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Many centuries ago, in the heart of an untouched forest deep within the isles of Amphoreus, a single drop of moonlight fell from the heavens. From this small drop of moonlight, grew a magic crystal flower. It had the ability to perform great miracles such as healing and even resurrection. Only one knew of its existence — Gothel. She, instead of sharing the moon's healing powers, chose to keep it hidden for her own selfish reasons.
Outside the forest, time passed and there grew a kingdom ruled by a beloved king and queen. The queen was about to have a child but fell ill and physicians warned that she was running out of time. That's when people usually start to look for a miracle. Fortunately for them, such a thing exists. After rigorous search through the forest, the palace guards eventually discovered the flower. With great haste they unplucked it from the ground, all too oblivious to the eyes that stalk them from afar.
The magic of the flower healed the queen and soon a healthy child was born, adorned with the most beautiful shade of pink. They named her, Cyrene. To celebrate her birth, the pair launched a flying lantern into the sky. For that one moment, everything was perfect… and then that moment ended.
For in the dead of night, Gothel had broken into the castle and stole the child right from under their nose. By the time they've realized what happened, it was already too late. The kingdom searched and searched, but they could not find the princess. Just like that... they were gone. Not a trace left behind, as if they vanished into thin air. Unbeknownst to them, deep within the forest, in a hidden tower, Gothel raised the child as her own.
Within the tower, the women gently brushes the soft pink hair as Cyrene sings the song she had taught prior. It glowed underneath her fingertips and her appearance shifted, youth slowly returning to her. Pleased, Gothel pats the child.
Gothel had found her new magic flower. But this time, she was determined to keep it hidden. Although Cyrene had made multiple requests to venture out, each and everyone of them were denied. Her mother made it clear that the outside world was a dangerous place filled with horrible selfish people and that Cyrene must stay here, where she is safe.
However, the walls of that tower could not hide everything. For each year on her birthday, the kingdom released thousands of lanterns into the sky in hopes that one day, their long lost princess would return.
—
Years later, things remained the same for Cyrene and her mother. Well, except for one thing. The young girl may not have any other human companions… but that doesn't she's completely alone.
One day, during a slow morning on the balcony, a little yellow mem rushes to hide behind a flower vase. The creature tries to curl up into a ball in an effort to hide its presence. Not long after, "Hah!" Cyrene shoves the curtains aside, eyes inspecting every area for her furry friend. Of course, she already knows where he's hiding but whats the harm in a little fun?
"Hmm," she leans against the arch "well... I guess, Khas isn't hiding out here." The girl pretends to make her way back inside, "Gee, i wonder where he could be~?" Hearing this, Khaslana chuckles thinking he finally won… and then out of nowhere, Cyrene's hair snatches him up by the leg and the girl drops from above, "Gotcha!!!" The poor thing shrieks in absolute horror.
Seeing this reaction, Cyrene was unable to contain her laughter. Jumping down, she bundles him up in her arms and not so subtlely smirks, "That's twenty two for me," feeling mercy, she unties him while deciding their next activity "how about twenty three, out of forty five?"
Hearing that, he shakes his head. Khaslana doesn't know how many more heart attacks he can survive if she keeps this up, "Okay, well, what do you want to do?" The fairy shakes and points his tail out the window, indicating that he wants to go outside. Which earns him an eye roll from Cyrene, "Yeah, I don't think so. I like it in here and so do you." Khaslana pouts, "Oh, come on, it's not so bad in there." Well, he begs to differ but before he could voice out a complaint, Cyrene had already pulled him inside.
"Besides, it's already seven am. Time for the usual morning lineup of," the girl moves to grab the broom from the side "cleaning!"
He glares, "Mem."
"Oh hush, Khas. Stop being grumpy and start helping me."
With great reluctance, the little fairy starts walking on his paws to grab the silver bucket near the kitchen base cabinet.
