop meddling and come over here?" The hare instructed walking over to a tiny red door a quarter his height. Edith walked over noting the hare reach up and captured a key from a root then begin digging into the wall reveling a small vial. "Drink this Alice it is the only way to enter." The hare instructed as he lunged the vial at her. "Why do you keep calling me Alice" Edith asked looking at the vial and the contents. The hare suddenly stopped and glanced back at Edith. "Why Alice what else would I call you it is your name after all." The hair said fumbling the key into the lock. "No it is not, my name is Edith. Alice is my older sister." Edith reveled looking at the hare as he turned around towards the door. The hare suddenly stopped and dropped the key onto the tile. His head dropped and he let out a groan hoping his large ears misunderstood Edith's line of speech. Edith felt a chill run through her as the hare turned around. He had a flicker of regret in his eyes that was quickly overshadowed with rage. "You lied. You lead me on, you little minx! How dare you impersonate Alice? Do you have any idea what you have done!" The hair bellowed his voice seeming to grow louder as he hopped towards Edith causing her to retreat back to the center of the room. The rabbit moved forward and Edith felt her heart sink as she found herself backed her against a door. Edith felt as the bark flaked away and then the hare smack the vial from her hand. The glass skipped across the floor and the hair moved himself upright pinning Edith against the door the anger in his eyes tunneling through Edith. He let out a long sigh then reached up and snatched a key breaking it off a root. "I know what to do with a trickster like you. Trying to mislead me like all the other Alice's. The hare said jamming the key into the lock and turned it. A small linger of fog ran over the hare's arm as he placed his arms upon the door frame and pressed against Edith ushering the door open. Edith tumbled back into the fog before stumbling and falling on her backside. She watched as the shadow of the hair suddenly disappeared at the sound of the door slamming.
3 Getting to her feet Edith felt the coldness run over her. The ground under her was full of moss and wet like a swap. She found could not see through the dense fog Edith outstretched her hands moving them about aimlessly before taking a step forward searching for the door. Her hands moved about only to find the door missing. Looking around Edith questioned her significance in the scheme she was thrust into before she heard the sound of footsteps squishing around her. "Hello is anyone there?" Edith questioned her hands moving about as she stepped forward blindly into the fog. "Come with me dear" A gentle female voice instructed before Edith felt a wooden hand grasp her finger. Edith was slowly pulled through the marsh her feet squishing the wet moss under her. The wetness and cold fog ran over her skin as it dwindled reveling a figure about half of Edith's height pulling her along. Edith felt the moss give way to a forest floor then heard the sounds of water dripping off cave walls noticing a light off in the distance. The little guide pulled Edith closer until a giant lit room was reveled. A pot bellied stove the size of a cottage sat at the back of a wall. It crackled bringing warmth into the room over and for the first time Edith noticed her guide. The small marionette stood before Edith her dress ripped and her body ridden with scars. She had a hand missing and Edith noticed her dress secured with three large buttons the forth one undone. Edith reached down and kindly buttoned the top looking at wooden face of the small girl. "Thank you it has been undone like that forever. Quite embarrassing actually. But my circumstance's don't give me the means to change the outcome as you see. The doll said holding up her missing hand. "You live here? Edith questioned abruptly looking throughout the room noting the large table and huge pot bellied stove with a cluster of small stairs leading to the top. "Live? I aquire my masters company while I posses this form if thats what you mean." The doll said walking over to a rack of steps along side of the stove. "Well what is this place and how did you come about being here?" Edith asks seeing the doll stop and take a few steps towards her. "I was once nieve like you. So frail, so innocent, I had the ideals of life and the hope of a child. Of course that was before I was abandoned, tossed about without a concern. A burden to others and a burden to myself. My aunt tried to help me by holding me under. Wrapping the rocks around my ankles and helping me into the boat. My name was.." The doll's words trailed off before she shook her head. "Well, my name is Elizabeth now." the doll said promptly before continuing."and as for this place. I remember the cold and the darkness letting go then finding myself in that fog. It was not long after I found the master and was concerned when he tossed me in the pot. I did not know the favor he was doing at the time. But, am better in this form and have been looking for someone like you for a while. "You died?" Edith asked finding herself staring at the marionette. "Oh, what joy that would bring." The doll says lingering off of the edge of a stair her voice high with a playful glee. "The subtile loss of life bringing a new beginning. To be released from this place to live with the fear of death once again for that I would do anything." the doll said before dropping her shoulders. "But, death does not come here. This is not a world of dreams and happiness surrounded by loaf leaf butterflies. This is the place of the cursed, discarded, and forgotten. This is the place where memories are lost and life's destroyed. This is the world where your fears and false ideals run rampart. Your not safe at any time, not as if it is a regard. I have been careful, keeping unseen. Do not make note of yourself know that life is not short here, it goes on forever as long as you can suffer, your pentane will continue only the forms will differ."Elizabeth said in a low tone. "There has to be some way out though." Edith said looking at the doll shaking her head in defiance before pausing. "Well there is one." The dolls words trail off at the sound of a loud groan that radiates throughout the cave. "Oh he is up." Elizabeth said scampering up the stairs next to the stove before looking back at Edith. A thunderous clap runs through the cave causing the dew running off the walls to rain down upon Edith. She walked towards the steps along the stove only to be offended by the heat before Edith catches sight of the doll falling off the edge. The figure let out no sound as it continued laying limp on the cave floor. The sound of another groan and a voice echoing off the walls calling for Elizabeth is heard and for the first time Edith sees a huge red tail run across the floor. She felt footsteps echo off the cave followed by gust of air before Edith hid under the stairs. The footsteps continued and within moments Edith seen the makings of a red dragon more then twice her size. His scales shimmered in the light of the cave before he bent down and tapped Elizabeth. He watched as her chest slowly rose and fell before his eyes went wide causing him to sniff about wildly. Elizabeth groans then gets to her feet looking up at the dragon. "Master I brought you a surprise. She is just like you wanted, almost exact." Elizabeth beamed before being shrugged off. The dragon's eyes caught a glimpse of Edith and he smiled. "It has been a long time since my eyes gazed upon such beauty." the dragon paused dropping his posture as a sign of submissiveness. Edith moved away from the stairs and into the light watching as the dragons eyes aspired upon her. She thought of the mess that she must look like standing in her mud ridden dress. Still, Edith found the dragons gaze overwhelming comforting urging her to walk closer before curtseying out of respect. "My name is Tighearnach I have been here from the beginning and will be till the end. These days I mind my home taking delight in those that Elizabeth brings my way." Tighearnach continued his words slowly falling deafly onto Elizabeth's ears as she found herself focusing on her thoughts. He had never reveled his name to those whom would enter the pot before. The master would lure them along but never revel him self to them. "It is a pleasure to meet you Tighe-ranach" Edith stumbled with the pronunciation and noticed the dragon move upright peering down upon Edith. "It is quite alright my dear, you will come to learn it easily, soon enough." Tighearnach continued causing Elizabeth to move over and bang on the giant pot. "Master is it about time to feed? I know how it pleases you to have your meals fresh" Elizabeth gestured glaring at Edith reveling her fate. "Not with this one Elizabeth, she is special. Oh, how rude of me what is the name of this beautiful flower before me." Tighearnach asked noticing how Elizabeth was vexed by how he was treating his guest. "My name is Edith Liddell, and I am sorry I have not met you under better circumstances." Edith gestured