Muirin+Dorcha

The Questions
Date this form was created:

Muirin Dorcha
 *  Full name of Character: **

"Muirin" is Gaelic for "born of the sea," while "Dorcha" is Gaelic for "darkness." Since Muirin's region is a region specializing in water powers, and has faced a lot of turbulence over the past few thousand years, I found this name fitting.
 *  Reason, meaning or purpose behind the name: **

The only nickname Muirin has is "Mary" because "Muirin" was hard for her little brothers to say.
 * Nickname/Reason For Nickname: **

Muirin is white, and of Celtic descent.
 *  Race: **

Muirin works in a mine. She mines semi-precious stones (with little success) that are indigenous to her island. Her family is very poor, and she works very hard to feed them.
 *  Occupation/class: **

Lower class
 *  Social class: **

Physical Appearance:
19
 * Age: **

She appears her age, but she looks tired and worn out.
 *  How old they appear: **

Grey
 *  Eye Color: **

None
 *  Glasses or contacts? **

Darker, dirty-blonde hair, given a darker, somewhat gray appearance from working in the mines all of the time. She usually wears it in a French braid to keep it out of her face.
 *  Hair color length and style: **

Muirin stands at 5'3", but she carries herself as though she is much taller. She is underfed, and therefore very skinny. She makes sure her brothers have enough food before she eats, so she is malnourished.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Weight and height: **

Very thin, and wiry. She has some muscle from performing heavy physical labor, but the fact that she doesn't get all the nutrients she needs prevents her from developing muscle.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Type of body (build): **

She has fair skin, she freckles easily when there is sun (not often). She is extremely pale, and no matter how much she washes her face, it always has a slight gray tinge from being in the mine all day.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Skin tone and type (i.e., harry, slimy, scaly, oily, fair, burns easily): **

She has a thin, heart-shaped face with high cheek bones
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Shape of face: **

She often has bruises from rocks falling on her at her job, and as a result of her father's ugly temper when he drinks. She has a scar under her right eye from when her father struck her with a frying pan.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Distinguishing marks (dimples, moles, scars, birthmarks, etc.): **

The scar on her face is very evident. Her eyes are also very large.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Predominant feature: **

She is underfed.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Is s/he healthy? **

See above.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> If not, why not? Or why are they healthy? **

No, she is too thin.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Do they look healthy? Why/why not? **

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Favorites:
Blue, she thinks the ocean on a sunny day is the most beautiful blue in the world.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Character’s favorite color: **

Grey - it reminds her of storms, the mines, and her own eyes that are so like her father's.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Least favorite, why? **

She likes traditional celtic folk music, particularly ones that tell stories about legends from her region.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Music? **

She likes almost all music, except for the flute. She thinks it's a fragile sounds, and she hates things that are fragile.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Least favorite music, why? **

She'll eat whatever she can get ahold of. You will when you're that hungry.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Food: **

She doesn't have time for books, as she has to work all the time, but she does enjoy reading. She likes reading legends and myths.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Literature: **

She's is very soft-spoken, but not because she is timid, more because she believes that when one is silent, they can learn about the world around them. She does not believe in chatting aimlessly, everything she says is with purpose. Because of this, she doesn't really have a catch-phrase or expression.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Expressions: **

She is careful not to curse, particularly around her brothers. If she is injured in the mine, she will say "cac" which is Gaelic for shit.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Expletives (curse): **

She walks. Everywhere.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Mode of transport: **

Muirin doesn't have time for hobbies, as she works from dawn until dusk in the mind. She goes home at night, feeds and plays with her brothers, puts them to bed, and then tries to sleep herself.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Hobbies: **

Well, it's a little more miserable, but just like every other day. Especially since it's often rainy in Arlyn.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> How do they spend a rainy day? **

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Personality:
Muirin is very cautious, as she knows that she is the only one who will care for and provide for her two younger brothers. Her father is a useless drunk.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Are they a daredevil or cautious? **

She is somewhat more vulnerable when she is alone. She never cries in front of anyone, but when she is alone at night, she weeps due to stress and a general sadness.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Do they act the same alone as when with someone? **

She bites her fingers until they bleed, particularly when her father is around. He hates it.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Habits: **

Muirin never drinks alcohol. Only water.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Drinks: **

None.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> How much: **

**Greatest Strength:**
She is a hard-worker and she cares fiercely for her brothers. She is very determined- She is pushed often, but never broken. She is able to see abnormally well in the dark because of working in the mines, she has great instinct, and is good at solving puzzles.

