Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The forest was not mild. 

There was a reason that even the bravest and most knowledgeable of the Subconites rarely entered it. 

One of those rare citizens was Delilah Munchen. Local florist and herb supplier for the good doctor Bounacci - when the doctor themselves was indisposed. 

Subcon was vast, and had flowers growing there so rare that she often felt she had no choice but to enter. 

Peterpoppies, Umimachs, and the ever dangerous Moonjumpers were plentiful - an odd thing, for how hard they were to maintain in captivity. 

One sunny day, the florist was looking for the umimachs - looking for make a celebratory Bouquet as a gift for the Lord and his newly adopted daughters - he was hosting a party for them - the biggest that Subcon Manor had seen in years, and everyone was extremely hyped up. There’d been a more modest party to celebrate the engagement of Connors and Graves - but this would be a ball

It had to be Delilah’s best bouquet ever. 

As she picked the flowers, she kept occasionally looking up with caution. 

Subcon was a fae forest. She had to be alert. 

But when she looked up this time, a familiar face was walking into the forest. 

Lord Lukas…? 

Delilah stood, a bit confused at his appearance. He never went into the forest, even before his “absence” from the manor. 

She held her basket firmly, finding herself following him. 

He was headed so deep, it was making her nervous. 

She almost wanted to call out for him, but decided against it. 

Instead she followed him deeper

And Deeper

Until he stopped in a forest clearing, full of .. 

She tensed. 

It was filled to the brim with MoonJumpers

He looked up, then around, Delilah feeling as if she needed to hide, and so moved behind a tree. 

“... Let me know that you hear me” He called out. His voice was as imposing as it ever was. Delilah wouldn’t lie - the Lord of her manor could be an intimidating man, tall and demanding. But she would take him over his ex-wife any day of the week. 

The wind picks up, and Delilah hears… something

Like the low lull of a distant church choir. 

“Markus told me that one of your…. children attempted to lure my daughter” he accused “Need I remind you of our pact? Of all I gave up for you?”

His lack of soul caused his tone to be unnervingly even. 

The low choir seemed to laugh

“Sure, act that way.” he responded “Keep in mind that the dry season will come, and I will gladly burn you to ashes should any further threat come to my children” 

Delilah stumbled as the ground beneath her shook, the choir suddenly screaming

“Then keep up your end of the bargain” Lukas bared his teeth. He’d never looked more like he was ready to salt the earth. “I did not give up my soul for you and your children to threaten me and mine” 

There was another tremble, but the lord did not stay around to hear the angry choir

Delilah quickly followed suit. The sound of the choir almost became a thrumming, drum sound.

She wasn’t going to stay around to see what the crescendo was. 

Chapter Text

“Papa?” 

“Hm?” 

“Can I ask you a question?” 

“Aren’t you already?” 

Harriet groaned, her head landing on his shoulder as he let out a light laugh 

“Yes, little fool, ask all you like” 

“Anything?” 

“If you should not ask it, I will tell you” 

Haley contemplated that as she rested in his lap, warm against his chest as the two were cuddled under a blanket in one of the chairs in the “warm” study, as Harriet called it. The manor warmed by the day as spring began to sneak into Subcon, and so her associated fears weren’t nearly as prevalent - especially since the furnace was installed in hers and Bea’s room. But sometimes …

Well, sometimes you just want an excuse to rest in your newly adoptive father’s lap. 

“Uh, can you tell me why you had to… give your soul to the forest?” 

Lukas paused, taking a second before looking away from his book, and down at the girl, who was looking away. 

“Might I ask why you are curious?” 

“Well…. I dunno, it kinda doesn’t seem fair” She contemplates “You don’t get to be happy cause the forest needed somethin’ to barter and… It just seems mean”

Lukas hummed a bit, thinking of a way to explain this in a way that won’t worry or concern her. 

“It is a long story, Harriet”

“I got ears” She responded, getting a small, small chuckle out of her father. 

“Your bravery is absurd, you little fool” He poked her side, getting her to giggle. 

“Well?” 

Lukas sighed, leaning back further into their chair.

“It started with my great grandfather, your great-great grandfather - Marius” 

“Marius Arelius?” 

“Indeed. He was given this land by the king as a thank you for his many years of service. However, the forest was hostile when he arrived, fighting against him and his family at every turn.” 

“So it was mean even then?” 

“Even then” 

“Wow…” 

“Wow indeed” he answered, letting the child wiggle around to get more comfortable “Eventually, the two came to an impasse, and the first offer to the forest was given, the contract began” 

“What did he give?” 

“.... He gave the forest his sight” He answered “It was deemed worthy, and the manor and its land was carefully developed. 

“... Wow” was all that she commented. 

“Wow indeed” He responded 

She rested her head against him again “... I have more questions but I'm gonna wait” 

He chuckled a tad again, kissing the top of her head “Are you tired at last?” 

“Mmhm” The girl shuts her eyes “Thank you..” 

He gently rubs her back as her breathing slowed “It is never any trouble” 

As if Harriet could be a trouble . . .

Chapter Text

There were eyes staring at her. 

Beatriz kept seeing them out of the corner of her eyes as she was weeding the back gardens. 

It was giving her shivers. 

The eyes were glowing dimly - a pale gold color. 

She couldn’t tell what it was. She was looking back at it every other moment. 

“Bea?” 

She was startled by her sister’s voice, looking up at the concerned face of Harriet. 

“Huh? Why’re you out here? I thought Papa said you where to work inside” 

“I came to get you. Dinner is early today cause papa called that tailor guy to take our measurements!” Hattie grinned

Bea’s mood heightened considerably. Apparently they were getting party dresses for the upcoming event at the manor! She quickly stood up with her wicker basket “Lets go!!” 

Hattie grinned, helping her gather some of the weeds that were still on the ground to toss in the “Grass pile” for the farm animals. 

“... Hattie” 

“Hm?” 

“... Have you felt… watched, recently?” 

Hattie paused, making a thoughtful face. 

“... Yes… and it's coming from-” 

“The forest?” 

Harriet nodded, looking back into the forest with a glare. “Uncle Markus says it's ‘cause they got me sleepwalking’ that papa doesn’t want me near it without someone there.” 

“Hm” Bea didn’t comment, looking back with her, spotting those golden eyes once again. “.. It’s that” 

“Yeah. it’s that. It just… watches. I see it from our window at night sometimes” 

“... Do you think it’s evil?” Bea asked, adjusting her basket. 

“... Weirdly enough, no. It looks… sad, curious” Harriet admitted 

“Do you think its just… trying to watch us? Nothing else?” 

“No” Hattie assuredly answered “i think it’s lonely” 

Beatriz’s brow furrowed as she looked into the forest, the eyes now gone 

“... Come on, I wanna get the measurements for our dresses, but we gotta eat first!” 

Bea was grateful for the distraction, hand held and pulled away from the dank forest and its curiosities. 

Chapter Text

Oooh Uncle Markus likes the doctor. 

Bea could see it from a mile away. His entire face was completely red and it was honestly very funny. Uncle Markus was a bubbly, happy person with a lot of joy in his heart. But the minute he started talking to Doctor Nell he got all nervous and shy and oddly quiet. There was absolutely no way that the Doctor didn’t notice it. 

“Doctor Nell?” Bea poked her head into the open door of the Doctors home/office. 

The doctor looked up at her with a gentle smile “Hello, Little lady Arelius” 

Oh, right, that. 

“We’re not officially adopted yet” Bea feels the need to add, and the older doctor raised a brow in amusement 

“I am aware, little lady Arelius” 

Bea pouted, and the doctor laughed 

“What brings you here?” 

“Uh, well I came here cause Miss Carlile wants some herbs” Bea held out a piece of paper. 

The doctor looks over the paper “Ahh… alright. Give me a moment then. Take a seat” 

Bea did as she was told, sitting down and kicking her feet. 

“Hey uhm, Doctor Nell?” 

“Yes?” The doctor answered with her back to the child. 

“Do you like Uncle Markus?” 

The doctor suddenly coughed, turning back to look at the child 

Oh, now her face was bright red. 

“... What makes you think that?” 

“Uh, well it’s really obvious that he likes you” Bow nodded. 

“... Is it?” 

Bow blinked “Uh, yeah” 

Nell contemplated, her face still a funny cherry color. 

“... Did you not know?” Bow tilted her head in fascination. How could she not tell? 

“... I’ll admit that I’ve never thought about it” 

“Wh-really??” 

“.. Yes?” 

The child looked baffled, and the doctor cleared her throat “Well uhm…” 

She watched as Nell grabbed a small bag “Here is Cecilia’s herbs. Make haste back home, it's getting dark” 

It was not getting dark, but Bow could read the room. 

“Uh, okay. Thank you doctor” Bow nodded. 

“Have a good evening, Little Lady Arelius” The doctor collected herself up again, offering a polite smile.

Bow smiled back, and turned towards the door, her brain already formulating something akin to plans. 

Oh, Harriet was gonna love this. 

Chapter Text

Harriet was in a staring match today. 

Not with Mu, not with Bow, not even with Connors, who was notoriously good at the game of not blinking. 

No, it was with those yellow eyes that stared at her literally every time she was in the rear garden of the manor. 

She could not tell if it was glaring at her, or just curious. 

Lord Luka- Papa, he was Papa now (A wild thing to think about, truly), stated that all interaction with the forest was prohibited for their safety 

“The forest may be its own entity, but all living things inside of it are its children, and they care little for the humans that are not Arelius’, and even more about the Arelilus’” 

And if she was gonna become an Arelius, then they were gonna care about her even more. 

But even so… 

“What are you, even?” She called out “Y’keep lookin at me like you’re expectin somethin’ but you don’t say anything!” 

The eyes simply blinked back. 

Harriet frowned “Papa says you’re dangerous, but you’re starin’ at me like a puppy.” She explains, standing up “A hungry one, but still a puppy” 

Papa said not to go near it. 

don’t

She continued staring out, holding her basket. 

The eyes… they stared at her.. And they seemed… so sad..

“Harriet!” 

The girl startled, turning her head. 

The florist?

“Huh?” 

“Are you okay?” 

“What?” Harriet tilted her head “Yeah, why?” 

“You were… staring” 

“Oh, there’s a thing in the forest” 

The florist approached with a confused expression “a thing..?” She looked out, and let out a startled yelp. 

“What??” Harriet looked back, the being hadn’t moved. “What’s wrong??” 

“What is that??” 

Harriet looked back again, and shrugged “Dunno. He’s just starin’” 

“He?” 

“I think it’s a he” 

Delilah seems to not be placated by this, grabbing Harriet’s arm “We have to go to your father. Now” 

“What? Why?” 

Delilah didn’t answer, pulling the girl away from the listless glowing eyes. 

Chapter Text

What even was that thing?

Bea was staring out the window of the study - glaring, basically - at those darned yellow eyes. 

Ever since the florist told their father about an interaction with it and Hattie, he had forbade the two of them from going outside without supervision until further notice. 

That was very annoying - mostly because supervision meant adults, not each other. 

She laid her head down on the window sill, frowning at the ghost that wouldn't leave the forest, but clearly wanted to. 

Harriet was saying they needed to investigate. Beatriz wasn’t so sure. 

The manor was so busy, too. Getting ready for the big party in a few weeks - turns out a lot of planning has to go into parties - who knew? 

Bea and Hat hadn’t been to many parties at all, really. 

Apparently they were going to Horihollow next week - their first ever trip together. That would be exciting at least. 

But for now - stuck inside 90 percent of the day. 

It was so boring

“Beatriz?” 

The girl sat up, turning her head and seeing Miss Carlile in the doorway 

“Are you ready for dinner?” 

“I guess” She slid off the bench “Where’s Hattie?” 

“She’s already in the dining room - she seemed eager to eat” the head cook laughed a bit “Come on, I’m sure you’re hungry too” 

Bea shrugged 

Carlile frowned “What’s wrong, sugar?” 

“I’m just… I wanna go outside like I did before,but that stupid forest ghost won’t let us” 

Carlile sighed, giving the girl a pat on the back “Your father’s workin’ on it, honey. Just give him time. He doesn't want to keep you trapped in here” 

“I know, it's just….” 

Carlile’s hand stayed comfortingly on the girl's back, leading her to the hallway “Have you talked to him about it?”

“Well, no…” 

“Why not?” 

“Cause he’s busy?” Bea argues “He doesn’t need to be bothered, right?” 

