Archive of Our Own

“Dabria,” Vitus called out, “Do you have a strange entry in your registry?”

“What do you mean dear?” Dabria asked. Her ebony hair flowing behind her like an endless void. She poked her head over Vitus’s shoulder, attempting to read his registry. That was something only he could do though. She sighed before pulling up her own, confusion clouding her usually bright red eyes. There was a name with no date.

“There’s a name here, their date is unstable, it keeps changing,” Vitus explained. One of the few times he wished they could see each other’s list. His white hair was tied back out of his face, but it made the concern in his emerald eyes clearer. Everything had a stable date in his registry, Dabria’s would change constantly.

“There’s a mortal name with no date,” Dabria whispered. The two shared a look before rushing to their mirror. The mirror showed them the other realms, all they needed was a name to focus on. Dabria and Vitus nodded to each other before reaching for the mirror.

“Delphia,” the two said in unison. The mirror shimmered before revealing a mother holding a newborn child. The mother was holding the child tightly, but that wasn’t what made them concerned. The mother and father were weeping and the child was terrifyingly silent. Dabria waved her hand and the sounds from the room started to play around them. The only connections they could make to the mortal realm.

“Dear, she’s gone, please give her to me,” the man with tears still pouring down his face said. The woman held the child tighter, shaking her head vigorously as she begged the goddess of death to return her daughter. Dabria and Vitus shared a sad look, while they could interfere slightly, they couldn't bring back the dead. Dabria let out a sad sound, to show that the gods at least heard their plea. Except the child began to cry. She looked at Vitus for some kind of explanation.

“She-she’s crying,” the child’s mother exclaimed. “She isn’t gone, she's here alive. Lady Death was merciful to us.”

The mother held the child close to her, leaning her ear on her chest. She heard the heartbeat and the two confused gods watched as the sorrow changed to joy. The mortals seemed positive that it was a mercy from Lady Death and a blessing from Lord Life. Only the two gods knew it wasn’t them. The child’s light hair turned black and as she finally opened her eyes, they were turning from a brown to a bright almost emerald green. A fear overcame them, watching as the mortals continued to celebrate. If a mortal came back from the dead, what else could this mortal do?

The two decided to watch her grow, frequently taking turns to see this mortal. It took years for anything else to show up and for those years she appeared completely normal. They both knew they shouldn’t keep watching the mortal child. It wasn’t their job to monitor the mortals with strong magic, but that night when she revived the both felt a bond form. Neither would speak of it, but both wanted to see her have a good and long mortal life. At least they keep hoping that’s what she would have, regardless of the power she was finally showing.

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She was running and laughing, the fun of a game with her dad. There was a snap and she heard her dad scream and ran back. He was hurt, a branch had fallen, she couldn’t help him. She knew the villagers couldn’t save him, tears started to flow down her face as her father tried to reassure her. She would be safe, her mother would raise her, daddy would be fine. That last one was the biggest lie he’d ever told her. She stayed crouched by the tree branch trying desperately to move it, her father didn’t bother sending her for help. He knew she was smart, she knew how hopeless this was.

“Delphia, why did you stop running?” her father asked. She shook off the scene she’d just seen, choosing to latch on to her father’s hand. “Oh, is the game over already? Well, let's just continue to the river to get the herbs your mother wanted.”

He started down the path, much slower than earlier. She wanted to keep laughing and playing, but she couldn’t ignore that scene she’d witnessed. She didn’t usually imagine things so awful, where did it come from. She watched her father start to walk ahead and realized this was where the branch fell. She ran up to him, latching on to his leg, trying to keep him still.

“Del, what are you doing?” he laughed at her antics.

“Don’t go any closer Daddy,” she said with tears in her eyes. “The branch will fall on you, you’ll die. I don’t want you to die. I saw it please daddy.”

“My sweet Phia…” he picked her up, turning away from the spot she’d seen him gone and wiping her tears away. “Let’s go home for today, your mother can always wait on the herbs another day. Maybe we can convince you mom to make your favorite soup tonight. How does that sound?”

She was sniffling, trying to stop her tears while she nodded. She just didn’t want her father to die. He had taken only a few steps when the deafening crack sounded and the large branch fell where he’d have been had she not stopped him. He stared dumbfounded by the scene. The branch was damaged in a storm from the looks of it, at any time it was coming down. He would have been the unlucky soul crushed had she not warned him. He held his daughter tighter, hiding her head in his chest. They’d discuss this when they were home.

He told the people they passed about the fallen branch, keeping her head tucked against his chest. He claimed it was luck that the two of them were slower than usual today. The path to the lake would need to be cleared and a few of the people went to see the damage. The crying girl in her father’s arms was ignored as one terrified from how close she came to losing her life. When they finally reached home he ignored her mother going to Delphia’s room and tucking her in. He wanted her to forget about this, he hoped she’d tired herself out enough from crying. He placed a kiss on her forehead before leaving to speak with her mother. It seemed their blessed child had magic and they needed to discuss it.

