The smells of dahlia's engulfed the entire estate. In the distance, laughter of a small girl, the playful calls of "Daphnie... I see you". The boy would not be far behind. He was tall and slim. His skin was tanned and his hair flowing, the color of night. "Hide Daphnie or I will find you" he would tease as the little girl ran behind bushes and crouched down, her light childish giggles giving away her hiding place. "I got you" the voice would call out as Daphnie's little body was picked up and tickled, her laughter intoxicating. They were the best of friends, Running and playing was all Daphnie knew. Adam was older than she was by at least six years. He was her protector, her only friend. His father tended the horses and his mother Cooked and sewed. They were not mere servants they were family, and to Daphnie, Adam was her big brother. He would read her stories under the tallest and oldest acacia tree on the island. He taught her how to catch frogs and then to set them free for another day. She loved Adam and he loved her.
Her father had brought Miles and Eva back home with him after one of his long trips to the big city. He traveled maybe twice a year to look after some business and bring back gifts for his wofe. Miles was shorter than her father, a big belly and full beard of dark hair. Eva a small, round, plump woman. In her arms a bundle, wrapped in a tattered blue blanket.
Life before the island was never spoken about other than that first night when her mother and father were alone.
"They were driven from their land" her father had said. Wandering along the edge of the dark woods. Nothing but the baby and a small cart with few belongings."
"You did the right thing my love. They will be safe here, this is now their home" mother replied. Her voice was soft and melodic.
For the next six years mother doted on Adam as if he was her own son. While Eva and Miles worked Adam learned how to read and write and the importance of education. She knew he would one day want to leave the island and seek his own destiny and wanted to be sure he was prepared for what she knew awaited him.
Annia was a young, petite, and very beautiful woman. Her hair, white as snow with pink streaks throughout it. Soft green eyes which reflected light outward. Her skin tanned form the sun, her so smile bright that anyone before her would be drawn in to the purity of her soul. Intelligent, and quite powerful her husband had taken her from her life in the city and built the intricate estate he named after her. When he looked over what he had created for her only one word would ever be descriptive of what he felt in his heart. Aimer.
That first day of spring, the flowers poked from their sleep in the fertile ground, the birds songs floating on the warm breeze, the sun shone brighter, yet Annia's brightness was faded. What should have been a day of joy and celebration had turned to one of dread. She would stay in her bed, the curtains drawn, curled up. The tray of scones and juice untouched. Alexander had been away on one of his trips to the city for nearly a full month when the sound of horses hooves would be heard on the graveled path outside the window. She would not run to greet him as she had done every time before and this had not gone unnoticed. He ran into the house and up the winding staircase calling her name in an almost panic. Entering the bedroom he would rush to her side and kneel reaching for her hand.
"My love... What has happened." he would have certainly been met at the dock by Miles if there had been some sort of emergency. "My beautiful Annia, my love... please tell me what has happened." his voice soft and loving.
She would turn to face him, her usually bright green eyes dulled and swollen from crying. She would smile but it would be obvious that is was forced. She led his hand to her belly as the glistening of tears would trail down her cheek. "I am sorry my dear Alexander. Everything is in ruins now"
He would caress her cheek, wiping away the tears. "This is celebratory news my beautiful. Joyous news"
She was content being a second mother to Adam. He had filled the void in her since his arrival and she had been so happy when teaching him, playing with him, loving him as if he was her own. "She will be found, She is in danger already. How can we protect her"
Alexander would slide in next to her and wrap her in his arms as her head lay on his lap. Stroking her long silken hair.. "I will protect her with my last breath my love. Aimer is safe from evil, no one will find her, she will be safe and loved." his voice soothing as was his touch, they would lay for hours, he comforting her.