“Beatriz” Cici huffed “He’s your father, dear. He will never be bothered by you” 

“Yeah , sure but what about when he eventually is?” 

Cecilia sighs “That’s not how parents work, dear. A good parent will never be bothered if you have a problem that you need help fixing. They may be busy, but they will always help you and come back to you” 

“... Really?” 

“Where did you hear otherwise?” 

Bea’s brow furrowed at that, looking down at the ground like she was thinking really hard about it. 

“I dunno… I think I just… figured that? After a while?” 

Cecilia frowned “Well, I hope we can teach you what parents are really like” 

Bea looked up at her, and smiled a bit - hopeful. “Yeah… i wanna learn” 

Cici grinned. Exactly what she wanted to hear. 

“Now, let's get some food in you.”

Chapter Text

Harriet could not take it anymore. 

Bea was honestly not surprised. 

“I just - HUMPH!” Harriet placed a wicker basket full of cleaned aprons down on the ground “If it's not gonna come out of the forest, I don’t see why we can’t go outside!” 

“Are you forgetting that story that ma- Uncle Markus told about you sleepwalking?”

“So???” 

Bea scowled “Papa wants us to be safe!” 

“At what cost??? The manor feels like a prison!” 

“It’s a safe one!” 

“It's still a prison!” 

Bea rolled her eyes in annoyance. 

“Hattie, don’t mess up what we have just so you can go outside in the gross rain!!” 

Harriet just groaned, laying in the large basket “Bea, you know that's not what I want” 

Her sister grumbled slightly, but sighed. 

“I know.. But… you know, I don’t wanna mess this up.”

Hattie turned her head, looking at Beatriz with understanding “.. I get it, Bow. But… Papa isn’t like that. He’s not gonna start hatin’ us just cause we do dumb stuff. He told me so” 

“How are you so sure?” 

“Listen, if he didn’t hate me after I talked his ear off about Robinson Crusoe then I don’t think he’ll hate anything.” 

“That is indeed true” 

Hattie suddenly sat up, startled by the voice, and greeted by the aforementioned father she’d just been speaking of. 

“I would love you even if you did foolish things, as you often do” He commented bemusedly “Your nickname did not come from thin air” 

Harriet huffed “But you won’t let us outside because of that stupid thing!” 

“Because I know your curiosity, little fool.” he approached, poking her forehead “And I do not do this out of fear, but of love” 

That didn’t seem to be a good answer to the girl, but she also didn’t have a rebuttal. 

“Now, how about I help you to finish up here” He reached for the fabric “After all, once you are done here we must pack for Horihollow” 

“Wha- Horihollow? Already?” Bea jumped “Why’re we going there again?” 

“Well, you two need a much more fitting wardrobe as ladies of the house” Lukas explained “And there is no tailor in Subcon, so we must make the journey by carriage to Horihollow so as to get you two properly fitted, hm?” 

Hattie jumped “yes! Yes Uncle Markus said so in his last letter to me! He told me to keep it a secret” 

“Of course he did” 

Lukas chuckled just a touch, a hint at his amusement, and started to fold the sheets, the girls following his lead and asking him tons of questions about the modest city. 

He hoped it would live up to their lofty expectations. 

Chapter Text

The absolutely un-fascinating Horihollow was not picture perfect, but when Lukas saw Beatriz and Harriet’s awe-filled stares out the carriage window, you’d think he’d taken them to London itself. 

“Careful” he gently chided “I do not want you two falling out” 

Harriet pouted, but listened “It's so busy! There’s so many people!” 

“A lot of people live here, right?” Bea added

“Many, yes. With even more travelers. This is a port city, after all” 

“There’s boats??? I’ve never seen a real boat before!” Bea jumped just a bit in her seat. 

“Well, perhaps we can manage a walk by the port, hm?” 

“Wha- really?” Harriet jumps

“Of course - if we have the time”

Harriet begins bouncing excitedly in her seat - seeing these girls getting a tad stir crazy managed to get a small smile from their father, who looked out the window at the familiar, cozy city. 

The hanging sign for the family law office came into view “There we are - get on your coats, you two - the breeze will only become worse when we get outside.” 

The girls nodded, putting on the slightly oversized coats and helping each other with the buttons. 

As the carriage came to a stop, he got them carefully out of the carriage, and the girls stared up at the brownstone building before them, with wide green windows that they both looked inside. 

Sitting at a tall desk was a young man with stark black hair, who looked up and stared at the girls with a hint of confusion. He looked away, calling to the back and the oak door opened, revealing their uncle who immediately spotted them, and grinned excitedly at their arrival 

The door swung open aggressively, and he cheerfully cried out

“My dearest nieces! You’ve come to keep your uncle company!” 

He grabbed both girls up in a tight hug, which was eagerly reciprocated. 

“Now, where is my brother? I need to needle him as well, you know” 

“You most certainly do not” Lukas voiced, approaching “I was telling the coachhand to take out carriage to the garages by the port” 

“Wonderful to see you too, dear brother” Markus grinned impishly “Though I will admit, I am much more excited to see your children!” 

“I would be as well, i don’t blame you” The man retorted, getting a giggle from the girls.

“Now, now Lukas. No need to wound me” 

“You do that plenty.” Lukas gave a small, sly smile “Shall we head inside?” 

The girls were led in with their uncle at the front, and their father behind, and they looked amazed at the fancy office. 

“This is my clerk, Timothy!” Markus waved to the young man “Say hello to my brother and his children, Timmy” 

The young man waved, his boyish, wavy hair getting in his face briefly “hello! Timothy Krone, at your service” 

“Hi!” Hattie grinned at him, Bea waved 

“Come, to my office!” Markus opens the door to the room, and watches the girls poke their heads in. 

The rest of the time in the Law office was questions and answers and conversation - Markus seemed not to care that he’d been in the middle of something, eager to spend time with his family in the city, convincing them to go somewhere to eat for that night. 

By the end of the night, Bea and Hattie were absolutely exhausted, Hattie in Lukas’ arms, Bea in Markus’

“I cannot believe it - we exhausted them!” Markus laughed softly, going up the steps of his home, and knocking with his foot. 

“Not surprising. The city is exhausting when it is new” Lukas added, watching as the door opened, and they were greeted by a familiar face

“Ah, Master Lukas, such a pleasure to see you after so long” 

“Good evening Tim. The pleasure is all mine” 

The older man looked over the sleeping children, and a smile grew on his face. “Are these the new ladies of the house?” 

“Indeed they are” 

The men stepped inside 

“I have all of your rooms set up, as well as the guest room for the children” 

“Much appreciated, Tim - please retire for the evening.” 

“As you wish, Master Markus” The man bows “A good evening to you” 

“And to you as well” 

Markus and Lukas made their way through the home as if they’d lived there their whole lives - it was the other half of their lives after all, even if Lukas had not returned in many years. 

Once the girls were down, Markus led his brother down the hall. 

“How are you feeling, Lukas?” 

“... i think I am feeling well” The father answered “Very tired” 

Markus laughed a little “You and me both. Let’s get to bed - you have quite a long day ahead of you"

“Do not remind me, hm?” 

Markus just softly laughed

Chapter Text

Bow was the first one to get fitted. Not really because things were scheduled that way, but because Markus had stated that he was going shopping in the open air market and Harriet begged to go with him. 

Lukas didn’t mind. He enjoyed time with either daughter - for different reasons. 

The tailor was a funny man, with a wide smile and an apprentice who was definitely not there the last time he was in the city. 

“Hello Lord Arelius!” He greeted “Long time no see!” 

“Indeed. Mister Craft. I would like to introduce you to one of your new clients” Lukas’ hand remained on Bea’s shoulder “This is Beatriz Arelius - my daughter” 

The man - Mr Craft - blinked a few times, leaning down to look at her, and then grinning with delight 

“Oh, you’re a father now??? Wonderful!” He crouched down to meet Bea’s eyeline “Hello there! I am Craft! That cranky child sewing quietly behind me is Jose Manuel - my new apprentice! Nice to meet you!” 

“H.. hi” She greeted, eyes wide at his overeager demeanor. 

He could see how off he was throwing her, and cleared his throat “Now, is she the same one I have booked for tomorrow?” 

“No, that is my other daughter” 

“Other daughter?!” Craft stood 

“Stop screaming, this stitch is delicate” 

Craft rolled his eyes at Jose “Fine, fine, I’ll stay my excitement until tomorrow. Now! Let's get her measurements, are you ready?” he looked down at her.

Bea nodded, and Craft happily led them towards the back of the store, and Lukas spent time looking at catalogs and fabric choices as Bea was measured, the kindly tailor keeping her in pleasant conversation. 

“Alrightie! Everything is recorded - next you must pick what styles you like!” 

“Styles?” 

“For the dresses we are ordering. I would like you to pick two day dresses, an evening dress, a day coat, and a sporting dress” 

“.. That’s a lot” 

“Well, you are the daughter of a lord now” He reminded “You need these outfits for when we go places, or host events” 

“We’re gonna be doin’ that?” 

“Plenty, once I’ve got all of the paperwork that - ” he cleared his throat “ - my ex wife purposefully mangled.” 

Craft grimaced “Well, let's go through my pattern catalog! I have a few ideas!” 

Quite some time was spent getting Bea to reveal her preferences for dresses, going through the catalog multiple times, and seeing what colors and fabrics she’d preferred. 

By the end of it, Lukas was putting a down payment for the purchasing of the fabric to make the clothing, and they left - Bea wearing a new hat gifted to her by the apprentice, who was quite nice under the prickly exterior. 

“Wow, Hattie's i gonna go nuts in there” 

“I am counting on it” 

Bea giggled “... Thank you” 

“You are very, very welcome” he squeezed her hand “How much do you want to bet that Harriet is going to need a bath?” 

“Everything I own. If she doesn’t smell like fish I will eat my stockings” 

Lukas couldn’t hold back a laugh - something that surprised him. 

“Well, we’ll have to wait and see” 

Chapter Text

Harriet was much, much more into picking her clothing at Craft’s shop than Bow had been - though the two had similar tastes, funny enough. She asked Craft if he could make them matching hair bows and Craft was delighted to do so. 

Once they were done, Harriet had an… interesting request. 

“A candy store?” 

“I’ve never been in one before. I used to get chased away from the windows”

Lukas stared down at her with a hard-to-read expression - to outsiders, at least 

“Well, we need to remedy that” He straightened out “Let’s go. We’ll get enough for you and your sister” 

“Yes!” Harriet cheered “Have you ever had Taffy? I’ve never had it, I heard it's really yummy but sticks to your teeth-” 

Lukas let his daughter ramble about the different candies she’d never gotten to try, thinking quietly that he was going to start getting monthly deliveries of candy to the manor just for her and Beatriz. 

And perhaps make donations to the orphanage, so that those children can also enjoy some sweets. 

Sometimes he was baffled at how little of the things he’d taken for granted his daughter had been exposed to before coming to Subcon. 

But perhaps that was just what happened when you adopted a child with no history. 

“... Harriet” 

“Hm?” 

“Might I ask you a personal question?” 

“What kinda personal question?” 

“... Do you remember your birth parents?” 

Harriet paused, making a perplexed face, then looking down at the ground. He wasn’t sure if she was thinking about the question or not, but waited for an answer. 

“... Not really” She admitted “Sometimes when I’m asleep i hear these songs in a ladies’ voice, but I dunno if that's my mom or not” 

Lukas thought on that “Well, do you know what happened to them?” 

She shook her head 

“I can request that information, if you wish” 

Harriet looked back up at him “Wha- why?”

“... I know that If i was in your situation, I would want that question answered. If you do not, that’s okay” 

Harriet tilted her head “.. I don’t care” She shrugged “I don’t really remember them. And, I have you now” 

“... And I am enough?” he asked, almost passively. 

She squeezed his hand 

“Of course. You’re my papa” 

Oh no

Here come the tears

Without a lot of warning, Harriet was lifted into her father’s arms and hugged tightly with the one arm not holding her up. She let out a startled sound, then a small laugh, hugging her father around the neck. 

“Thank you, Harriet” He muttered to her, turning the corner towards the candy store 

“You too,” She muttered to him, almost under her breath. 

Chapter Text

“This is such a bad idea,” Bea said for perhaps the fourth time last night. Harriet just rolled her eyes.

“Of course it is, but I don’t care. I’m sick of this and I’m not gonna let this stop me anymore” Harriet responded to Bea’s concern, standing outside in the dark - with the moon being their only light. They were at the back of the manor- staring out at the mysterious Subcon Forest.  

