*Flashback 12 years earlier*

"And then he emerged from the shadows in his long feathery cape."

A five year old Allison stared up at her aunt with wide wondering eyes, picturing the magnificent cascade of feathers.

"I looked at him and I told him to give me Toby back!" She rose her voice to theatrically macho tone.

"Daddy!" Allison exclaimed at the mention of her father's name.
Toby himself along with his wife Heather worked in the kitchen with silent smiles on their faces at hearing their sister entertaining little Ally so successfully.

"And the goblin king told me to beware! That he could be very cruel..." Sarah said in her most menacing voice. That goodness for her high school years of drama club.

Allison shrunk back in fear at the words. She had heard the story a hundred times... But she never failed to fear for her aunt.

"Then he summoned a crystal that held all my dreams and wishes, and the king begged me to exempt his gift." She explained, wiggling her fingers mistily in front of her niece's face."What do you think Allison? Should I take it?" Sarah taunted.

"No aunty! Don't take it!!" Ally shouted in desperation, valiantly attempting to protect her.

Sarah suppressed the burst of laugher at her little niece's enthusiasm.
"I refused his gift... And I said.... the right words." She whispered to her as if the right words were the greatest secret ever kept.

"I wanna say'm!" The five year old bounced excitedly, jumping up and positioning herself in the middle of the living room so her aunt could better see her performance.

"Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered... I have fought my way here to the castle beyond the goblin city... For my will is as strong as yours... and my kingdom as great...." Pause for dramatic effect.

"You have no power over me!!" She quoted dreamily.

Sarah, Toby, and Heather all clapped and cheered her on through her grand finale.

"And daddy came back and everybody was happy." She declared, finishing the story with a victorious smirk.

Sarah opened her arms wide to her as she ran into them.
"Great job kiddo!" Sarah praised, squeezing Ally's sides gently, causing her to jolt in her aunts arms with a fit of giggles.

"Are you staying for dinner girl?" Heather asked happily, pulling another load of food from the fridge.

"Wish I could, but I'm meeting up with some coworkers in town. I just came by to give Ally a little something."

Allison lit up at this and squirmed in excitement. "But it's not even my birthday." She forced out beneath the fists clamped at her mouth.
"It's an early present." Sarah winked, reaching for her satchel.

Ally and her parents watched curiously as Sarah pulled a small, red leather bound book stamped with elegant gold print, and handed it to the excited little girl with a kind smile.

"Lab-rrrrr....ynittthhh." Allison sounded out carefully.

Sarah's smile widened as she nodded encouragingly.
"That's right, Labrynith."

"Oh Sarah, you didn't have to-" Toby assured her, knowing how much the little book meant to her.

"Don't worry bout it, I want her to have it."