Flora finds hope

"So tell me more about this husband of yours. You say he is still alive, yes?"

Flora nodded. Both women were in her room as she got dressed properly. This time she glanced back to her pet who remained in the far end of the bed and picked out a few choice clothing in hand. Walking over to her, Flora layed them aside and shook her head as they matched glances.

"Go ahead, they're yours to wear."

Evina raised her eyebrow. "So, with a humble wife like yourself I wouldn't expect you to keep a pet around."

"Nor did I to be fair, it was a gift from Bonny."

Evina giggled upon realization. "That makes too much sense. So Bonny still likes to collect. How long have you had a pet for?"

"Just now, we spent the day asleep. Or Bonny and I, I suppose."

"And tell me, do you like it here?"

Flora stood quiet, unsure of how to respond.

"I see, I can't blame y-"

"Yes."

Evina looked up to see the elf, staring into the cobblestone walls.

"Yes, I do like it here. I like feeling strong and I'm getting used to the idea of having sisters. I was a lone child after all, but this wasn't my life to choose. Mary didn't save me like she did with the others, she just... forced it on me."

Her voice cracked, her hands curled up into fists as she sat down in bed between her pet and sister. She felt her heartbeat rise and her breathing grew louder and into a soft panting. A lump in her throat began to form, but still she forced the words out of her.

"I-I loved my husband, I was ready to bare him a child and raise a family with him. But now I find myself liking it here and... and I don't know what I want now."

She felt a warm hand take hold of hers, soothing her.

"Hush now, that life is not gone."

"Yes it is, I'm a vampire now. I don't know where you've been but as far as I am aware vampires and all monsters are to be hunted and killed. There are literal bounties set after them, after us. I... I don't want to live a life hiding and afraid. I want to be free, I want to see my friends and husband and care for the home we had built together, I want to have a stroll down the streets feeling the sun on my face and the wind blow my hair. Even the light I must hide from now, it is all so backwards-"

"Hush, child. Hush."

Evina took both of her hands and faced her. Her eyes were met with mournful eyes, teary and full of sorrow and confusion. She could see into her and feel the pain of a lost soul inside.

"I don't know what I am anymore..." She continued, her voice crackling as her tears were withheld. "I don't know how I can come to enjoy this... the other night, I slept with a boy... not out of love but of yearning for a man's touch. I-I cheated on my husband, and then I allowed myself to sleep with a woman in bed... I was holding her close... I..."

Evina had no words, only embracing her in open arms and rubbing her back as the elf wept onto her. It did not bother her, the feelings, the emotion, she had a right to be in turmoil. The transformation may have been complete, but the mark it left in her head would never fade.

Pulling back, she reached up and wiped a tear from her cheek. Evina smiled before taking her elsewhere through the halls.

"Where-"

"Hush now, you'll see."

Into a bedroom they went, as Evina parted two large curtains revealing a glass door. Parting it open, she took Flora by hand as they stepped out and into the balcony.

"...Oh my lord... "

It was a beautiful scene before her, from the height of the view she was able to see the length of the forest below them stretch far throughout the lands. The stars lit up the sky like beaming fireflies, and then she focused her eyes and saw the night slip away as her red eyes came in. Nothing was dark anymore, now she was able to see the hidden beauty behind the night. Underneath it all, hundreds of irises, violets and roses peeking above on the tops of all the trees. Animals, woodland creatures of all kind snuggled in sleeping at peace. The sound of crickets and the steady stream of the nearby river put to ease her nerves as she let all worries and thoughts slip away just for a minute of this event.

It was surreal almost, before all she could see from normal eyes was a pure thick black blanket hiding away the forest. But through a deeper glimpse revealed the true beauty within.

"Marvelous, isn't it?"

Flora could only nod, dumbfounded and in awe.

"You see, none of this can be found in broad daylight. Yes, it would be lit better perhaps but it is the night that accentuates the true beauty within. So many creatures, so many lives to glance at and admire. Only we can see how it truly is inside."

She paused as her smile faded away, her hand rubbing her swollen tummy.

"Don't lose hope, Flora."

Flora looked over and noticed her voice had cracked too, with her hands shaking and her eyes closed in deep thought.

"Understand that you were forced into this, but you still have the choice of what is to come from now on. You are a vampire now, yes, but how you live your life is in your hands now. Try to understand that there lies a new sense of normalcy for us... we dislike the cards we are dealt with as well, but still we smile. Still we form bonds and make families with strangers. Know that your life, different as it is now... can still have a happy ending."

Evina opened her eyes and looked back at the elf, filled with tears inside but accompanied with the warmest motherly smile.

"I can truly say I am happy right here, right now with you. I hope I may guide you to find your happiness as well."

Flora could not respond, words could not be formed, only responding with a hug as both girls stood quiet and close. How could she say anything back, after hearing such a warm thing? It... she needed to hear that. Flora wasn't sure just how deeply those words help her that night, before they pulled back and gazed at the stars one last night. But those words helped her feel better.

They helped her find hope, that maybe not all was lost. She had spent so long naming this gift as a curse, she had not paused to think it can function in either way.

She was in control, she can take control.

She can still be happy.

"Now, as much as I do love the view our family will be awaiting us in the dining table. Will you be joining?" Evina asked sincerely.

"Yes, I would love to." She replied, with an honest smile for a change.