“I know you don’t” Bea huffed “But I want this known for my own sake! I might be here to make sure you don’t hurt yourself but I’m not gonna get in trouble for this” 

Harriet sighed, looking back at her sister.

“Listen, if papa isn’t gonna look into it, we have to” Harriet reasoned, stepping just a bit closer to the forest's defined edge. 

“Why?” Bea pressed “Why should we do something is Papa isn’t gonna???” 

“Because it's stressing Papa out!” Harriet stomped her foot, managing to keep her voice down

Bea furrowed her brow, thinking for a few moments as Harriet walked closer to the forest's edge 

“You can see it on his face, even if he doesn’t have his soul. The forest made him upset and he won’t talk about it and I’m mad about it!”

Bea exhaled “.... fine. Just… if I see anything dangerous I’m screaming” 

“Deal” 

Harriet looked back at the forest, and lifted her head.

“... Hello?” 

She tilts her head 

“Yellow eyed thing?” 

The bushes rustled, and the girls startled. 

Turning their heads, they spotted a flash of dandelion yellow. 

“There - saw it!” Harriet pointed, but was held back by Bea

“No, no, don't go in! If it wants to see us, it can make itself known” Bea reminded “I don’t want you tricked” 

Harriet paused, listening to her sister. She thought for a second, and then spoke 

“Please, can you show yourself?” 

The wind responded. 

“Please? We want to know you” 

There was another moment of silence, before that yellow glow returned, and two eyes were staring out at them, so much closer than usual. 

Harriet held Bea’s hand tightly, but raised her other hand in a wave. 

“Hello” 

The eyes tilted, as if it did, in fact, have a head. 

“Can you come a little closer? Just a little, into the moonlight” She requested. 

There was another moment of quiet, but it seemed that the being was doing as it was told, and moved closer, its form finally hitting the moonlight, and showing its body… or lack thereof. 

It’s “body” was a translucent black, looking almost furry from the mist dispersing its form. Its eyes were bold and stark… this close, the color seemed almost familiar. 

“... I’ve seen eyes like that before” Bea noticed “Where have we seen those?” 

Harriet tilted her own head “... We know you, don’t we?” 

The ghostly form was right at the edge of the wood, but did not move. 

“... If you can’t tell us, can you give us a hint?” Bea suddenly asked, and the eyes seemed to widen. 

The eyes looked down at the grass, and the girls' eyes followed suit, seeing their own shadows in the moonlight had been joined by a third, which had no real shape… until it did. 

A shadow that Harriet and Bea were quite familiar with. 

The pieces connected in her head, and she looked back up at the ghost

“You’re…. That’s… “

“What?” 

Harriet was about to answer, but saw a light coming from the house “Gah, we have to go!” 

Bea startled, following close behind Harriet as they snuck back into the kitchen, making their way into the pantry - if they’re caught, they’ll just say they were trying to find a snack - 

Which ended up being exactly what happened. 

Led back up to their room by a tired Miss Carlile, they got back in bed, and once the door was closed, Bea turned to her sister. 

“What were you trying to say?” She whispered

Hattie looked back at her, keeping her voice as low as she could while she revealed her discovery.

“It’s his soul - papa’s soul” 

Chapter Text

Delilah hadn’t been able to sleep in several days. 

Not since she’d overheard the girls whispering loudly to one another - talking about the ghostly eyes that they’d seen in the forest, and what they thought it was. 

It made way too much sense. 

And she hated it

What was she even supposed to do with this? 

While taking care of her greenhouse, she was met with a knock at the door

She glanced over, and jumped, rushing to open it 

“He-hello, Lord Markus!” 

“Good afternoon, Miss Munchen.” The man smiled “I am in need of your assistance” 

“For what?” 

“I wish to make a special bouquet for my nieces party in a few days, but I require a rare flower that I believe you grow here” 

That immediately improved the florist's mood, showing a smile to him “Which flower?” 

“Alpine Snowdrops” 

“Oh, yes! I do have those!” She walked to the back of the greenhouse “Here. come see” 

He walked over to her, looking over her shoulder. 

And lo and behold, there was the plant, a baby’s breath- type of flower with lovely little bells in the shape of six-point stars - like snowflakes. 

“Perfect” He grinned “How do I pick these so they’re in full bloom by saturday?” 

“Pick them in the morning then - come and I will clip them for you” 

“Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful” 

“Heheh, you’re very excited, Lord Markus” 

“That I am!” He admitted gladly “I honestly never thought I would have extended family!” 

Delilah chuckled, “I understand.” 

Markus smiled further, but before he could say more, there was the sound of a cleared throat behind them. 

They turned, and the doctor was standing there

“Oh, Hello!” Delilah cleared her own throat “Are you here for the Ummimi pollen?” 

Nell nodded “Am I interrupting something?” 

“Oh, no, not at all!” Delilah commented “in fact, you two stay right here, I’ll get back with the pollen, it was inside drying!” 

The florist rushed off, leaving the two alone. 

Markus took a second “Ah, well, hello Doctor Buonacci. You’re looking lovely this day” 

Nell chuckled “Well thank you, My Lord. You are looking quite good as well. Getting ready for the party?” 

“Oh, of course! You will be coming, right?” 

“I will, yes” 

“Good! Good” Markus held his own hands, almost nervous “Are you going with someone?” 

“What? Oh, no” She laughs “You say that as if anyone has asked, or if I asked in turn” 

“I find it hard to believe that no one might request your presence with them” 

Nell let out a slightly bitter laugh “I don’t” 

Markus frowned, head tilted “Why is that, may I ask?” 

Nell gave him a skeptical eyebrow raise

He returned it, awaiting an answer. 

“Please, enlighten me, who in this village might request me as their date?” 

And before he can even say anything- before he could even offer*-

“Doctor?” 

The two turned their heads, and there was Delilah. 

“Uh… was I…” 

“No,” Nell coughed “No it’s fine” The doctor took the pollen “Thank you, Delilah” 

“No problem” 

“I must be on my way” Nell announced “I wish you both a good evening” 

And she turned on her heel, leaving as abruptly as one possibly could. 

Markus’ shoulders slumped

“... I interrupted you, didn’t I?” 

Markus sighed “It is quite alright. I wish that I had a gumption to just… ask her” 

“You have time!” Delilah encouraged “All else fails… you can ask her to dance the night of?” 

“I can certainly try” he straightened himself out “Well, no use being down about it now!” 

Delilah gave him an awkward nod

“I’ll be back for the flowers” he nodded back, offering a polite smile “Good evening to you!” 

“To you as well” 

Chapter Text

Lukas couldn’t sleep. 

To be fair, he had many reasons to be suffering from insomnia. 

Being a new father, planning the party, waiting with baited breath for the paperwork to be returned with the seal confirming his adoption. 

The beast staring out from the wood. 

That beast in particular, with its wide eyes and unblinking gaze, was the number one stressor, truly. 

When Markus had told him what had happened that night, his heart had gone directly to his throat. He was honestly grateful that his soul was elsewhere. He didn’t know how he’d have reacted to that. 

Probably not too well. 

Rubbing his face, he stood out on his balcony, facing the woods with a suspicious gaze. 

“What do you want?” He wondered aloud “Is my soul not enough for you, you selfish thing?” 

The wind just rustled the spring leaves in reply. 

He sighed, feeling frustration just below the surface, unable to be enacted upon. 

Such is the curse of no soul, no will to live. 

He looked out once again after staring at his hands resting on the railing, the wind mussing his hair - why did he keep it this long again?

Ah right. Harriet is teaching herself to braid it. 

She loved attempting to do things with his hair that she could not do with her sisters. It helped that the long hair separated himself much more thoroughly from his boyish, younger self - the fool that nearly died in a basement. 

Who nearly killed his daughter. 

Lukas groaned deeply, rubbing his face. 

He’d never forgive himself for that, no matter what forgiveness he might earn in the coming years. 

His daughters, they require all of what is left of him, and nothing less. 

He gazed down at the forest, and spotted, dimly, those damned glowing eyes. 

He squinted, wanting to say something, do something, but not doing so. He turned, catching a flash of gold out of the corner of his eyes, and getting a solid shock, turning sharply, only seeing his reflection in the glass of his opened balcony doors. 

He lowered his tense shoulders, and went right back into his room, shutting the doors, and covering the windows with his curtains, seeing his hands tremble. 

No, it simply isn't possible. 

The forest does not, can not come here. 

He wouldn’t let it in, not for anything on earth

Chapter Text

“Bow, are you sure you want to come?” 

“Of course!” Her sister argued “I want you to be safe… and I wanna figure it out too” 

Hattie tilted her head, sighing deeply “Are you ready?” 

Bea nodded, determination in her eyes. 

They were doing it. 

They were going into the forest. 

Without telling Papa, of course

As if he would even let them. 

Harriet poked her head out the door “Okay, the coast is clear. We gotta hurry in or someone’s gonna see us” 

Bow nodded, taking her sister's hand “On three?”

“One…” 

“Two…” 

“Three!” 

The girls raced over the grasses, seeing the interior of the forest glow closer, and within seconds, they were in. 

The air immediately felt different - a little heavier, a little more humid. 

“Whoa… that felt weird” 

“Very” Harriet agrees “I don’t wanna stay here too long, but we gotta see if that ghost really is Papa’s soul” 

Bow nodded in agreement “How do we call it?” 

“Hm… maybe just.. Use his name?” 

“Sounds as good as anything” Bow agrees “together?” 

Harriet nodded, still holding her sister’s hand. 

“Okay, on three?” 

“Again?” 

Hattie shrugged. 

“Okay, on three” Bea agreed. 

“One… two… three!”

“Lukas!!!” 

They called out in opposite directions, and waited. 

Nothing 

“Hm…” 

“It's kind of rude that when he want to see it, it won’t come” 

“I agree” Bea huffed “GHOST!” 

“Papa???” 

The minute Hattie said that, there was a ruffling in a bush, making the two of them jump

“... Papa?” She repeated, suspiciously

Rising like a wave from the ground, a familiar shadow with golden eyes stared down at them with what was probably some sort of surprise. 

“Wow.. you really are his soul” Bea commented, hand reaching out without thinking. 

The being didn’t move, but Harriet pushed her sister's hand down “Why are you looking at us all the time? And you tried to take me! That isn’t okay!” 

It blinked again, but this time it’s form shrunk, slightly. 

“What do you want??” 

The form shrunk again, this time starting to take on a more solid form. 

Harriet backed away, Bea grabbing at her sleeve, as the form changed and shifted, taking the very familiar form of their- 

“Papa?” 

He looked like his shadow, right down to the hand-tied ponytail- something that Lukas had let the girls do for him every morning, no matter how lopsided - he always wore it with pride. 

“You want… You want to be with papa again?” Bea tried to reason “But papa gave you to the forest as part of a deal” 

The shadow nodded, and held a hand out. 

“... We can’t take your hand” Hattie commented “Papa said that you can’t take the hand of anything in the forest unless you actually know them… you might be a part of him, but you aren’t him” 

The hand lowered, the eyes looking sad, but it nodded in understanding

“... How do you even know who we are?” Bea asked. 

The shadow put a hand to its chest, and then to its eyes

“You feel it… and see it?” 

It tapped its eyes again. 

The glow felt.. Familiar.. To Bea and Harriet, but they couldn’t pin it down. 

“You see… What he sees?” Harriet guessed. 

It nodded. 

“Wha…. wow. So you saw us?” Bea asked. 

It nodded again. 

Harriet pierced things together, her sad expression one of pity “... You want to be a part of Papa, a real part, You wanna be there too” 

The head hung, eyes staring down at the ground. 

Harriet frowned, thinking. 

Bea tilted her head at the shadow, taking a cautious step forward. 

“So you look at us because you wanna be with us, but you can’t because the forest won’t let you” 

“Correct” 

The girls startled with a squeal at the new voice, turning in its direction and grabbing at one another. The soul transformed back into its more inhuman form, letting out an inhuman snarl to match. 

“Now now” The echo placated, “No need. As if I would break the pact between the Arelius’ now, of all times” 

“Who is this??” Harriet called out “Name yourself!!” 

“As if I would be foolish enough to give my name to a human child. Do not be daft” 

“Then what do you call yourself?” Bea corrected 

“Better. I am called “The Shifter” by your kind” 

“The shifter…? Why?” 

“Oh, for many reasons” The voice finally focused, deeper into the wood “Would you like to find out?” 

