Day 1704 /Afternoon

As the afternoon shadows began to stretch across our humble abode, Father turned to me, his eyes twinkling with an excitement that matched my own.

"Lilly," he began, his deep voice reverberating through the small room, "I'm off to the village council. I'll be presenting your idea, the 'mouth soap'."

His gaze held mine, a silent understanding passing between us. I nodded, my small hands clenching into determined fists at my sides.

"Expect them to show up by nightfall," he continued, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "They'll be eager to try your creation firsthand."

I swallowed, the weight of his words settling in my young heart. But amidst the fluttering nervousness, a spark of excitement ignited. Tonight was the night.

No sooner had father left, than mother settled down beside me, her blue eyes soft and knowing.

"Come," she began, her gentle voice a comforting balm against my nervousness. "While we wait for your father to return, let's talk about the history of our world."

Mother turned to me, her gaze distant as she began to weave the threads of our family's history. "Your grandparents, my dear Lilly," she started, a nostalgic smile tugging at her lips, "they began their lives as peasants, toiling in the fields from dawn till dusk."

Her voice was soft, filled with a deep reverence for the past. "They worked hard, harder than you and I can even imagine. But they did it with joy in their hearts, knowing that they were providing for their family."

Her eyes met mine again, a spark of determination flickering within them. "And then there's my story, how I came to be a part of your life," she continued, her voice thick with emotion. "It wasn't always easy, but the love I had for you and your father, it made it all worth it."

Sensing my eagerness for more, mother took a deep breath and launched into the story of her own marriage. "Your father and I, we didn't meet in the way you might think," she began, a hint of a smile in her eyes.

"It was an arranged marriage, traditional as they come. Your grandparents thought it was the best match for me, and so, I was betrothed to your father."

Her gaze softened, her hands absent-mindedly playing with the hem of her dress as she recalled the past. "At first, it was difficult. We were two strangers bound together by a contract. But as time passed, something changed."

A genuine smile graced her face as she continued, "Your father, he was always so patient, so kind. He cared for me, respected me. And before I knew it, I was falling in love with him."

Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears, the memories evidently still fresh in her mind. "And that's how it happened. We began as strangers, but ended up as lovers. It's a testament to the fact that love can bloom even in the strangest of circumstances."

Mother's smile faded slightly as she delved deeper into the story. "I was only 14 when I married your father, who was 30 at the time," she admitted, her hands clenching the fabric of her dress a little tighter. "I was young, too young, but that was the way of our village."

Her gaze flickered to me, the depth of her experience reflected in her eyes. "I am 24 now," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "I had you when I was 18. You were the light that came into our lives after a long period of darkness."

She swallowed hard, a pained expression crossing her face. "Before your birth, your father and I...we tried many times to have a child. But none of the pregnancies were successful until you," she confessed, her grip on my hand tightening.

"But you," she said, her eyes shining with a mix of love and sadness, "you were our miracle. You were the joy that we had been waiting for. And despite all the hardship, you made it all worthwhile."

After a moment of silence, Mother began to speak again, her voice lower, more somber. "Our family, Lilly, the Whites... we have a history that is not all sunshine and roses," she admitted, her gaze focused on the distant horizon.

Her hands, usually so steady, trembled slightly as she continued. "Our ancestors, they... they made some poor choices, choices that cast a shadow over our family name."

Mother looked at me, her blue eyes filled with a determination that I had come to associate with her. "But remember this," she said, her voice firm. "We are not our ancestors. We do not have to carry the weight of their mistakes. We can choose to be different, to be better."

She reached out to touch my cheek, her touch gentle and reassuring. "We are the Whites, yes, but we can make our own destiny. We can choose to let go of the darkness of our past, and create a future filled with light."

I blinked, processing her words. "So, my name is Lilly White?" I asked, a sense of wonder creeping into my voice.

Mother chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yes, my dear. Your name is Lilly White," she confirmed, a warm smile spreading across her face.

I grinned, bouncing on the balls of my feet. "That's such a cool name!" I exclaimed, my young heart filled with pride.

Laughing, Mother ruffled my hair affectionately. "I'm glad you think so. It's a name that's as unique as you are."

Mother's eyes seemed to darken as she moved on to the next part of her story. "Lilly," she said, her voice heavy with the weight of history, "the world you live in, it wasn't always like this."

She paused, collecting her thoughts. "Long ago, people lived alongside gods, beings of unimaginable power. But greed and fear led them to kill these gods. When they died, their will vanished into the air in the form of 'mana', a substance that can be used to cast spells."

Her gaze fell on me, intense and solemn. "But there was a price to pay for such an act. The gods, in their dying breath, cursed us. If we choose to use this magic, our lives are shortened. It's their revenge on us for what we did."

A protective hand reached out, cupping my face gently. "That is why I do not want you to learn or use magic. I want you to live a long, healthy life, free from the curse of the gods."

I remembered then what Ginny had told me about magic shortening the lifespan of its users. "Mother," I asked, my heart heavy with concern, "are you okay?"

Just as I asked, she gave a small cough, her hand rising to her mouth. When she pulled it away, there was a stain of red on her palm. My heart dropped.

"No, Lilly," she said, her voice softer than it had ever been. "I don't have much longer to live. But I promise you, I will do my best to give you the best life you can have."

Her words hung in the air, a painful truth that we were forced to acknowledge. But even in that moment, I could see the determination in her eyes, the unwavering love she had for me. And I knew then, no matter what happened, she would fight to her last breath to keep her promise.