Delphia wasn’t one to stay down. She didn’t get to tell her mom or her dad what she saw. That she knew if they kept going daddy would have been under the branch. She snuck out of bed, trying to stay quiet to spy on her parents. She’d done this a few times although she usually got caught. She’d try to talk after she heard what they didn’t want her to. She heard a kind voice whisper that spying was wrong, but she ignored it. She felt like this was important.

“Honey, we didn’t get the herbs,” her father started.

“I could guess that with how my Del looked, what happened while you were out?” her mother sounded concerned, almost scared. Delphia didn’t like when she sounded like that.

“She stopped suddenly as we were going, then she begged me to stop going to the woods. I gave in, turning to head home when a tree branch came crashing down, where I would have been had Delphia not stopped me. She said she saw the branch fall on me, she saw me die. I’m not sure what this means.” He finished and put his head in his hands. They were constantly scared their daughter would be taken after she was brought back to life. If she had strong powers, that would have to be why the gods saved her. They have plans for her.

“If she really saw it, she has the visions that the king’s guard comes looking for. We can’t let them find her, and we can’t let the gods take her. We’ll warn her, teach her the dangers. Our Delphia is young, but she’s smart. She’s always been far wiser than anyone credits her.”

She started to back up, but knocked into something. The crash had her parents come running and she looked down sheepishly. Her mother grabbed her hand and brought her to the table, pulling her into a tight hug. Her father had a strange look while staring at her, like she wasn’t the same anymore. She just wanted to make sure he didn’t die.

“Delphy, can you tell me what happened to make you stop your dad when going to the woods?” her mother asked. Her mom always sounded kind and understanding. She couldn’t imagine having to explain this to anyone else.

“I-I was running and then everything stopped and I was running again, but I wasn’t me and I was me at the same time. Then there was a loud crack sound and I turned back and daddy was hurt badly. I’m not sure how, but we knew no one could help him. I kept trying to save him though, I was going to move the tree, Then I was me again and me and daddy hadn’t walked in the woods yet. Then we got close and I got scared and begged daddy to stay out. When we left the branch fell, I’m not sure why it fell though,” she explained. Delphia was scared of explaining that moment. The world shifting and seeing her and not her all at once. She had no idea how to explain the experience, realistically she wouldn’t for years.

Her parents shared a look before her father came close, grabbing her shoulders so she would face him. She saw a fear in his eyes she didn’t fully understand. The empathetic understanding child was becoming terrified as she felt their fear. Her father tried to smile and calm her, but her parents knew she was aware of much more. Their child had never seemed to act like a child when something important came up.

“Listen Delphia, you must always be careful with this power you have to see things,” he explained. The grave tone making her tense up. “People may want to use your abilities, use you, be careful how much you reveal. Do you understand me?”

“Yes father,” she answered without hesitation. She could feel the pain and fear emanating from her father. She would do as he said and avoid revealing her power. She would keep what she could do hidden, unless it was an emergency. She had overheard them before, discussing the secret they had from the village. She wasn’t supposed to know she died at birth, she understood. Something saved her that day, and that something may take it back if they find out she isn’t normal.

Her parents shared a sigh of relief, their understanding child a blessing they didn’t realize they needed. They would keep her safe, and if that meant attempting to hide her from the gods and the king they would. Her father spent the day distracting Delphia with anything he could think of. She knew he was scared still. She wasn’t sure if he was scared of her or of her future though. Her mother made her favorite soup just like her father suggested when they left the forest. Once she was left to bed, she was thinking everything through.

Keeping her voice low she called out, “Are you there?”

She waited for one of the voices to answer. Most of her life she had heard two kind voices that seemed to support her where her parents couldn’t. The female voice, she said her name was Dabria, was the one who would usually encourage her to be adventurous and play the games she does. The male voice, he said his name was Vitus, would usually try to teach her. He was the one who told her spying was wrong earlier. She needed some advice today.

“We’re here little light,” Vitus answered. He said he called her little light for the light that seemed to surround her. She was happy and bright in a way that seemed to never end. He and Dabria always said they wanted to see her live a long happy life.

“My little raven, you’ve found a new gift,” Dabria added. She said ravens were special so Delphia was like a raven. It made her happy when she saw the birds with her dad.

“Mom and Dad say it’s dangerous, I can’t let anyone know. I’m not supposed to tell anyone,” she whispered. The tears she held back all day from the fear at what she’d seen breaking through. She almost thought she felt something pet her head, but these voices couldn’t touch her. Her parents said she made them up, but they weren’t always there. She thought they were real, but didn’t know what they were or where they came from.

