Daphne hadn’t known what to expect coming home, but seeing the place almost exactly how it was when she’d left it had filled her with emotions she wasn’t ready for. She’d done her crying, and a certain numbness had set in. She’d quickly begun searching for any important documents or keepsakes they’d want to hold onto. Old photographs, jewelry, that sort of thing. It was really just her and Tristan, and she doubted he’d care much about most of it, but if it were her she’d be angry if he didn’t at least give her the option.

A lot of emotions had come bubbling to the surface, both about this home and the town. They’d practically not been allowed to have friends or fun, and being removed from it all was more depressing than when she’d been in the middle of it. The town had been the same as she remembered it, as was the lake and the woods around the house. Daphne sighed, this place had been home for so long. She had to wonder why her parents insisted that she or Tristan stay here. There was no way he would agree to that.

Leafing through some papers, Daphne caught sight of her mother’s handwriting and let out a sob. She was alone, so she didn’t bother trying to stifle or soften it, instead letting herself feel the depth of the emotions rolling over it. It was so surreal, still, knowing that her parents were truly gone. She hadn’t seen them in so long, and regret started to grow like a weed in her chest- she had been hoping to visit for Christmas this year. Should have come sooner. The knowledge that she’d never see them again was finally settling in now that she was among their things.

She’d heard once that you can sometimes feel a person’s presence among their belongings after they passed. She’d never believed it, but she believed it less than ever now. It was just lonely and quiet. Maybe she could open a window, at least then she could hear the birds. Music didn’t feel right, not given the circumstances, but she got up out of the chair at the kitchen table, and made her way to the window. Glancing out at the water, a part of her could appreciate why her parents had stayed here. It really was a beautiful sight.

She’d no sooner pried the window open when she heard a knock at the front door. Was Tristan here? He’d probably just walk in, unless he’d lost his key or something. Mom and Dad had insisted they keep copies in case anything happened, Daphne just never expected either of them would need to use them. She opened the door and saw someone she hadn't expected. A blank look crossed her face as the gears in her head turned, trying to put a name to the face. “Jovani?” She finally realized, “God, it’s been ages.” She turned, looking over her shoulder to see the large stack of papers just barely hidden from Jovani’s view by the door, “Is there something I can do for you?” She smiled sweetly, and vaguely realized that she probably looked like shit after her little crying session. Oh well, he knew her parents were dead. Can’t keep something like that a secret in this tiny ass town.

Shoeless feet crept silently through the brush, practically floating off the ground as Odessa flitted about and danced with the forest creatures. Things seemed different, now, with Maria and Jarod dead. It wasn’t right, and had disrupted something. Odessa was sure many of the people in Avery may disagree, but the forest spirits often disagreed with them on these matters. To them, the Bussards had been little more than a decoration on the edge of town; their house standing there like a silent sentinel, quietly observing and never interfering in their matters.

Odessa could often see that house right on the edge of her vision. It stretched just beyond her reach, and when she was younger she used to sit and observe it, and it’s occupants. She’d seen Jarod as a boy, and then seen him have children of his own. She’d never spoken with any of the family, but she almost felt a part of the family, herself.

As she wandered through the forest, just like every other day, she found herself wishing she could have a bit more. It could be dreadfully dull in Avery, especially out in the woods with little more than the books the librarians graciously left for the forest spirits to leaf through. Seemed a little ironic, sometimes, giving books to trees for entertainment.

She felt a disruption, and quickly used her magic to completely blend in with the trees. She spent a moment observing: it was the Bussard boy, all grown up. He hadn’t been back to town in years, but of course he would be returning. His parents had died, and humans needed to tend to their dead. She watched him for a time, blended perfectly with the trees around her. He was saying something about selling the house, and she had to wonder if he knew who could be buying it. Hopefully not someone who would destroy the forest nearby. Things like that weren’t something Odessa had ever learned, or had to think about, so after a moment she felt her curiosity get the better of her. If her mother were still around, she’d have Odessa’s head for revealing herself to a mortal, but still she stepped out of the trees, materializing a few steps behind Tristan.

“You’re going to sell the house?” She realized, then, that while she might be familiar with Tristan, he probably wouldn’t know her, and a blush crept across her cheeks, “Sorry, I just love it. It’s so picturesque, sitting there on the lake. Don’t you think?”

Odessa had to wonder if he’d recognize her- she’d been there in the background all of his life, but whether or not he’d paid enough attention to notice her was another story.