The Remembered (Elements II)

Chapter 14

“Nahara? Nahara!”

He searched the house for his daughter, although he knew deep down that she wouldn’t be inside. It had been a few weeks since Flynn had left after his visit, and she had barely spoken to him.

“Nahara!”

His calls were unheard. With a sigh, he made his way outside, hunching his shoulders at the fine drizzle that was coming from the grey sky. It wasn’t heavy, but it was persistent, continuous enough for him to know that they both would be thoroughly soaked by the time they got back inside. Still searching, he made his way through the overgrown gardens, hoping to see her tell-tale dark orange dress, or at least a part of it.

At last, he found her, right at the back of the garden. It was the only place the gardeners hadn’t got to at all yet, and so was more unruly and wild than the other parts. However, he sensed that it was precisely because of that, that his daughter favoured the place.

“Nahara?”

She didn’t move, just staring at the fabric covering her lap. She was drenched, indicating that she’d been there for a while, and he sat beside her. He shrugged off his coat, and put it around her shoulders, hoping to get some warmth back into her.

“My dear,” he said gently. “Come inside. You’ll catch a cold.”

She still made no response, and he sighed.

“Please, Nahara. I don’t want you to fall sick.”

She shook her head slightly, her gaze unblinking. “Leave me alone, Father.”

He put his arm around her shoulders, hugging her close. “Want to tell me what’s wrong?”

She shook her head again, but leant into him, instinctively seeking warmth. Agreeably, he didn’t speak further, and just held her, waiting until she was ready. His concerns could wait. She was more important.

Eventually, she sat up again, still refusing to look at him. To his shock, she wiped her face, as if she’d been crying.

“Nahara?” he asked softly. She shook her head, turning her face away from him. As he watched, she pulled off his coat, and gave it back to him. She stood then, her back to him, and walked over to a vigorously growing wild violet bush, brushing a fingertip over the purple petals.

“Nary,” he said softly, using her childhood nickname. She finally turned to look at him.

“What is it, Father?” she asked. “I want to be alone.”

“Nahara, you’re cold and wet. Come inside, please.” He stood, intending to go to her, but she took a tiny step back, and he stayed still, shocked. Something had changed in her, and he didn’t understand.

“I don’t want to right now, Father. I’ll come soon.”

“I don’t understand,  my dear. What’s wrong?”

“Just leave me alone, please.”

“But, Nary,” he said. “I need your help.”

“Go away, Father. Please.”

He sighed, and turned to do as she’d asked, saddened and unsure what had changed.

Even at their evening meal, she was quiet, refusing to make conversation with him. When they’d done, he managed to catch her before she slipped away to her room.

“My dear, please. What’s wrong?”

She hesitated, and he could feel her trembling in his light hold. Now scared for her, he let her go. Thankfully, she didn’t flee this time.

“Can you tell me?” he asked softly, keeping his gaze on her face.

She went pale, refusing to meet this eyes. “There’s nothing,” she answered, but her voice was shaking. His concern growing, he reached out to her, only for her to flinch away.

“Nahara, come and sit down. Talk to me.”

She started to shake her head, but he kept speaking.

“Just us. No one else will be able to overhear you. I’m worried about you now.”

Silent, she followed him to their private rooms, and he closed the door gently, not locking it after seeing her reaction. She was shaking.

“Nahara, tell me what’s wrong. You’re shaking.” Concerned, he went over to her, intending to hug her, but she flinched away. “Nary?”

She shook her head, but he could see her thinking. At last, she spoke. “I can’t, Father. I can’t tell you.”

“Why not?” He kept his voice gentle, sensing that she was on the verge of fleeing. “You can tell me anything.”

She shook her head again, and fled past him. “I can’t, Father! Don’t press me!”

Bemused, he watched her leave the room, and didn’t chase after her.