During the night, a tune will sound that puts a baby to sleep. The beautiful white haired baby girl will coo and her mother will continue to sing her favorite tune. "Hush little snow flake," she begins, "close your eyes." And the baby girl does. "Hush little snow flake, soon you'll rule the night."

The baby girl drifts into a deep sleep and her mother leaves her in her crib. Gennet always wears a worrisome face, and she has every right to. Gennet used to be a warrior, she used to fight for her village people and they would shower her will gold and feasts. Now, the village people fear her and her white haired child. They call them demons sent from hell.

A famous prophecy has been told for many years in the world Sheana. It is said that one day a white haired girl with gold like eyes will bring the world to destruction. For many years people thought that it would be one of the Veraths, but their eyes do not shine bright as gold. Their hair is silver and intimidating, but their eyes are as cold as ice.

When Gennet was pregnant, she made sure to hide it, but her kinsmen quickly found out. Her belly grew each month and a sickness common to women with child overtook her. It was either let herself and her baby die, or seek help. She chose to seek help. When the time came for her baby to be born, the lady helping her give birth saw the child. She cowered in fear, and even though Gennet begged her not to tell, she ran out into the village and screamed that the demon child had been born.

Many fear that if they kill the child, darkness will seep into their veins, so they choose to shun Gennet and the "demon child." Gennet at the time already decided what she wanted to do with her life, stay in the village she was born in, and raise her baby girl to never stray and to never kiss the hand of death.

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Ten Years Later

The village never changes. It all sounds the same. The moving of the food carts, the children laughing, and the men getting drunk off their asses. This village, Hillfar, is protected under the Trador Kingdom. One year ago is when they added Hillfar under their domain. The monarchy wants my child. When she is of age, they wish to marry her off to one the prince's. I do not know what they're planning, but I feel it will be the best life for my child.

I refuse to name my child. Most find her appearance frightening, but she's so beautiful to my eyes. Every time I gaze upon her pale face, I see snow. I see a snowy forest, similar to the one I would play in when I was little. I do not want to get attached to her. Soon, I'll lose her. Her smile, it's contagious. Sometimes I believe that if I stare too long, my face will become stuck. I'll be known as the smiling witch's mother.

My daughter is so pure. I cannot believe that she will bring about darkness. The village children make fun of her. Whenever she goes near them, they spit and scoff. Her bitter mood can beat any spine shivering medicine.

When she was born, I wanted to raise her here, that was stupid of me. She deserves better. I can only pray that her husband will care for her. I want him to tell her that she's beautiful everyday, but I know young love and an heir not to be the reasons for this arranged marriage.

"Mother, I wish to go in now," my child says. Her eyes have bags under them, and she wears dirt on her clothes as if it's jewelry.

"My sweet, it is bright out. Want to help me hunt?" I smile. I'll never get used to staring into her golden eyes. Gold resembles big ego, riches, and selfishness. Deep down I know she contains none of these traits.

"I am too tired. Can't I just rest?" Her lips move to the side as if she's blocking a kiss from a ghost.

"You sleep too often. I worry about you."

"Why?" She opens her eyes wide and my body remains as still as a thief who believes a guard saw them. It is like looking into fire. If I get too close I'll burn, but if I'm too far away I'll grow cold and yearn to move closer. "Everyone hates me!" My child speaks through her teeth and she's on the verge of tears. "I know you hate me too mother. You dare not give me a name, but that won't save you from your sins."

She moves past me and the wind follows. I sigh and decide to walk through the village. I knew it was going to be hard raising a child on my own, especially this child. I cannot wrap my mind around why the gods cursed me with her. Maybe it was not the gods, but demons, fearsome demons.

Some days I look at her as a beautiful blessing, but other days, people force me to believe she's a curse sent from hell. I did not know my parents, sometimes I blame them for the burden that has been placed on my name.

Other days I'll blame my past lover, Vince. They call him the pirate of the Sleepy Seas. There was a battle out at Sleepy Seas and his crew wiped out an army. People whisper that it was witch craft and others say it was great strength and bravery. Though, I never understood the bravery bit. Pirates aren't brave in my opinion. I find them cowardly. They steal from the weak and use dirty tricks to get what they desire.

