Alex knew that there was going to be a point in his life where he could no longer run from his past.  It was something that he had, of course been doing for so long that he couldn't really recoignize when he was doing it or not.  The one thing that he knew he couldn't keep avoiding was his daughter Ciarra.  It was Tamis that had first brought it to his attention.  Ciarra was being considered to be held back a year, basically kept on as a trainee a year longer than the others.  She had told him that his daughter was afraid of failure.  Alex knew that it was more complicated than that but he considered most of that his own fault.

The reason his daughter didn't want to fail was because of him.  She wanted him to see how good she was and most of all be proud of her.  But Alex was.  He had no idea what he was going to do, but he had requested that Ciarra meet with him in the Auror Training Room.  Not nearly as big as the actual training grounds that was off of Ministry, this place was more or less used for some of the field testing.  Which was coming up just around the corner.

He had been breifed by Marcus about her training.  So he had somewhat of an idea on what he would plan to talk to Ciarra about.  However, the main purpose of meeting her was to give himself a launching pad.  A way to hopefully start fixing the problem that he had created.  And perhaps finally be apart of his daughters life and even make Ariella proud.  It was after his meeting of Moira Randall that had got him thinking about all of this.  It was strange that meeting some people would be so inspirational to actually make someone motivated to change a part of their life.  But he had no idea how this day would go.

Nervous was an understatement.  But he had a gut feeling that this had been the right decision.  And whenever he had one of these feelings, he never dismissed them.  After all his instincts hadn't failed him yet.  Well, at the very least they hadn't gotten him killed.

Ciarra stood at the door of the training room staring at the door knob.  Not even sure if she should go in.  Then again it wasn't like she could just blow off a summons from the Head of Magical Law Enforcement.  Regardless of the fact that he was her Father, he could suspend her for insubordination for not complying.  She wasn't so sure as to why she was so nervous, but something about this felt so much different than the other times he called her.  The last time he had talked to her was at the debriefing of Kingstreets trial and he had extracted her memory of the trial. 

Her Father was really good at keeping that emotional front up and making sure everything was Professional between them.  But this.  No, this had a much different feeling to it, and it didn't just worry her.  It scared her.  She wondered why they couldn't just talk in his office.  Why did it have to be the training room?  Her training schedule had been crazy lately, between her usual drills by Senior Auror's and her training with Marcus, it kept her constantly exhausted.  However, today she was feeling rather energetic.  Even if most of that energy at the moment was focused on being nervous.

Gathering her confidence, she took a deep breath and then exhaled it slowly, attempting to imagine the tension and nervousness leave her body.  It was a simple technique that she used to great effect.  It was a normal meditation technique that she picked up from her martial arts.  She wondered for a moment how much her Father had to use it in preparation for this.  She took the door knob and then entered the room.

Her Father stood across the room in his usual all black attire.  Ciarra suddenly was very aware of the fact that she was wearing all black as well.  Though she was wearing her favorite black lace shirt with a black tank top over it.  It was her typical outfit, but there was no mistaking that she had gotten her taste in all black attire from her Father.  She wasn't sure how that worked but she did her best not to dwell on the subject.

"Father, you called for me?" she asked nervously.  There was no point in too much formaility.  Calling him Department Head Belisario just sounded weird to her.  And aside he was still her Father first before anything else.  At least that was what she thought.  He turned towards her and her heart inexplicitly began to beat faster.  She had no idea what this was all about...but she had a deep feeling that it was important in one fashion or another.

"Father, you called for me?"

Regardless of how many times he heard his daughters voice, it never seemed to sink in that it was from Ciarra.  She had a soft and sweet voice, much like how Ariella's had been.  But it was very much Ciarra's own voice and she definately had times where she was neither soft or sweet but that was to be expected when someone was working as an Auror.  He wondered what the thoughts that his daughter was having about this whole situation with him and her, especially his sudden wanting to meet with her with no explained reason.  And he could certainly feel the confusion in the air, but also felt a tinge of curiosity.  He had to stop himself from using his Legilmency from going further.  That was a line he would never cross on his daughter.  He didn't want to freak her out by looking around in her mind.

