Grave Encounters

[Terra Sadler]

It had been a long day that day, and if Myra wasn’t crying then Terra would have. She’d gotten the pair up at the crack of dawn, having packed their bags the night before, ready upped the borrowed mule, and the two had been off.

Both were bundled for that cold spring morning and Terra let her eyes drift back towards the small cabin that had been their home for the past two years. It was the first time in those two years that Terra was actually leaving it. It had been locked up tight, and she had plans of returning the day after tomorrow, for this was to be a short trip.

The ride to Ethion was a long one. Terra had to take several breaks since traveling with a toddler was not ideal, and she kept the pace slow. Constantly on alert for any dangers, mostly of the mystic sort. By the time they’d finally reached Ethion, her and Myra were both cranky, tired, and wanting bed.

She’d paid for two nights for a simple inn room near the graveyard where her father was buried, and after seeing that the mule was taken care of, she’d tucked Myra into bed. The little girl practically fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. Unlike her daughter, Terra was awake, staring up at the ceiling. Wondering if she was making the right decision bringing Myra into Ethion and what Ciaran would think if he found out. It was a big if. His visits were so unpredictable it was hard to pinpoint when he would come. He’d visited twice in one week, and it had been a shock to Terra, but she didn’t say anything on it. She expected him to fall back to his old habits when he saw they were safe, so she didn’t tell him her plans to visit her fathers grave.

He wouldn’t care would he? It didn’t matter either. Or at least it shouldn’t have bothered her as much as it did. She wasn’t going to pause her life and what she wanted to do, just because Ciaran was still trying to get his shit together. With a huff of annoyace she’d punched her pillow, fluffing it up and then had let herself drift to sleep.

The next morning, Terra held Myra’s hand as they carefully wandered down the cobbled stone’s of Ethion. Myra’s dark gaze was wide with curiosity as she’d never been out of the village before, and there were so many people and sights to see. “Wha’ dat?” She asked, pointing to a violin that was handing up in what looked like a music shop. “A violin, it makes music.” Terra explained to her, a smile spreading across her face. “Vio-in? Oosic, ike Momma?” She asked, tilting her head back to look up at Terra. “Yes, like momma,” Terra paused to scoop her up, and place her on her hip, pointing to the window. The music Myra was used to was Terra singing to her, she'd never seen an instrument before. ”The strings make the music.” She whispered pointing at the instrument. Myra’s eye were wide with interest, and she was sure if she was in the store she would have plucked all the strings. Terra smiled at her, placing a quick kiss to her cheek before she was turning away from the window. “C’mon munchkin, we’re gonna go see Grandpa.” She told her. “Papa?” Terra smiled and nodded as she brushed some of Myra’s curls behind an ear. “Yep, and he’s going to be so happy to see you.” She told her.

An ache entered her chest, and she could feel the threat of tears starting up. Suddenly missing her father something terrible. He’d been all she had before his accident, and after he died there had been a void that really hadn’t been filled until-

Well until Ciaran had annoyed his way into her life. Despite his aggravating self, he’d at least given her something she wouldn’t take back even if she wanted to, and it was in her arms right now. She only wished her father had been able to meet Myra. See her grow, be there for her. Her father had given her enough disappointment in life, but he worked hard. At tried at least…

The cemetery was up on a hill. Looking almost ominous and spooky, as some of the morning fog was still scattered around some of the headstones. At the time, Terra couldn't afford a proper marker. The poorer people were forced to use wood planks to mark their graves, and Terra slowly wandered to the back of the cemetery. Taking the same route she used all those years ago when she last visited.

[Aoife Lee Frye]

Aoife knew the graveyard well. In those early days back at the capital, she had thought maybe- just maybe-she would find his name amongst the sleeping dead. Slipping between the rows of headstones, up to the family mausoleums, and just wandering. Some days she did this for hours, grey eyes scanning every word they fell upon. Even then she had known it was next to hopeless, that there was no way neither the captain now the family that were almost her in laws would have interred him here without a word. Without a funeral. Still, it had given her some comfort to know that, however slight the chance, he might have been there. That she might have been able to visit, to talk at him if not to him, grief was a funny thing.