reveling her dress. "What brings you to our company my dear Edith?" Tighearnach asked moving over before sitting down gently in a chair that seemed to be hidden from Edith moments before. "That I am not sure of, my good sir. See there was a rabbit;" Edith trailed off as the lid of the pot was removed. "Of any matter, I simply want to be returned home at this point before any more misfortunes happen" Edith said. "You consider meeting Elizabeth and myself a misfortune?" Tighearnach said peering down at Edith. "No, I did not mean it in that manner." Elizabeth said correcting herself. "Perhaps you should get go along with Elizabeth and get dressed for dinner" The dragon said stirring the pot. Elizabeth gestured Edith over towards the back room where the dragon had been sleeping earlier. Edith followed her towards a back wall that had dresses hanging off a small cherry tree. It's black branches lingered and held the dresses steadily and Edith felt her belly grumble at the sight of the cherries. They seemed to have a luminance radiating from them that caused Edith to stare. Elizabeth watched with delight as Edith moved closer and reached out towards a cherry. "You find interest in the cherries?" Elizabeth asked smiling. "Yes, why do they glow so?" Edith asked moving her fingers over the cherry. "It is because they are the children of the tree. They are mystical and can bring you anything you wish" Elizabeth said holding back her warning. "Can they take me home?" Edith asked looking at the cherry getting no response from Elizabeth as she moved over trailing her finger along the dresses. "Perhaps they could, I am forbidden from picking them" Elizabeth lied doing her best to keep a straight face. "May, I pick one?" Edith asked looking at the cherry closer. "I am sure the master would approve if you picked one. He shows a liking to you." Elizabeth said watching as Edith pulled the cherry from the tree. There was a small screech from the tree that caused Edith to move back and look at Elizabeth. "What do I do now?" Edith asked looking around for Elizabeth. "You eat it of course and then make a wish. At least that is my understanding of how it works" Elizabeth said moving closer to to Edith. Rolling the cherry in her hand Edith looked down at Elizabeth and tossed it into her mouth. The tartness of the cherry was revolting to the point where Edith did not bother to bite into it as it lingered across her tongue. "Well swallow, no point in tasting it all day."Elizabeth ordered and smiled as she watched a small lump form in Edith's throat that slowly moved down towards her chest before disappearing. "That was utterly revolting." Edith said avoiding a reflexive gaging as her stomach turned. Edith felt a warm sensation run over her skin and a tingling run over her thighs. "You know the master seems to favor you. That is not something that I find ending well for me." Elizabeth paused looking at a confused Edith. Edith felt the sensation become stronger now and her body tighten. She managed to move her lips but found no sound coming out and noticed her dress becoming looser upon her frame. "So, I ask myself how do I rid this intruder that wants to take my master from me." Edith smiled as she watched as Edith slowly shrank down within her dress and walked over staring at her face to face. "Then it occurs to me of how much you know of this world and if you are lost in it the master would want me once again." Elizabeth said watching as Edith disappeared within the dress and bent down cupping her hand over the naked Edith gripping her fingers around her small 4 inch tall form. Now what do I do with the pest that threatens my standing. I could slip you into his bowl he would barley notice, you especially in a fit of rage after hearing you had run off. Or perhaps I could crush you using what is remained to lure the mice around. Or perhaps...."Elizabeth looked around the room until she noticed a stream running down through the wall disappearing into darkness. "Yes that will do quite nicely" Edith said moving over to the wall and holding Edith in the stream. The freezing water stung against Edith skin as it rushed down over her. Looking through the water covering her eyes Edith seen Elizabeth smile before she released her hold.
3 Edith felt herself being blindly tossed about as she is swept down the passage way. Her body treated like a rag doll by the torrent until she felt herself sailing through the air. A scream radiated through the trees before it came to a abrupt stop. Edith found her vision blurred temporally before it cleared reveling a forest during a moonlit night. She felt the cold night air rush over her exposed skin and her body restrained when she attempted to conceal herself. Looking up and around her she catches sight of strands of wire and begins to struggle. "You really should be more careful where you fly about" A voice off in the distance said before the sound of snapping is heard. Edith looked around finding the darkness of the trees hiding her viewer. "Well, it was not my attempt to fly I was simply at the mercy of the situation. If you don't mind would you please help me?" Edith asked finding her speech returning as she continued protesting against the web. "That struggling won't help matters any my dear. Besides, Willow hates when I take vermin she has trapped." The voice said as a owl steps forward into the moonlight. "I am not vermin." Edith proclaimed in a harsh tone before continuing."I am a woman no mere item for you to pester" The owl tilted his head and squinted his eyes looking at Edith as she continues moving about the water catching the moonlight as it cascades off of her body. "Nevertheless, your none of my concern what ever you are. But, I do find this pattern of speech annoying. The quaint fact that it will end soon and you stop alerting my meals below will come as a pleasure." The owl said before knocking the severed wings of a bird to the ground." I do hate the wings such a bother. it is pleasing for little ones though." The owl said watching as insects roamed over the forest floor like a wave cascading upon the scraps. Edith felt a gentle vibration running down the edge of the web that caused her arm to shake. "I do love when small birds get entangled" A cacophonous voice said in reference to Edith. Before the spider larger then Edith moved across the webbing. "She is hardly a bird, look at her she has no feathers, none at all. I would have to say in my professional opinion that she is more like a mouse" The owl says studying Edith's expression. "I am by no means a mouse. I am a mature woman I do not even belong in this dark place." Edith corrected seeing a fly struggling in the corner of the web. "Do you hear this Willow, shes mature." The owl lets his words linger smiling at the spider as she towers over the fly letting the owl jest with her next meal. "As in ripe Galen?" The spider questions smiling sinking her fangs into the fly. Edith watched it twitch then go limp and shuttered. "Yes, Exactly perhaps you should put this mature thing in it's place." Galen suggested looking below kicking bits of another wing into the air below watching for any small animals that may be curious. "But, you simply can not." Edith pleaded as Galen perched forward. "And why would Willow let you escape" The owl asked in a irritated tone watching a bat fly away from his bait and back into the trees. "Cause I was not always so little. I was tricked, trying to get home I simply need to find a way then I will reward you." Edith squirmed looking over at a fixicated Willow en-casing the fly in a cocoon. The spider made her way across the web. "Your just attempting to deceive us. You are not the first to try to bribe your way out." Willow said as she moved along side Edith running her arm across Edith's face before continuing." I do ever so love when there skin is soft. It makes for a quick meal." "I don't think it is a trick Willow." Galen quickly intervenes. "I can see the truthfulness in her eyes. She must be brought to home." Galen said firmly staring down at the spider before knocking a cadaver of a mouse into the webbing. "This hardly makes up for the work this is costing me Galen" Willow said making her way onto a branch leaving Edith exposed. She watches as the owl suddenly swooped down snatching Edith from the web and begins gliding through the dense forest trees. "A reward. Ha" Galen clutches his talons around Edith flapping steadily through the trees then continues." That Willow will believe anything she is quite gullible. But, I must admit it is nice of her to hand you over so uneventfully." Galen reveled looking around for a tree. "Hand me over?" Edith questioned struggling against the clutches grip. "Well you did not expect me to wait all night for my next meal did you? Not when one is staring me in the face. Surly you understand, it is just how things need to be." Galen said feeling Edith squirm. "But you said that you would bring me home." Edith found herself struggling with her speech as the owl continued to tighten his claws. "Oh do not fret dear I will make it quick." Galen said spotting a large branch off in the distance.