“I had still been watching, you kept spying,” Vitus said. She could hear the chastising tone in his voice, but there was a bit of laughter. When she first heard him talking she thought he was mean and just wanted to yell at her. It took about a year before she noticed the kindness under the serious words and lectures.

“Don’t listen to him, little raven, you could say we’re spying as well,” Dabria’s laughing voice echoed around the room. She always wondered why no one else could hear them. She assumed this was something the voices did, the same way they watched her. She giggled a little, they always helped her to feel better. This time her giggle died quickly, the fear taking over again.

“What will happen if someone bad finds out?” Delphia asked. Her voice was watery and quiet, the two watching her had their concern grow. She was innocent, but forced to live with so many difficulties from her gifts. Gifts everyone was still learning about. She revived from death and now has a gift of sight, it would be more troublesome as she grew.

“Oh little light,” she thought she felt something touch her again, “your gifts will be used how you deem fit. Follow your heart, I know you’ll be smart.”

“Hush Vitus, don’t encourage her to ignore her parents. You will know if it’s important and you need to get involved. Do not alert others to your gift, but do not ignore it.”

“I hadn’t intended to encourage her to disobey them,” he muttered. Delphia could almost picture a smile and pout on the faces she’d dreamed up for them. A large yawn escaped her and she could feel their focus shift back to her. She didn’t want to sleep, but it was becoming a struggle to keep her eyes open.

“Sleep well little one,” the two said in unison. She stopped fighting and allowed her eyes to drift closed. She hoped she wouldn’t have that weird experience ever again. She didn’t like the feeling she was herself and she wasn’t. It felt like she was playing pretend, but she couldn’t control it. Her busy mind finally shut down, allowing the young child to finally get sleep.

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Vitus and Dabria were pacing in front of the mirror where they could still see the little mortal they’d grown attached to. She was sleeping peacefully and the two gods were clearly distraught. They wanted to help her, to teach her how to use these powers she has safely. Their dominion over life and death kept the two trapped in the god realm though. They knew the answer. One of the other gods who had woken recently. They had shown interest in the mortal when they saw her in the mirror, they wouldn’t say why though.

“We’ll need to contact Ash,” Vitus decided. They had to have someone who could help her in her world, even if it was minor help. Strengthening a tree or giving her a boost when needed. Dabria was biting her lip, her brow creased in worry.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? We still don’t know why they were so curious about her,” Dabria’s voice revealed the fear she’d felt under it. “They could dislike her, I won’t let my raven be hurt.”

Someone clearing their throat disrupted their conversation. Dabria turned and immediately went to hide behind Vitus, the topic of their conversation had apparently walked in. Ash was studying the two with their blue and green eyes. Their brown hair buzzed off and a neutral frown leaving the deity of nature looking unapproachable. They didn’t appear concerned by what they must have clearly overheard.

“I promise you I have no intent to harm the mortal you’ve shown interest in,” they said, a thundering tone that seemed to reveal their neutrality. “I will check on them during my travels, I cannot promise I can be of much help though.”

“Wait, will you really help protect her?” Dabria abandoned her spot behind Vitus rushing over to Ash. They jumped, not expecting the proximity so suddenly.

“Yes, she is important to you both, Lord Life, Lady Death,” they said. The titles made the older gods flinch. “While I have not been here long you have both shown me kindness. The least I can do is repay it.”

Dabria pulled the younger god into a tight hug, a blush tinting their cheeks. Vitus smiled at the display. Ash had only arrived a year ago, but they have been diligent in their duty as a nature deity. Vitus was sure Ash would help and keep his little light safe. He couldn’t help, but wonder when the two got so attached to the mortal girl, but they wanted her safe and happy. Ash would be all they needed for her, they knew they couldn’t ask for large bits of interference.

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Years passed with Delphia having more visions. At times they were of complete strangers, other times members of her village. She tried to keep herself from acting on her visions, becoming known as a bit of an airhead. She would pause in the middle of the town street, sometimes not responding for minutes at a time. She had always explained it as getting caught in a day dream. Her parents were good at helping her handle her visions, offering aid to villagers that would avoid the bad and encourage the good. They would also console her when she had to see a stranger die or lose their dreams.

Ash had checked on her regularly, something about the mortal intriguing them as well. They couldn’t place what it was, but soon grew as protective as Dabria and Vitus over her. They saw as people started to treat her as an outcast, they wanted to interfere. They had no idea how, it was the first time they came close to mortals when they hadn’t seen her wandering. She had been sitting calmly by her town well, and they realized just how small mortals were to the gods. They wanted to grab her from where she sat, take her somewhere without the whispers they’d overheard for the last few years.