Slowly he turned towards her, and could feel Ciarra become even more uncomfortable than she already was.  That wasn't really a bad thing, it meant she had a feeling that something about this meeting was different than when he summoned her to his office.  That was good, at least her instincts were sharp and keeping her on her toes.  However, looking over his daughters training schedule made him wonder if all of it wasn't making her paranoid.  A little paranoia in the field wasn't a bad thing.  But it also could make you lose your focus on your task, so it definately had its bad sides.

"Ciarra, I heard that your training schedule has been cranked up a couple notches," he started thinking it was good place as any.  "I wanted to talk to you directly about the reasoning why everyone has been pushing you so hard.  So how about we start with what you think.  Tell me, from everything that you have been experiencing from your new training regiment, what do you believe is the reason people are pushing you?"

It was one way to break the ice.  Although he wasn't sure if it was the best way.  Talking directly about the issue could cover as to why he was here, as technically it was Tamis' responsibility to see to it.  But it was his daughter and if he could help work through it, and perhaps prevent her being held back a year then he had to do what he could.  Though it was pretty ridiculous considering he had pretty much avoided all interaction in his daughters life.  Ciarra would no doubt be really nervous about her Father choosing to take an interest all of a sudden.  However, there was no easy way to doing so.

"Ciarra, I heard that your training schedule has been cranked up a couple notches,"

She merely nodded at this.  Ciarra knew that her training and progress would of course be shown to Alex.  As he was the one that did the yearly review for basically everyone in the Magical Law Enforcement Department.  So it should surprise her that he knew about her new training she had been doing.  Or her session with Marcus had also been told to him.  But her heart didn't slow its pace or did she feel any less nervous about talking about it.  But before she could come up with a reply her Father had started talking once more.

"I wanted to talk to you directly about the reasoning why everyone has been pushing you so hard.  So how about we start with what you think.  Tell me, from everything that you have been experiencing from your new training regiment, what do you believe is the reason people are pushing you?"

His words caused her heart to race even more.  Was he really taking an interest in her?  Did he really care about how her training was going?  And more so was he actually trying to help her?  Ciarra wasn't sure her heart could take this at the moment.  But she couldn't just run away from him.  No if there was any chance that her Father did care...that he wanted to help her then there was no place else in the world than she wanted to be.  She wanted to dance with joy...at the satisfaction of knowing that her Father wanted to help her to succeed.  Yes!  This was what she wanted, right?

It took all of her to shove that down as she focused her mind on her training and to give her Father the best answer that she could.  She knew the real reason for the most part.  It was her reason's behind her becoming an Auror that were being questioned.  But that wasn't the sort of thing she felt she could openly discuss with her Father.  No, if her Father was trying to help her, telling him that most of the reason was him wouldn't be good.  Though she didn't want to say it was his fault...she would never pin the blame on anyone other than herself.

"I've learned a lot since my new training started.  I know that I depend far too much on my knowledge and because of that my reactions and reflexes are slow because I spend too much time thinking.  Most of it has to do with the fact that I haven't gotten to a point where I can just react.  I shouldn't have a problem with it because I do take martial arts.  And that is all purely based off of reacting to your opponent and not thinking, " She surmised knowing that it was only a small portion of the truth.  When it came to dodging and close quarters combat it was not an issue, but add in her wand and it just felt awkward.  She was no where near the level that her Father was.  He could go between his wand and martial arts as if they were one style all together.

She hoped that would be a good enough answer for her Father.  Her heart was still racing and she had to suppress a smile.  Not realizing that just this little bit from her Father made her feel so good about herself.

He couldn't help but notice the change in Ciarra's mood as he had finished talking and it dawned on her exactly why he was here talking with her.  In the past he probably would have just yelled at her and dismissed her.  Which is probably why she had been so hesitant on coming in originally.  But he could feel how hard she was trying to keep her emotions in check.  She wasn't as experienced in that department as say, himself.  He had been doing that for all too long, and mostly from her.  Hell, he had to stop himself from smiling knowing that just this had made Ciarra somewhat happy.  Except the glaring throught that stopped himself from enjoying it was that he sure as hell didn't deserve it.  Alex honestly believed that Ciarra should hate him for his years of neglect.  All because he couldn't man up and admit to himself that Ariella was gone.