A squirrel made it's way along the trees taking note of the strange creature being thrown about by the owl as it weaves to and fro in flight. It ran along the trees making it's way towards the owl before finally leaping through the air . The squirrel landed upon the owl's back and clutched into the owl's feathers. "Let her go, Galen!" The squirrel screams as the owl is forced into a decent. Galen struggles with the squirrel feeling it tearing at the feathers from the sides. The owl releases it's prize sending her tumbling through the air and then swoops up suddenly into a roll feeling the pestering squirrel try to move about as he falls off. "You will not escape today you miscreant. I am sick of your meddling with my meals" Galen says feeling the squirrels grip give free then begins looking around. The feeling of a huge weight suddenly comes across one of the owl's wings and he looks over at the sight of the squirrel and finds himself being pulled to the ground. Galen snaps at the squirrel before looking below at the dense march below. The squirrel jumps free or Galen onto the comfort of a bush as the owl slams down into the tar like marsh. "You little fluffy demon" Galen vexed sloping around in the marsh." How dare you even?" The owl flustered his speech as his body being drawn downward his wing covered in the tar."You just wait. I will get free from here." Galen's words fade as the squirrel makes his way throughout the trees looking down. He finally comes across of the sight of the interesting looking creature laying in the confines of some tall grass. The squirrel makes it's way down carefully then stops at the sight of Edith groaning in pain. He walks closer making himself apparent and stares at the thing in front of him. "You know those owls can be a dangerous bunch to hang out with." The squirrel said trying to break the ice, "I did not plan to be in his company." Edith said standing upright and looking at the squirrel that towered over her. A faint breeze blew across the ground reminding Edith of her nakedness and she felt a shiver run through her. "Your cold? The squirrel asked. Edith looked around amongst the grass finding nothing before she felt the squirrel come over her and hold her in a embrace. Edith felt a little taken back by this but soon found herself warmed by the squirrels fur. "My name is Edith and I must thank you for saving me from that conniving thing." Edith said letting him go and looking up at him awaiting a response. The squirrel simply stared then composed himself. "I am called Miles" the squirrel said confidently glancing at Edith. "How did you come to make my company My dear Edith?" Miles asked releasing his hold upon Edith. She found herself perplexed and could not to help but ask her savior about what the owl had said. "I am truly appreciative of what you did back there." Edith expressed getting no response from Miles as he stood there before she continued."What did the owl mean when he said not today? Do you go around simply saving every thing that comes into the clutches of a owl."Edith said remotely distancing herself from Miles and lingering behind some grass. "It is a long story that I am not pleased to recall. But frankly a owl deprived me from a loved one and for that reason I loth them with a passion unlike any other." Miles expressed day dreaming of the days with his younger sister remembering how she would bring him joy. Edith moved through the tall grass slipping the ferns aside before she came across one that would be perfect and began tugging at the frond determined to have a covering over herself. With a grunt Edith tugged at the leaf before it finally came free with a loud snap. "There this will do nicely" Edith said slipping the fern around herself and used her finger to mark a spot where she would drive a stick through. Edith bent down and reached near by grabbing a discarded stick and punctured the frond in the spots she had marked. The sound of something lingering across the ground caused Edith to twist her form around just in time to see a vine wrap around her calf. Coming out of his daydream Miles scanned the landscape before calling out Edith's name walking closer cautiously before he heard a scream. The grass flew by before Miles stopped and stared down at the sight of disturbed grass. Edith let out another scream and Miles increased his pace through the blades of grass that seemed to tug at his limbs the closer he came towards the screams. Edith looked down at the sight of a leaf moving aside reveling a bright red pitcher. Edith felt as the vine slowly slid from her knee and pleaded for it not to let her go before she felt weightless. There was a brief moment where her fingers grazed the leaf slipping past before her fore slapped down a slippery moist surface and found herself entangled in small hairs. Edith let out a wail feeling herself slip further down the funnel feeling the tiny hairs sliding aside propelling her decent as Edith felt the top slowly close pushing against her feet. Miles tore the grass breaking it under heavy breath just in time to see Edith's feet disappear within the towering tube. Miles brushed the vines off his form then studied the tube before he saw the outline of Edith's form slowly descending down her screams becoming wearer by the moment. Miles ran forward and leapt towards the plant landing under Edith and squeezed bringing the funnel down towards the ground. Reaching down Miles tore at the skin reveling a dazed Edith. The sound of Vines moving about around him left Miles with a sense of urgency as he picked up Edith and leapt over the vines finding it terribly difficult to run while carrying Edith. Making his way through the woods quickly he stopped for a second and dropped Edith in a slurry of mud. Edith let out a scream and sat up wiping the mud from her face. "We really need to go Edith" Miles managed to say between labored breathing as he helped her up. Edith found her feet and looked around spotting the fern leaf and quickly snatched it up running after Miles.The two ran through the grass before Miles was determined they were out of danger and leaned over laying down upon his side catching the sight of Edith out of the corner of his eye. Edith continued closely behind Miles and then stopped spotting a pool of water and leaned down upon her knees drinking before walking over and taking Miles hand leading him over where he leaned down and drank from the pool. "What were you thinking?" Miles asked his breathing returning to normal as he saw Edith looking at him. "I didn't.." Edith managed to say holding onto the fern tightly. "Well you should have no telling what I would do if I lost you." Miles said without thinking then stopped his face flush. "I am sorry I didn't mean to snap like that." Miles looked at the fern and the holes in it. "It is all right." Edith finally managed to say rubbing the water over her face. "Would you please turn around" Edith said feeling the mud drying over her skin. Miles stopped and then shook his head. "I assure you I will not move from this spot." Edith said covering herself as the mud flaked off. Miles stopped then finally turned around and noticed the sound of the water being disturbed causing his ears to perk upright. You can turn around now Edith said proudly presenting the fern wrap around dress covering herself. Miles stood there and then smiled confused why she would cover herself with rubbish yet he found a yearning towards her. Edith stood upright and then then moved closer to Miles. "I can not think you enough for everything you have done. I am not from this place it is all foreign to me. I just need to find a way home." Edith suddenly stopped noticing Miles gaze upon her. "What are you staring at, is something wrong?" Edith asked looking herself over before looking at Miles. He moved closer and gently rubbed Edith's cheek. "I knew you were special the first time I seen you." Miles said