Bea grabbed Harriet’s arm “No. It’s a trick” 

The voice laughed, two eyes looking out at them - one red, one green “Such smart little girls, you are. So cute. I see why the lord quite likes you” 

“What do you want??” Harriet demanded “Do you even want anything??” 

“Hmm….” The tone seemed very playful… almost dangerously so. Staring out at the eyes, two more opened - blue and yellow. 

“I want… My heart” 

“Your what?” 

“I want my heart” The voice seethed, more multicolored eyes filling up the pure black of the deeper forest “If you give me back my heart I will give your beloved papa back his soul” 

“Wha…” 

“No way! How can we even believe you?!” 

“Ah... skepticism. Such a good human trait” The being mused “... Come back to me on the full moon. I swear on the earth you walk on, my earth, that you will be unharmed. I will show you the proof you need to assist me” 

“What?” 

“Do that, and I won’t have to make you” 

The shadow wrapped around the girls protectively, hissing out at the many eyes. 

“Don’t you defy me, you useless thing!” 

“Don’t be mean!” Hattie defended “It's our papa’s soul! Not a thing!” 

“A soul is a thing, little child. Now, will you come?” 

“No-”

“Fine!” 

Bea looked at her sister with a bewildered expression

“We’ll come, but you better be telling the truth!!” 

“I do not care enough to lie to you. Now, return back to your home before you are missed” 

“Don’t tell me what to do!” 

“Hattie!” 

Bea took the initiative, pulling Hattie back towards the manor, the ghost letting them out of its coil. 

They were chased by the sound of amused laughter, and Bea would swear up and down there was a sharp grin deep in that forest - it would haunt her nightmares for weeks. 

Chapter Text

Lukas was not a dreamer. 

As in, he did not dream. 

He’d never really been one for dreams as a child. 

And anything he did remember tended to disturb and trouble him. 

He didn’t quite like it, really. 

And tonight was no different. 

The chains on him were the common denominator

He was never free in his dreams, despite reality's insistence at that change in his circumstances. 

At first, there was just one eye staring down at him, asking him if what he was doing was worth it. He answered yes. 

Another eye opened. And asked again. He answered yes. 

Another eye. Asked again. Answered yes. 

Eye. Question. Answer

He was then told, in hundreds of voices, to be cautious - for if any more was taken for the forest, it would return the favor two fold. 

His daughter’s terrified screams rung in his ears like the church bells at a funeral, echoing endlessly in the space. He couldn’t see them. He couldn’t move

He couldn’t even scream back-

“No!” he practically screamed, sitting up in bed with his chest heaving 

His eyes were wide, his hair wild and in his face. 

His daughter’s had never been in his dreams before. They were blissfully left out of those nightmares until now. 

He rubbed his head, almost instinctively getting out of bed and approaching his balcony 

He looked out at the moonlit wood, but did not linger. 

He turned, leaving his room and taking a few steps down the hall, seeing that his daughter’s door was open. 

Something in his chest felt anxious, and he pushed the door open with caution. 

“Who's there?” 

Beatriz

“It is me” he voiced, pushing the door open further “It is quite late, I wanted to see if you were awake, as your door was open” 

“Oh,,, Uh, Hattie went downstairs to get me some water, cause uh, I woke her up on accident” 

“Did you have a bad dream?” he asked, careful to keep his voice calm. 

She nodded. 

“Did you not wish to come to me?” 

“.. I know you aren’t sleeping well. We didn’t wanna bother you” 

Lukas sighed deeply, rubbing his face, and sitting himself down on the bed

“Beatriz. I am your father” 

“Not yet, the paper isn’t back” 

“Retroactively, then” He pressed “Your well being is my most important responsibility. Sleep be damned. If it meant that you felt safe, I would never sleep again” 

“Don’t do that!” She earnestly startled, getting a small chuckle from him 

“I do not, but your bad dreams, and comforting those dreams, are a part of my life. Something I am glad to go as your Papa” 

Something in her expression told him she didn’t believe him. Not yet anyway. 

“Can you come here?” 

She thought for a moment, before crawling over to him, and he gathered her into his arm, and she latched onto him almost immediately. 

“Is there anything that I can do?” He asked her, her head falling onto his shoulder and getting a relaxed sigh. 

“.. This is good” Bea answered

He heard footsteps, and turned just as Hattie came into the room 

“Huh?” 

“Put down the cup and come hither, Harriet. It seems we are all not sleeping quite well tonight.” He offered his free hand to her. 

She blinked tiredly, but did as she was told, depositing the cup on a bedside table before padding over to the other side of the bed, and crawling up into her father’s lap with a firm hug. 

He held his daughters in his arms quite effortlessly, making the motion to stand, and resting himself back down towards the center of the bed, letting gravity do the rest of the work, and leaning back with a “thump” onto the thick sheets. That got a small giggle out of Harriet, and her father placed a kiss on her forehead. 

“You were being a good sister, but next time, simply tell your father you’re awake, hm?” 

Harriet just grumbled “But you already don’t sleep” 

“I am an adult. I can handle it just fine” 

“But…”

“No buts” He stated, turning his head and kissing Bea’s head next “You as well. Can you promise me that you will come to me for this sort of thing?” 

“Hmmmm we’ll try” 

He huffed a bit, but could not find it in himself to be mad

He laid there, daughters on either side, with nothing but their breathing being able to effortlessly chase away that horrid dream. Their screams but a distance itch in the back of his head. 

God, that paperwork could not be certified fast enough. 

Chapter Text

Harriet kept her promises - she prided herself on it. 

As often as she could, and that was pretty often - she didn’t make promises she didn’t think she could keep, after all! 

Bow, Muriel, Cici, her papa, everyone's promises were kept. No matter what!

Which meant, by association, that she needed to keep her promise with the forest - if only to not break her streak. 

Her and Beatriz both did

And oh boy did she not want to. Did she really, really not want to, with all her heart. 

The forest was scary, plain and simple- scary and clearly more powerful than those hints had let slip  - but it had made a promise with her. One that could change everyone's lives for the better… if it was true

She had to take that chance. But first…  

“Uh, Papa?” Hattie poked her head through the doorway. 

The man looked up from his desk instantly, eyes attentive,

“Yes?” 

She gave him a little smile - she kind of loved how quickly he took to being her dad. It was such a lovely change of pace from the rest of her life. 

“When is Uncle Marcus coming for the party?” She asked

“He should be leaving on Thursday to arrive for Thursday night. Might I ask why you wish to know?” He gave her a mildly skeptical look

“Uhhh cause he has our dresses?” She argued weakly

Her father managed an amused smile, though she could see in his eyes he’d wanted to laugh. It was glaringly obvious, the mirth just behind them.

Just didn’t have enough “gumption”, it seemed. The price of not having a soul. 

“Well, patience is a virtue, little fool,” He reminded. 

She rolled her eyes, and giggled a bit “Okay, that's all, thank you!” 

“Go see Cici” he instructed “I believe she had something for you” 

“Okay, thank you!” She said again

She left the study, and started doing the mental planning

The full moon was on Monday night - and Uncle Markus came on Thursday

Looked like she was about to have a very busy week.  

Chapter Text

Markus was so very excited - excited might not be enough of a word, honestly. 

He was already a rather excitable man - bubbly and jovial despite his sharp wit - but his love of family and his love of parties was combining into one big event - his becoming an uncle!

He’d even gone so far as to take a carriage to the manor rather than just a horse as he usually did while traveling back and forth from Horihollow to Subcon - he may have purchased quite a lot of gifts for his nieces and there was no way that he would be able to store it on a single horse, but that was a surprise. 

Sue him! He dares you. He’s a more than competent lawyer and you’d have to pay the court fees. 

And this time - this very time! He would gather up all of the courage he could muster to ask the doctor for a dance! 

He’d definitely do it this time, certainly! 

Sure, he’d gotten such cold feet last time, he’d not moved for nearly an hour - but this time would be different! Completely different!

For one, that had been a few years ago - he was an older, wiser man, now 

(comparatively)

And for another, he’d been a fool with a crush back then - a buffon, even. 

Now though? 

Oh, he was certain that he had fallen so very deeply in love that it was going to burst from his chest like a pie of ravens

It was embarrassing to expose, but anyone who knew him was aware of his feelings. Lukas, Carlile, Delilah, he was pretty sure his nieces also knew- it sometimes felt like almost everyone was aware

Except, apparently, the good doctor

Thank god

He didn’t know what he’d do if she knew - if she had any idea how deep his affection ran.

Perhaps collapse like a stack of books in an earthquake? Right into a crevice of the earth to never be seen or read again?

Probably. Yes. 

He sighed to himself, at the reins of his own carriage, eyes staying open and alert, facing forward - the road ahead feeling never ending with the wood flanking him on either side.

He can’t let his mind wander too badly on these old roads - he’d made that mistake before - a rather harrowing and terrifying experience. It had been many years ago, but he could still remember that like it was yesterday

Something he did not feel like reliving, currently. Hence the attention. 

The road was lit well by the partly cloudy sky above him. The road itself was even and pretty smooth, given its lack of use. He was often the only one on this road most of the time. No other travelers, no other strangers.

Just Markus and his thoughts - he needn’t get lost in it.

Chapter Text

The day was cold for the season, so Harriet was sat on the floor of the warm parlor, looking down at a book she’d grabbed from her father’s personal library - with his permission, of course.

It was a book about faeries - a very dense one at that. She had a feeling she needed to brush up on it - if she was going to keep her promise, of course. 

She laid down a blanket, sat herself comfortably, and flipped to a page labeled “Deals” slowly making her way down the page and reading aloud to herself as softly as she could manage. There were a lot of words whose meaning she had to infer, but she was getting pretty good at it - Papa was proud the last time they read together!

But then- 

“Hattie?” 

She turned her head “Hm?” 

Muriel stood in the doorway with a tilted head, one hand holding a basket, the other holding the door open “What’re you doin’?” 

“Oh uh, hey! I’m lookin’ at a book” She pointed “Papa said he wants me to read more, so I picked this book!”

“What book?” Muriel asked with a confused tone

“A fairie book” Harriet clarified. 

Muriel tilted her head, and looked over Harriet’s shoulder “What about fairies?” She placed her basket down.

“How fairie deals are made” She pointed to the title 

Mureil sat next to her, looking at the book - her eyes drifting to the pictures “Why this book and not - uh - fairytales?” 

“Well, I wanna learn more about the forest, but Papa won’t tell me a lot - so I thought I'd use my reading time to do my own research!” she explained, only half lying.

“Hm…” Muriel looked over the page one more time. “Well, it looks like words are real important to fairies.” 

Harriet nodded “And the evenness of the deal” 

“Mhm…” 

And suddenly, Harriet had a study buddy. 

The two were there together for perhaps too long, reading through the pages about fae deals and debating how to possibly make a deal with the fae, if needed. 

“Hat? Mu?” 

They turned their heads, a confused Carlile looking at them “What are you girls doing?” 

“Mu’s helpin’ me read for my reading time!” Harriet announced “She’s gettin’ real good too!” 

“Ahhhh” The woman smiled, delighted to see the girl's education paying off. “Well I’ll leave you to it” She grabbed what Mu had left behind “Don’t spend too much time here, okay?” 

The two nodded, and Carlile left them be. 

The girls shared a look, before Muriel’s expression became a bit more serious. 

“Okay, I put it off for long ‘nough” She started “Why’re you really readin’ this. You don’t get curious unless you got plans"

Drat. 

“I can’t get’ anything past you,” Harriet admitted with a huff. 

“An’ that’s a good thing!” 

Harriet pouted, but Muriel remained firm 

“So what is it? Why’re you lookin’ up fairie deals?” 

“... I … I want to help my father” She admitted “His soul.. It’s stuck in the forest. Its the eyes that look out” 

“The yellow ones??” 

Harriet nodded

“... And what are you thinkin’?” 

“.... i think I can make a deal. A good one. A real one” 

Muriel furrowed her brow - knowing better than to argue with Harriet - at least now. 

“... and if you can’t?” 

“.. That’s not an option” She pressed “I can. And I will” 

“.... How?” Muriel pressed again “What’s your plan?” 

“... promise me you won’t tell anyone” Harriet pressed. 

“... not even bow?” 

Harriet’s lips pressed into a thin line. 

Oooh, that was a serious expression. 

Thinking back to the last time they ratted Harriet out, the guilt started to sit heavy in Muriel’s chest. 

“I .. I promise. I promise I won't tell anyone” 

She had the conviction of a devout missionary, and Harriet could see it. 