Now she knew better, she knew he was gone and his resting place was marked by an ancient mystic stone. Aoife didn't find the irony amusing. Now the wandering around the cemetery was more habit than anything else, a place to stretch her legs. It was peaceful. Oftentimes the only sign of life save for herself would be a stray squirrel, darting across the loose cobbled paths and scampering across headstones before disappearing into the yew trees. She liked the view as well, from the top of the hill. From where she now stood by the mausoleums that had stood longer than the mad king's war on mystics, that had stood longer than Aoife had lived, stood longer than the feud that seemed to always be at the back of her mind; she could see the entire city stretch out.

Not only that, but she could see the woman walk through the gate- a toddler on her hip. Aoife recognised her instantaneously. The mystic had pictured the little girl's face countless times since she had followed her brother to Greyshollow. Those brown eyes and soft curls, the more Aoife had thought about it, the stronger the resemblance had seemed.

This was fine, she was only little, what were the chances Myra would remember her?. The had only met the once after all, one time, and the little girl had spent the first ten minutes with her head buried into Ciaran's shoulder. Terra however, Terra would recognise her- that Aoife couldn't avoid. She didn't know what to do, and every moment trapped in indecision: the mother and daughter moved closer- seemingly heading towards the back of the cemetery, towards the poorer graves.

It seemed wrong to disturb them, to intrude on a private moment like this. On the other hand, it also seemed wrong to watch the scene unfold- half hidden by the morning fog and shadows. She should just leave, quickly and quietly. But Aoife wasn't Ciaran, she wasn't the Sneak King or Keeper of Secrets. So she didn't sneak away, or even try to- instead she lifted her hood, arranging it so the shadow fell across her features and hoped to hide in plain sight- hoped Terra was too occupied with the toddler on her hip and the task at hand to spare Aoife a second glance.

She hadn't accounted for Myra.

Maybe the girl recognised the furs of her coat, maybe she recognised the dark hair she had seemed so fascinated by- 'f- f- foo'. Aoife's heart stopped. Fuck. Fuck was what Myra meant. She hesitated, somehow unable to take another step forward as the toddler reached out a little chubby hand for her. Aoife had stopped believing in the Gods some moons ago- but now she was begging for their help. Slowly, Aoife turned- desperately trying to arrange her features into one of surprise. "She's so- so cute, oh, Terra? Right?" Forcing an awkward smile onto her lips, Aoife tried to keep her tone light and breezy- all the while imagining the many ways in which her brother was going to murder her.

[Terra Sadler]

Terra would have made a terrible solider, or any position in the military. The moment they’d entered the cemetery her mind had been instantly clouded with her father and his accident as they made their way up the broken cobblestone path. So lost in her thoughts she hadn’t realized they weren’t exactly alone, but also that it was a face Tera should have instantly hid from.

It seemed the two year old was far more perceptive than her mother. Myra started to try and say a word, and was reaching for someone. The movement finally pulled Terra out of the pity party her mind was currently in to realize they were near another patron visiting the cemetery but that it wasn’t just any old visitor.

It was a Lee Frye.

Ciaran’s sister. Here. Of all places. God help me…. Terra prayed as she internally began to scream. As far as she knew, Ciaran hadn’t told anyone about her or Myra, and if he had, Terra didn’t know about it. Why would she though? He liked to keep things to himself, dust them under the rug, or in her case; put her in a cabin in the woods and pretend they didn’t exist until he remembered them.

Still, Terra had liked the Lee Fryes, and she’d been good at her job. She realized as she stood there in shock, that Aoife Lee Frye was probably visiting her husband. A pang of sympathy entered her heart, having known about his passing those years ago. She smiled warmly at Aoife, dropping into a slight curtsy with the toddler on her hip. “Ah yes! Lady Aoife, it’s nice to see you again.” She looked at Myra who had a bright toothy grin directed at Aoife. For a brief second her eyes widened in mild horror as she realized how much like Ciaran she looked like doing that, and she prayed that Aoife didn’t get suspicious or ask about it. When Terra had left the Lee Frye’s it had under the guise of needed to go take care of her aunt in one of the other villages, but that was the serving staff. Surely the Lords and Lady’s of the house wouldn’t have paid too much attention to the coming and going of their servants. She was going to have to lie she realized. She instantly became angry with the idea, but to protect Ciaran and the fragile balance he’d created, and because of the damn feelings she still had for the infernal man, she would cover for him. Making a mental note to drill him with questions the next time she saw him about if his family knew or not. What their plan was if they were ever found out, etc.. She hoped he had a plan, but that was wishful thinking….