Khaslana sighs, while it's true that things inside aren't so bad… The sight of Cyrene doing the same mundane tasks every day just saddens him. It was entertaining for both of them at first but over the years, it just became repetitive if anything. The fairy's sure that she's also bored out of her mind but then again it's Cyrene. She'll do anything and everything to maintain a positive viewpoint, which is an admirable trait to have.
They spent the entire morning doing a simple routine that Cyrene had build over the years. Starting from sweeping the floors then polishing and waxing, laundry, mopping and sweeping again. The girl laughs whenever Khaslana gets covered in dust and sneezes all over — he, for one, does not.
After doing her chores, typically she'd either start reading her books or adding new paintings to her gallery which is really just the walls. They're quite nice though, Cyrene developed her own artistic flair just from seeing the pictures in the books her mother bought. One of them depicts her surrounded with flowers with all the color of the rainbows, it's her favorite and his too.
Her sight though, was set on the empty space above the fireplace. Purple eyes crinkled with delight at the idea thats brewing in her mind. While holding the freshly baked pie in one hand, both Cyrene and Khaslana used their thumbs to measure and pick a form for the new painting in mind. When she was done, the girl quickly started sketching the design and adding colors.
She later continued on with playing guitars, knitting, cooking, and the list goes on. Occassionally adding more to the painting here and there in the myriad of activites she's doing. Eventually, Cyrene finished tha painting. Though proud and happy, the girl was definitely exhausted now. she took a step back and looked at her surroundings before deciding to get some fresh air. Khaslana saw that she needed a moment and left to take a small nap on top of the closet (Kephale knows how he climbed it).
The morning air embraced Cyrene with a kiss of warm sun as she stepped into the balcony. The wind blows ever so gently, strands of her hair follow their flow as she giggles. It was quiet moments like this that help ground her and quell the loneliness that threatens to swallow her whole. She looks down onto the ground below and then the sky, "Honestly, i want to go," on her face, a rare melancholic look "but i know what mother will say." Of course, numerous times have Cyrene asked her mother but to no avail.
Always a "No.", never a "Yes." Always "This is for your own good.", never a "Together then." It lead to a few fights but over the years, Cyrene got used to it. Well, not really but it doesn't sting like the first time.
In truth, she feels as though her life hasn't truly began yet. All those years looking through this small window, hopelessly yearning for that freedom to run and explore… Cyrene felt trapped. She knew this is for her own safety but is the world truly so bad? If so, then why did those lanterns speak of longing? It sounds ridiculous but from the moment she saw those floating lights on her birthday, it felt like they were calling out for her.
Cyrene lets out a breath that she didn't know she was holding, "Tomorrow night, the lights will appear as usual." She mumbles under her breath. Each year on her birthday, they'd always show up on time. In her mind, she wonders what's it like out there where they glow? She's envious of the people who get to see it first hand, for her who could only witness it from afar, she couldn't even begin to imagine what it must be like.
"Though, now that i'm older," The girl turns to gaze behind, to the new painting on top of the fireplace, hesitantly walking towards it "mother might just… Let me go." Her hand lifts to reach it but steps back. Sighing as Cyrene resigns to sit on the floor while she looks longingly at the art work. A depiction of her watching the lanterns up close, the dream that she's carried in her heart ever since long ago.
—
The only good thing so far from this mission was the fact that Stelle got a magnificent view of the palace and in turn, the entire kingdom. Inhaling the scent of fresh air from up above, Stelle was positively motivated, entranced even. "Wow! I could literally get used to a view like this."
Behind her, two other seasoned thieves prepared the necessary preparations for the job. Both looked at her with unimpressed stares and beckoned her to quickly stop daydreaming. "Oi, come on. We have to be quick."
"Hold on. Yep, I'm used to it. Boys, I want a castle." She stares at them with gleeful joy at the thought of eventually owning a castle one day, all alone in an island and with lots of metal cans. Flashing in a ridiculous pose reminiscent of those actors on stages, earning her a glare.
They each sighed, mildly annoyed but made an effort to be neutral, "Keep dreaming girl."
"Yeah yeah okay but like seriously imagine the view."
"Whatever, we do this job and you buy your own castle. Now, remember the plan?"