“... Okay, so, I have two plans - “ 

Chapter Text

The full moon came faster than Harriet had anticipated. 

But she was prepared. Totally prepared. Completely prepared. 

Bea. Wasn’t. 

So much so, she really, really wanted to find a way to back out. 

But- and this was a big but - she could not let Harriet go alone. 

No way. No how. 

So - there they were, sneaking out at night, the moon high in the sky. 

“Are you ready?” Harriet had asked with a slight tilt of her head “We won’t be long. We’re just keeping a promise” 

“We better” 

Harriet rolled her eyes. Beatriz took a deep breath. 

The forest was just as eerie as ever, and the eyes were already there to greet them. A part of their father that - with that added context - felt much safer than it ever did before. 

Their father was with them - in a roundabout way. 

Good

Bea took a deep breath as she crossed into the forest, and Harriet looked into the darkness with a sharp eye. 

“We’re just getting that proof they claimed.” Bea repeated their plan 

“Mhm” 

“And that's it” 

“Probably” 

“Probably?” 

“... If they give us a good enough reason, I want to give them their heart back” 

“What???” 

Harriet gave her sister an expression that screamed “Are you going to calm down or what”?

Bea huffed “Hat, I’ve been in the dark for all of this. You need to tell me what the heck you’re trying to do” 

“I told you what I want to do” 

“No - I - Gah!” 

Beatriz grabbed her sisters arm, and pulled her away for a minute before stopping, and shoving her into a sitting position 

“Stop it” 

“Stop what” 

“Stop not telling me things!” 

Bea’s eyes were a bit harsh, looking hurt 

“... Mu told you” 

“Of course she told me!! Are you insane???” 

Harriet took a deep breath. They didn’t have time for this. They didn’t. They had such a short window before they were found out. 

“Listen, please” She started, trying to string everything together. “I really think we can get Papa’s soul back. Imagine! Imagine Papa not being left out of being happy anymore!” 

Bea furrowed her brow at this. 

I mean… if you were to have a reason to deal with fairies, that is a noble cause. 

“If they can prove that their heart is… somewhere we can find it, and we can give it back… that means that maybe it will be kinder. I know what not having a heart does to someone.” 

Hattie couldn’t look at her sibling as she said that - Bea was very aware as to why. 

Beatriz took a deep breath. Harriet was right - she really was. If this train of events could help their papa… then it could be their thanks for all they had done for him. 

“Okay, lets go” 

Hattie looked up at Bea, whose expression had some steely resolve. Harriet was honestly relieved.

“Lets go” Harriet repeated, standing up, hand-in-hand with her sister. 

The two collected themselves and walked together through the brush. 

Harriet didn’t wait 

“Shapeshifter!” 

“Ahh, a human that keeps promises - how refreshing” 

The many eyes opened in the darkness around him. 

Before long, a different golden set of eyes appeared, and Bow managed a smile 

“Hi Papa” She greeted

The eyes crinkled up as if smiling, and the wispy form curled around the girls protectively. 

“Let’s not get distracted by a single soul” The shifters voice wavered around them “Now…. My heart” 

“You said you’d show us proof you didn’t have it” Harriet reminded. 

“That I did” 

“Well..?” 

Some of the eyes closed, creating a path “You must come in further. I swear on the earth that you walk on that I will not harm you” 

“... Do you promise that we will be returned the same as we entered?” Harriet clarified. 

A few of the eyes squinted - but not in suspicion. 

“Ahhh yes, yes I do! You have done your research, child. I am impressed” 

“Papa has us read every day,” Bea commented. 

“Says readin’ is important” 

“Hm. To humans, perhaps. Now, please, follow the direction of my eyes” 

That was an iffy sentence if ever there was one. 

But the girls did so, following the direction the eyes were looking in, with the hazy soul crawling forward with them. 

They were lead to a small clearing, filled to the brim with- 

“Moonjumpers?” Harriet took a cautious step back 

“What is it?”

“Moonjumper pollen is poisonous to humans” 

“Hm…” The fae being seemed to contemplate this “Turn around three times” 

“What for?” Bow asked. 

“If you do so, I will cast a temporary boon” The fae explained, eyes in the nearby brush “You will walk through my flowers safely. You must get to the tree stump in the center to see my proof” 

The girls looked at each other, then looked back out at the field “Turn which way?” 

“Right. Three times” 

The girls did so, and felt a sudden chill at their feet. Bea looked down, and gasped a little. 

“Frost??” 

“Where you step, there will be frost to protect both you and my dear field” 

“Wow… that’s really smart!” 

“You sound surprised” 

Harriet took a step, and watched with fascination as the frost followed her feet. “Wow… come on, Bea!” 

The sisters followed one another’s lead it seemed, approaching a hollowed tree stump. 

Inside of the stump, was… nothing

“That… is where my heart is supposed to be. Place your hand above it, feel the cold lack of my heart” 

Harriet did it first, and gasped, followed by Beatriz

“Wha… it’s like… its like ice.” 

“I am without my warmth” The eyes squinted - this time in anger “I am without my love and happiness. I know that my heart lies within your stone home. I can feel it. I cannot get it. If you get it for me, then I will happily return all barter, and perhaps your father and I can have a much more reasonable give and take.” 

“All barter” Bea contemplated that phrasing “W-wait! All? Does that mean you’ll give back-” 

“The brother’s eye? I will have no use for it”

The girls shared a shocked look - Papa’s soul and their uncle’s eye??? 

They had to. 

They shared a nod

“Make us a formal deal” Harriet requested. 

The eyes stared at the girls

“Place your hands inside, hold one another’s” 

They did so, feeling that itching chill. 

“Declare your end of the bargain” 

Harriet took a breath 

“We will find and return your heart as soon as we can.” She stated. “And if we do not…. You do not retaliate. The status quo stays” 

The eyes squinted “You.. you are very smart for a human child” 

“I read about it,” She stated. The soul of their father wavering at the harsh glare that the shapeshifter was leveling at the girl. 

“Of course you did. You humans and your books”

“Do you accept it or not?!” Bea aggressed “Cause if you don’t we’ll leave. And then you’ll never get your heart back“

“You dare to-” 

The blacked soul hissed harshly 

“Take it or leave it” Harriet pressed. 

There was a moment of quiet, and Harriet wondered if her insistence had ruined their chances, but she said nothing, finding some comfort in the shadowy soul surrounding the girls. 

“Ghh…. FINE!” The being shouted, the air shaking. 

“I ACCEPT YOUR CONDITIONS” The voice boomed. “AND SO IF MY HEART IS RETURNED, I SHALL RETURN THE SOUL AND EYE OF THE LORDS OF SUBCON MATTER IN PRISTINE CONDITION” 

“And I accept your conditions” Harriet responded, getting a nod from Bea

“And I do too!” 

“Good” The rustling stopped. “Leave my heart’s home now, return to your home” 

“Okay… We will be back with your heart” Harriet confirmed “But… Can you tell us how we’ll know when we find it?” 

The shifters' eyes closed, one-by one “My forest was not always so cold” They stated. “Now go” 

Harriet supposed that was the best hint they could hope for. 

She grabbed her sister's hand, and they rushed through the MoonJumpers. 

The shifter did not follow behind them.

Chapter Text

Delilah had been thinking for… a long time. 

About many, many things. 

The forest, the upcoming party, the possibility of Lord Markus finally - finally - getting his dance with the good doctor. 

So much was going on, and she had no idea how any of it was going to play out. 

But.. she had control over at least one aspect of this. 

The flowers. 

She was really, really outdoing herself - if she could be a bit proud for a few moments. 

The Lillies, the roses, the baby breaths - all carefully curated and arranged.

But she had saved the best for last. 

Lukas had come to her, and asked her to make the girls personalized bouquets that he would be gifting to them when he had the certified papers. 

“I want them to feel as special as they are” he had said

Delilah had nearly melted right then and there. 

She was going to put her all into this! They would be her magnum opus. 

But she was missing one flower. 

The Lolling Tulips

A fascinating flower, but its meaning was the most important part of it, for this bouquet. 

It was one of the only flowers that represented a family of choice. 

She needed it. 

And it was in the forest. 

Of course. 

Delilah sighed deeply, holding her basket carefully as she crossed the threshold into the forest. 

She’d always been respectful to the forest, always sure to carefully cut only the flowers she needed, and never more. She made sure to bring back the dead flowers to scatter, feeding the earth, and she never stayed long. 

She stepped carefully around several, large fairy circles. 

How bizarre… Those were not common here. 

“Hm..” 

She continued on her trek, eyes peeled for the tulips - distinct due to their drooping petals and deep gold leaves. 

She felt as if she was being watched. 

That was not an uncommon feeling in these woods. The forest is always watching. It sees everything between the tree trunks and scattered leaves. But… it only let you know when it felt the need to. 

.. So why did it need to? 

Delilah kept her eyes sharp. 

When she found and plucked the tulips, she felt even more eyes on her back, but took a deep breath, and remained calm. No need to freak out. She was not in any danger. None at all. 

“Flower.. Girl…” 

She stood straight up. She’d heard that voice before 

“.. Yes?” 

“.... We are wary” 

“... Of What?” 

“... of the future…” it lamented “You are… kind… tell us… please… does the cold leave?” 

“... It always does” She answered vaguely. “Spring always comes.” 

“Always… it always comes” 

“Always” She assured. 

That seemed to be what it wanted to hear, and the eyes-on-her feeling faded. 

She decided to get the hell out - lingering would be quite unwise

Chapter Text

Wasn't always this cold…

Harriet was - once again - set up in the warm parlor on a cool spring morning, reading perhaps too deeply into a book of spooky tales from across the sea. 

“Are you certain you want to read that one?” Her father had given a rather concerned look “it is… unnerving. Poe is a fearful writer” 

That just made her more interested. 

And so she read it, “The Tell-Tale Heart” 

“Wow… that is gross” She grumbled about the heart under the floorboards. 

Who would hide something so important under floorboards…?

She sighed, wondering if perhaps she could have a prophetic dream about how to find the forest’s heart. 

She appreciated the warmth of the study, letting herself lay down on the hardwood, staring up at the tall ceiling. 

‘Wasn’t always this cold’

She huffed, turning her head so she was facing the door. 

And then -

She heard it

Ba Thump

Ba Thump

Ba Thump

Startled, she sat up and stumbled to her feet. 

Eyes wide, staring down 

Was that…? 

No

`wasn’t always this cold`

Warmth.

This room, no matter what. Was warm. 

Warm*

Harriet rushed out of the room, calling out for Beatriz

The book was left open on the floor, the end of the story untouched. 

Chapter Text

The plan had to be perfect - or as perfect as it could be. 

Which was going to be… tricky. 

The heart - it was in the warm parlor. Harriet had proven it to Bea with her head against the floor. But where under the floor was the real question. 

The heartbeat got louder the closer you got to the fireplace, but it wasn’t easy to tell where once you got too close. 

“We can’t just… rip up the floor” Bea reasoned

“True, but it’s there! It has to be!” 

“I agree!” Bea clarified “but… how are we gonna get it?” 

Harriet huffed, sitting on her bed with a very frustrated expression

Think, Harriet - think!

“Why are you two still awake?” 

The girls turned their head, their uncle tilting his head at them “It is quite past your bedtime, I am sure” 

The girls suddenly gasped in surprise “Uncle Markus!!!!” 

They jumped off of their bed, rushing over and practically tackling the man, who couldn’t hold back a delighted laugh

“My dearest nieces!” 

“You’re late!” Harriet scolded from his left shoulder

“I am aware! I went a tad too slow!” 

“But you’re here!” Bea added

“I am!” 

He placed kisses on his nieces heads, walking into the room and depositing them on the bed “but it is very late! Why are you awake??” 

“Uhhh excited!” Harriet answered - it wasn’t technically wrong

He laughed a bit “That I can understand. I am quite excited too! Just two more days, and I will be able to boast without a single man able to tell me that I am wrong!” 

The girls giggled happily at him. 

“Now, how can I help you two get to sleep, hm?” 

Bea leaned against him, seeming to playfully contemplate “aaaaaa story?” 

“Yeah! A story!” 

“Oh? Any books in here?” 

Harriet crawled out of bed, grabbing a thick book from a nearby table and climbing back up. 

“This!” 

“Ah! A classic! Excellent!” He grinned “Any story in particular?” 

Bea shrugged, and Harriet didn’t answer, curling up next to him. 