“I know I shouldn’t but we need it,” they heard her murmur. They were shocked how clearly her voice always sounded to them. They assumed it was their own focus on her, but at this point she could be doing it without knowing. Ash crouched down, relieved the mortals couldn’t tell when a god was near. They wanted to see what she was planning this time. As far as Ash was aware things should be stable for her village and her family.

“Water isn’t enough, mother, father, please forgive me,” she whispered again and then moved. She went from sitting with her hand in the well to sitting on the ground. She seemed determined and Ash was dreadfully curious. They wanted to ask her what she was doing, but they couldn’t speak without revealing themselves. They watched closely, looming even closer, seeing the barely perceptible shiver she released. They worried she could sense them. She stayed where she was waiting, and Ash noticed the others of the town slowly gathering near.

“Delphia, what are you doing?” her father called. He recognized the look of determination, she was planning something. She looked at him and he froze, her eyes too determined for a child. He was angry, she couldn’t do this after all they sacrificed for her. The town leader had soon arrived and she finally acted.

She took a deep breath before focusing. She forced her will and energy through herself and into the ground. She’d never done this with more than a flower, but she’d been encouraged by the trees. She could feel the energy leave her hands and spread, the usual foods from the harvest sprouting all over. She may be going overboard, but it would last and she knew it. She didn’t even see it happen, her eyes closed as she controlled her energy release. Once she was satisfied she called the will and energy back, the sensation traveling back up her arms. She then stood slowly opening her eyes to face her home. She wasn’t shocked to be met with fear. Her parents gave her that look still at times.

Ash was stunned. The little mortal just controlled nature. They couldn’t believe someone so small could control the will of nature with such precision. They finally understood their draw to her, she was loved by nature and needed to be protected by them as well. If they weren’t already trying to help her, they would feel the need now. They wondered if Lord Life and Lady Death saw, leaving quickly to discuss with them.

Ash missed an important moment sadly. The town leader approached Delphia with a stern look. She knew she was putting herself at risk when she did this, but she had to. The taxes were raised and more of the harvest taken, her home needed food. The leader let slip a sad smile as he realized she was expecting some sort of punishment.

“Child, always avoid the anger of the gods,” she was told. “You have been gifted power, and those beings are angry and vengeful. They can easily end the life of a mortal like you. Your power lets you do things only a god should, do not take risks.”

She nodded in understanding, she wouldn’t take a single risk that was unnecessary. She did this for those she cared about, the punishment is one she would accept. She was making these choices. The voices she’d grown up with for aid hadn’t spoken with her in a long time, and she had to make these decisions alone now. She remembered being told to follow her heart, and that’s what she did. She could see the greed in her father’s eyes as he watched the scene unfold.

“Go home child, thank you for this,” the leader told her. She nodded leaving with a few looks around. Many of the others still had looks of fear, but she didn’t care. She reached her father and he quickly started to take her home. She knew he’d have plans now and she wasn’t happy to be part of them. She was having a bit of trouble walking as he ushered her along. She hadn’t realized how much growing the harvest would wear her out. They walked in and she heard things clatter to the ground as her mother rushed over.

“What happened?” she yelled, looking between Delphia and her father. Delphia gave a half smile as she looked up at her mother.

“I fixed the food issues, I asked the plants to give us an extra harvest and they did. It’s just like when I keep the well full,” she said. She was slurring as she spoke and barely awake. Her father helped her to bed. She barely understood the angry voices outside her door.

“I hope I did the right thing, Dabria, Vitus,” she breathed as her mind finally gave in to the exhaustion she felt.

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Dabria and Vitus were panicking in their realm. A mortal shouldn’t be able to have plants grow like that. Knowing she could do that, they could only imagine the skills she hadn’t learned of yet. Something must have happened to make her so special. Although they’d never seen anyone like this before.

They kept watch as their little one was ushered home, ignoring the comment about the gods being vengeful. Reality was they used to be, but the gods had changed. It was why only Dabria and Vitus were there for a long period of time. The cruelty had finally been enough for the ones ruling life and death and Fate gave them a chance, allowing a date to enter the registry of death. It was something they never knew could be done, and hoped wouldn’t be needed again. They were the will of life and death, if mortal life was considered in danger they would be given power to protect it.

They watched as their little one was helped to bed, a plea of forgiveness once more leaving her lips. Dabria wanted to comfort her, but there wasn’t much she could do. A careful reach through the mirror, running a finger down her hair. A smile gracing her lips as she saw her little raven relax even more from her touch. She pulled her hand back, the mirror returning to a state where they could only watch and do nothing else. She was relieved by her timing as a crackle of lightning sounded and a door opened near them. Ash was back.

They rushed in, seeming distressed. Vitus and Dabria could only guess that they were disturbed by what happened. A mortal with dominion over nature, dominion as strong as their own control, had to seem odd. They had definitely left before the comment on vengeful gods. Ash struggled to connect, but was clearly caring in their actions. Vitus was sure they wouldn’t be rash, but they were desperately trying to understand something.