“Thank you, can you say Hi Myra?” Terra asked the toddler. Children were certainly good for breaking the ice. “This is Lady Aoife, Momma used to work for her family.” She told the little girl gently as a way of introduction. She's also your Aunt.... “F-f-fooo Rock?” Myra was pointing at Aoife. Terra’s brows furrowed as a bemused smile appeared on her face. “Aoi-fa” Terra told her, thinking she was struggling with pronouncing her name. Myra glanced at her mother, her little brows furrowing in confusion. “Fifi play?” Both sets of dark eyes then turned to Aoife as an apologetic smile spread across Terra’s face, before she glanced back at her daughter who started to wiggle, clearly wanting to be let down. “Cemeteries aren’t for playing Munchkin.” Terra tried to tell her, as she sat Myra down, and then watched as Myra toddled towards Aoife with no fear or sense of stranger danger. “Fifi play!” She repeated, holding her little arms up and making grabby hands.

[Aoife Lee Frye]

Aoife hadn’t known Terra particularly well, she knew her name and face and that Catriona had never seen reason to find fault in her work (which was high praise from the Lee Frye matriarch). But as the mystic had spent most of her adult life in Ethion, with the military and away from the family home, she had only really seen Terra on the brief visits she made home to Lasairdubh. Aoife hadn’t even realised Terra had left the employ of the Lee Frye’s until she came back following Alasdair’s death, and even then, Aoife had never known the excuse as to why - though she knew the real reason now. Even if Aoife hadn’t known Terra all that well, the woman really must be something to have captured her brother’s attention. For that reason: Aoife was very intrigued as to what kind of person Terra Sadler was. Now would be the perfect opportunity to find out, if only she could keep the conversation going without accidentally sticking her foot in it, or dropping her brother in it… whatever ‘it’ was.

”Just Aoife is fine.” I guess we are family now. The mystic left the second part unsaid, but offered the other woman a small shrug. They were in a cemetery, there was no need- as far as Aoife saw- for formalities. Grief affected everyone, kings and commoners alike. Though granted, Aoife had never quite started a witch hunt as the Mad King had… but still, no-one was immune from loss and the grief that followed. ”But it is nice to see you, I trust you’re well?”

Momma used to work for her family. Oh good, Terra had introduced herself as the girl’s mother, which saved Aoife asking the awkward question of ‘is she yours?’. ”Hi Myra.” Aoife said gently, giving the girl a slightly awkward wave. ”I used to know your momma, she used to live with us.” Good, this was going well so far… this was fine, she could do this, just remember to breathe and not say anything stupid. This is fine.

But then Myra was toddling towards her, arms outstretched and reaching for the aunt she didn’t really know. The aunt the toddler just knew as a friend of Kiki. Fifi play? Fifi play! Aoife looked from the toddler to her mother, grey eyes widening in surprise. Did Myra want picking up? Did she want to play with the little jewellers loupe again? Oh children were so much easier once they could speak properly and just say what they wanted instead of leaving Aoife to guess. ”Do I- uh- do I pick her up?” The mystic asked, directing the question to Terra even though her eyes didn’t lift from the little girl- she was still reaching up, making grabby hands, but what Myra was reaching for: Aoife didn’t know.

If Terra gave her permission, the mystic would stoop down to scoop up the little girl: lifting her to eye level by the armpits and looking at her with curiosity. She would see those big brown eyes and once again see her brother in them. But then her arms would start to ache a little, and Aoife would try to balance the toddler on her hip as she had seen Terra do. How did she make this look so easy?