brushing Edith's cheek lightly then composed himself. "You wish to be brought to Cassandra and return home?" Miles questioned feeling his heart shutter. "Can she help me? Edith asked as Miles continued on walking forward through the tall grass. "Yes she is a very wise witch and can find you a way home if you want." Miles said letting his words drift off. "Of course, there is much of this place you have yet to discover. Miles was about to say more before Edith interrupted. "Surly by now everyone is wondering where I have gone to. I would be great fully pleased if you would simply bring me to this Cassandra" Edith said noticing Miles stare at her. "As you wish my dear" Miles said making his way ahead of Edith. "What is your home like?" Miles asked as he slowed his pace looking back at the Edith finding himself lost. "It is a lovely, nothing like this mind you. The animals do not have the urgency to speak as you do." Edith dropped noticing him staring at her. "Perhaps they do speak and you simply do not listen." Miles said smiling moving over and then pausing in thought. "Maybe that is why you feel a need to return to your home. The uniformity and comfort in the blandness of a plain existence. Placing yourself into as predetermined place and saying there until you die and are utterly forgotten." Miles exclaimed. "I simply feel a need to get back to Charles I can only wonder what he must be thinking at this moment." Edith gestured before wondering if he was truly thinking of her. "You feel for him wholeheartedly. A possessive force drives you something uncontrollable and you feel a need to tell him? But you do not, do you? You feel there is something more, something larger, waiting to be discovered. Do you believe you were placed here by accident? You speak of this Charles unlike a lover and more like a slave."Miles expressed looking to Edith for a response. Edith found herself thinking back to her and Aubrey's days. She searched her heart and found it clouded with doubt and dismay that became more apparent as she focused on Aubrey's devotion. Edith glanced back at Miles looking at him and feeling a genuine warmth come over her. The two continued slowly walking across the terrain. Miles could not help but feel his feeling become disclosed with each step. Edith found the thought discerning yet she felt a fondness growing the more she talked with Miles and his actions proving to be trustworthy.
4 Cassandra rolled her hand over her wrist ,ignoring the pain, as she peered into the pool of water before her. She steadied her hand before reaching into a bag of viewing powder and sprinkled it about the surface. "Where is this young girl whom holds the thing that I seek" Cassandra asks looking down as the water turns a florescent blue radiating. The sight of Edith and Miles moving about the country side comes into view. Miles continues ahead of Edith moving the grass aside out of gesture to Cassandra's disgust. "It seems she is seeking me out. So convent this is, yet her pace is far to slow. I will definitely need to increase it if she is to get here in time" Cassandra said blatantly into the pool then stopped. The sound of clicking could be heard against cold stone windowsill. Cassandra stared into the pool denying the sight of her as the anger began to flow. The vulture toddled her way into the room vulgarly up to Cassandra. "My sincere apologies Cassandra the winds pulled me."The Vulture began to say before she felt a coldness run over her. "It was my hope that considering what is at stake you would make it apparent be here steadfast. Nevertheless, Hajra you know the urgency under which you have been brought here." Cassandra ran her finger over the water reveling Hajra's daughter moving about slowly within a dark room. Hajra saw the image move about before her and the remorse begin to build up inside. "I profess her condition, although weakening, is stable for now." Cassandra said lowering her voice watching the Vulture's thoughts converge. Cassandra trailed her hand up along the pool showing Edith and Miles." I need her brought to me without harm. Upon the sight of her I will release your daughter and you." Cassandra said looking at Hajra stare at the young woman. "What do you want her for?" Hajra found the words leaking from her mouth. The vulture backed away quickly leaving the question un answered and took flight leaving Cassandra to her thoughts. Hajra swooped through the clouds and over the countryside making her way swiftly over the rough terrain . Her thoughts lingered as she wondered why someone as powerful as Cassandra would not simply approach the child herself . Nevertheless, her daughter was now being held by the wench and no matter how much her mind asked the why she knew that she must simply bring the woman to Cassandra and hopefully the witch would return her child unharmed. The sight of the two moving through the tall grass came into Hajra's sight and she smiled knowing that Cassandra would be pleased with the promptness of Edith's presence. The shadow of the vulture moved across the ground causing both Miles and Edith to glance upward. They both watched as the old bird circled silently before descending in front of the two blocking there path. "Young woman you must come with me." Hajra said short of breath. "Why would she want to do such a foolish action. I am bringing her safely across this land" Miles said gently standing in between Edith and the vulture. "Just where bouts are you bringing her to then if I may ask" Hajra said already knowing the answer leaving the question to fill Miles with concern. "Why he is bringing me to Cassandra so I may return to my home." Edith finally broke out making her presence known in the group. The vulture smiled and then glanced down at Edith her feeling for the squirrel becoming apparent with the tone of her voice. "You fancy this creature before you don't you? He has become a interest and desire. But I tell you his motives are by means not true." Hajra stopped looking at the rage in Miles eyes. "What is your business here vulture?" Miles asked displacing the conversation. "While I am here to bring her to Cassandra for she seeks company with Edith. She finds disgust in your greediness as you lure her away for your own means." Hajra reveled causing Edith to pause. "Thats right child he has been leading you away from Cassandra. Which is while I am here to set you back towards your goal and on your way."Hajra said looking at miles upright himself. "It was for your own good Edith. Cassandra has become deeply evil she can not be trusted I was moving towards reveling this. But, I became lost in reveling my self to you." Miles stated. "Why would you possibly lie to me in this manner. Trying to woo me over as we moved away from the one thing that you promised to provide to me." Edith expressed. "Come with me my dear" Hajra said moving her wing down gesturing Edith onto her back. "Edith please." Miles managed to say getting little response from Edith as she looked back at him. "Let me come with you;" Miles begged looking at Hajra and Edith. Edith paused then looked at Miles feeling that he would prevent her from returning and began to speak up before Hajra interrupted. "You may come, out of protection for Edith. He speaks the truth Edith Cassandra does hold a level of evil over many in this land. Yet, I must bring you to her. She is your only chance to return to where you came from. And, you are my only chance to see my daughter again. I trust that Miles will do his best to protect you. But, if Cassandra sees him she will surly make me pay for my injustice. Before we arrive I will swoop over the trees for Miles to drop from sight. From there I will bring you to Cassandra and you will meet with her." Hajra ordered feeling Edith move onto her back and Miles quickly moved beside her. Hajra took flight struggling with the two feeling the wind change direction and pull her towards Cassandra.