“Lady Death, Lord Life, did you know the little mortal could do that?” they asked, a hint of fear in their voice. “I could feel the plants’ will. They all wanted to help her, to respond to her call. I didn’t think mortals could match this level of control, I’m confident she could do more as time goes on.”

“No, neither of us had any idea. We’ve theorized the powers she may have, but nothing like that seemed probable,” Vitus explained. The worry and fear on Ash’s face grew and Dabria started to worry alongside them.

“I’m worried what that power could do to her, it’s far more than a mortal may usually handle,” they started pacing. Dabria couldn’t help the relief she felt hearing the concern for her little raven and not against her. “I don’t want her to suffer from a gift she has.”

“I don’t think the little one will suffer harm from the powers she’s been gifted, it seems she has to have some way to handle it all,” Dabria explained. “I am worried she’ll suffer more from mortals who don’t understand. Will you continue watching over her?”

Ash halted in their pacing. It hadn’t occurred to them that they could even stop. There was pull as far as they were concerned, one that they couldn’t ignore. They wanted to keep seeing her, it was the same draw they had when they first saw a flower bloom. They couldn’t ignore her here and now, they wouldn’t be able to ignore her even if they tried.

“I would never stop watching the little flower,” they said. Vitus and Dabria lit up, hearing Ash create a nickname for her. She was accepted by the deity of nature and it would change things for their handling of her. Ash went to leave, they had to go back to her, but something made them pause. They turned back with a question on their lips. Spending time trying to figure out how to ask, or even broach the subject.

“She’s important to us for more than her gifts too, Ash,” Vitus said, saving the poor deity from their own head. Ash seemed relieved hearing that and continued on their way. They may not be able to do much, but they would do their best.

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Delphia slept for days. Her parents were barely able to wake her to even eat. Members of her village visited each day, concerned for their local witch. An ability like this was special and she could mean safety for them all. She just had to make sure not to do so much at once again. It was the first day rain came in weeks that she finally woke up. She stumbled out of bed, the rain seeming to call to her. It was late at night and she wandered out of her home. No one in the village was awake at this hour; it made reaching her goal easy.

Her first stop was the well, relieved to see that it was filling safely. Her interference wasn’t causing an overflow that could flood the town. She could see a number of the plants she’d grown still healthy and some still available. She hadn’t even realized an apple tree grew when she called for help, but was happy to take advantage.

She wandered out to the edge of her village, where trees surrounded her home. They were a forest village rarely visited and often forgotten. It was why the taxes included part of the harvest this year, they’d forgotten to come for years. She wandered out into the woods, waiting until she felt she was far enough away. She didn’t want anyone in her village to hear. While sleeping she’d seen this, herself having a conversation with someone she couldn’t see. A new voice who seemed to understand the call of nature as she did. She wanted to meet them and thank them, she knew they were watching that day. She knew they could have stopped her, but they allowed her selfish wish to be fulfilled. She hadn’t seen the ending of the conversation, this may have been something she should have said goodbye for.

“Hello, are you out here?” she called. Her voice was far more steady than she felt, but she would stay confident. “I felt you watching me that day, when I called on the plants to help us. Please we should be far enough that they can’t hear us.”

“Little flower, you should rest, that was a lot of magic you used,” their voice was like thunder, but felt calming all the same. She smiled slightly at the nickname, she assumed they must be taller than her. She had no idea how right she was. She didn’t feel the ghost of a touch like she often did when Vitus and Dabria spoke with her, but she could feel their gaze.

“I have spent days sleeping, I can be up for a bit,” she answered, smiling although she had no proof they could see her. “I wanted to thank you. I can feel that you hold connection with the plants and the water as I do, but you never stopped me from filling the well. You didn’t stop the plants from growing either. Please accept my gratitude for all you’ve allowed and tell me how I can repay you.”

She thought she felt the ground tremble and her mind filled with slight fear. The stories said the gods were huge, large enough to hold a human in their fist. She was just told to avoid them and she may have walked out to speak to one. She held her ground though, she would stay and see the end of this conversation even if she doesn’t go home after this. She tried to calm her heart as the ground trembled a bit more. She felt something warm near her, but there was no contact. She was preparing for the worst at this point.

“Little flower, my only request is that you keep yourself healthy. This magic is powerful, do not risk your own life recklessly. Saving another while losing yourself does little good,” the voice was closer than before. She felt her body tremble at the power in those words. She could hear the kindness in them as well though. She sent a smile towards the sound she’d heard, hoping that was where the being sat.

