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![In a Time, Long Before Now... [Isaac's History] Empty](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif)
Prologue:
Early Childhood (4-6 Years Old, Birth of Hannelore)
I will start by saying this: My childhood was not at all depressing or notably tragic, but happy and fruitful. I was the firstborn son and child to a working King and loving Queen, both being my parents.
My Father, at the time, was a man of honor and bound by work. Call him a workaholic, but if anything, he did his job well. He was stoic, and disciplined, and I happened to take on his nature in my later days. But in my childlike essence, I was merely a quiet, curious boy who loved to play with my parents. My Father, Aldrick, and Mother, Eleonore, pampered me quite a lot. Spoiling me with seconds of my favorite foods and telling me secrets of the kingdom. But it wasn't long before my first sister was born, Hannelore.
My Mother, at the time, kind and endearing. Sweet and accepting. The ideal, guiding mother. Many villagers in the kingdom had idolized her or glorified her to be some sort of goddess sent to guide them, so with her fame, we practically inherited that. But she did live up to her expectations, seeming to always to make the right decisions and pushing others in the wisest direction. She did not fail to please, but also had disciplines of her own.
Now, both of our parents had spoiled us, for at the time we were all they had. I was six and she was four, and we were a duo of uncovering secrets of the castle and kingdom; which really only was finding secret rooms and seeing who could last the longest in the dark wineries of the castle cellars. At the time, I hadn't exactly developed an elder brother persona just yet. I just happened to be older, and to say the least, more timid than my little sister, Hannelore.
Hannelore was a curious, adventurous child who would stop at nothing to get what she wanted. When she was she was just grasping the language, she would demand anything that sparkled. Oh, but she wasn't as brave. She'd scream at the slightest suspicion of bugs or worms or dogs. At those times, I was her 'knight in shining armor', but in reality, I really just covered her eyes and guided her away (Seeing as I wasn't fond of bugs myself...), plucked or shooed the things away reluctantly, or simply ignored her entirely. She was such a fussy child, and was only a little shorter than me, but would still demand I hold her or spoon feed her, no matter how old she was at the time. I would gladly accept her commands, seeing as I babied her more than my parents did.
Now, my Mother had always worried over us both. Seeing as Hannelore would be the one to lead us into dirt or trouble, and I'd always be the one to lead us out of it. She'd say things to Hannelore, like "Don't wander into the cellars alone, my little princess!" and tell me things like "Look after your sister, Isaac! She's all you've got!". But sometimes, those lectures would switch, but I managed to develop that big-brother persona after so many lectures, and became more or a guardian than a playmate after several tens of these lectures. If not hundreds.
In any case, we were a trouble making duo (That was more or less strictly on Hannelore....), and eventually developed elder-sibling personas after we discovered our Mother's next pregnancy.
Late Childhood (10-12, Birth of Achim)
Not much had changed, really. Hannelore was learning to grow out of her fussy nature and I was already indulging in other studies, becoming an ideal older brother persona. At the time, I was ten years old, Hannelore being eight, and Achim, our newest younger brother, being six. Hannelore didn't change, really. She still ran about the castle grounds, seeking adventure and danger and even going as far as pranking other with mischeivous acts such as putting worms into jars and leaving them under someone's pillow (She was slowly growing out of her fear of small creatures), which, she was lectured for over and over again... by Mother. And I continued to watch over her and discipline her, already adopting my disciplined nature and responsibilities as a sibling and first in line to royal duties.
Achim was the quietest of us all. He always was by Mother's side and never left it. He was clumsy, and often had people do things for hi, no matter how reluctant he was for them to do so, which contributed to the fact he had trouble advocating for things he was clearly not okay with. My relationship with him was close, to a degree. I was one of his tutors, and had a fair part in teaching him how to read and to interpret language, since I happened to be the bookworm, education-addicted, wise sibling out of the trio. Which was to be expected, I was given private lessons and special tasks at an early age, around when I was eight, and had skills that naturally came to me.
If anything, I was idolized by Achim, in my perspective. To say the least, he always tried to force himself to have an aptitude in things I had in. Things like, how fast I could read and write, or my observational skills (In fact, he had to follow his finger to read and was easily distracted), and tried to be adventurous and danger-seeking like Hannelore, but always ended up getting hurt or frustrated. But we still loved him all the same, and though Hannelore urged him to take it easy, she would always make him jealous over all of the things she had bragged of doing (Like... slaying a bear... which awfully just looked like a horse... she exaggerated a lot). I happened to be the one who would bring logic and realistic scenarios and would continue to become the ideal, elder brother they both looked up to as a guardian and as a sibling.
My relationship was Achim was along the borders of teacher-student than brother and brother, but it ended up with us being relatively close with one another. I taught him things I learned in my lessons, but he wasn't quite old enough to understand it or be taught it by an official tutor. But it was nice to express that knowledge with a blood brother. He never grew out of his shy and timid nature, at the time. And we never really grew closer than brothers should. Father had become busier with each child, but would always spend time with us as he was given the chances. I, myself, slowly began to lose interest in my Father's treatment towards me and my siblings. Our conversations slowly became more professional and short. Our relationship was starting to take a turn.