Her brothers - She would sacrifice herself to take care of them, and put herself in harm's way to defend them.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Greatest Weakness: **

Her father broke her left wrist when she was five and it never healed properly. It causes her a lot of pain on a daily basis, especially when it rains.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Soft spot: **

She hides it well.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Is their soft spot obvious, why/why not: **

She doesn't show it when it hurts her, never complaining.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> If not, how do they hide it: **

She is afraid that her father will hurt her brothers all of the time. This fear keeps her awake at night.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Biggest Vulnerability: **

**<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Background: **
<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">The towns in Arlyn aren't named, they instead are numbered. She lives in #23.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Hometown: **

Muirin's mother had been sick since Muriun was born, she died giving birth to the twins when Muriun was 10. Her father hasn't been the same since Muirin's mother fell ill. He began getting drunk every day, and gradually just started drinking more and more. As he started drinking more and more, he started hurting Muriun more and more. She hid it from her mother, as to not upset her. When Muirin's mother finally passed, her father hurting her got even worse. She takes the brunt of it, so that the twins will not have to go through it.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Type of childhood: **

Her first memory is her mother telling her ancient myths and braiding her hair.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> First Memory: **

Her mother's death.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Most important child hood event that still effects him/her: **

It effected how her father treated her, and made her feel like she was truly alone in the world. Though she has her brothers, whom she loves dearly, she cannot confide in them or go to them for advice. She has no one.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Why? **

Muirin's mother taught her how to read, write, and do math. She never had any traditional schooling. It's not required in Arlyn.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Education: **

Raised Catholic, but she doesn't believe in God.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Religion: **

Extremely poor.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Finances: **

**<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Family: **
Died when Muirin was 10.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Mother: **

She was close with her, but she did not tell her about her father because she did not want to worry her. This is perhaps her biggest regret.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Relationship with her: **

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">A raging alcoholic, unemployed, abusive
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Father: **

She avoids him as much as she can, and protects her brothers from him.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Relationship with him: **

Two younger twin brothers, she serves as the mother that they never had, and protects them from her father.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Siblings, How many, relationship with each: **

N/A
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Children of siblings: **

None
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Other extended family: **

N/A
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Close? Why or why not: **

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Attitude:
When she is alone with her brothers
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Most at ease when: **

When her father is around
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Most ill at ease when: **

Providing for, and protecting her brothers
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Priorities: **

Depend on no one, trust no one
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Philosophies: **

She hates herself for not being able to provide more for her brothers.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> How they feel about themselves: **

One time, when she was late coming home (she was held-up by a road-block), her father struck her brothers. She hates herself for not having been there to stop it.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Past failure they would be embarrassed to admit, and why? **

Her father's death
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> If granted one wish what would it be, why? **

**<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Traits: **
Pessimist, as life has not been kind to her.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Optimist or pessimist? Why? **

Introvert, as she trusts no one.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Introvert or extrovert? Why? **

Her brothers
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Drives and motives: **

She is a hard-worker, and she is very good at putting on a smile and convincing her brothers that everything is okay, when she feels like it is falling apart.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Talents: **

Staying focused
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Extremely skilled at: **

Cooking
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Extremely unskilled at: **

Compassionate, driven, selfless
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Good characteristics: **

She stands up for others over herself, she is too hard on herself
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Character flaws: **

Unless she is saying something she feels strongly about, her sentences come out as questions, even when they aren't.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Mannerisms: **

She hates people who feel sorry for themselves.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Peculiarities: **

See bit about not being there when her father struck her brother
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Biggest regret: **

Not making friends
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Minor regrets: **

She has managed to be the mother to her two brothers for the past nine years.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Biggest accomplishment: **

She has been given several pay-raises in her job, though still not enough to make ends meet
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Minor accomplishments: **

Her father's abuse
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Darkest secret: **

Her brother's have a vague understanding
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Does anyone know? **

They've seen it
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> How did they find out: **

**<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Self-perception: **
Unyielding
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">One word they would use to describe themselves: **

I try so hard to provide for my brothers. I want them to have the childhood that I never had. I look at their big blue eyes, just like my mother's, and I know that they deserve it - every child does. I work as much as I can, but I feel like I cannot provide as much as I should be able to. If I just work a little harder, I know I can be better.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> One paragraph of how they would describe themselves: **

She has a strong back and legs
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> What do they consider their best physical characteristic and why: **

Her wrist, because she sees it as a weakness, and her eyes, because they resemble her father's.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> The worst one? Why? **

She is too hard on herself, she is working as hard as she can.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Are they realistic assessments? **


 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> If not, why not? **

She feels invisible.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> How they think others preserve them: **

She wants her wrist to have healed properly and be strong, she wants to be able to work harder, she wants to have more energy, she doesn't want to resent her father so much.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> What four things would they most like to change about themselves: **

The first three things she wants so that she can accomplish more. The last thing she wants is more of a dream of having a better family. It's unrealistic.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Why? **

The things she wants to change are minor, as she does accomplish a lot and work very hard. She is just being too hard on herself. The piece about her father would definitely change her, but she couldn't not resent him unless he was different.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> If they were changed would they be the same person, why/why not: **

It would make her suffer less pain.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Would changing of number 1 make them more happy? Why/why not: **

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Interaction with other people:
<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">**How do they relate to others:** The only people she can relate to her are her brothers, and she doesn't so much relate to them as she does love them.