Ciarra reminded him so much of Ariella that it had been painful to look at her.  And he was such an idiot because of that.  Alex knew that he didn't deserve any affection from his daughter.  No matter how badly he craved it.  So any happiness he was begining to feel for the moment was quickly snuffed out of existence.  Perhaps he was being too hard on himself, he knew Ariella would probably smack him for thinking like this.  But he couldn't help it.

"I've learned a lot since my new training started.  I know that I depend far too much on my knowledge and because of that my reactions and reflexes are slow because I spend too much time thinking.  Most of it has to do with the fact that I haven't gotten to a point where I can just react.  I shouldn't have a problem with it because I do take martial arts.  And that is all purely based off of reacting to your opponent and not thinking."

He nodded after a moment, sensing her different reactions as she spoke.  He could feel that there was more to it than that, but within itself it was definately something that needed to be worked on.  Marcus had noted to him that after a certain point her instincts took over, so really the problem was getting those instincts to kick in a lot sooner.  That was something that took experience and training in her body.  Mostly because she never had the opprotunity to practice both at the same time.  Ciarra most likely had put her witch life and martial arts life almost in different sections away from each other.  Basicall when she was one thing, she wasn't the other.  So her body acted differently depending on her task.  So the real issue was forcing her body to use both.

There was, of course, Ciarra's fear of failing.  And no doubt that fear would double in the presence of her Father.  So it was exactly the environment that she needed to train in.  This was something that both he and Marcus had agreed upon.  Not only that but being with his daughter was a challenge for him.  So it was a test not just for her but him as well.

"There are a few things to keep in mind the moment you feel you are in the midst of a potential opponent.  Analyze first, your surroundings.  Do I have an escape route?  Is there any way I can use higher ground?  You want to do this because the first moments in a fight is always about position, especially in a duel.  The second is build a rapid profile of your potential opponent.  Is he strong? Where is his wand? How close is he to an escape route?  Does he look like the sort to attempt to escape.  Though you do not have the use of Legilemency you can make several assumptions based on several factors," he paused and motioned for Ciarra to come further into the room.

"Is he tense?  Does he look nervous?  Look at how he is standing or sitting.  Does he notice you?  How is he looking at you?  These are all factors you need to consider when deciding your own actions.  But lastly consider yourself.  Are you injured, fatigued or mentally stressed?  Realize your own limitations and then compare it with what you can tell of your enemy.  These observations can save your life more times than anything else.  With experience and training you should be able to do all three of these things at the same time and in the matter of a few seconds.  It is absolutely vital that your observations take as little time as possible in case you are attacked.  Remember, your opponent cheats," he said and allowed himself a smile.  He knew that all of this was simple enough to realize in theory, but it was practice that showed off its true importance.

"This is only the first step.  Now with everything I have just said, tell me exactly what is some of the reasons that these observations stand to gain you,"  Alex was getting much more comfortable with the situation the more he talked.  And that was definately a good thing.  Perhaps he would be able to be a teacher to his daughter.  This was also probably the most he had talked to her since she was twelve.  That fact was certainly not lost to him in his thoughts.

Her Father said nothing for a moment, and instead just looked at her.  It made her feel tense and very uncomfortable.  A part of her was screaming for her to run, feeling like her Father was about to just yell at her and reject her once more.  Something that she wasn't sure her heart could take anymore.  Regardless of how badly she wanted him to see her, she couldn't force it...could she?

The moment her Father spoke caught her off guard.  He continued as if giving a lecture.  No he was giving a lecture.  One that was meant to teach her, to help her improve as an Auror.  Her Father was helping her!  She couldn't hide the glow that spread through her, or the smile that would most likely seem to her Father glued to her face.  This was it.  Everything she had sought and now he was giving her attention.  Not only that but actually took notice of her problems and went out of his way to talk and teach her on how to improve.  Ciarra was incredibly happy.

