Fair Maiden - Alcina x Fem Reader

13: Distance

***Diary Entry of Alcina Dimitrescu***

I haven't seen much of Y/N lately. She's been distracted by her thoughts, causing her to grow distant. She completes her tasks efficiently, per usual. But, her mind is elsewhere. She's hardly slept, barely ate a morsel of food. I can't help but worry about her. I know I can be cruel sometimes, but I'm starting to think that my sweet little bird has softened me a bit.

It's been a month since I told her about her undergoing changes and the reason for the lycan attacks. At first, she was taking the news fairly well. She was a bit quiet, wrapping her head around it, I presume. Then, it hit her all at once. Her sobs of pain filled my chambers. I could feel it vibrating through her body as I held her. My heart broke for the poor girl. The only thing I wanted to do in that moment was take away every bit of pain that she was feeling.

She's been through so much already. I promised to take care of her and protect her. I can't help feeling like I have failed her. I've tried to talk to her a few times, but only received short responses, or nothing more than silence. Usually, this would entail a punishment, but I feel as though I've caused enough damage.

When she's not tending to chores or assisting the girls, she's alone in the gallery. Painting and drawing for hours on end. Sometimes, I even find her asleep on the lounge chair - pencil In hand and paint smeared on her gown. I'll sit with her for a moment or two, long enough to make sure she's okay.

Her artistry is impressive. She has an immense talent for her young age. She's used nearly all the canvases that had been stored in the gallery for years - untouched. Her artwork is filled with utterly raw emotion. When you look at it, youre not just observing a picture - you're feeling it. Catching glimpses into the eyes and mind of their beautiful creator. I don't know how she does it. But, nonetheless, I'm glad to see her using it as an outlet. I've debated asking her to paint something to hang in the castle, but I figure that now is not the right time.

I promised her I would ask Mother Miranda to search for a cure to her ailments. She seems to be maintaining the side effects I had noticed in her. Her temper is short, her body strong and agile. There has been no new side effects to my knowledge. Thankfully. Luckily, Mother Miranda had already started her research before I had said anything. She was expecting Y/N to have symptoms of mutation from the beginning. Hopefully she is able to find a cure. Until then, I pray Y/N can hold herself together.

This morning, I invited her to join me on a walk around the grounds before sunset. To my surprise, she accepted. I am hoping she will break out from behind her barriers, even if for a moment. I do miss her sweet smile and infectious laughter. My days are not the same without it.

I hope to see my little bird return to her usual self soon.

- Alcina Dimitrescu

Lady Dimitrescu had invited you to join her on a walk around the castle grounds this evening. Before joining her, you wanted to finish the painting you had been working on. You started a few days ago, making swift progress each night. You're painting a portrait of your mother. Titled 'Lady of The Forest.' You're well aware of the slightly morbid title, but before her death your mother enjoyed the forest.

Much like you, she admired the beauty it held as seasons changed. Your painting depicts her walking through the forest in fall. A gentle haze of sun falling through the canopy of the tree tops. Vibrant colors of the leaves are dancing throughout the canvas. She is wearing a dark blue dress, her favorite color. Her auburn hair flows gracefully in the wind. In your opinion, this is your best work yet. Each time you look at the painting, a sense of peaceful content fills inside you. This is a beautiful way to remember her.