“I will do my best to keep myself alive while aiding others, thank you for your kindness.” she bowed slightly. She had been taught proper etiquette for interacting with those of higher status, her parents wanted her to be ready since her magic seemed strong. She waited until she felt the heat leave then turned to return home. The rain seemed to avoid her as she walked, almost like something was keeping her dry. She gave a silent thank you to the person watching her then entered her home. She curled up in bed and slept peacefully, the first night that her sleep was not plagued by a mixture of visions and nightmares in days.

The next morning changed everything about her way of life. Her village came to request her help, her parents took a payment before agreeing. She wanted to help, to use her gifts to help, she didn’t want anything from it. She tried to argue and her parents became angry. They stopped letting her leave. She was kept locked inside unless someone paid for her help. The visions she had aiding in the gains they made from her. She just wanted to go back to when she was a child, before that branch ever fell. She felt a darkness overcoming her. The feeling of someone watching her fading as it grew.

Late at night when she could feel the darkness at its peak, she would sing. It was a sad song, but it came from her heart. Her parents wanted to use that as well, but she was able to end it quickly. That demand was when she let the barrier between herself and the darkness shatter and her singing ended. She continued to follow the orders of her parents. Years of solitude leaving her a young woman hidden away from the world. She was nearly an adult before she was allowed to go to town on her own again, her excitement palpable as she held her bag tightly. She grabbed the coin pouch on the table, but froze before putting it away.

“Father, this seems far too much for a simple trip for my birthday,” Delphia said, pushing the coin pouch he’d placed down away from her. She was excited to buy something at the market, but a full coin pouch was unbelievable. She didn’t want to imagine what he’d done to gather it all. He reached out to see what she meant, and nearly dropped the pouch from the weight. He’d handed her a pouch filled with only a few coins, enough for a nice dress or accessory, this was filled to the brim. He dumped the contents on the table quickly calling to his wife for the latest development.

“Delphia,” he said, her mother walking in with awe as she saw the pile of coins on the table, “pick up the bag and do exactly what you did again.”

She nodded, a little fear on her face. When she picked up the bag she could feel the added weight from the coins inside. She tilted her head looking up to her father and mother. This had to be some elaborate trick, a game like they played when she was young. She saw the look in their eyes though and knew just how wrong she was. This was another power of her own, something she could do that shouldn’t be possible. She dropped the pouch like it was burning her and jumped back. She didn’t want a gift like this, she had no need for money like that. The greed in the eyes of her parents seemed to grow as they realized the possibilities.

“Darling, why not take that full coin pouch and go to town,” her mother said, picking it up off the table and gently placing it in her daughter’s hands. “This may not be as you expected, but it seems you don’t control this either. Go buy something for yourself, you are a beautiful young woman and deserve something as beautiful.”

She smiled at her daughter, one of the few times Delphia saw the mother she knew as a young child. She never admitted she could read their feelings, that more often than not she was something they saw useful rather than someone they loved. She always wondered if things would have stayed the same if she hadn’t been given these powers. Others always called them gifts, but they felt like curses. She nodded, the sadness she’d carried with her returning as she turned to leave. She could already tell their plan, but hopefully this meant they’d start letting her help for free more often.

She made her way to town, the weight of the coin pouch heavy in her bag. She wished she could stop that from happening. She slowly reached the center of town and felt almost overwhelmed by the wave of feelings. She’d been a rare sighting for a long time, the town had no idea what their local nature witch looked like anymore. Every person she passed seemed shocked as she made her way, looking for something in the market that spoke to her. Her parents would tell her to pick something expensive, to show her worth, but she always followed her heart. Dabria’s advice meant more than her parents’ guidance.

She arrived at a small clothing store, one she remembered visiting often as a child. There were cloaks she’d desperately wanted then, her mother said they were for adults. She walked in, a silence falling over the patrons within. She felt ashamed looking back to the door, but she couldn’t ignore the tug that something important was here. She slowly began to browse the store, peaceful talks returning as she showed to just be shopping. She tried to look at all the store items, but the cloaks caught her eye almost immediately.

She found one that she thought was stunning. A dark blue cloak that would run down just above her feet right now. She reached out to it, the fabric something she didn’t recognize. She almost lost herself, pulling the cloak from the display. She quickly traded it for the shorter one she already had on. It felt perfect. She had no idea what made this cloak so special, but it was exactly what she needed. She walked up to the store owner ready to pay any price.

“My lady, you seem rather attached to that cloak,” he said. There was a hint of amusement in his tone that made her smile. He was one of the few people that didn’t seem terrified of speaking to her since she revealed part of her powers back then.

“Yes, I’d wanted one from your store since childhood, how much would this be?” she asked. She was happy to pay any price at this point.

“For you dear lady, nothing,” he said. She stumbled over her words, unable to accept such kindness. “It’s your birthday isn’t it? Accept it as a gift from me, I had made this one with you in mind after all. A beautiful young woman should have a beautiful cloak.”