I met Vince when I had to leave this village. I was called by a kingdom to help them at war. They knew of my hardship and bravery, and wanted me on the battlefield. The kingdom was surprised when they met me. They thought I was wasting my beauty on battles. I felt like a whore in their presence. After the war, I was sailing back home and that is when Vince stopped my ship and raided it.

When our eyes met, I could feel his hunger for my body. He was a wolf and I knew that I was the lamb. I fought so hard to not be the whore the kingdom saw me as, but . . . his eyes were like tides pulling me into his sea. That night was a mistake.

Days past and I became pregnant. I never told Vince, not like I could anyways. After he treated me as a whore, he left. He told me that the ocean is his life and I was just a pretty stone, one he found, used its riches, and now it has no meaning. I . . . have no meaning. He's a pirate, the sea will always win in his eyes.

"Gennet dear, come inside," A voice says. I look behind me and see my childhood friend, Belouise. She is the only one who has never looked down on me. She may fear my child, but she loves me.

When I was younger I used to despise her secretly. She was the pretty one, the one who all thought would be wedded by a knight one day. I was the manly one. The one who brought the people their food, the one who fought for them. I protect them, yet they treat me like dirt.

Can dirt protect people?

Dirt is exactly where they would be if I wasn't here. I am glad that I chose my own path. Now Belouise is old and her ginger disheveled hair makes her seem like a witch.

Her hair is now cut. It looks somewhat decent now, but it still looks like a bird's nest. Her nose is pointy and her eyes seem drowsy. I don't blame her. She married a cunt and her children are extremely loud.

"Not today Belouise. I think walking will help me clear my mind."

"Are you sure a bowl of my stew won't help?" She places her hands on her hips and holds her head high and mighty. I swear each day her eyebrows fade in with her pale skin.

"Oh Belouise. Fine, your stew always wins!" I throw my hands in the air and walk inside her home.

Her home smells of mushroom stew and wood. Everything in here is wooden. This village cannot afford anything greater. I'm used to it, it feels cozy. I take a seat and watch as Belouise brings me a bowl.

"Where are your children and your husband?" I ask while sipping the stew. I can feel the heat pour onto my tongue. Once I get past the burning sensation it tastes a bit peppery and meaty.

"Gerald went out into town. He said he has business to attend to. The kids are out playing," she smiles, but it seems cold and somber.

"Belouise, are you and Gerald okay?" I ask while wiping my lips.

"As fine as we'll ever be. You're lucky the man that screwed you never stayed," I almost choke on my next sip. "My man is here, but I know he fucks whores in the forest. He comes home every night smellin' like a drunk bastard." Belouise curls her lips and clenches her hands.

"I'm sorry to hear that," I place my bowl down and stand up. I walk over to Belouise and touch her shoulder. "Men are pigs. Always will be."

Belouise scoffs and nods. She looks off into the distance and I wonder what she's thinking about. Then I guess that it's how she's going to cut off her husband's cheating cock one day.

"I'm going to go now. Have to check up on . . . my little one."

"Gennet, I know you do not want to get attached, but she's your littl' one. Name her. I know you loue her."

"Thanks Belouise. It's something to think about." I walk over to the door, but look back at Belouise and smile. "I like what you did with your hair."

"D'ye like it? I thought it'd bring Gerald home more," she snorts. "Silly me."

"Truly silly. See you soon."

I walk back to my small cabin. After all my fighting and service, I still live in a small home that smells like dirt. I walk inside the house and enter my daughter's room. I crack the door open, her bed is empty! My heart sinks and I quickly rush out of my home. She never leaves without telling me.

There is no point in asking the villagers where she went, they'll only ignore me and laugh. They'll pray that the forest eats her. I wear a panicked expression and rush off into the woods. Sometimes my daughter goes there to think, but she always warns me. Maybe she wanted to, but I was away.

The forest seems more quiet than usual. The birds are not chirping and the wind is not whistling. I feel pure suspense surrounding me as I step deeper into the forest. A dagger comes over my neck and I form a blank expression; trying not to breathe heavily. Over the years I've learned not to give my enemies an inch of emotion.