Early Adolescence (14-16, Birth of Marceline)
We weren't surprised when we heard that our Mother was pregnant again, well, at least I wasn't. Hannelore continued to make devious plans for her sibling, but slowly grew into an elder-sister figure, despite how long it took.
Achim was thrilled to hear that he would be an older brother, and it was cute to see him try to take care of our mother during her late pregnancy. He had been 'Mommy's little helper' for each and every month during our Mother's pregnancy. I, of course, helped as well. I had most of the responsibilities, on both sides of my parents. Thing like taking care of particular duties my Father simply could not make the time for, or completely watch over my Mother in the early morning and late at night when the others were unable. It was exhausting, to an extent, but I never complained.
But in the late hours, I would chat with my Mother about the child and our lives. She was perhaps the only person in my family that I could see eye to eye with. Or rather, someone I could actually be parented to. She was rest my head on her chest and sing me lullabies, like a baby, while gently stroking her ever growing belly. She was strong, at heart. And I envied that sort of nature. If I recall, we'd always have chipper conversations, and I could always tell her what was on my mind. And it was through these conversations that I devoted myself to the child in her belly, without bias.
"You are my eldest and precious son, Isaac. And though you may have the most responsibility as your Father's firstborn son and as the eldest out of your siblings, you are still a child, and will forever be my child. We are having another family member. - A girl, and her name will be Marceline. I want you to watch over her. And treat her with the kindness that fills your heart... for I will not always be here for them, your Father and I both. Watch over my little Marceline, and watch over your other siblings too. Hannelore, Achim... each of them. They do not yet understand the responsibility of how an older sibling should act, especially little Hannelore. She's quite the haughty one, is she not? And little Achim, he tries so hard to be like you two. Soon he will realize that he himself must cherish the person he was born with. Himself." He would always look to me and smile, smile so graciously and peer out of her bedroom window with longing eyes. As if, lost in the beauty of the kingdom below her. She resembled something along the lines of a caged dove. It was beautiful, yet tragic.
"I know that as my Father's son, and as my younger sibling's elder brother, that it is my duty to watch over my blood and these villages. I promise that I will watch over Marceline as both friend and brother. She will never have to be alone, dear Mother. I will always and forever be your child, and so shall you be my Mother forever and until the ends of time itself." I would reassure her with the same lost smile, but filled with kindness and embrace.
It was soon after tens and tens of chats that Marceline was born, and the beauty she was. Long, raven black hair and crimson red eyes, pale skin and sharp eyes. She was quite fair. And I kept my promise, for a great part of her childhood, I had watched over her. I had did a fair share of teaching her, and cooking for her when Mother couldn't (And considering Hannelore's cooking is a gruesome death....). I would take outside the castle and explore, and have her meet the villagers. I would play with her and stay with her most of the time. I saw it as a happy and chipper time of my life, like most of the births of my siblings.
However, Hannelore and Achim tried to get their fair share of bonding time as well. But, their definitions of bonding escalated. Hannelore would lead them into cellars and into obviously-suspicious areas of the castle and kingdom and one of the sisters always got hurt. This had caused me to tell Achim to go with them whenever they went of 'adventures'.
But Achim never helped either. He was still hopelessly clumsy and always managed to cause problems for the group altogether.
However, Achim and Marceline never had much brother-sister time individually. Achim, at this point, was being privately tutored and busying himself with other matters. Which, more than often, was him addressing issues he makes for himself. But when they did spend time together, I reckoned that it was enjoyable, to say the least. I never really observed them when they did. Except Hannelore, she needed to be watched regardless.
But despite their natures, Hannelore and Achim had transitioned into proper elder siblings figures, and though the two had bickered a lot, they had each went out of their way to guide and amuse Marceline. I, of course, usually had the final say in things, but I was still more of the 'Silent and Stoic' character amongst the siblings. I could not recall a dreadful time in this childhood. Achim had become one of intellect and open-minded, while Hannelore had found herself becoming exceptionally... well adjusted. By that, I mean that she always had good judgement. She always guided others down the right path and had a good sense of just, but she was always foul mouthed. And even though she was right, more than often, she would follow it with a 'Told you so!' or 'Of course I was right.' remark. She was still very haughty and prideful but we couldn't complain.
Marceline, of course, had been growing into a lovely young woman. Throughout her lifetime, my Father and Mother had always barraged her in love, while I had been growing into more professional and stricter routines and schedules, usually given by my Father. It was as if our relationship had been degraded into one of boss-and-employee. I, per say, didn't mind this sort of treatment, seeing as it was a birthright and a responsibility that only I could rightfully take on, but it was also a pity that I was slowly growing out of the love my Father had constantly bestowed upon my siblings.