“Please take something,” she reached in her bag, grabbing a handful of coins. The shopkeeper was stunned and quickly refused her.

“That’s far more than the cost of this one cloak, I’ll take one coin to make it even,” he grabbed one out of her hand and pushed her hand back towards her bag. She seemed distraught but understood. She dropped the coins in her bag, disregarding the pouch afraid her touch would add to it again. She nodded and saw the shopkeep brighten, feeling at least a bit better about the cloak now. She left the store, nothing else calling to her as this cloak did. She wished she knew why certain items called out to her so deeply.

She spent time wandering around the village now, the cloak snug on her shoulders. She was able to tune out the feeling of eyes on her and the varying emotions after a bit of time. She wanted to just spend time where there wasn’t someone closely managing her. Her parents would always keep her ready to follow their instructions, she hated it. She wanted to make them happy though, she hoped if she did enough they’d go back to how they used to be. She pushed her thoughts away, choosing to sit by the well and just experience her village.

She noticed a number of the villagers she’d spent time with as a child eyeing her. They were all the same age and she could feel something she didn’t quite recognize coming off of them. Each time someone tried to approach her, she saw a parent grab them back. She was confused by their actions until one girl was closer and she saw the flowers in her hands. The girl's mother grabbed her harshly before she’d taken a few steps. Delphia moved slightly to hear the reason for the harsh reaction.

“What are you doing?” the mother hissed. She saw the girl wince.

“I was just going to offer her flowers,” she answered. Delphia hid a slight blush hearing that. It was uncommon to hear someone wanting to give her something. She hoped the mother would allow it.

“I know how you are, each time you start with flowers! I won’t let you risk our safety by upsetting her. You and all the other children with any interest had best stay away.”

Delphia couldn’t help it once she heard that and rushed over, playing curious and concerned, “Is there an issue? The two of you seem upset.”

The mother glared at her daughter before sending a strained smile, “Nothing my lady, please we were leaving.”

Her mother walked away and the girl stood back. Delphia thought she was beautiful. She knew they’d met before, but it felt like the first time. Delphia wanted the moment to last. The girl had tears running down her face, she couldn’t quite understand why. She thought this would be good, they could meet, something Delphia slowly realized she wanted herself. The girl’s tears weren’t stopping.

“Are you all right?” Delphia tilted her head, bending a bit to try to meet her eyes.

“Please leave, my mother is right,” the girl’s voice was pained. “If I hurt you, you might leave and we’ll be in trouble because of it.”

Delphia froze, she wouldn’t abandon her town over anything as frivolous as her own feelings. She tried to ignore the pain and anger bubbling in her chest. Those emotions always seemed to come with something encouraging her to lash out, she wouldn’t do it. She shook off the building darkness in her heart, forcing a kind smile to her face as she tried to get the girl to look at her.

“I doubt I can be hurt by flowers,” she said, grabbing the girl’s hand, “or someone kindly offering friendship which I have lacked for a long time.”

The girl looked up and stared into Delphia’s eyes, the two shared an understanding. They both felt something more, but they didn’t have options. The girl held the flowers up with a sad, bitter smile. Friends would be all they could have while the village relied on her, and Delphia knew that. She wanted to argue, but she could feel the fear emanating off the girl and her mother not too far off. She didn’t know how her parents had acted while she was trapped at home.

“It’s been an honor to speak with you my lady,” the girl gave a flourished bow, it made Delphia giggle slightly. “I would be honored to be considered a friend, you may call me Ophelia.”

“Please just Delphia then, Ophelia,” she said. The two smiled at least some connection made and friendship seemed to calm the fear that had grown in the hearts around her. The lonely gifted child had a friend and there was no trouble then. A friend could make her help more often, and she would try to disobey her parents more. She would find a way to help without their constant control and greed.

Taking the flowers and giving a similar bow back, Delphia took her leave. She could hear Ophelia’s mother thanking her daughter for recovering from that. Delphia was special, she didn’t get to have a normal mortal life. That meant she couldn’t follow this feeling she had in her heart. She felt the darkness she pushed away consuming her again, she fought it less than usual. This darkness seemed comforting, like a way that let her be alone completely. She held the cloak tightly, depositing the flowers at the edge of the path out of sight of home. There was a chance her parents would react to them. The darkness fell heavier around her. She opened the door, knowing she’d be asked for something once she walked in.

“Del my child,” her father’s voice rang out. It was giddy and she shuddered. He had a plan that would use her powers and she would be unable to say no. She went to greet her parents, the two sitting at the table from this morning. The table was covered in coin pouches, her mother making more as they sat there. She knew where this was going and she didn’t want to do this.

“Phia, darling that cloak is beautiful,” her mother had her sickly sweet tone on. The same tone she used when it was time to call on the harvest, even if she was ill or had barely recovered from the last time. “Come let us see it.”