"Mother!" My daughter calls out.

"Do not turn around or I'll kill her," a familiar voice says. His voice is flirty, yet raspy.

"Don't hurt her. What do you want, gold?"

"Gold?" He laughs. "I have all the gold I could ever hope for. When I count to three, you'll turn around and answer my questions."

"You have a deal," I breathe slowly. I cannot believe how fearsome I am. A year ago, I would have quickly taken this man down and point the dagger at his filthy mouth. I'd watch as the dagger slowly enter his mouth. He'll taste death before it sticks through the back of his head.

"One," he chuckles. "Two," I can hear my child breathing heavier and heavier. "Three."

I turn around quickly. I knew it was Vince! I look down at my child and she seems terrified. Watching Vince squeeze onto her hands, create hate in me. I look up and stare at my former lover. His hair is longer than when we first met. It curls once it reaches his ears. There is sheen to his hair; similar to hardwood. His figure remains the same, slender and fit.

I almost forgot how lost I can get in his ocean like eyes. Every time I stare it feels like I'm back out at sea. My eyes begin to drown in his current. His gaze is quite sinister, yet flirtatious. His angular, yet sharp face shows off in the shimmering sun.

"Vince," I clear my throat. "What do you want?"

"This child, who be she?" Vince clenches onto her arms and she grunts.

"Let her go Vince. Come to the village, we'll talk there."

"I'm not dumb Gennet. Who be she?!" He barks.

"I have no name," the child looks up at Vince. "This is my mother."

"Child!" I bite down on my teeth.

"I see. So you fucked another mate, that how it is?" Vince scoffs and pushes my girl towards me. I grab hold of her and rub her shoulders before hugging her tightly. I look into Vince's ocean.

God, I think I might drown.

"Go. I don't know why you came back here." I rub my daughter's head.

"What? Didn't miss me?" He chuckles. "We have much to discuss."

"Mom, who is he?"

"No one my sweet."

"I'm t' man who fucked her," Vince laughs.

I cover my child's ear and shake my head. I hold onto my daughter's hand tight. The more I look at him, the more I wish to burn his seas dry.

"Hun, go run back to the house. I'll be there soon."

She nods and rushes off. Vince laughs and rolls his eyes. I lost my touch for a good battle. It was weak of me to let Vince put his dagger in front of my throat. I used to be as swift as a thief in the shadows, but now, even a blind man could take me down.

"That child, she's yours. I refuse to remain in this hell by myself. You know of the prophecies," I squint my eyes.

"Of course I do," he looks me up and down. "I went into your poor village and asked where you live. A villager was quite happy t' tell me. She thought I was here t' kill ye," he begins laughing. "I went into your home and saw her beamin' eaye and her silver hair. I can't believe you produced that thing. Now you're tellin' me it's mine?!"

"I don't know why she had to be mine, but she is. She's yours too. After a week out at sea with you, you placed me back on my ship, that you planned to steal, and I sailed home. I found out weeks later that I was pregnant."

"Gosh. What a bloody accident. I am usually very careful."

"I'm sure," I raise my eyebrows and sigh. "Come, meet her properly."

"I wish to do no such thing. I came back because me crew and I were taking this path t' go somewhere. I thought it'd be nice t' see me gem again, but I was wrong."

"Do you always cut your gems?" I smile sarcastically.

"Don't you have a smart tongue."

"Vince. I beg you," my lips begin to quiver. Begging is beneath me. "please come meet your child."

He places his dagger inside his clothing and walks past me. I feel tense as the gust of wind passes by me. I wonder why he's carrying a dagger with him. He was so fond of his blade. He'd bring it with him whenever we'd . . . do things.

"Be ye coming?" He blurts out.

I look down and follow behind him. I'm scared of what he'll do. My child is very valuable. I'm stupid to want him to be there for her.

When did I become so weak and fragile?

He's a pirate. He'll want to sell her and he'll get a great price. I swear if he's touches her again, I'll use that dagger to paint his face with the color of death.

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