Quiet, hardworking, eccentric
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> How are they perceived by strangers: **

She has no close friends.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Friends: **

N/A
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Wife/husband/lover: **


 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> The Hero/Heroin: **


 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> How do they view the Hero/Heroine: **

She is quiet because she has struggled a lot, but you don't know why.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> First impression of the char: **

Her eyes and face show that she has faced hardships, though she tries so hard not to show it.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> why? **

She doesn't let anyone get to know her.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> What happens to change this perception: **

She's is hardworking.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> What do people like most about this char: **

Her silence makes them uncomfortable.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> What do they dislike most about them: **

**<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Goals: **
To provide her brothers with enough food, and protect them from her father
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Immediate: **

To buy her own house, and move far away with her brothers, where her father can never find them.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Long term: **

By working hard and saving money.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> How do they plan to accomplish them: **

Her brothers will benefit, and her father will suffer.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> How will others be effected by this: **

**<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Problems/Crisis: **
She is always calm.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">How do they react in a crisis: **

Logically, when possible.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> How do they face problems: **

Her father being drunk.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Kind of problems they usually run into: **

As any other problems, calmly and logically
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> How they react to new problems: **

Nothing ever changes for Muirin
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> How they react to change: **

**<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">General: **
She wears simple peasant garb, consisting of black pants and a black, loose-fitting top.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;">Favorite clothing, why: **

She hates formal clothing
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Least favorite, why: **

She despises jewelry, except for a locket her mother gave her with her mother's initials engraved upon it
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Jewelry: **

None
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Other accessories: **

She does not drive
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Drives: **

A small hut on the mountain in Arlyn
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Where do they live: **

Anywhere away from her father
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Where do they want to live: **

Muirin only spends the bear minimum, and saves everything else so that she can get away from her father.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Spending habits, why: **

Works, because she feels that she has to.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> What do they do too much of, why: **

The locket her mother gave her, because it's the only item of her mother's that her father didn't throw out.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Most prized possession, why: **

She never puts people on pedestals. They always fall.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> People they secretly admire, why: **

Her father, though in a very negative way. He has made her into her quiet self, afraid to be close to others. His abuse and neglect robbed her of a childhood. He has taught her how to survive though.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Person they are most influenced by, why: **

Her brothers, as they are the only real family that she has.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> Most important person in their life before story starts, why: **

Muirin spent the week working in the mines. She has not found any semi-precious stones in the past few weeks, and she is worried that the mine's supply has been exhausted. This frightens her, as she doesn't know how she will be able to provide for herself and her brothers if that job is lost. She has money saved up to leave her father, and she will use this to buy food if she must, but that will postpone being able to leave her father. Her father is weak, and the alcohol is deteriorating his liver, but he still finds the strength to knock Muirin around. Early in the week he cracked her ribs with a chair for not preparing dinner on time. She calmly stood up and walked away, leaving him, as he passed out on the floor.
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"> How do they spend the week just before the story starts: **

=** BIOGRAPHY (Muirin's Childhood, Up Until the Death of Her Mom): **=

=
Muirin was born the first child to Adare and Alastrina, a mining couple. Her early childhood was as much as anyone could have hoped for, given the region she was growing up in. She could have done with more sunshine, more time to play, and certainly more food, but she was loved dearly by her mother and father. Muirin became particularly attached to her mother, who often told her legends of the old worlds and taught her how to read and write when she got home from working in the mines. Though Muirin's father could be hot-tempered at times, he loved his wife and his daughter. He taught Muirin how to fish and worked to feed her as much as he could, though food was scarce. He said he wanted his little angel to grow big and strong, reminding her that someday he would not be around to take care of her. This day came sooner than either of them could have anticipated.=====

Muirin's mother came home early from the mines one day with a cough. She promised Muirin and Adare that it was nothing, and that she would be back to herself the next day, but she was not. Nor on the day that followed. Nor the day after that. She grew worse and worse with each passing day, becoming confined to her bed. Her hair that had once grown wild in blond curls around her face hung lank, and her eyes lost the fiery edge that they once had. She was dying, but it was very slow - Muirin watched her fade like a flower, losing color and the strength to stand. Alastrina was not the only thing that Muirin was losing.

