by zapdragon555 » 02/13/2015 12:39 AM
"Oh--" Clivius cut off as a howl of wind swallowed up his words, but he'd heard hers loud and clear. He was always careful, going up and down the mountain... but this time, he would be extra careful. Beaming softly to himself, Clivius stared at the waving grass for a moment before gathering himself mentally and walking back the way he came, a tiny spring in his step despite the freezing air making his toes and fingertips numb.
By the time he'd reached the bottom of the mountain, the sky was beginning to fade from black to dusky orange with sunrise. He'd been out all night... and exhaustion was starting to creep in. The light feeling that Freylan had given to him could only go so far before the cold was seeping into his bones and the town was so dull and quiet around him. Clivius stepped onto the porch of the old church that his father and him made their home in, and stamped the dirt off his boots before opening the door--always unlocked--as quietly as he could.
Only to encounter his father humming to himself as he set up the communion table with ornaments. Sylvester stopped short and blinked, turning light grey eyes onto Clivius, his face breaking into a soft smile. "Clivius! There you are; I was worried sick," he murmured, abandoning his task to rush over to his taller son, reaching up to feel his cheeks, forehead, hands. "You're about frozen half to death; let's get you something to drink," he murmured. Clivius was far too exhausted not to comply, and he followed the tug of his father's hand to the back of the sanctuary and through a door that led up to an upstairs floor that served as their shared house. "What were you doing out all night?" he asked after a long moment of silence, his voice holding far less of the cheeriness from before, now only solemn.
Clivius blinked, so taken aback by the sudden question that he'd forgotten how much he was dreading it--and forgotten how to lie. "The woods, father," he mumbled, then blinked, clearing his throat. "I just... wanted to walk. I got a bit lost in thought, I suppose... wanted to clear my head, and all that." Clivius was sat down on the edge of his own bed, watching Sylvester bustle around until a hot cup of tea was produced and placed into his chilled hands.
"Mm. Well, a clear head won't do you much good if you've got pneumonia. Now drink up."
But there will come a time
You'll see, with no more tears
And love will not break your heart
But dismiss your fears
Get over your hill and see
What you find there
With grace in your heart
And flowers in your hair
"Tomorrow will be a good day."Pen | New Pen | Breed | Wish | Sales | Art | Imp. | Add-ons