Chapter Text
THERE ARE TALES.
There are tales that speak of a tall tower, resting beyond the city walls. That it is hidden within the vastness of the forest, nestled within a secret nook between the large hills. That it is called—in those passing myths—The Clocktower.
No one knew for sure what had been contained within the cold stone structure; but most versions of the tale described the interior as a void of gears, laced with unsettling marionettes that hung neatly from the wall, like ornaments. The most prominent part of this myth, however, was the mention of a wicked man who possessed an equally evil power—and a maiden who held a pure treasure
She was perfect. Her skin was smooth like porcelain, her eyes were big and round, her lips painted a bright red, the blush on her cheeks placed in calculation—she was like a doll.
That was how princesses ought to be.
The prince, of course, loved her like he did his own heartbeat, and cherished her as the sun that shone brightly upon his world. They interlocked like a woven tapestry, destined to be together.
And so, they fulfilled that woven destiny. For forever until eternity, the prince loved his princess.
The end.
Ahiru closed her book, finishing off what was probably her 50th-something read through of the story. She tossed it across the floor in which she exasperatedly laid upon, sighing in her dissatisfaction.
Sure, books were nice, but could they compare to the real thing? She supposed she couldn’t know.
Because when living in the clocktower, she was guarded from knowing.
She had read of the grass and the rivers, she had read stories of friendship, love, and exploration.
But…actually feeling those blades of grass upon her feet or the rushing water of the rivers? Actually experiencing such relationships, tribulations, and discoveries? This, as she knew very well, was not a privilege she afforded.
For the clocktower was her shield; the clocktower was her only privilege.
When the world had turned and cursed her, the clocktower had accepted and nursed her.
With eyes shut, Ahiru felt a hand caress her cheek, moving along the side of her face. It was a hand she knew very well; a palm in which she had memorized every line and indentation, as it was that familiar. Opening her eyes, she was—as perfectly expected— met with the mint green hair and perfectly painted face that defined the figure before her. As always, it was Edel.
Of all the marionettes that populated the clocktower, Edel was Ahiru’s favorite by far. Most of the marionettes were but simple husks that hung from the ceiling, waking only to do the tasks they were designed to do—but not Edel. Edel was almost always active. She had a kind, caring personality that shined through her wooden exterior. For what Ahiru knew of Edel, her love had transcended the strings that held her.
“Edel?” Ahiru remained on the floor, hesitantly looking up at the woman before her.
“What is it, my dear?” Edel replied, in that calm and even tone that never faltered.
Ahiru shifted nervously in her position, eyes darting away from the woman’s face. “You know—well, I'm sure you’re aware—that I turn 18 this week, right?” the girl paused awkwardly as Edel remained silent, “and…and I think that I’ve become someone who can go outside! I’ve—“
Edel cut the girl off.
“You can’t go outside, Ahiru. You are still naïve.”
There was a brief silence in the wake of tension, but Ahiru felt a determination wash over her.
“I’ve read every book in this tower now! Twice over or even more! I know enough of the world to see it myself!” By then, Ahiru stood over the sitting Edel.
But, Edel stood as well, towering over the girl yet again. “Words on a page are nothing but ink stains in comparison to what is faced in reality. There are monsters and beasts that would destroy you in an instant—men who are nothing but selfish, thuggish thieves—“
“You’ve taught me all of that as well, Edel! If the words I’ve read are really nothing but ‘ink stains’, then let me see the real thing!”
Another silence sprouted, as Edel furrowed her brow in concern. Her eyes darted across the young girl’s features before she smiled at her.
“I appreciate your passions, Ahiru, but you know how dangerous the world can be…” Edel’s fingers slid across a red pendant that the girl wore around her neck, “…you’ve seen but a glimpse of that already. You do not need to see those horrors any longer. That is why you are here. You are precious enough to have the privilege of being cradled and safe in this tower.”
Ahiru solemnly looked down to the pendant Edel had felt, bringing her own hand up to reach and hold it as well. A beautifully red and shimmering stone it was, yet an ugly reminder of what the world had turned her into.
Perhaps she was foolish, for wanting to go outside.
The girl nodded her head at Edel, but her eyes remained transfixed on the floor.
Then, at the worst time, 12 o’clock struck. Then, just as it occurred every day for every week, the Marionettes all came to life and began their ritualistic dance. Ahiru sighed, and just as it occured every day for every week, she took her spot on the floor, dancing along with the rest of them.
It would only be next morning, however, that 12 o’clock wouldn’t strike, and that damned ritual would be broken.
All due to the appearance of an unfamiliar man.
A “selfish, thuggish thief” at that.