"Is there nothing I can do to help you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mother laughed then, a sound that was both sad and sweet. "Oh, Lilly," she said, her blue eyes twinkling despite the pain. "This has been going on for a long time and no solution has been found for it."

She paused, her gaze thoughtful. "But you have a mind unlike any other. Remember the mouth soap you thought of? If you could come up with an idea like that, who knows? Maybe you can invent something that can help others like me."

Her words were a challenge, a beacon of hope in the midst of our despair. And even though I was scared, I knew I had to try. For her, and for everyone else who suffered like her.

Mother's voice took on a grave tone as she delved into another chapter of our world's history. "The world, has always been a place of conflict. Countries, including the one we live in, Aetheria, have fought for conquest, for power over each other."

She pointed to the map hanging on the wall of the room we were in. "Right now, Aetheria is at war with Tyria," she explained, her finger tracing the line that separated the two countries. "They are far to the west of us, their lands marked by mountains and rivers."

Her gaze softened as she looked at me. "But we are lucky. Our village, nestled on the eastern edges of Aetheria, has been spared the horrors of war. We live in a peaceful bubble, untouched by the conflicts that rage in the far-off lands."

She sighed, a thousand worries etched on her face. "But remember, peace is a fragile thing. We must always strive to protect it, to nurture it. For it is the greatest treasure we have."

"Mother," I began, my voice hesitant, "can you teach me magic? So I can defend myself?"

Her eyes widened, a flash of fear apparent in them. "No, Lilly," she replied, her voice firm and resolute. "I cannot and will not teach you magic. I want you to live a long and happy life."

She looked at me, her gaze filled with a longing that was both sorrowful and hopeful. "I want you to have a strong husband, someone who can protect you," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

As she spoke, I could see in her eyes a flicker of a memory, a hint of regret. I remembered then the talk of an arranged marriage from years ago, a noble who was supposed to be my future. A future that Mother still held onto, despite everything.

Changing the subject with a subtle shift of her gaze.

"There are certain expectations placed upon us, certain roles we must fill," she began, her voice filled with a profound seriousness. "You must learn how to cook, to clean, to handle the household finances."

Her gaze softened as she continued, "You must also learn how to socialise, to interact with both men and women. To someday find a husband."

As she said this, I could see a flicker of something in her eyes, a secret she was keeping close to her heart. I was too young to recall, but I knew there had been talk of an arranged marriage when I was a baby.

"And," she added, her voice dropping lower, "you must learn how to please your husband, to keep him happy. It's a part of our duty as women."

Her words, while daunting, painted a picture of the life that awaited me. A life that, while filled with challenges, was also rich in its own way.

Despite the earlier conversation, my curiosity was not easily quelled. "Can you tell me more about magic?" I asked, my eyes shining with interest.

Mother sighed, a conflicted look crossing her face. "Lilly," she began, lapsing into silence for a moment before continuing. "Magic is a complex thing. It's a force derived from the essence of the gods themselves, a power that can shape the world around us."

She held up her hand, a faint glow shimmering around it. "Magic can be used to create light, to heal wounds, to manipulate elements, and even to control other beings. It's a tool, a weapon, and a gift, all at once."

"But," she added, her voice dropping to a somber whisper, "it's also a curse, like I said before. The gods, in their final act of defiance, made sure that those who use magic pay a heavy price. The magic drains the life force of the user, shortening their life."

Her eyes met mine, filled with a deep, painful understanding. "That is why I cannot teach you magic, Lilly. Despite its allure, the price it demands is too great. I love you too much to do this to you, even if you have talent."

"Then, what about the arranged marriage I have with the noble when I come of age?" I asked, my voice quiet. "Won't he force me to use magic for his family's benefit?"

Mother looked at me, her eyes wide with shock. "How do you remember that?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"I don't know," I replied honestly. "But it's been in my mind for a while now."

She sighed heavily, running a hand through her hair. "The noble... he knows of the curse. And he understands the cost of using magic."

"But what if he doesn't care?" I questioned, my fear making my voice shake. "What if he wants power more than he wants me?"

"Oh, Lilly," she murmured, pulling me into her arms. "We will not let that happen. I promise you."

"That's not something you can decide, mother," I said, my voice firm. "If he takes me somewhere else, you can't stop it from happening."

She looked at me, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and determination. "I may not be able to stop him from taking you, but I can make sure you're prepared."

"Prepared for what?" I asked, my eyes wide with confusion.

"Prepared to make your own choices," she replied, her voice steady. "I may not be able to protect you forever, but I can equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to protect yourself."

"But," I started, my voice trembling, "I'm scared."

She pulled me into her arms, her embrace warm and comforting. "I know," she whispered, her voice filled with love and understanding. "But remember, courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. You are stronger than you think."

"I have a plan," I said, my voice filled with determination.

She looked at me, curiosity lighting her eyes. "What plan, Lilly?" she asked.

"If I invent new things for the village, enhance the lives of everyone here, they could protect me from the noble," I explained, my heart pounding with the possibility.

But my mother shook her head, her expression grave. "Lilly, that would be foolish," she said. "Even if you did manage to win the villagers' loyalty, the noble wouldn't hesitate to use violence to get what he wants."

"But… we can't just give up," I argued, my voice filled with desperation. "I have to try, we have to try."

She gave me a sad smile, her eyes filled with both admiration and worry. "You're so much like your father, Lilly," she said softly. "Always fighting, always trying to make things better. But remember, not all battles are won with swords and shields. Sometimes, it's the quiet, unseen efforts that make the biggest difference."