[Terra Sadler]

Was she well? She supposed that was the question of the century when looking into the face of a woman who didn’t know the child that was present was actually her own flesh and blood. A fact Terra hated, because she didn’t know if Ciaran had told any of his many siblings about the daughter he’d helped create. She supposed if he had, that she would have seen them around, but on the other hand...Maybe Ciaran kept them away. Either ashamed of Myra and her, or he didn’t want them ratting him out to his parents. It was something Terra didn’t know the answer too, and something she most likely wouldn’t be finding out anytime soon.

“Y-yes, we’re doing both fine.” Ultimately Terra managed to say with a nod of her head. She looked between Aoife and Myra then as the other woman spoke to the little girl. “I did,” She chipped in, adding to what Aoife told the child. Myra was certainly a blessing in that she could break any possible awkward silences, but she was also a curse, as Terra feared the longer they stood there talking to Ciaran’s sister, the longer she might be able to figure out that Myra looked like her brother.

Gods, I never wished for someone to be dumber than a pile of rocks before…. She thought. At the very least, she hoped it wouldn’t click in Aoife’s brain that the toddler looked like her brother. She didn’t know what would happen if the other woman figured it out, and it caused her stomach to tie itself in knots.

Terra’s dark eyes watched Myra approach her aunt, and she felt a pang in her chest as she watched her daughter, clearly wanting Aoife to hold her, make those grabby hands up at the woman. It was also a stark reminder to the fact Myra had another family she had no clue about. A family that could give her a house Terra never could. Protection, wanting for nothing. A life Terra had hoped to one day give her own children, but the fates had never been in her favor. Myra and her were instead hidden away. Tossed aside and forgotten about. During the nine months she’d been pregnant, Terra had kept waiting, and waiting, and waiting for Ciaran to show up to do something. Anything. She’d been alone. No friends, no family. Her only company; the child that she had been growing in her belly, and when Myra had been born, Terra had felt so full of love… She didn’t feel lonely anymore. She’d promised her baby girl she’d do whatever she could to make her happy. That she’d keep her promises and be there for her. The day Ciaran had finally shown his face, Terra had been terrified he was going to take Myra away from her. To live with the very family that could give Myra everything she needed for a proper upbringing. That he was going to cast Terra aside and call her a mistake. Threaten her that if she ever showed her face again, he’d have her thrown away. Have her deemed insane… Ridiculous thoughts she knew, as she didn’t think Ciaran was capable of such things, but desperation drove people to do uncharacteristic things. Her anxiety had put evil thoughts into her brain. She’d actually sobbed tears of relief after he’d left that day, and she still had Myra.

That same fear showed up again, sinking it’s deathly claws into her as she watched her child begin to whine that Aoife wasn’t picking her up faster. Could Myra sense it? The life she could have if she was to go with her aunt? Aoife’s question was like a bucket of ice water. Bringing her back to reality. She blinked rapidly for a few seconds, remembering herself. “A-ah yes,” She stammered quickly. Terra then watched as Aoife stooped low, scooping her up.

It was almost cute how Aoife’s blue gray eyes were filled with curiosity, while Myra was practically beaming. Pleased she’d gotten what she’d wanted. Myra then did an excited little panting sound, as she reached for Aoife’s neck. Unknown to Terra, she was going for the loupe she knew her aunt to have. “Burns eit?” Myra asked her. Her eyes wide as she tilted her head to the side.

Terra was still reeling from her previous thoughts to catch what Myra had said, and instead talking it for baby babble. “She likes you.” She said with a smile. Wrapping her arms around herself since she didn’t know what to do with her hands. “I’ve never seen her take to a stranger so quickly before. She’s usually shy…” Terra admitted.