He chuckled “alright, Let’s see what I find then” 

The room fell into quiet as he started to flip through, finding the story of the twelve dancing princesses. 

His boisterous tone tampered down considerably, and the rumbling of his voice was a thunder much skin to his brothers. The two girls, who just moments ago bounded with energy, found it sapped from them, and their eyelids heavied. 

Markus, by the end of the story, found himself trapped under his dear nieces. 

As if he even minded. 

Chapter Text

Lukas’ dreams had been hypervivid, recently. 

So real, that he often thought that he’d already woken up before being awoken. 

Sometimes it was things going bad, sometimes it was things going exceedingly, amazingly well

Sometimes, in those dreams, he could smile as brightly as he wished. 

But this dream, what the hell even was this? 

He was in the forest - as he was again and again and again - and the haze surrounding him was suffocating. 

Yellow eyes stared at him, but they did not look as threatening as they had before.

“... What do you want?” Lukas managed 

The eyes tilted, as if they had a head attached to them, and leaned in closer to him. 

“... I asked you a question. Answer it” 

The mist leaned in closer still, taking on a more solid shape 

“..I want what you want” 

Lukas’ eyes squinted “... And what do you think is that?” 

“... Hah… pee… nehss. …” 

Lukas tried to think of a response, but only came to “I am happy. I am happier than I have been in many years” 

“True… Truth… True Happiness”

Lukas wished he had it in him to scowl

“oh? “ 

The form became more recognizable 

“Want… Want to be whole” The voice was much less distorted… familiar…. 

“... As do I… but I am okay with not being so. I have enough” 

“.... Harriet does not think so” 

His own voice echoed back to him. 

Startled, he stepped back, only to be met with a wall. 

“Beatriz does not think so” 

“Stop” 

“They want a real, full - Human-” 

“ENOUGH!” The man screamed “I am enough!! I am!” 

“aRE YOU?!” 

“I Am!” 

“.... tell them then… before it's too late” 

“What?” 

“Tell them - Tell them, before the shapeshifter-!!” 

The dream flicked out like a blown candle, and Lukas burst awake to the rising sun - gasping for air as if he’d been drowning. 

His breaths were heavy, his eyes staring out the windows. 

Awake. He was awake. 

But… what the hell was that? 

Chapter Text

It had to happen tonight. 

“You’re right” Bea had nodded “It has to. It’ll be the best gift we could give him” 

Harriet was grateful for her sister’s agreement, and the two of them- dressed in their nightgowns, slid quietly out of bed and down the hall, tip-toeing carefully past both their uncle and their father’s rooms. 

Once they got into the parlor, the heat of the room felt almost sweltering. 

Harriet wondered if it knew that it was being rescued. 

The girls spent a few minutes trying to focus on where the heart might be, and convened right before the fireplace, and Bea felt the floor, and her hand caught a loose floorboard 

She started in interest, and gently pulled - it came up as if not nailed at all. 

Harriet helped her to move the whole board, and the two stared at the subfloor, Harriet gasping softly. 

A large, glowing moonjumper flower was there - its petals the size of the girl’s hands 

“Whoa…” 

“.. This is its heart..?” Hattie squinted at it “... We can’t touch it. Uncle Markus, he said that the pollen is-” 

“-Toxic to skin” Bea nodded, looking around “hmm..” 

She got up, and grabbed a small blanket “could this work?” 

“Perfect!” Harriet grinned, and the girls teamed up, and the Flower was carefully, gently held in her arms, wrapped carefully in the blanket and away from their skin 

“Let’s go” put her hand at her sister’s back, and the children moved through the hard to the nearest outgoing door. 

Lukas couldn’t sleep. 

Which was odd. He didn’t have trouble falling asleep - staying asleep was the issue for him, usually. 

But now he just couldn’t

That couldn’t be good. Tomorrow was the party! He refused to be tired for such a joyous occasion. 

Perhaps he was anxious? 

He stood up, rubbing his face. 

Maybe he needed to check on the girls. 

That had to work. 

He walked out of his room, and right down the hall - he’d just check on them, and then go right back to bed. 

He got to their door, and gently pushed the door open so as to not slam it against the wall. 

He looked inside

… they weren’t there. 

That bad feeling in his chest got worse. 

He pushed the door further open, seeing their bed abandoned, but their windows still shut. 

Were they in the kitchen…? 

He huffed, walking down the hall and seeing.. Nothing. 

His eyes were wide, his breath short. He tried to think of where else they might be. Markus’ room? Maybe they got them confused? Maybe he was reading to them again? 

He turned and rushed, seeing a light in his brother’s study

“Markus?” 

“Hm?” 

“Are the girls with you?” 

Markus opened the door, giving his brother an odd expression. 

“No. Why? Are they not in bed?” 

“No” 

“The kitchen” 

“No” 

“... The parlor?” 

Oh, he hadn’t checked there

Markus amusedly chidded “I’m sure they’re just reading Poe again” 

Lukas scowled at him 

“Come, come. You can scold them for staying up late” 

Somewhat relieved at his brother’s calm tone, he followed the twin further down the hall. 

The study door was open. 

He looked inside. 

No daughters. 

But… There was a disturbance in here. 

What happened to the floor?

Markus - holding his oil lamp, approached it, leaning over “The floorboard… is’ been removed??” 

Lukas approached the other side. Seeing the disturbed dirt under the floor

“.. Something was here” 

“What? Something was hidden under the floor? And grabbed? I’ve never left anything here”

“Neither have I” 

They both did not like how nothing was adding up here. 

“... Do you think it was the girls?” 

“That doesn’t make any sense” 

“We do not have many other ideas!” 

Markus was correct there, at least. 

“Okay, let us say they did take -something - from here. Where did they go?” 

Markus thought about it, lowering his lamp to look closer “... Lukas” 

“What?” 

“Is it… cold.. In here?” 

Lukas paused. 

It … it was. It was odd - the air was stale, but cold. Definitely cold. 

It was never cold in this parlor

“What on earth…” 

“... The forest?” 

Markus thought for a second, and stood back up, facing the forest through the window 

After a second of contemplation, he took off his eye patch, and stared into it 

“.... something is happening in there.” 

Lukas’ footsteps were all the man heard in response. 

He waited no more than a second before rushing behind. 

“Are we going the right way?” Bea asked, holding the wrapped flower gently in hand as Harriet led the way. 

“Yeah, I recognize this. The Shape Shifter said they’d be there, we just have to get there” 

“Okay…” Bea huffed, looking down at the flower, then back up “Why do you think it was under the floor?” 

“... Well, it was clearly being hidden” Harriet started, not looking back at her sister as she carefully walked over tree roots “And we can assume that it was stolen… But by who?” 

“Well… Papa said that the manor was built by his grandfather.” Harriet remembered “So… that's the earliest it could have been put there.” 

“So… do you think… he stole it?” 

“... that's the only thing I can think of. He stole it, and that… that’s why papa had to give something so… substantial” 

“.... Great-Great Grandfather SUCKED” 

“Absolutely!!” 

The girls almost giggled at that, but remained cautious as they walked, Bea looking around 

“I wonder where the Shape Shifter is” She muttered “You’d think they’d be here to see their heart already” 

“Maybe they wanna wait until we’re really there?” Harriet reasoned “They seem to like theatrics - Mister Connors would like them, I think” 

“Oh, definitely!” 

They giggled yet again, and spotted the clearing up ahead. 

“How’s the heart?”

“Really warm” Bea commented “It feels like it’s hugging me, not the other way around” 

“Huh… maybe the forest is nicer, but just.. Wasn’t without its heart” Harriet reasoned “Not like Lady- … not like her” 

“... You keep mentioning her” Bea commented “And you stop yourself. . . you won’t tell me what happened” 

“... She was bad, Bea. I don’t wanna talk about it more” 

“Harriet” 

“I don’t want to talk about it!” 

There was a tense pause between them. 

“... Please, Bea. I don’t.. ” 

The sister sighed “Okay… let’s just… focus on the task at hand.” 

Harriet nodded, grateful as they got close to the clearing. 

“... Wait” Harriet paused. 

“What?” 

“... Where is Papa’s Soul?” 

… oh… 

Where was the shadowy soul? 

Lukas and Markus stared into the forest, seeing nothing but that inky black. 

“Yellow-eyed being!” Lukas called out “Show yourself! Where are my children??” 

There was a moment of quiet, before eyes stared back at them

“Where are my children?” 

The being reached its hand out, but did not touch him.. And motioned in

“... They’re inside… did you… did you-!” 

The “head” shook vigorously, suddenly looking offended

“... You’re much more expressive than last I saw of you” Markus commented

It waved to them again. 

“... Let’s go” Lukas stated

“You are certain?” 

“There is no choice in this, Markus” 

The younger twin hated when the elder was correct. 

Markus took a deep breath, and followed his brother inside. 

“Hello?” Harriet called out 

“Are you here?” Beatriz called out right after. 

“... You have it” 

The voice surrounded them, even toned but somehow surprised.

“We do!” Bea held it out and up “Can you uh, make the path safe? Like last time?” 

“Wait for the frost, children” 

The girls did, staring in wonder as the moonjumpers froze in place, and then the ice appeared as if out of nothing. 

“Proceed to my heart’s home” 

Harriet took her sister’s arm, and they shared a cautious glance, then a nod, before looking forward again, and taking their first steps through the gentle field. 

Halfway through a familiar voice carried through the still wood

“HARRIET!! BEATRIZ!!” 

They froze in place, alarmed 

“... Papa?”

The two men were at the opposite side of the clearing, stopping short of the moonjumpers with alarm. 

“Uncle Markus??” 

“What are you two doing?” Markus tilted his head at the girls, the lamp held firmly in hand. 

Bea swallowed nervously, but announced “We’re returning the forest's heart! Someone took it, and we’re putting it back!” 

“What?” 

“Papa, please, just let us finish it!” 

“We can explain later!” Harriet called out “But we made a promise! Let us keep it!” 

The situation was disorienting to say the least 

But… there was frost under the girls feet - they were not touching the moonjumpers. 

Bea was holding a moonjumper, carefully wrapped and not against her skin. 

Whatever this was, it was far less dangerous to let them continue. 

To his brother’s surprise, the lord stepped back, and gave his children a cautious nod. 

Bea looked at the flower, then back to the old tree stump as she approached it 

“.. Do we need to dig so we can put it in?” 

“No” The forest responded, its voice vibrating “Simply placing it there is enough” 

Harriet nodded. 

She turned to Bea, who approached the stump, and - as gently as she could manage - she deposited the flower into the dirt. 

There was a moment of silence, before a snapping sound was heard, and the wilting flower snapped up into place, the bloom opening in full and a flash of energy overcoming the area. 

There was a laugh surrounding them, but it was not menacing 

It was… joyous - elated - delightful

“Oh, thank you!” 

The girls were quite suddenly grabbed and lifted into the air by unfamiliar arms, and twisted around to face faded fabrics and a black face with many eyes - all of them delighted and happy. 

“My heart! Oh I forgot this warmth! This joy! This love! Oh I am myself and it is a love I have not felt in nearly a hundred years!” 

The shapeshifter was showing the girls a very human form of affection, but they felt it warranted. 

Lukas and Markus were watching with wide eyes. 

“A hundred years… that is.. How long the Arelius family has been here” Markus pointed out “.... Do you think?” 

“We will have to ask” Lukas interrupted, clearing his throat “I would like your attention!!” 

The shifter looked at him, tilting its head “Ah… yes… a deal is a deal” 

“What?” 

Harriet’s eyes were wide, and a sharp, whistling noise came from the shifter’s physical form, and the shadow with its yellow eyes appeared again. 

“Lost thing, you are no longer lost.” The shifter gently stated “Return to your home, I grant thee” 

The eyes widened as if joyous in its own way, and the ghost twisted about like a ribbon until it floated before Lukas, and took a familiar form. 

Lukas’ eyes widened, realization coming over him 

“You… you are … me” He stated, his own eyes glowing unknowingly, Markus seeing it, and looking between them. 

The shadow bowed its head, and then looked back up, offering its hand. 

Lukas took it, and the shadow dissipated, causing the man to grab at his chest as a full, dense feeling overtook him, the glow of his eyes getting bright enough for himself to notice. 

He let out a gasp, stumbling back and breathing heavily. 

“Twin” 

Markus turned his head 

“I’ve something of yours as well” 

The man’s hand went over to his uncovered eye, the socket wide and showing red stars. 