"Zip up, sweep down, and swoop the crown. Got it."
Hearing that the two other thieves nod, one focused their attention on securing the rope to the pillar and the other made quick work on attaching the harness to Stelle's belt. "Now go and get it."
"Aye aye captain, don't need to tell me twice!" With that, she quickly descended down the open hole on the roof. Without any dilly-dallying, Stelle carefully takes the crown and puts inside the satchel and securing the buttons on it. One guard that's standing in front with his back towards her sneezes, oblivious to what's going on behind him. Unfortunately, her naturally goofey self couldn't restrain it.
"Oh man, hay fever?"
The guard turns around to see Stelle leaning all too smugly against the pedestal, "Yeah… It's been bad, you've no idea." He chuckles and then turns his attention back around. All is well until it hits him. "Huh, wait?" Turning around, the pedestal is now empty. He lifts his head and sees Stelle, who is now escaping through the roof. "Wait, what? Hey, wait!" The other guards came rushing in and panic ensues.
The three thieves hastily made their way across the bridge with Stelle leading the way. Both were rightfully miffed at her but couldn't do much given their current predicament. All she could do was try to lighten up the mood.
"Can't you picture me in a castle of my own? I mean, I certainly can. Oh, the things we've seen and it's only eight in the morning. Gentlemen, this is a very big day."
"Girl, shut up!"
"Shut it!"
"Sheesh, alright! You two are very unpleasant to be around y'know that?!"
—
The girl laid on the floor, mindlessly playing with strands of her hair while her little friend sat atop her stomach, enjoying the peaceful rest. She stopped to look at the painting atop the fireplace, thoughts swirled in her mind about the possibility.
Khaslana noticed this, which is why he opted to sit and call out to her, "Mem?" Cyrene returned her gaze to the little fairy, sharp golden eyes meets her violet ones. He was worried, she doesn't usually go quiet like this unless something is really bothering her. The little guy had spent years observing her, it's practically his sixth sense now.
She lifted her hand to pet the soft fur, Cyrene always appreciated how attentive he was with her emotions. It felt nice to be seen and understood, her mother tries of course but it often falls flat. Somehow always becoming about her instead of Cyrene, whether she meant it to or not. "It's fine, Khas. I'm just," she sighs wistfully, "this is it. This is a very big day." Earning a surprise gasp from her friend before he quickly thumped his tail in excitement.
Khaslana's excitement spread like a plague to her, making her giggle in return, "I'm finally going to do it. I'm going to ask her." Her violet eyes crinkled with happiness as they both shared this little moment. The stars felt like they alligned after all, she's eighteen now and she'll have mother accompany her too. Cyrene turned her gaze into the open ceiling and smiled, "I'm sure this time, she'll say yes."
Then not a moment too soon, a voice calls out to her from outside, "Cyrene! Let down your hair!"
They both shot up quickly, "It's time…" Khaslana paws her face one more time as a little good luck, she ruffles his head a little as a sign of gratitude, "I know, Thank you. Now come on, don't let her see you." Cyrene ushers him to hide and he does so without complaint. The girl quickly went to open the curtains and waves to her mother from up above.
Her mother waves back while teasing her child, "Cyrene, I'm not getting any younger down here!" Looks like she brought home quite a lot of things this time, Cyrene smiled at her mother's usual greeting.
"Coming, mother. Please wait a moment!" After securing the hair to the hook, the girl casts down her seventy feet of hair down with practice eased. Once it reached the ground, Gothel loosely ties it in a large loop and steps in it. Cyrene immediately starts to pull her up, this has become an almost daily routine for her. Back then, it was difficult but overtime, she grew strong enough to do it with no complaints. Sort of like an extra routine of exercise for her.
Cyrene kept pulling until her mother was finally on sight, swinging into the balcony with a little dramatic flair. She giggles as she greets her mother, "Hi, welcome home, mother."
"Oh, Cyrene. How you manage to do that every single day without fail, it looks absolutely exhausting, darling."
"Oh, it's nothing at all!"
That’s all i got for now man.