Bloody Mary

Y/N

"Thank you for bringing me here," I sigh, squeezing King Boo's hand. We're standing at the base of the Elder Tree as per my request. Back at the Dark Day Celebration, the Elder Tree told me something that just stuck. The Elder Tree told me that there was more to my life than I knew before it let me into the celebration. I want to ask the Elder Tree if my blood relation to Adam was what it meant and if there was anything I should know before I leave. I asked King Boo to take me here one last time before I venture to Liberum Elementis and speak to my Nana.

"It's my pleasure, My Love," the King says, kissing my temple. "I just hope you find the answers you're looking for."

"I hope so too," I sigh, looking up at the trunk of the Elder Tree.

"I'll be waiting right here," King Boo assures me, turning my chin to face him. "I promise you that I won't leave and you will be just fine in the company of the Elder Tree."

"I know," I say, leaning against him. "And thank you." 

Taking a deep breath, I let go of King Boo and take a step forward. One knot in the Elder Tree's trunk unravels before my eyes to create an opening. Just like when I first came here. Taking one last look at King Boo, who gives me an encouraging smile, I step forward and into the opening of the Elder Tree. The opening closes behind me, leaving Snare and I shrouded in darkness. Unlike last time, the Elder Tree doesn't need to prompt me to place my hands on the bark. The wood under my hands starts to glow a soft blue as the many voices I heard last time circle through my head.

"You've returned," the Elder Tree says. "We were hoping you would."

"I'm glad to be back," I say, smiling at the warm feeling under my hands. "It's been a long few days."

"We've heard."

"... you knew," I jump straight to the point of my visit. "You knew that Adam is my great-grandfather."

"That we did," the Elder Tree says gently. "But it was not our place to tell. You needed to learn from Adam himself."

"And I understand that," I say quickly, feeling Snare squeeze my wrist. Snare has decided to claim my wrist as his spot for our foreseeable future in Evershade Valley. There isn't a need for him to hide in my hair while in a kingdom covered in only moonlight. "I was wondering if you knew anything else about my connection with Liberum Elementis?"

"We were well aware of it the second you made contact with us," the Elder Tree responds. "We assume you would like to know how?" I nod in response, focusing on the voices. "As it has been explained to you, every creature, dead or otherwise, is judged by us before they can proceed to the top. It's because we want our trunk and branches to be a sanctuary for all that need it. Whether it's to celebrate a blessing or hide from an enemy, we will provide it to those we deem worthy."

"And I am honoured that you have deemed me worthy of that protection and welcomes," I say. "But why did you grant me that?"

"Because you will bring change to not only your nation but ours as well." 

That made me pause. "I'll bring change to Evershade Valley?"

"Think about it, child," the Elder Tree says, filling my head with the memories of my time in Evershade Valley. When I first met Boocifer in Elemiras. Talking to Charlie and his family and meeting Mr. Riel and Maya. Spending time with the Six Queens and learning from them. Visiting the Sho'honen tribe with Avery and Cheif Potamalu. Meeting Lord Hades and all the spirits during the Dark Day Celebration. The Elder Tree shows me all of them, saving the most prominent for last. Meeting King Boo and falling for him. "In a way, you've already made a change here. The relationships you have made and the Spirits who trust you have changed Evershade Valley for the better. You have also changed our King for the better."