5 Cassandra moved her aching fingers along the wall coaxing the vines aside reveling a cabinet. Reaching down she pulled at the front slowly before stopping at the sound of Hajra's clicking talons on the stone window sill. "I brought her like I said I would" Hajra said feeling Edith move down her outstretched wing and next to her on the window sill. "Yes you did and I am great full." Cassandra said smiling. "Where is my daughter? You said you would release her once I brought the girl to you." Hajra pleaded. "Oh I am so sorry. For you see she has been released for a while now. Cassandra smiled waving her hand over the pool of water showing the child laying limp in the darkness. "You lying."Hajra paused looking at Edith then knocked her out the window with her wing. Cassandra's eyes went wide and she lunged her hand out. Edith fell through the air before she found her self laying on a extended stone. Looking up she watched as Hajra suddenly seemed motionless the body becoming colder by the second until the form cascaded off the ledge of the window ledge smashing to pieces against the rocks below.
Cassandra peered down at Edith reaching down and grabbing her lifting her into the room. "Now that is no way for us to be introduced now is it my dear?" Cassandra said walking over to Edith and sat her down on a chair. "It may just be my recollection failing me. But shouldn't you be a bit larger?" Cassandra said jesting as she walked back to the cabinet and pulled a small vial setting it next to Edith. "Go ahead my dear I know remaining that size demeans you." Cassandra smiled then continued, "Besides how are you going to return home at that size? It would be disgraceful at best." Cassandra pointed at the vial as Edith pulled the top off. "And I can trust you?" Edith asked looking at the solution that smelled of lavender. "My dear you mean more to me then anyone else. I don't know if you know it but you are not here by accident."Cassandra said looking at the vial. "But the rabbit."Edith let her words linger. "Yes, that foolish hare is looking for Alice. I admit I am not the only powerful creature. But I am among the few that know that you are leaps and bounds more powerful and meaningful then Alice."Cassandra said waiting for the question to arise. "What do you mean? Me and my sisters are not special?" Edith said watching as Cassandra sat a large dress beside Edith on the floor. "First drink then I will tell you about your importance."Cassandra ordered looking at Edith stare at the vial. Edith studied it, against her better judgment, grasp it with both hands tipped it upward and drank. A bitter coldness ran over Edith and she felt a bloating in her stomach. The bloating was soon followed by a intense pain as she felt as if her skin was stretching. Edith reached down quickly feeling as the fern containing her nakedness soon tore free from her scurried over under the dress. Cassandra let out a little giggle at the sight of the girl and her childlike reaction before she seen her growing under the dress. Edith felt the coldness grow over her chilling her core as the dress grazed over her growing body. Edith's head moved through the neckline of the dress reveling Cassandra to her once again. "Years ago this land was better. It was a wonderful land we had no issues no problems. There was no pain it was a land of pure bliss. That was until a woman stumbled upon this place. She had managed to find a doorway between our worlds. Of course she was curious of how we lived with no pain or death. At the time I was merely a child. Yet, I could feel something about her that made me feel suspicious. I knew that father was showing her to much. But, he was being blinded by her beauty and grace. The world had been protected by a stone created by the suffering of millions. Still, I stood by and watched as she found more interest in the stones power. The day it happened I was in bed resting peacefully. I had never heard the sound of thunder and found it alarming. Looking out my window I stared at the lack of light and color over the land finding it replaced by darkness. The fog soon followed rolling over the land slowly decaying the life and strangling the good that remained. Where had this woman gone? She had taken the one thing that maintained our salvation and fled back to your land. Harriett had taken the stone back with her. The stone is simply to much and one person to hold for them self. We knew this and hoped that she would return the stone out of cowardness. But, she did not and as she felt her condition weakened she had the stone hidden. Before she hid it, and unbeknownst to him she laid a flicker the power within her brother. That man was Henry George Liddell, your father. Your sister Alice is thought to contain the power and that is why the queens of the lands seek her out. But I know the meaning and also know how to get the stone back." Cassandra paused and then waved her hand watching as roots sprung upward wrapping around Edith's wrist and ankles before another wrapped around her waist. "What are you going to do with me? Please just return me back home I promise I will take you with me to find the stone" Edith pleaded feeling the vines dig into her flesh. "If only I could my dear. But, I can not come to your world to take back the stone. You see time passes much slower in this world then in yours. The only way that I could possibly enter your world is if I posses your essence. I would simply need enough to hopefully find the stone. Bring it back restoring the peace that the people of this land had before your family stole it from us." Cassandra said watching Edith's face fill with fear. "What if I bring you this stone? I would be obligated to you after all for my return." Edith offered looking at Cassandra. "That there lies the problem my dear. The stone does not want to revel itself to you. Those born of your world do not feel its presence. Although, ones of this land that have been denied its existence long for it." Cassandra said pausing looking at Edith struggling with the vines. "Why don't you take me with you. If I come with you I can help you." Edith pleaded. "Your motives seem just. I will not have much time though" Cassandra said hesitantly doubting herself as she slid the vial into Edith's hand. "Drink this my dear and relax." Cassandra said looking as Edith whole hardly obliged. Edith felt herself becoming light headed and the room beginning to spin.Her vision began to blur and she noticed Cassandra leaning over her. Cassandra moved her arm around Edith's neck and leaned down bringing her lips to Edith's. A great warmth ran into Cassandra and she began to feel the flicker of Edith's youth move into her. Cassandra's skin tightened pulling the wrinkles free, Her hair changing from a bright silver to a shimmering black. The vibrance echoed into Cassandra empowering her to her deed as she let her lips free of Edith's. Edith felt her heavy body laying against the vines looking at a youthful Cassandra. Her joints ached and throat felt as if daggers were inside it. Edith eyes became heavy and she drifted off into a deep sleep. Miles urged his way up the side of the building avoiding looking upon the pieces of the vulture. Climbing the stone wall he traced against the window sill before dropping into the shadows. Cassandra's concentration was fixed upon Edith and she did not notice the squirrel. He watched as Cassandra ran her finger along the wall it glowing under her touch. She continued making a archway that once complete glowed in radiance before the light of the doorway shined into the room. Cassandra felt the boldness of Edith's youth fill her with a confidence. She walked over and pulled the vines from Edith's wrist. Edith's body was limp her face wrinkled and faded. Cassandra lurched forward pulling the motionless Edith at her side under the archway vanishing from the room. Miles walked into the room and peered around noticing the glowing portal before him its shine creeping across the floor. "To late are we, well you are anyway?" Elizabeth said walking out of the shadows to Miles. The doll moved her way up the vines to the vulnerable cabinet. "For years I have waited for her to leave herself exposed like this" Elizabeth whispered dipping her hand into the powder feeling the forces echo through her. Elizabeth looked over her shoulder and noticed the squirrel walking towards the archway. She flung her hand upright feeling a pleasure fill her as Miles was flung across the room. Another wave of her arm and vines entangled Miles as Elizabeth walked around the room and then over to him. "Cassandra is confused in some things about the stone and why I brought it there." Elizabeth said reveling her past life to Miles. "You took the stone and placed this damnation upon us?" Miles questioned. "Yes, I admit my understanding of the stones power alluded me at the time. I brought more harmony to my land making it a haven. It was not until my death that I found myself back in this disgraceful land. If I had only studied the stone more I would have known the power it could grant."Elizabeth grumbled with regret under her breath. "That will soon change though." Elizabeth said pulling the cabinet to the floor. Vials cascaded over the hard slate like stone skipping in obedience until one spun to Elizabeth's side. Picking up the vial Elizabeth walked to Miles watching as he squirmed in his innocents.