It took all her concentration not to just burst into tears.  She was that happy about this moment.  But there was no way she would ruin it by getting that emotional.  Well at least as long as she could hold out against the beating of her heard and just how much she wanted to hug her Father.

"This is only the first step.  Now with everything I have just said, tell me exactly what is some of the reasons that these observations stand to gain you,"

"Yes, Father!" She replied happily and thought over his words for a moment.  "Careful observation as you enter situation can give you some instant advantages from the get go.  Such as having a quick route to cover in case of spontaneous attack.  Also knowing where to manuever in case of ambush or any other trickery that your oppenent might have."

Her smile did not fade as she continued, "Even though your observations of your opponent may be quick and informal it may also give you the advantage in combat.  Noticing any physical disabilities could give you knowledge to take advantage of, such as an injury or even fatigue.  Also if you can determine the type of person that they are could help you determine how he might start a duel."

She thought of the last part of what he had said for a moment, "Knowing yourself is probably the most important thing in any situation.  It lets you know if you are physically or mentally capable to handle anything that might happen.  It should always be one of the things you take into account when approaching any situation.  But that you should always exercise caution as anything can go wrong."

"With enough experience I'm sure one might be able to walk into a room and know their escape route, perhaps two different ones.  Know the potential routes and actions of the threat and if you, the one in the situation is capable of handaling it.  And if not figure out the best way to get out of it," Ciarra finished smiling at her Father.  She couldn't suppress the ordeal and a few happy tears escaped her eyes.  "I'm sorry Father.  I don't know why I'm crying."  She said softly and wiping the tears away.  Of course, she knew why and her Father probably knew too.

Her answers hit on the majority of the points he wanted her too.  There was a lot to being an Auror that a lot of people never initially saw or expected.  It was also how a lot of those young Auror's got killed.  And it was also why they were a lot harder on their trainee's than they had been a long time ago.  He had been hard on Tait when he had trained him.  But even as gifted as Tait had been, didn't help when going against multiple Dark Wizards.  Though he had fended them off for quite some time.  Still after that, Alex had never tooken it upon himself to train anyone, much less his daughter.

Yet here he was, intending to help train his daughter, knowing that it was something that he needed to do.  For himself, Ciarra and his wife who would probably punish him immensely once he reached the after life.  But that was a different topic all together.

His daughter seemed to glow as she answered, and it made him feel guilty with every second.  To think that he had driven his daughter so far away that this would cause her to be so happy.  Just to be able to have a moment like this with her Father.  Alex knew he was a horrible Dad.  So he wasn't sure why Ciarra craved his attention so.  But wasn't he making it worse by turning away from her?  She had a scar that he had created and every day he made it bigger and deeper.  Alex knew he had to stop this, even though he knew he did not deserve the love that his daughter freely gave to him.

"I'm sorry Father.  I don't know why I'm crying."

He saw the tears run down her face and she quickly pushed them away, but only more replaced them.  She knew why she cried.  And it was all his fault.  How could he have done this to her for so many years?  What was the point of making the world a safer place for his daughter, if he couldn't even make her happy or feel wanted?  No, he could not be that man anymore.  After what Tamis had said...after what Moira had said.  Everyone could see how much he loved his daughter.  He was an idiot to think that they couldn't.

He stepped forward, "No, Ciarra.  We both know why."  Without allowing time for himself to retreat he wrapped his arms around his daughter.  "I'm the one who is sorry."

"No, Ciarra.  We both know why."  Without allowing time for himself to retreat he wrapped his arms around his daughter.  "I'm the one who is sorry."

"Fa...Father?" Ciarra's voice was shaky as she felt as if she was dreaming.  It had to be a dream.  Was her Father really hugging her?  The tears she was fighting so hard to keep at bay became more and more, her heart pounded fast and she didn't know what to do.  Slowly she put her arms out and around her Father.  When her Father didn't pull back she remained still, thinking that at any moment she would wake or her Father would realize his mistake and pull away.  So out of fear of losing this she held on tight to him, more so than she had ever as a child.