“It will never be the same” The being stated, floating lower to the ground with the children still in its arms “and neither will your soul, lord, but they are yours and belong to you” 

“... Why are you doing this?” Lukas asked, the emotion in his voice so potent that Harriet and Beatriz stared at him with wide eyes. 

“... your father’s father took from me something that could not be replaced” 

Markus connected the dots, and practically jumped in place

“Our grandfather!” 

“... He made the first deal with you” 

“Because he stole from me” The being hissed “And a heart for its equivalent was the only way I was letting him live without giving my heart back” 

“... It makes sense” Harriet spoke “Uh, shifter-forest person? Can you give uncle his eye back?” 

“As I have stated, a deal is a deal” 

There was a moment, before the shifter summoned another hand, and grabbed an eye amongst its many, causing Beatriz to gag. 

“Oh, come now” The shifter jokingly admonished “hold open your hand,” they instructed to the man. 

He did, his left hand, specifically. 

The eye was returned, Markus staring at it with some bewilderment, looking a bit off kilter 

“This is.. Quite disorienting” 

“I would imagine. It will stop being so when you return your eye to its socket.” 

Markus stared for a moment, before turning around “Uh… don’t look” 

“I wasn’t planning on it” Lukas gave an unimpressed look. 

Beatriz made another gagging sound at the unpleasant POP that filled the air 

“Eugh, gross, no!” 

“Hey! He needed that eye back, dangit!” Harried argued 

“Still! It sounded disgusting!” 

Harriet rolled her eyes. 

Markus turned around, blinking, eyes wide. 

The shifter was not wrong that his eye would be affected. 

The once golden color of his eye was red, but other than that, it was pretty normal looking

“Whoa…” 

Harriet and Beatriz tilted their heads in unison. 

“.. Why are you doing this?” Lukas asked, “What is going on? I have… I have many questions” 

“Perhaps you should ask your daughters” The being floated, landing on it’s ‘feet’, holding the girls as gently as ever. 

Lukas reached out, taking his children effortlessly in his arms, squeezing them tightly. 

Safe, they were safe. 

He felt relieved tears prick the edges of his eyes. 

Ooh, he forgot that he was a very emotional man prior to his soul's removal. This was going to take some getting used to. 

“Papa? Papa, are you okay? Is your soul okay?” 

Harriet’s hands found their father’s face, and he simply responded by kissing her forehead, followed by Beatriz’s. 

“You have much, much explaining to do” he stated in a rather “wet” tone, sounding as if he was going to cry 

“Lord of his manor” 

Lukas looked up

“Return in 3 days. We have much to discuss”

He nodded “... Thank you for keeping them safe” 

“I keep my promises, Lord. Much like your children do. Now return from whence you came” 

Lukas did not need to be told twice. 

Chapter Text

Lord Lukas Arelius had forgotten what it was like with a soul. 

God, were emotions always this intense? 

Having gotten the girls home, they took them into what used to be the “warm parlor”, and told them to start from the beginning. 

The poor man right near fainted as he listened, trying his absolute hardest not to interrupt, to let the story play out. 

His eyes were full of tears by the end. 

They did all of this… for him. 

All that danger, the lack of promise, the fear. 

All because they wanted him, and by extension, his brother, to be whole again. 

“We know it was dangerous” Bea added “We knew that you didn’t want us in there” 

“But we had to! No one else was gonna!” Harriet added

God, what wonderful, loving, beautiful children he had found. 

He recalled how the forests had referred to them as his children - an important recognition in this situation. 

“... Lukas?” 

He finally looked at his brother, who was back to wearing the eye patch as the sun rose. 

“... Are you alright? 

“... That is a very deep and heavy question” he responded. 

“I am aware. I am still asking it of you” 

Lukas sighed, his daughters watching him from just across the way. 

“... I am alive, and I am whole in a way I have not been in quite some time. Whether or not that is “alright”, it does not feel pertinent to my current state” 

“... That was a lot of words for “no”” Harriet voiced. 

Markus fought valiantly to keep a straight face

Unused to schooling his expressions after so long, Lukas could not manage it, letting out a laugh. 

“Quite true, little fool. Quite true” 

Lukas took a deep breath. 

“Okay…. So, allow me to… summarize” 

The girls nodded. 

“You… deduced that the ghost was my soul, talked to the forest, made a promise and a deal with it, found where it’s heart was hidden, and returned its heart, which therefore canceled the 100 year trade and returning my soul and my brother’s eye” 

They nodded again. 

Nope, no, he was crying again. 

“Papa??” 

“No, Papa, don’t cry! It’s okay!” 

The girls huddled around their father, who gathered them up in his arms like the emotional disaster he currently was, holding them as tightly as he dared. 

“What ever did I do” he muttered, his emotion as raw as his voice “Whatever did I do to garner such loving children, such foolish, wonderful children” 

Harriet hugged her around his neck “Because you’re good!” She argued 

“because you’re the best father ever” Bea added. 

“Completely!” 

Oh he was just going to keep crying, wasn’t he?

Markus sighed “Okay, okay, I think we need to sleep. now” 

Lukas attempted to collect himself “Yes, yes indeed. We are all quite tired.” 

Harriet let out a yawn as if to agree. 

“Alright… alright..” Lukas took a breath, and - with the girls still in his arms - stood up with little effort. 

The girls startled for a moment, before leaning their heads on his shoulders. 

Markus chuckled at that. “I will have Carlile wake you in 6 hours - thats enough time, no?” 

“Seven. The girls need more sleep” 

“Seven” 

Lukas nodded in approval at that, turning on his heel down the hall, and leaving his brother in the parlor with still unanswered questions. 

Chapter Text

The entire manor was glowing brightly in candlelight just after the sun had set. 

It had been so very, very long since it had glowed in such a way - years, even.

The windows were golden in the light - glowing in warmth, in happiness, in celebration long-anticipated. 

The last time a party had been held had been the wedding of Vanessa and their dear Lord Lukas. It had been a joyous occasion at the time - though with their current knowledge of their former lady, that recollection was colored with discomfort and disgust. 

…. There was a desperate need for something new to replace that memory with. Something having nothing to do with … her 

And there was no better occasion than the induction of the new ladies of the house!

Everyone was dressed in their absolute best - as if the queen herself was visiting. Vibrant fabrics and silhouettes of dramatic gowns and bustles and necklines on those dresses. The men were in colorful patterns and sparkling lapels - to the nines felt like lowly descriptions. Gold and silver and lace and filigree and frills and delightful colors and patterns abound in Subcon Village. 

The party was in full swing right about seven-thirty, and the rarely-used ballroom was bustling with music and conversation and dancing. Among them was Doctor Buonacci, who stood with Delilah against the decorated walls, the two having gotten caught in conversation waiting for the party to formally be announced to begin - with the full band in swing and everything. 

“I cannot wait to see the girls announced as the ladies of the house” Delilah sighed happily, her dress covered in real flowers from her garden, seeing her arrangements decorating the room with pride. 

“My lord truly went all out for them” Nell commented, taking a second to adjust her sleeve, which had ridden up slightly on her forearm.  

“He really did.” Delilahs eyes remained on the elegant decor “He’s been very.. Animated… today. Have you noticed?”

“I have” The doctor nodded. 

Everyone had noticed. You had to be both blind and deaf to not - and even then, you still might notice.  

There was a sharp and noticeable difference in the emotion of his eyes, in the furrow of his brow, the tilt of his smile. 

Everything about his emotion and action felt… fuller, more genuine. His laugh was loud and boisterous as it was when he was a boy - before he took over for the former lordship. 

He seemed to be almost glowing at times from his radiant joy (some claimed that his eyes were, in fact glowing, but it was brushed off) 

Nell and Delilah both had a rather… aggressive suspicion that they had come to independently, but they could ask later, when the party was over. When the celebration was no longer the only thing on the forefront of everyone's mind. 

The music - a wonderful string quartet from the capital of all places- paused  in their light, easy music quite suddenly, and Markus’ head servant, Timothy - having come all the way from Horihollow - was tapping a crystal glass. 

“Attention, one and all!” His voice carried further than anticipated 

The conversations quieted at his voice. 

“Thank you all for coming to this celebration of family and love!” He started, raising a glass to the crowd 

There were cheers at that statement, filling the delightful space. 

“Tonight, we celebrate more than just one thing! We celebrate so very many things! We celebrate the creation and additions to a family! We celebrate love in it’s many forms! We celebrate a new beginning for The land of Subcon forest!” 

“Here here!” Someone called out with a glass of wine raised high. 

“And now, without any further ado, I would like for you all to welcome the newest members of the Arelius family” Tim made a motion with his hands to the grand doors “Harriet Artemis, and Beatriz Apollo!” 

Oh, what perfect middle names. Twins of Greek myth, hunters and mischievous beings. Perfect for those determined little girls. Delilah couldn’t hold back a smile. 

The girls entered the ballroom hand-in-hand-in-hand, their father beaming between them dressed in a vibrant and deep purple suit. 

He had said that he would be going all out for his children, and he had not been exaggerating even slightly. The king himself would feel under-dressed

The girls at his sides were dressed in their best as well, brand new evening attire that sparkled with the same gold as the Lord, with Harriet wearing Yellow and Beatriz in Green. 

Not the same, but complementary, a collection of colors that, together, matched beautifully. 

Markus brought up the rear, dressed in subdued reds and golds. He knew he wasn’t the star of this celebration, but wasn’t about to look shabby either. 

As if he ever could look disheveled, Nell thought to themselves. 

There was cheering from her fellow subconites, Delilah clapping along with a delighted grin on her face. 

Lukas looked at Beatriz, then Harriet, and then back into the ballroom, he gave all of the people under his lordship a grin that shined like the brightest of stars. “Let the celebration begin!!” 

The cheers erupted, and the music began yet again - the quartet finally playing more lively music that echoed and reflected the bright mood of the vibrant ballroom. 

The night was a joyous affair of dancing and food and sprightly conversation - it started strong and continued long, long after the sun set. 

Markus had a single glass of wine in his hands, and couldn’t seem to bring himself to drink more than a single sip of it. He wanted to get rid of it, but at the same time, did not want to waste the wine. He quite liked it, he could usually go through a bottle by himself. But…  

Perhaps it was the nervous pit in his stomach that was causing the lack of taste. 

Nell was there - right there, on the other side of the room- talking casually and adorned in a radiant red dress that made his own face turn the same shade. It shimmered gently in the bright lights, and the flowers in her hair seemed like a halo for the most royal of the faeries. 

She was a vision. He was enraptured, as he always was with her. 

And… He was going to do it. 

He was going to ask her to dance - he was going to finally hold her hand in his, and guide her across the dance floor. 

… But four songs have passed, and he hasn’t moved an inch. He hasn’t sipped any more of his wine, and he was looking about the room as if looking for something - though it was clear where his eyes lingered most. 

Delilah made her way to him after bemusedly keeping an eye on him for three of those songs. 

“... My Lord?” She started, finally getting his eyes to focus elsewhere. 

“Hm?” 

“You uh, haven’t moved a single inch” She pointed out 

“... I am aware” was all he responded with.

“Are you… going to?” Delilah attempted to point to the side of the room where Nell was talking with Carlile. 

“... I am fully intent on doing so” 

“... Alright but… when?” She eyed him, as if she didn’t believe him.

Markus, suddenly feeling a bit pressured, bit the inside of his cheek, exhaling through his nose as he looked back at Nell, then to the florist.

“The next song. Definitely” he nodded, though he seemed to hold his wine glass just a bit tighter. 

“I will hold you do that, My Lord,” Delilah teased, almost grinning with some sort of idea behind her eyes. Oh, that could not be good.

Markus gave her a suspicious expression, nearly narrowing his eyes “And how do you intend to do that?” 

“Hm… Maybe I’ll ask someone else to dance with the doctor - she hasn’t had anyone ask yet surprisingly enough. She need to dance with someone” 

“... You wouldn’t” 

“I absolutely would, and you know it” she grinned impishly, eyes glancing over to the quartet “Hurry hurry, My lord. There are plenty of men who would kill for a dance with the good doctor. I would recommend just a little haste on your part” 

Oooh great. Now he was on a timer. An hourglass dedicated to running out of time once this song was over. Delilah was not one to issue empty threats, even if they seemed playful. 

Perhaps that was what he needed? A genuine and well meaning push?

It was now or never, after all - if he did not get that dance, he might just give up entirely on winning her over.

His brother had found his happily ever after. . . what about his own?

