A little look into Zeph's past before the Hill. And a reason why she strives for perfection:

The snow traveled in lazy paths around the lone soul that stood on the cliffs edge. Watery eyes glared down at the icey waters as fists clamped around a few fresh lilies. A soft hiccup was the only thing heard other than the crash of waves. This was all happening far too fast for a girl who was barely ten years old. She was gone. The only one she could lean on. The only hand that led her through the dark. Zephyra slowly sunk to her knees and wrapped her arms around her body as shivers raced down her spine. It was here she could unleash her sorrow and let the wind carry away her cries so no one would know. With her head tossed back toward the dark clouds that covered the night sky she let out a wild wail.

The flowers were forgotten in their bed of snow as she released them to grip her shirt. The little redhead tore at her clothing as if to pull the pain from her chest.

"Why? Why?! WHY?!" Her voice rose with each pronunciation. Tears were now freely rolling down her cheeks, marking light red tracks on her pale flesh. She released her body to slam her hands through the snow to beat against the frozen Earth.

"Why did you take her from me?.."

Sobs made it hard for her to breathe and the cold was taking its toll on her young throat, making any word hoarse and miserable.

"I need her."

She picked up on of the lilies and tossed it toward the cliff, watching it's descent before it disappeared into the waters. Just like her. Frozen hands rose to clasp the sides of her head as her mother's last words rung in her ears.

"Sometimes I wonder if you are even mine, silly girl."

Fingers curled in her hair as she shook her head. Her voice caught in her throat and she whimpered softly. How could that be the last thing? This was all so unfair. With a shakey intake of air, Zephy cried out to the sea.

"I am yours! Come back! Please.. please come back. I'm sorry.. I'll try harder. Just please.. come home."

Her head sunk to her chest as her sobs rang out instead of words. This was all her fault. If only she had been the perfect daughter. Done what she was asked instead of secreting away to the stables. Her arms found their way back around her abdomen to hold in the pieces of her that were falling like bits of glass. Let the wind take them away, I'm not worthy. I did this. It's all my fault.

Crimson hues lifted to look out over the sea. Perhaps it would be easier to just follow her. They could be together again and she could show her just how proud she should be to call her daughter. The redhead struggled to her feet, grabbing the last flower on her ascent. A few staggering steps and she was on the edge. Her heart beat faster and her fear of heights kicked into overdrive, crying for her to step back. Instead, the child closed her eyes, clasped her hands around the flower and leaned forward.

"Zephyra!"

The sound was too close. No, they couldn't stop her. Feet left the cliff side, but then her back met against the ground, snow wetting her thin shirt instantly. A weak cry parted her lips and she left her eyes closed tight.

"Zephyra, you silly.. silly girl."

Her body was lifted into a pair of warm arms as the soft voice of her tutor, Bridgette caressed her senses. The woman's words drew another sob from her chest as she threw her arms around the woman's neck. A soft sigh of relief escaped the older woman as she clutched the little one to her chest and turned back to the estate car that brought her here.