Muirin's father grew angrier every day, and Alastrina grew more and more sick. Though he tried not to show his dying wife, he had begun to feed his fear and sorrow with ale. Though Alastrina was oblivious, often in bed with a fever, Muirin was not. As her mother grew more and more sick, her father grew more and more drunk. He became useless, passing out every night on the hearth, before Muirin could ask her to tuck her into bed. By the time Muirin was six, she began cooking and cleaning for herself and her father. Perhaps ashamed, Adare began taking his rage out on Muirin.

When Muirin was six and a half, Adare knocked her into the chimney. He had come home drunk again and tripped over one of her dolls. After throwing the doll into the fire, he grabbed Muirin, who was hiding under the table by her frayed nightgown. He threw her onto the ground, and as she scrambled to get away, he picked her up again, trying to throw her in the direction of her room. He misjudged and sent little Muirin stumbling in the direction of the fireplace. She got a foot caught on the hearth, and tripped. Luckily for her, she fell away from the fire, but she bumped her tiny, fair head on the chimney and fell to the ground. Perhaps coming to his sense for the first time in 6 months, Adare picked her up. Though she was scared, Muirin snuggled into him, taking advantage of the first affection her father had showed her in half a year. She slept between her two parents that night, the last happy night she would have for a long time to come.

The next day, everything was back to normal. Adare went to the mines and came home in a drunken rage again. Muirin was up playing with one of her remaining dolls, and ran to hug him when he came in the door. He roughly shook her off, like she weighed as much as one of her rag dolls. He told her to run and make dinner, and if he had to ask again, there would be hell to pay.

After that, there was no more playing for Muirin. At nearly seven years old, she was forced to grow up. She took care of her sick mother during the day, making sure the house was clean, and supper was hot and ready for Adare when he returned home, which was often unpredictable. When she had spare time during the days, she retold her mother the legends that she had told her when she was younger. By the time Muirin was eight, her mother rarely spoke anymore, letting out only barely audible moans and sighs when her daughter spoke to her. Muirin made herself scarce when her father came home, knowing that if she didn't, she would have the bruises to show for it. She often wished she could talk to her mother, let her know how scared she was, but she knew that her mother was too weak to do anything. So she learned to face her problems herself.

She learned not to show weakness, as weakness around Adare was a fatal mistake. There was nothing he hated more than to see her tears. Maybe somewhere in him he felt guilty, though he never showed it. He told her if he saw her crying any more, he'd give her a real reason to cry. He was true to his word the first few times she'd slipped up, leaving her barely able to walk both times. She quickly learned that the temporary relief of tears were not worth the consequences.

Adare got fired from the mines, but luckily for Muirin, he chose to occupy his time in the local pub instead of coming home more. In fact, it was almost the opposite. He spent more time out than ever. Sometimes now he didn't even make it home, passing out on the path home, or even in the pub. He became the laughingstock of the town. The villagers pitied Muirin, the daughter of the drunk father and invalid mother, though no one did anything to get her out.

When Muirin was nine, she discovered that her mother, who barely spoke at all, had become pregnant. Though Muirin did not fully understand what this meant, she knew enough to know that her father had done something awful to her mother, who could barely walk or speak, or hardly find the strength to sit up in bed. She cared for her mother as her belly became more pregnant and swollen,feeding her as much food as she could steal to try and keep her strong. She rubbed her mother's belly with salve at night, and began telling the legends to the unborn child inside her mother, hoping that he or she would be able to hear.

Muirin ended up delivering for her mother when the time came, and Alastrina gave birth to two screaming, flailing twin boys. It struck Muirin as funny, how strong and loud the boys were in contrast to her faded star of a mother. It seemed that they had taken the last life out of her, because Alastrina did not last but an hour after their birth, just long enough to hold the boys in her arms and nurse them once. She displayed more strength than she had in years, as she held her babies, but Muirin knew that it wouldn't last. When Muirin laid the boys down for their first sleep, Alastrina gripped Muirin's hand with a surprising strength. She told Muirin that she was all her brothers had now, and to love them and Adare, and care for them. She gingerly unhooked the locket she'd worn for years around her own neck, and pressed it into Muirin's hand. She kissed her on the cheek, and then lay down to sleep. Except this time she did not open her eyes again.

Muirin wanted to scream and beg her mother not to leave her, to tell her that she couldn't do this alone, but she said nothing. She held her mother's hand until she passed. She calmly took her brothers into the next room, and began to bathe them. Looking into their big blue eyes, she welcomed them into the world, promising them that she would take care of them as if they were her own. She would never abandon them. They were her life now.

In one last hope that her father would come around, she asked him to hold the twins when he came home that night. He would not. He simply told her to keep them quiet, and that she'd better be able to take care of them, because he would have no part of it. Though Muirin knew that she would never have the family she'd had when she was a small child ever again, she did not feel alone anymore. The boys were her family now, and she was theirs. That would be enough.