6 Cassandra felt her vision slowly adjust feeling the pleasant sun run over her skin warming it as she stood next to a tree. Cassandra pulled the unconscious Edith behind a bush out of view knowing that she would soon wake up. A summer breeze ran over Cassandra's legs surprising her and she took a deep breath pulling the fresh air into her lungs. Looking around she was lost in the beauty of the scene then heard the voice of a man who had not scene her appear. "Excuse me miss but have you seen." Aubrey stopped in his speech finding his thoughts failing him at the sight of the woman. "I have never seen someone like yourself in this countryside before miss whereabouts are you from?"Aubrey found himself asking leaving politeness aside. Cassandra looked at the man before her and knew she did not have time for meddling things such as this. Yet, there was a strange sensation for him that she began to feel. It was unlike anything she could remember. "I suppose I am lost. I am looking for a Henry Liddell would you perhaps know where I would meet such a person?" Cassandra asked moving closer to Aubrey noting his nervousness. "Yes, Henry Liddell is to be my father in law."Aubrey felt Cassandra's hand on his shoulder and then looked into her eyes. "Could you bring me to Mr. Liddell? I would be extremely grateful if I could meet him. It is a rather important matter." Cassandra asked feeling the young man before he weakened under her touch. "I was actually looking for;" Aubrey found his thoughts clouded before he continued."But, I guess it will not take long and it is a urgent matter one that Liddell would feel was insulting unless I agreed." Aubrey said before leading Cassandra through the field and upward towards the study. Henry had spent a great deal of times in his study finding it relaxing although slowly consuming him. It was not unlike him to completely loose days and most people knew this and knew if it was urgent that he would be most likely be found there. Cassandra could not help but notice the amount of beauty that seemed to overwhelm her while the two made there way along the grounds and up the stairs. Aubrey found himself looking at Cassandra more and more. The low subtile lines of her face, the long flowing hair reminding him of Edith. Something about her drew him closer. It was the feeling he felt when around Edith the yearning and desire building. But, Though he seemed enveloped into her Henry could not help but notice the layer of distraction running across this woman. Stopping on the stairs Henry looked at Cassandra with a longing taking her hand in his. "Miss is something the matter?" Aubrey asked looking at her blank expression. "It is just there is so much I have forgotten and missed. I am sorry for my tardiness in thought I just find the amount of beauty in this land surprising." Cassandra felt her words lingering. "There is great beauty in this land and much to be discovered." Aubrey paused correcting himself. "Mister Liddell will be in his study Aubrey said moving through the outer corridor between the buildings and up to a huge set of double doors. Pushing upon them they gave way and Aubrey took note of the servant noticing Cassandra with a suspicious look in her eye. The two made there way up a set of stairs and stopped at the sight of Henry coming down. "Aubrey how is everything treating you today?" Henry asked noting the presence of Cassandra. "Everything is going well sir there is just a matter of this delightful woman who whom seeks a company with you. I.. Well, how very rude of me I have not asked your name in all the time we have spent journeying over here." Aubrey reveled making it apparent to Henry that the introduction could also be made to him. "My name is Cassandra I knew your sister Harriett before the sickness over took her." Cassandra said before pausing waiting for Henry to take in the scope of what that meant. He paused looking at her doubting the liklihood that this young woman before him could possibly have known his sister before her death at the age of eighteen. Yet, in her final days she did mention the name Cassandra strewed along with other gibberish that was dismissed for dementia. Henry could not recollect over the many years that had passed what his sister had said through the fever and the thought of her in that weakened state left him with a uneasy feeling. Perhaps this woman was a trickster of some type that had heard about his sister and was merely using her memory as a ploy to get him to bend to her will. He came to the assumption that It would be best to play along for now and see what this stranger could revel. "Yes, she did speak of a Cassandra. More towards her death mind you. Although it may sound quite rude I must inquire why these many years later you come asking about my late sister?" Henry said judging the expression across Cassandra's face. "You see many years ago she acquired a stone that I believe belonged to my family." Cassandra claimed leaving no room for questioning what she meant. "That is quite the accusation do you have any grounds for disgracing my late sisters name in such a manner?" The anger slowly rose in Henry's voice at the thought that this stranger would come by making claims for property. Cassandra sensed this and found that no matter what she said Henry either did not know where the stone was or simply would not tell her. The thought was soon lost about the proceeding as the sound of Aiden banging upon the door. The boy flung open the door completely out of breath. The young servient looked at Henry as well as Aubrey and quickly composed himself. "I am sorry to bother you sirs. But, there is word that Mrs. Edith has been found in the countryside in a feverish state. She is being brought to the doctors as we speak but I thought you would want to know intimately. "Thank you for your service Aiden. Watch over Miss Cassandra while we attend this matter. We will finish this discussion later, Please stay in Aiden's company until we return."Henry ordered ushering Aubrey along with him out of the study. The excitement soon let out the room and Cassandra looked at the young boy. "Aiden is it?" Cassandra said looking at the servant who could not have been any more then sixteen. "Yes, that is my name miss. We really should go down stairs into the hall and wait for there return." Aiden said noting Cassandra was in deep thought. "How long has your family been watching over the Liddell family?" Cassandra asked refusing to move. "For over a century now. But that is not important miss. We really should go down to the hall Master Henry hates to have people in his study when he is away. "Did you know of Harriett Liddell?" Cassandra asked moving along the wall towards the door giving the boy a glimpse of satisfaction in his weak demands. "Only what I have heard from my elder mother before she passed." Aiden reveled walking out of the room causing Cassandra to follow out of conversation. "And, what did she tell you of Harriett?" Cassandra asked moving close to the boy lingering her fingers over his forehead. "That she was overwhelmingly happy. That is before the sickness over took her, that is. It was such a blow to the family, as well as my grandmother to loose someone so special to them."Aiden said feeling Cassandra move closer to him stopping his movements on the stairway. "Did anyone ever talk about a stone. Something that Harriet had while she was happy?" Cassandra said brushing against the boy feeling his nervousness rise. "Well there was a myth about a emerald that was hidden away after her death." Aiden said feeling Cassandra's hand running over his chest. "If you could tell me of this myth I would be at your mercy" Cassandra teased feeling Aiden state weakening under her seduction.