This was the childhood that my Father and I had started to disconnect from our loving relationship, and into more of a do this and do that sort of thing. However, my Mother and I had still remained close and stable.
I could say that Marceline and I had the closest relationship amongst the family, in my eyes. We had always spent time together, and even if it was just sitting somewhere and peeling an orange, it was still memorable.
But all good things must meet their ends, as always. Marceline had come down with an illness, one that was incurable. We didn't know what was wrong with her, but her symptoms had made her disgustingly uncomfortable. Doctors from many lands had came in her aid, but there was nothing they could do. We weren't certain if it was fatal or not, or if it was more around the lines of severe allergies, but all we could do is mourn.
However, I could not. As sad as I was, I couldn't be the weaker one here, and always treated her the same, despite her illness. I would peel fruits for her, and do simple tasks for her, and sneak her out of the castle when she wasn't allowed. I loved her so much, and I feared that I was hurt the most to hear that she was ill. And that she was suffering.
But, I continued to watch over her and my siblings, but despite the illness, we all had happy childhoods.
Late Adolescence (17-20, Birth of Leni & Katerina)
Oh boy... where to begin with these two?
My Mother had just given birth to to twin sisters, Katerina and Leni, who were both troublemakers to their respective limits.
During My Travels...
I was an adult, and had been residing in near and far villages from all across the lands. I had many memories of these villages and the villagers within it. Some were groups of hunters and huntresses, some were villages of farmers, some were towns and gatherers. And from a vast and diverse amount of villages, I had collected skills and knowledge.
I was more of a wanderer than anything, and would always come back to a particular village where this elderly lady, who ran an orphanage, would let me stay in her home. Her name was Rosaline, but the kids would always call her Mama Rosa, or Auntie Rosa. It was more particularly found in different age groups that determined what the kids called her.
But, I found a home in that village. A second family. At first, I didn't dare interact with the children, I felt as if a outside like I should not be associated with them. So like my younger self, I would watch, and I would wonder. Eventually, the kids themselves managed to just force me into playing with them. I initially did it out of politeness, who was I to reject a child's request of play? Soon, I grew close to them. All of them.
"Mister Anicetus! You came back today! Play with me and Marx!" Some would ask me.
Some would ask "Teach me how to read, Isaac!" or "Teach me how to cook, Isaac!". I remember their smiling faces, eager for learning. None of them were educated in anything. Some of them didn't even have names. So I named them myself. I was like... an older brother.
It was in those moments that I remember that I remember how truly selfish and pitiful I was. They were not just children I watched over, but people I used as comfort to recover from my little sister's death. If anything, they were my happy place. But I felt no shame in it. In such a use. I still cared for them.
Rosaline was quiet, she had long, grey-white ragged hair that was tied up into a bun. She would always sit on the porch to the orphanage and sway back and forth of her rocking chair, weaving things like quilts and children's clothing. If I was not teaching these kids, or playing with them, I would be on that porch with her, drinking tea that she had taught me to make. She didn't speak at all, and sometimes I was convinced it was due to a disability. In all honesty, her eyes did fail on her. She was blind, but she only gave me one worded answers when I spoke to her. I didn't mind it at the time, I figured she was just a quiet old woman. But... even so, she taught me many things. About bonds, and relationships. If I remember correctly, she would speak to me softly, in a hoarse voice.
"Little Isaac, why don't you play with the children? They're quite fond of you, ever since you arrived here at the village." She would ask me.
"It's a nice, cool morning, Rosaline... I prefer to use my own time for my own things during hours like these." I would reply, but then she'd say things like this...
"Just how grass and bark should not be ignored in surviving the woods, children are only children until they are gone." And then she'd go silent again.
At the time... I didn't really understand what she meant, I just silently nodded and went back to my own business. But it was through these little riddles that we became so close. She taught me how to knit, how to care for children's needs, how to cook, and many skills that could be useful for caring for children and other people in general. I wasn't sure if I'd really ever need these skills.
I spent several months in this village, until I left it to learn how to fight amongst the village of hunters and huntresses. They were quiet people, and lived efficiently. It was less civilized if anything, but they taught me well. It is where I learned to use a large arsenal of weapons. Gunnery, swords, spears, daggers, tonfas, and other diverse weaponry...
It wasn't memorable for their kindness, but for their brutality. No one dared to mess with them. But they were more or less peaceful people. And I learned how to protect myself and others because of them. I was specifically taught under their leader, Aristochus. And he taught me well. He was quite the odd fellow, and didn't speak much. I couldn't tell if he was disciplined and cold-hearted or just stubborn with his feelings. But I wasn't there to get to know him, we had more of a teacher-student relationship. But it wasn't like I had many other relationships different from that. Now, the village authorities were merciless people, let me tell you that. The law was the law, and you'd follow it or you'd follow execution's footsteps. They weren't strict rules, and weren't controversial, just simple to-do laws.
Aristochus, proven not to be some cold-hearted teacher, began to open up to me after several months of personally training me.
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