Taking a deep breath, and placing the wine glass down on the windowsill that he’d stood next to for far too long, he finally made his way about the room, staying close to the edge and finding himself behind the object of his affection. 

Nell was in the middle of conversation with Graves - something rather casual, clearly - before Graves spotted him behind her, and gave the man a knowing smile. 

That caused Nell to turn around to follow Graves’ eyeline, and now he was face to face with her. She seemed a but surprised that she was there, but gave him a polite smile at his arrival. 

Dear god she was so much prettier up close. Oh no. Stay calm, Markus. Just greet her. Say hello. 

“Good Doctor” He nodded stiffly, hands behind his back to hide his trembling hands. 

She gave him a small bow, the flowers ending up in his face for a moment, their fragrance making him faint - or perhaps it was just being near her. “My Lord, it is good to see you.” 

He made a split second decision once she looked back at him, and their eyes met. He was still wearing his eye-patch, but that didn’t cause her eyes to look any less deep and intense. He tossed away his decorum to blurt out - 

“Doctor Annabella, I would be most honored if you would dance with me during the next song!” he almost shouted. 

Nell seemed a bit startled at the proposition and its forcefulness, not verbally responding, but showing an expression wracked with confusion. 

“Uh…” Was all she managed. 

“I find it quite unusual that no one has asked you through the night” he hoped his face was not as red as he feared, keeping any sort of nervous stutter at bay through sheer force of will.  “You are a vision this evening. Could you do me the immense favor of dancing with me?” He ended up repeating his question. 

“Ah… I..” Oh, now her face was red. What a lovely shade. Seeing her fumble with her words was something new, but she hadn’t given him an answer.

He offered her his hand - outstretched and palm up - as the song ended, still feeling rather bold, happy that the hand was not trembling “If it would please you, I would be so very delighted” 

She seemed to take a moment to make the decision - longer than he’d taken to decide to ask- before giving him a shy nod, and placing her hand in his with a certain gentleness. 

Her hand was not a delicate one, strong, with a firm hold and certain steadiness from her dedicated years as a doctor. 

But oh, it was such a perfect hand. It was warm and secure and wonderful and made all of his hair stand up on end as if touching static

He swallowed the nervousness gathering in his throat, and led his companion out onto the dance floor. He let the tempo guide him into a smooth waltz, the dress flowing delicately as if swept in a gracious wind as they spun. They ended up somewhere near the middle of the ballroom floor, slightly off center, and looking at each other with a rapt sort of attention. 

This did not go unnoticed by the curious eyes of the other guests. 

Beatriz had been the first to see the dancing couple, gasping in delight and tugging on her sister’s sleeve while pointing, though trying not to say anything so that they didn’t notice. Harriet, in turn, got their father’s attention with a similar level of enthusiasm  

Lukas looked in the direction his daughters were pointing to, only to see his brother dancing with the good doctor, and couldn’t stop his own delighted smile at the display. “It seems he finally had the wherewithal to ask” He commented with some pride in his tone “Good. It’s been long enough” 

“Yay!” Harriet cheered - though not too loud. “Doctor Buonacci is gonna be Aunt Nell soon then, right??” 

Lukas managed to hold back a laugh at the question “Now now, little fool. Don’t go thinking that far into the future” Lukas warned “Only big fools make such grand assumptions”

‘But Papaaa” Beatriz whined, leaning into him petulantly “We want an auntie too! The full deal!” 

“Beatriz Apollo” he lightly admonished, being a tad more firm “Do not rush the growth of affection” 

Bea rolled her eyes, and sat back up, “Papa, let’s dance!” She decided suddenly, getting to her feet and grabbing his right hand.

“Yes!” Harriet jumped up, taking his other hand and immediately starting to tug at it “Lets!!” 

As if Lukas would even say no to his daughters, they gave him those big, pleading eyes, and he found himself pulled onto the dancefloor with much vigor by his children, right into the center of the room and the three of them forming a circle with held hands.

“Teach us the waltz!” Harriet requested, bouncing on the balls of her feet

“Papa already taught me the waltz!” Bea argued “I don’t wanna learn again!” 

“A refresher is never bad, Beatriz” Leon reminded the girl, and almost immediately got into walking them through the basic waltz steps as the music turned over to a new song, the tempo an easy and slow jaunt - perfect for teaching. 

The remainder of the night consisted mostly of dancing, the dinner, and then further dancing well into the night, with most guests only leaving when sheer exhaustion forced them out into the well- lit night and back into their homes. 

Once Markus got his hand at Nell’s waist during their first dance, you would find it quite hard to see him uncoupled from her for the remainder of the celebration. The two talked well into the evening even when they were not dancing or eating. 

The man had stars in his eyes - perhaps even literally, if you knew what the eye under his patch looked like. He was looking at the doctor next to him as if she was, in fact, the moon

It was almost sickening, were it not reciprocated in the gentle gaze of the good doctor, who listened to him with interest and a sweet aura of affection. 

Lukas, for his part, was winded in the bets of ways, thoroughly exhausted and seated on a chaise with Harriet clinging to his torso, and Beatriz was sprawled across his lap

There are very few other places he would rather be, if any such places even existed. The warmth permeating his chest was unfamiliar, but very, very welcome. 

“Ahem, My lord?” 

He opened his eyes to see Carlile looking over him. The head maid was dressed in a lovely white and gold dress, her arm wrapped around a half-awake Muriel, who was dressed in a lovely pink and red ensemble, and looked like she’d had a grand old time herself despite being half awake. 

“Yes, Cecilia?” he asked, his voice rather quiet now that the music was done for the night, the quartet paid handsomely for their overtime. 

“I think you should get y’r daughters to bed, my lord” The recommended with a kind smile, gently shaking Muriel into awareness. 

“Hm… perhaps” He contemplated it, adjusting Harriet briefly. “Shall you be taking Muriel off to bed?” 

“I shall” Carlile nodded, rubbing the girl's head. “She’s had lots of fun - she loved dancing with the girls.” 

“Good, I am quite satisfied with how well the party went” Lukas nodded in satisfaction, his eyes falling on the girl. “Muriel?” Lukas got the tired child’s attention, who wiped her face before looking at her. 

“.. Yes?” 

“Did you have a good evening?” 

“Mhm” She nodded, yawning and rubbing at her face again “really nice.. Fun.. lotsa food” 

He smiled “Good. Now, make sure you stop by my office tomorrow morning - I will have something for you.” 

Muriel looked confused, but nodded to the lord “Yes, m’lord” she yawned yet again. 

“Now now, off to bed with you” Cecilia nodded to her lord in a “thank you and goodnight” type way, before gently pushing Muriel towards the exit to the mostly empty ballroom. 

He sighed deeply and completely, hopeful and relaxed in a complete and whole way.  

Starting the next week, Muriel would be getting a proper education, should she want one - that’s what tomorrow was about. She would come into his office, and he would offer her full tuition to a nearby boarding school over in Vedenbuorugh. 

He’d have to see how that went. 

“In need of help, brother?” 

Lukas opened his eyes, and turned his head to see his twin standing above him, his smile bright despite the late hour, and hands clasped behind his back. 

“Are you quite done clinging to the good doctor as if a barnacle?” Lukas teased, yawning just a tad, then smiling. 

“For now, yes!” The man grinned “Which of my nieces shall I carry, hm?” He reached out, making a silly grabbing motion with his hands. 

“Harriet, please” he offered the girl, and the weight was taken off of him by an eager uncle who carried her like a little princess. Her head was curled into his shoulder, and the twin cooed sweetly at her, encouraging her to remain sleeping. 

“Off to bed for my beautiful little nieces - officially from this point on” He stage-whispered - a certain glee to his tone. 

The walk to their bedroom was brisk, but quiet and calm in a way that the manor usually was not this late at night. It usually felt oddly tense at this house. But, perhaps due to all of the energy that had been expended,the manor was - at last- tired and quiet. 

It felt just a little chilled, but it was a pleasant coolness. 

By the time the girls had been put into their bed and tucked in, the curtains drawn so that they could sleep in the next day, Lukas let out a deep, exhausted breath, putting a hand through his hair, the ribbon coming undone under his fingers. 

“Now, have we not had a Good night?” Markus gave his brother a silly, happy smile. “Because I had a wonderful one”

“I had forgotten the feeling of joy and happiness” the lord admitted, hand over his heart, the smile on his face tired but full of so much satisfaction that he seemed to glow - his eyes might have been glowing, should Markus pay enough attention. 

Markus smiled brightly at his brother, grabbing him in a side hug and squeezing him as hard as he possibly could “Are you ready for fatherhood? Officially? I sure as hell am ready for uncle - hood!” 

Lukas is beaming, his eyes glistening as he smiles

“I have never been excited for anything more”

Chapter Text

Learning the sins of the past was always a process. A long, frustrating process that only came out through a combination of the forest's memories and confirmation from past letters saved in old wooden boxes. 

It seemed that Lukas’ great grandfather had been the cause of the family's own strife, the initiator of a cycle that Lukas' daughters had taken upon themselves to break. It made sense, but also none. A perfect conundrum of foolhardy fear. 

He had stolen the heart of the forest, using it as collateral, but it backfired horribly - causing so many, many more problems than it could have ever solved. 

He had no idea his great grandfather had a brother until research brought the forgotten relative up - and the reason for his missing state.

“... What a selfish man” Markus commented, looking through the documents, written by their great grandmother and hidden behind their great grandfather’s books. “ almost a hundred years of strife and struggle, and all because he refused to be fair… and his brother paid the price” 

Lukas didn’t respond, but put the journal of their father down again, something that filled in further gaps in the story that the forest had told him “... We are meeting the forest tomorrow for the new contract... We must be prepared for apology, even if we did not do it… it was our family. We were complicit.” 

“I concur” Markus thoroughly agreed. 

They decidedly did not tell the girls that they’d been talking with the forest the last few weeks - it would be unwise to concern them when - at least for now - the conversations did not involve them. 

Markus was going to have to return to Horihollow very soon - he could not remain away from the family office for much longer. They had to get everything settled as soon as possible, and that included with the fae. 

Which meant that they were meeting the forest. Again. Perhaps for the last time for a long time - which Lukas wanted in the long term, even if the fae being itself was… headache inducing. 

Lukas wasn’t really looking forward to it. 

But, alas, this was the dawn of a new chapter. And with that chapter, came a new relationship of the fae of the Subcon Forest. 

They had to be open, attentive, but immutable.

A rather delicate balance.

And this night would be the first test - the mediation of a new relationship.  

“You look as if you are about to faint” Lukas voiced. 

“I am. Thank you” Markus agreed.

“Markus”

“Lukas” 

The brothers almost laughed, but managed to school their expressions before checking in on the sleeping girls, who - despite having separate beds now - still slept together in Harriet's. They were thankfully down for the count, and the two shut the door behind them. 

“We must go now” Markus whispered, hand on his brother’s arm “Come, before they wake” 

Lukas took a deep breath, and followed his brother down the hall, and out the back doors into the forest without much room to contemplate how regular this action had become in the last week or so. 

They did not stop until they were, at long last, back at the moonjumper clearing, where they have been meeting the being for the better part of the week. 

“Ah, you have come yet again” 

“We have” Lukas confirmed. 

“I thank you for keeping your promise night after night. Spin to the right three times to approach my heart, and we shall negotiate” 

The brothers looked at one another, before performing the little ceremony, and the frost appeared over the gentle flowers. 

“Please” 

They approached gently, and spoke quietly. The conversation was cordial and calm and oddly peaceful. 

As a new covenant was drawn up, the sun began to rise over blossoming trees. 

The brothers returned to the manor as the sky was turning blue, eyes tired, but hearts rather satisfied after the long negotiation. 

Promises were made this night. 

A deal was struck while the iron was hot.

A contract was formally signed in truth and ink and a little blood for good measure. 

The brothers parted ways with no words once inside the manor, and Lukas found his way to his daughters’ room, staring down at the sleeping children on the bed.

The deal was now much more fair, and so started his new chapter. 

The smile on his face was so genuine, he could practically feel his face glow. 

Just a year ago, his life was a miserable dirge. 

And now he was standing tall, heart so very full that sometimes he felt that he was going to burst. 

He strode over to the curtains, pulling them back gently and letting the light of the rising sun into the room - stopping short of shining the light on the sleeping girls. 

He would wake them soon, and tell them about the new contract. 

They’d be confused, Harriet might be a bit offended that they’d gone behind her back, but he knew they’d understand. 

They were his daughters, after all.