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[Soren]

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Soren cradled Cassidy in her arms. The brand new bundle squealed and coo'ed her response as Soren placed one finger inside the palm of Cassidy's hand and waited for her to grasp hold. Adrian's eyes looked up at her from their daughter's face and she couldn't help but smile. Her own auburn hair reflected in Cassidy's Strawberry blond curls, there was so much of each of them it took her breath away.

With every yawn she would close her eyes as if trusting that the two of them would keep the world at bay just a little longer. Soft and gentle, Soren leaned down to kiss the petal soft skin of Cassidy's forehead. With a motion that had come naturally to her since the first day, she rocked and bounced her in her arms. With her upward movement a small smile would creep across the infants face and then be echoed in her Mother's. A round Robin effect, the two seemed to mimic each other.

Long ago, in a stone house in Umbra, just outside the eastern bridge a promise had been made. Soren let her eyes wander then to the rose sitting hidden in the corner. Pulled from Adrian's pack days ago it had sat there staring at her, taunting her. "You promised."

"Adrian will not be happy."

"She took excellent care of you."

"She killed a sparrow and she scared your husband."

"She has always protected you."

Back and forth the voices flew in her head. A bouncing ball of dialogue, the characters were tangible, flesh and blood as they bickered the outcome amongst themselves. Taking a deep breath Soren stalked to the corner and picked up the petaled wonder. Only now, as Cassidy lay staring up at her Mother, did the rose exhibit signs of wear and tear never before seen. The crimson red had yielded to an almost blackened state and the thorns, once crisp and lear, wilted into a sour green bean color. It was as Her Grace said it would be. The rose was awaiting it's new owner. It was awaiting Cassidy.

[Soren]

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With a deep intake of breath, Soren clasped her daughter close to her heart and stalked towards the rose.

"Will you or won't you?" The words reverberated in her head. Stooping low she picked up the alien plant and held it tightly in her hand. Moments like hours dragged themselves as the hands of time all but stopped. Either way there would be consequences.

"You made a promise." And with that one thought she placed the rose into Cassidy's tiny hand. Crimson flooded the petals as though a coat of pain had been splashed on. The fragrance, which was decay just moments before, sweet and bitter filled their nostrils. thorn after pointy thorn molded itself into place once more.

The picture of freshly picked, the rose was once more alive.

Wrapping her daughter as close to her as possible, tears unbidden and unreasoned flowed down Soren's face.