7 Elizabeth lay on the floor flipping through the pages of the spell book glancing up between the bind at the crippled Miles. She stopped and smiled running her wooden fingers down the page listening to the grinding as she studied the words. "I knew she held that answer" Elizabeth said before pausing and looking at the many other books upon the shelf. "And so many more answers that I will develop once I return" Elizabeth thought before speaking under her breath "No time for that now though". Elizabeth got to her feet and walked over to the dazed Miles. She swept her hands over the vials before she found the one she was looking for and stopped looking at Miles. Elizabeth pulled the vial to her mouth and tipped it back. The liquid moved into Elizabeth as she glanced back at the book and began reading the spell. Miles rose his head slowly watching as a mist began circling him and Elizabeth. She began to speak louder and Miles felt a cold feeling running over him as the mist settled upon his fur. Elizabeth watched overjoyed as the squirrel before her began to struggle in pain. His body loosing loosing size and growing younger by the second. Miles reeled in pain looking down feeling his body diminishing his thoughts clouded feeling his skin tighten before his fur began to recede. Elizabeth watched as the fur disappeared leaving a brown rodent that soon became pink. Her words grew louder as Miles screamed in pain his body curled up in a fetal position quickly regressing letting off a bright glow that ran over Elizabeth. Elizabeth felt the glow run over her wooden body and a warmth run over her as she began to grow. The tattered rags she was wearing quickly tore free from her leaving the growing marionette standing over the shimmering form of the squirrel. Elizabeth continued reading finding it becoming increasingly harder. The light ran over her naked form and Elizabeth watched as the wood rolled off of her arms reveling a bright soft skin. She continued to grow feeling hair growing down her shoulders over her chest. Elizabeth crackled voice became softer as she spoke the last of the words of the spell before falling to her knees. Elizabeth lay on the floor while the frequently of Miles existence faded to nothing. Slowly she opened her eyes feeling the cold floor against her soft skin. A smile moved over her face and she got to her feet. Elizabeth stumbled in her new form taking a few steps before falling against the pitcher of water. Leaning against it she looked down feeling tears welling into her eyes for the first time at the sight of her youthful face. "Elizabeth!' The sound echoed over the land and through the walls. Elizabeth looked back at the portal and snatched a dress. She slid it over her head feeling the fabric sending tingles over her skin. Elizabeth shoved the vials into the pockets then glanced through the window. The sight of Tighearnach off in the distance searching the landscape caused Edith to run and jump into the portal. The trip was brief and Elizabeth suddenly found herself under a moonlit sky laying next to Edith. Edith groaned looking at the woman next to her and made her way to her feet. Edith felt her body still heavy from the trip through the passage way yet managed to pull a vial from her pocket. Edith looked across the country side spotting the makings of a man calling out her name in a raspy voice. She noticed the vial in Elizabeth's hand and the foul intent and darkness in the woman's eyes. "Help me please." Edith managed to put forth before she was knocked to the ground by Elizabeth. "You fool!" Elizabeth shrieked out lunging herself atop of Edith's frail form. She grabbed the vial moving it towards Edith's lips before Edith slapped it against the tree breaking the vial. Enraged Elizabeth began striking Edith's face in protest. Edith flailed her arms about searching for a way to prevent the onslaught. The sight of the light swaying back and forth towards them set a nervousness over Elizabeth. In a lack of reasoning Elizabeth pulled a shard of the vial and dove it into Elizabeth's arm before running off into the darkness. Edith felt the pain began to build and slipped into loss of consciousness.
8 "Miss, miss it really is you." Dalton said in a dazed state running upon Edith's condition. The girl who he had sent out to find was not by any means this age. Still Dalton found himself carrying Edith into the wagon. She had scratches over her face the sight of the blood running down her arm sent a alertness as of her lively hood yet there was subtile assurance as Edith's chest rose and fell that she may still live if he hurried. The sound of bustling horses rang through the night as the whip was struck across them. The carriage soon moved along a cobblestone road before stopping at a house along the Oxford city streets.Edith was pulled from the back of the carriage and moved her inside the cottage where Aubrey, Henry, his wife Lorina, a few of there children, and William the family doctor were surprised at there daughter's condition.. Elizabeth watched through a window as Edith was set upon a bed the sweat running down her forehead. The family gathered around her trying to make light of what could only be thought of as gibberish. The thought of Cassandra and what she had said before about his sister kept echoing in Henry's mind as he found it harder and harder to watch his daughter in the state reminding him so much of his sister years ago. Henry kept thinking of what Cassandra had mentioned about a stone trying to focus his thoughts away from his daughter's state. Edith moved her mouth through the pain and tried to speak. Yet, for all of her effort Edith felt a tiredness consume her murmuring a few words without thought falling deeper and deeper into the fever. Then a sound sound of something echoed off Henry's ears that sent a chill down his spine. Through her labored breathing Edith had managed to utter the name Cassandra before a series of coughing silenced her. "Did you hear that?"Henry said looking at Aubrey in disbelief with the thought of the woman that they had met moments earlier. "Yes I did but she cant mean?" Aubrey said aloud before his words were interrupted as the doctor spoke. "Her condition is worsening" The doctor reveled in a low tone tending to her wounds. 9 Cassandra tossed the painting aside pulling her fingers at the coble stone. "The boy had mentioned a loose stone in his ramblings before" Cassandra thought glancing back at the lifeless boy regretting her hastily actions. "It has to be here somewhere it simply has to be." Cassandra pleaded feeling a aching running through her joints as the boy's essence quickly diminished. Her fingers scanned the stones frantically until one shifted. Quickly Cassandra threw her attention into it and pulled. The stone shifted out of defiance but soon found it's place on the floor. Cassandra reached into the small passage and felt the makings of a piece of wood. Slowly she ran her hands over it the texture of the wood flaking away. Cassandra felt as a sap ran between her hands. Almost expecting nothing she opened her hands th revel the brilliance of the stone shimmering throughout the room. The sound of footsteps running down the hallway caused Cassandra to quickly tuck the stone into her dress pocket and run behind the door. Cassandra's breathing slowed in defense to what may happen if someone was to find her. The sight of the young boy laying lifeless on the floor was a reminder to Cassandra's carelessness in finding the stone. The sound of the footsteps moving closer steadily forced her hands to shake. The footsteps continued until Henry ran into the room. The sight of Aiden laing on the floor caused Henry's eyes to dart around the room finding Cassandra behind the door. "I don't know why you are here or what your looking for. I just need to know what your doing to my Daughter." Henry said in a stern voice. "I have done nothing to your daughter that she did not permit. Now sir my time here is short I must get back." Cassandra said