Did she finally get her wish?  Did she get her Father back?  Was he going to love her again?  Did she finally show a reason to be loved?  Why was she questioning it?  Shouldn't she just be so happy that she finally had her Father?  But she was so scared, scared of this moment fading, afraid that this was all she would ever get.  She held on to her Father as if her whole life depended on it.  She let herself be surrounded in his warmth, and suddenly those thoughts began to wash away as her Father gripped her tightly back.

Her tears turned into sobs as she held on to him.  She could feel his arms move around her and could feel them protecting her.  This was what she had wanted...what she had sought so hard to get.  There was no place safer in the world than in the arms of her Father.  Her sobs weren't out of sadness though...frustration, and pent up years of anguish and longing came pouring out of her.  But she was also happy.  There couldn't be words that could accurately describe all that she was feeling.

"Daddy, I love you," Ciarra said as she held on to him.  Saying a phrase that she had not uttered since her Mom had died.  This had been the first time she could say it in 14 years.  What happened from this point on, mattered very little to Ciarra.

"Fa...Father?"

He wasn't surprised by the sound of her voice, and knew that she had more than every right to reject him especially after the years he had rejected her.  But he felt that she was more worried about him pulling away, and then her thoughts began to race more and she hugged him tightly as if the next moment he was going to disappear.

Alex held her close as his daughter began to cry.  It was a lot of pent up emotions that were all now coming out.  He wished he was capable of letting go and crying himself, but this was his daughter and for her he had been strong all these years.  He remembered what had happened after Ariella died.  He spent days crying at home...and he knew that it had been hard for Ciarra to see that.  He never really recovered.  Though despite himself a few tears did escape as he held his daughter.

Oh how he had longed to be able to do such for a long time.  To be able to hold his little girl again.  It gave him a smile as he held on to her tightly.  The familiar warmth of her daughter made it harder not to come to more tears.  He had not been this happy in quite some time.

"Daddy, I love you,"

"I love you too, my little princess," Alex whispered back softly and felt Ciarra cry a bit louder than before.  And he let a smile come to his lips.  No he didn't feel like he deserved it, and maybe he didn't.  But regardless of the past his daughter still loved him, still loved being his daughter.  And still wanted to be his little girl.  He was sure most girls her age had already stopped even talking to their parents...had gotten married and all of that.  Ciarra was walking a similiar path that he had at her age.  The only difference was that he had Ariella.  And if there hadn't been Ariella, he wasn't sure he would have ever found someone to spend his life with.  He had been lucky in that regard.

The two stood in the room in silence for the next several minutes.  Alex pondered his past that had led to this situation happenning, waiting for his daughter to let out all her emotions.  No matter how long it took.

"I love you too, my little princess,"

Those words caused her tears to come harder than they had previously.  She lost herself in the tears and found herself clutching on to her Father just as she would so many years ago.  And it was like she was a little girl all over again and this was something that should have happened so long ago.  Time slipped by, and she wasn't sure exactly how long she stood crying, but eventually her tears did begin to slow and she did begin to regain a semblance of composure.  Wiping the last of her tears away she relunctedly broke the hug from her Father but kept her eyes looking at the ground.

"There is so much I want to say to you, but I don't think this is the place for that," Ciarra said softly.  She knew that there was also the chance that anyone could be coming in to the Training room at any point...and the last thing she wanted for her Father was any possibility of rumors to start.  Though she couldn't be sure as to what those rumors could be.  Still it was better to be safe and leave for discussions for another time. 

She focused her breathing for a moment and hung on to this memory...feeling all that frustration completely disappear from inside of her.  She was happy.  So incredibly happy that she wasn't exactly sure if she was going to be able to focus enough to get any reasonable training done.  But after a moment she was more than able to, though a smile seemed permanently stuck on her face.

"We should get back to my training.  I know you had a lot to cover," she said smiling at her Father.  She had butterflies in her stomach simply because it felt so strange in a way to be in this situation.  She finally had her Father's eyes looking at her.  Ciarra finally felt like Alex's daughter once more.