Delphia did as instructed, spinning to show off the cloak. It was simple, but beautiful in her eyes. She wondered if Ophelia felt the same when she’d seen it. She should have brought Ophelia to the store before leaving, given her a gift as kind as the flowers were. She shook her head and waited for their verdict. Her mother left the pouch she was making and came to feel the cloak and inspect it. She seemed to approve of it as she looked it over.

Her father was quiet though. She knew what was coming, something about not fitting her importance. He had pushed for years for them all to pick the most expensive, most extravagant items. He wanted to act like the nobles that she had to stay hidden from. He narrowed his eyes as his mother inspected it, she waited to be told she shouldn’t keep it.

“It’s perfect on you,” he said. She couldn’t help the smile that lit her face. Her father’s approval was rare when she picked something herself. Her mother considered that enough time and had Delphia sit in the chair at the far side of the table. In front of the coin pouches she didn’t want to touch. She knew their plan, could feel their greed and it made her sick. She was desperate to help people with her abilities, she didn’t want to do this.

“Del, can you do what you did this morning? With all these pouches can you?” He had an edge to his tone. She didn’t want to, but knew they would force her. She lifted a hand, but quickly put it back down. She didn’t want to do this, it felt wrong using her power selfishly like this.

“Father, I don’t think-” she was cut off. He’d slapped her, not willing to listen to her thoughts. She knew this was coming, it was how he acted the first time she argued against him. He was livid when she said she didn’t want them taking money for her help with the harvests, that was when she got locked inside too. He didn’t trust her to keep quiet about his outbursts. She didn’t want to ignore how he acted, but she could never forget how much he cared when she was young.

“You know I don’t like to hurt you Dela, just see if you can do it again, for me?” he asked. She could hear it in his tone, she would regret it if she said no again. She saw a glint of something on his waist and shuddered. She slowly lifted her hand, and grabbed one of the pouches. Just like this morning it was filled, she hated the feeling that overcame her as it filled. She saw both her mother’s and father’s faces light up as she moved to the next, a burn in her palm growing as she went between each one. There was a dark feeling in her heart as well, possibly anger at abusing the gift. She couldn’t place it; she hated it though.

At the fifth pouch she screeched, pulling her hand away in agony. Her hand appeared fine, but she was sure touching anymore pouches would prove just as painful. Her parents narrowed their eyes as she stared at her uninjured hand. She could see the fire burning in her father’s eyes, her mother’s judgment just as harsh. She was grabbed by her mother, her arms held tightly enough to leave bruises. She could feel her mother’s nails dig into her skin, the cloak would be far more important than she realized.

“Delphia, love,” her mother started. She could hear the annoyance hidden behind her words. “You know we hate making you do things like this, but if we aren’t sure you can control it you would be in danger. The king’s guards could find out if you touch their coin pouch, you could be taken away from us dear. If they found out we knew, then even if you got free you’d have no one left. Of course we could always keep you home all the time again, I know it’s lonely but…”

She trailed off and Delphia was close to tears. She knew there was some truth, if the king found out what she could do her whole village could be tried for treason. She usually worried over her parents, but her mind flashed to Ophelia. Someone who was desperate to approach her, even when there was a large chance of trouble. Delphia nodded stiffly and reached out again. She grabbed the pouch forcing herself to ignore the burn. She kept filling the pouches. The pain kept increasing, her tears ignored for the greed in her parent’s eyes. It was the last one she begged to have control over it, the pain overwhelming. She only wanted to pick up the empty pouch.

She lifted the pouch, stunned by the lightness. She smiled showing her parents she stopped. She saw the questioning gazes masking the annoyance that she may have lost her latest gift. She asked for it to slowly fill and the pouch grew heavy in her grasp. Once it was filled like the others she placed it down. Her parents seemed happy with the wealth they gathered from her today. She pulled her hand back, staring at what should be burned to a crisp. She pushed away from the table waiting for the demand that she stay.

“Father, mother, if it’s all right may I return to my room for the day, this was...tiring,” she said. She knew they wouldn’t understand the burning of her hand. Most likely assume her kindness made her feel guilty using it like this. Then they’d say this was to test her abilities and teach her to only use them when she needed it. She knew the burning was something else, she wished someone could help.

“Of course darling, rest well,” her mother said. She hadn’t spared a glance her way and she was fine with it. She rushed to her room, relieved to be away from the people who wanted to use her.

“Dabria, Vitus, are you there?” she called out quietly. “It’s been a long time since we last spoke.”

She waited in the silence of her room. Holding the tears back hoping for the kind voices. She could feel the darkness that surrounded her growing stronger as she waited. Tears slid out of her eyes and she gave up waiting. The tears fell silently as she hoped to sleep for some time. She was well and truly alone.