moving towards the doorway. "You will do nothing of the sort" Aubrey said swooping in front of Cassandra blocking her path.. "You fools you do not understand what your doing." Elizabeth said feeling lightheaded as she swung her arm up. A loud slap was heard as Aubrey grabbed Cassandra's arm. "No more or your trickery witch" Aubrey said pulling Cassandra's arms to her sides. Henry quickly understood and reached down pulling Cassandra's legs up. "You stupid fools you do not understand you need to let me go. Cassandra managed to plea before the sight of a wooden post struck her face silencing her. The three made there way down into the corridor with Cassandra kicking her feet in protest against Henry. Cassandra's eyes caught sight of a dark wagon with bared windows and then she found her gaze settle upon a familiar face from her childhood. "Stop!" Elizabeth yelled from a distance running towards the three. Henry and Aubrey glanced over as the form came running through the moonlit night. Henry felt his grip loosen as he caught sight of Elizabeth. He dropped Cassandra's feet staring in disbelief at the sight of the woman before him resembling his late sister Harriett. "This can not be" Henry found the words escaping his lips staring at the vision of his sister running up to him. Elizabeth gasped through heavy breathing and looked at the bewildered Henry. Aubrey's grip remained tight onto Cassandra and he noted that she began to shake at the sight of this stranger's presence. "Harriett? I can not believe she found a way." Cassandra thought back realizing how easy she had made it for Harriett to come. Henry heard the words Harriett run off Cassandra's lips confirming his assumptions and stood in dismay trying to grasp the unreal posiblity of her return. "This woman before you has something that belongs to me" Elizabeth said moving towards Cassandra. Cassandra shook her arms violently and threw Aubrey back causing him to land on his backside. Elizabeth jumped out landing at Cassandra's feet grabbing her legs and pulled her to the ground. Henry was still in shock and found himself staring as the two women struggled until his senses returned. Henry reached down and with most of strength pulled Cassandra to her feet. Aubrey quickly grabbed Elizabeth and held her away from Henery and Cassandra. "Now what is the meaning of all this?" Aubrey demanded aloud into the night. "She has a stone of mine something that is of great importance" Elizabeth said looking at the bewildered Henry. "No you must not let her have the stone." Cassandra pleaded looking at Henry. "Harriett is that you?" Henry asked causing Elizabeth to freeze momentary finding the name vaguely common place. She stared at him feeling a relation of sorts that was clouded by the years apart. "Don't you understand Harriett you will ruin this world in the way you ruined mine." Cassandra said wishing for some kind of relief from what she could for see coming. "Aubrey let her go." Henry ordered watching as Aubrey's grasp loosened around his sister. "My dear brother years ago I found a world beneath our own. a world of wonder and power never before seen. The king of the land took fancy upon me and I found myself yearning towards him. Through the weeks I learned of a power that radiated through there land. The power was to great yet I managed to bring it here. It was the time of Mothers passing I was desperate for some form of confort and thought the stone could reasure a recovery for her."Harriett said before being intrupted. "But you could not control you could you. The stone can not be controlled by someone of your world. Harriett knew this and finding herself becoming weak from its power she hid it." Cassandra said looking at Henery with admiration. "Don't you understand the longer the stone remains in your world the more it controls. The more of my world is lost to chaos and the balance between the two is undisproportioned. This is why I have come to reclaim it" Cassandra pleaded the senserity in her voice true upon Henery's ears. "What of my daughter though." Henery asked noticing Cassandra shutter in pain. "Our times pass differently and I needed her youth to come here. It will return once I have the stone back in its proper place. But sir I plead with you please let me return it." Cassandra said noticing Harriett's anger grow. "Brother she is lying." Harriett stopped as cassandra started to wail. She reached into her pocket for the stone only to have her hand pulled out by Harriett. The stone flew through the air striking against the ground. The grass and trees around it caught light and the onlookers watched as the grass grew sprouting flowers and the sound of the trees crackling as the branches grew. Cassandra coughed and feeling herself become weak looking down at the stone. Her eyes glazed over looking at Henery before her face began flaking off. Henery watched as casandra's skin turned a pale white crackling . Aubrey found this shocking as he felt her arms harden then crackling and out of shock released cassandra. Her form fell forward and smashed upon the grass crumbling into smaller and smaller pieces until it was no more thena pile of dust.
Silence fell upon the group until it was broken by the sight of Edith standing over the stone. She looked sternly at Harriett before reaching down and grasping the stone feeling it returning her youth.. "Father it must be returned she spoke truthfulness. I have seen her world and been misled by Harriett." Edith claimed noticing Harriett's glare. "Give it to me child you have no idea what your talking about" Harriet said moving closer to Edith. Harriett seen on Henry's face he was believing Edith and suddenly lunged forward at Edith. The two struggled the stone between there fingertips as it began to radiate brighter. Henery pleaded for them to stop but neither would let the other win. Henery and aubry found the stones radiance increase until it became blinding forcing there gaze away. They lisened as the beckering increased ushering a higher radiance before a sudden screaming was heard followed by a bright blast. Once there vision returned Henery and aubry looked at the charred grass and the bits of tattered clothing. The stone at the center of the carnage remained unyeilding in its perfection. The two stood there in awe for a moment before Henery finally spoke up. "We must hide it where it can never be found." Henery said sternly picking up a piece of the tatered rag of what remained of his daughter and cradling the stone with it. "But, you heard what she said." Aubry protested. Yes I heard what she said and as a man who has just lost my sister and my daughter to this accursed thing I want it placed where it can do no more damage." Henery said feeling regret build within him. "What about a man who has just lost his love. The last thing she wanted was for us to return it. Aubrey pleaded looking down at the swatch of clothing. "Return it where they spoke of a place unbeknown to either of us. The stone has remained here this long without issue and shall remain." Henery's voice grew louder" I do not want to hear of this stone ever again. It shall be delt with and forgotten." Henery said before caliming himself. Aubrey found himself trying to object but without knowing of the place they spoke of his defiance was unjust. Aubry watched as henery walked away before leaning down picking up a piece of the clothing clutching it within his grasp."You will not be forgotten" Aubrey said looking down at the charred grass.
9 The stone sat inside a steel box innocently within the recesses of a cargo ship. The ship moving its way through the choppy waves of the Greenland sea. The captain looked across the waves and freezing fog that lingered in the air hiding the dangerous ice when suddenly a explosion of black powder rocked through the ship. The steel box was flung about the cabin before making it's way free of the ship. The current separated the tow with the box being carried far from the ship disappearing into the darkness.
Then end.