Frostborne

A Second Childhood

From that moment on, Alina was a diligent learner. She tried so hard to grow up, at least to the point where she could at least move on her own, but it was tricky. Her muscles and bones weren't ready yet, no matter how much she wanted to, they wouldn't support her... baby fat. Her father watched amused, while her mother actually giggled once at an unsuccessful attempt. Still, they were encouraging and nurturing. Even without being able to walk, she still tried other things. She started to understand the language. It was definitely archaic, and shared little similarity with Japanese, but she started to pick up certain phrases. There were certain people they discussed a lot. People they cared for and those they did not. There was a queen they were loyal to, but they had to hide because of another group of people. Whenever they were mentioned, it was with hushed tones.

And so, Alina found out that she was a descendant of a mighty queen, and shared the same resemblance to her as her mother did. They were fallen nobles, but with a strong bloodline. However, she soon learnt the words for 'mother' and 'father'. The trick was actually saying them. Relearning how to speak, especially in another language, was certainly difficult. And so, she practiced, out of earshot. The muscles in her jaw were certainly not well trained, but that, again, was practice. 

A week later, she thought she had it. So, when her mother cradled her in her arms, resting gently in bed... still exhausted from the birth, she looked up to her, and tried saying it. Mother.

"Mat-cha."

Immediately, the woman snapped her attention down to her. It was clear that it wasn't quite right, but she could tell that Alina was trying. "Áno, matka."

Trying again, the infant spoke, once more. Pronouncing it correctly, she said: "Matka".

"Áno, matka!" Exuberant, she called out to her husband, "Alexi!"

Rushing into the room, he was worried for a moment, before seeing her happy, "Čo je to, Sophia?"

"Ona hovorí!" Excitedly, she nudged Alina, all while saying, "Počúvaj!"

Alina swallowed, now with an audience of two, and said, looking at her mother, into her blue eyes, "Matka."

The celebration from this was long into the evening. After all, to learn speech quickly was a gift, and one that needed cultivation. But, it was a milestone nonetheless.

Eight months later, Alina figured that now was the time to try walking. Her bones seemed stronger, more stable. Struggling, she tried using furniture to stand. When her father saw this, he laughed, and decided to help in his own way. They both seemed aware that their little Alina was smarter than the average lass her age. This was a key example. Definitely something to cultivate.

Every step took less effort than before, as her body began to acclimate to the motions, to gain a sense of balance. The chubby limbs would become defined as she continued to grow. Every success, every birthday, celebrated without a catch. In a way unlike anything she was familiar with before. It... filled her heart with joy, and admiration for her parents. She learned their names, Sonia and Alexi Gorelick. Venerable children of nobles from the ancient land of Cainhurst, to their west. The immortal queen had protected her kin for as long as she could, until they came. Butchers who were frenzied with bloodlust, led by Logarius. The Executioner who was made a martyr by all outside... except for them.

It was why they had to be cautious. About their affiliations. If they were found to be of the lineage... well... they would come.

Still, Alina continued to grow. Tall and beautiful, a mirror to her mother, who in turn mirrored the beauty of her great aunt, who was then a spitting image of the queen, or so her parents said. Blessed Lady Maria, who helped unlock the secrets of their bloodline, in ways the queen never could. It was a grand tale of wonder and mystery and the gods. One that she would listen to over and over. At this time, her imagination was her greatest forge. Her wit her greatest tool. Her knowledge, unique, even if hidden from view as she tried. Alina was always unsure if her parents knew what she did, considering how prone to accidentally spilling secrets.

For the next fifteen years, Alina grew, learned the language of not just the region, but also that of the next few countries, which were very similar to what she already knew. The famed city of Yharnam spoke a variation of English, and there was a land far, far to the east that spoke a form of Japanese. Not that she'd ever need that one. But, being fluent in three languages had its perks. It allowed her to gather knowledge from others in town. To learn faster, more quickly, and be the appreciated as the student she was. She studied art, literature, philosophy, medicine, and theology. If there was knowledge to be gained, she would.

Today was her sixteenth birthday. The markets were always a sight to see, so colorful and full of life. This was not similar to the dry and musty supermarkets she went to back in Japan... no, this was open, in the air. Fresh fruit and vegetables all to see. Meat sold freshly cut, prepared with mostly sanitary conditions. This was a victorian place, after all. They didn't know germ theory yet. At least, not in this village. Her father was right behind her, as she ran through the market. "Alina, slow down! I can't keep up with you like this..."

"But father! There's so much to see! To smell..." She took a deep breath, but then gagged. A tobacconist's shop was right next to her, and the smell of smoke was awful... but her father merely laughed. 

In gentle amusement, mind you. "Of course, of course... but we must make sure that we get what we need for tonight's dinner. Sonia will be most disappointed should we stray too far."

"Yes, father." She still waved the smoke away from her, before falling in next to him. Smiling warmly, he continued through, picking up a variety of vegetables. And a beautiful looking piece of pork as the centerpiece. Excitedly, she could imagine the feast that night. Beautiful roast pork, the salted skin turning into crackling. It delighted the taste buds, nose and eyes. If this was in the future... then she didn't want to make father wait.

With everything in hand, the two made their way back to the homestead. It was a quaint little thing, compared to what they had before. A cottage on the edge of town, with a view into the local forests. The foundations were built with stone, but the majority of it was created from wood. This town wasn't as fully developed as the legendary Yharnam, but it was still home. Opening the door, she could hear the music coming from the living room. Her mother was a gifted musician, but her expertise was with a violin, and it showed with how deftly she used the bow, dexterously synthesizing a melody. A somber waltz, but paradoxically full of life and vigor. Not wanting to interrupt, Alina listened with awe. From low B flat, up to a high A, and all in between. It was a melody in reverence for their lineage.

When the performance was finished, the audience of two applauded, causing Sonia to blush faintly, her cheeks a shade away from the maroon dress she wore, one of the few ties to Cainhurst that her mother still possessed. Laughing together... the family was content.

The father cooked the pork, and created the birthday ensemble, and soon enough, it was dinner time. It was just as delicious as expected. The spices and seasonings came together to create a flavor combination unlike any other. Alexi told stories, and Sonia gave another musical performance before the three sat back down at the table. A few gifts were given, but one in particular stuck out, far more valuable than anything else.

It came from Sonia, her mother. "Alina... I have a gift for you." Pulling out a small object, hidden within her hand. Opening it... it was a locket. Offering it to the young girl, she accepted, and opened it to find two small pictures. One of each of them.

"This was my grandmother's locket... and these are photographs we had taken one month ago. Eventually... there will come a time where you will be on your own. We hope that you will remember us with this." Looking down, and seeing the craftsmanship of the locket itself, she ran her fingers over the oval object. It was made from gold, inlaid with an ancient coat of arms on the front. The chain was thin, but made from a sturdy material, in order to be able to keep it with her for as long as possible. The sentimental value of this object alone was irreplaceable. Especially so for young Alina. Her blue eyes looked back up at her parents. Tearing up a bit, she jumped up and embraced them both in a hug, as best she could. "Thank you."