Role

Chapter 4

There was tension in the air. Uncertainty. It had a grip on Delilah's heart
so tight her eyes were welling up. Through the teary blur she could just
about make out her mother Lissandre. One step forward. Two steps. She made it
to three before her mother rushed the gap and took her up in her arms.
Delilah sobbed with joy and buried her face into her robes. She inhaled her
mothers scent and let it fill her nose and mouth. She was safe here. She'd
found her mummy!
'I missed you, so so so much!'
"How are you my little girl, my how you've... grown! Look at you."
Lissandre groomed her daughters hair, and checked her scalp.
'Grown? Don't be silly mummy, I'm still the cutest tiniest girl ever! I
needed you!'
"I'm here now. I'm here, child."
Mother and daughter conversed and caught up. Delilah lapped up the attention
and drew strength from it. As her emotions became more stable she started to
notice something. Her mother was nervous. Not excited, not even happy:
Nervous. Her mother was glaring at her dollies. Did they scare her? Did she
not know they were their friends? Delilah made one dance up in it's flailing
flip-flop style. Lissandre took a hurried step backwards.
'Look mummy! Friends! I made lots, so I can live with them away from the
city. Where daddy can't find me!'
The gaunt, tired look on Lissandre's face seemed to sink deeper with her
daughter's words. Something wasn't right with the whole situation. Delilah
had dreamed this moment would be different. There should have been smiles!
Mummy should have been swinging her around, playing games. Where was the
happy dancing and celebrations? They were together again! It was as if
something had changed. Delilah thought about bringing out her backpack but
hesitated. Now wasn't the time. Her mummy was clearly not well. That was it.
She was sick and just needed time to get better. Delilah had to think fast.
This was a city, it could be dangerous. She had to be a big girl for just a
while longer.
'Mummy, I.... I'm gonna go play. I'm gonna go have fun and be your ickle
wickle girl. I love you, I love you jelly tots.'
"I love you too."
Confused and somewhat defeated Delilah retreated with her army. The air
seemed still around her and she realised the tension still hadn't gone. Why
wasn't this working? What's wrong? What's happening?! Delilah waited until
she was out of earshot. She took a deep breath, mustering dark powers. Wisps
of energy seemed to seep from the ground in purple and black motes until they
coalesced infront of her mouth and with one, piercing unholy shout...
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHH! Her undead exploded around her in a shower of gore
and bone. With a huff, she set her sights on the road ahead and begin
skipping along the cobblestones.