[Aoife Lee Frye]

If only the other woman knew, it would make this all so much easier- so much simpler. Aoife wouldn’t have to watch every second word out of her mouth or force her features to remain impassive; and Terra wouldn’t have to worry that the mystic wouldn’t recognise her brother in the little girl’s features or in the curl of her hair. Would Aoife had put the pieces of the puzzle together if Ciaran hadn’t told her? If seeing this little girl and her mother in the graveyard was the first time they met… the mystic didn’t think so, though the likeness was undeniable, almost uncanny the more and more she looked upon the little girl. There were just so many dots that needed connecting in order to put two and two together and get the correct answer: Ciaran and Terra’s closeness those years ago, Terra suddenly leaving Lasairdubh, Ciaran’s visits to Greyshollow… the list went on and on. The mystic was no great deductionist, though she didn’t doubt that Catriona would have probably clocked on… Aoife however, would have remarked the coincidence and moved on without a lightbulb moment of her own.

It took a few tries, awkwardly shifting her position as Aoife tried to find some way of standing that didn’t feel uncomfortable for either herself or the toddler. This was hard. Why was it so difficult? Surely this should be second nature? Some instinct within her? It had been different with her brother’s boys, for a start- they knew who she was, she didn’t have to pretend the bond wasn’t there or that she had never met them before: which made things a lot easier. But even then she had rarely held them at this age, they had all been so busy with their own lives and work- most of the time spent with Lee’s family and Niall’s had been catching up with her brother’s or teaching the boys how to cause chaos… not idly chatting with one upon her hip. Eventually, the woman settled, holding Myra with her left hand- hip cocked to take most of the weight- this would be fine. Completely fine. So long as the toddler didn’t wiggle or squirm or make any sudden movements. Completely and utterly fine.

Burns eit? Whilst Aoife’s eyes had been wide with curiosity a moment or so ago, they widened again in shock as Myra began reaching for her neck- presumably wanting to play the little game they had played that morning in Greyshollow. She took it back. Children were easier before they could speak: they might not be able to articulate what they wanted, but at least why couldn’t drop you in it. An awkward laugh escaped her lips then, free hand digging in her pocket for the little contraption. She would have to get Myra one of her own... when she was older and knew a little more about the danger of getting burned when playing with fire unless, of course, Myra had inherited her father’s gramyre. But like Ciaran had pointed out: they had all turned out differently, it stood to logic that Myra would be the same.

Fishing out the little brass and glass loupe, Aoife offered it with a gloved hand to the little girl. The morning was overcast, almost gloomy even, and the mystic doubted Myra could concentrate the light into anything strong enough to singe the skin, let alone start a fire: so there was no real harm in letting her play with it. Afterall, the little girl had drooled all over it once already: what was the worst she could do this time? ”I don’t have anything to play with little one, but this is shiny.” It was more for Terra’s sake than the toddler’s, and it wasn’t technically a lie… she really didn’t have anything to play with, and the loupe was shiny. She just hoped Terra wouldn’t notice the recognition in her daughter’s eyes, or the way Myra seemed so familiar with the little firestarter.

”Oh uh-” Aoife began, stumbling over the words before they had even left her mouth when Terra pointed out just how comfortable the little girl seemed to be around her aunt. She tried to cool the uncomfortable heat that was rising in her cheeks, colouring the pale flesh a soft pink. What did she say? That it had taken Myra sometime to ‘take’ to her? That the little girl had spent a good chunk of time the first day they had met with her little head buried against the shoulder of Ciaran Lee Frye? No, something told her that wouldn’t end well, and besides: Ciaran had asked her to keep this secret, so she had to at the very least try to. ”-Thanks? Usually children don’t, well they don’t-” Just speak damnit. What did Ciaran say? ‘It’s not that big of a deal. Just say anything but the truth.' But it was so much more difficult. ”- well it’s more I don’t really.” She sighed, a heavy exhale, as grey eyes found the little girl again- happily trying to catch the light with the lens- ”I never had children, not really sure how to- you know how it is.” If Aoife hadn’t been worried she would unsettle Myra, she would have shrugged; instead she offered the other woman an awkward half-smile. Changing the subject, the mystic deflected the conversation away from Myra and the secret Terra didn’t know Aoife was keeping and back towards the woman herself: ”Have you found work, since leaving us?” Wanting to ask how they were doing, if they needed anything, or even wanted anything- but not quite being able to. Aoife’s hands were tied, and she hated it.