Completed [Darniva Commonrooms] An unusual need for help

[Jehryn Seyfara]

The place was, again, crawling with complete silence. Valorya waited for the return of her mother as she stood behind the small wooden table decorated by potteries,flowers and fabric strips. She was nervous to say the least, her heart was throbbing faster as seconds passed by. The fear of committing mistakes as well as deviating from the tunes in her singing caused her to tremble endlessly which seemed to discouraged her greatly from ever continuing the plans she wholeheartedly worked on from the start. But it was the joy of this day and also Jehryn's help that made her gain confidence. She lately realized that there was no reason to hide in shame if the only thing she would ever do was to make others smile.

The doorknob twisted resoundingly, as the door slowly shoved a small opening for one to enter. It made a creaky sound that made Valorya take in a gulp of her nervousness. She then turned to look at Jehryn who was far behind, leaning near a wall and stared at her. Her eyes rendered a terrified a expression even though she repetitiously told the Kelvic she won't be backing away countless of times. Jehryn then nodded, then striking a gleeful smile towards the Inarta hoping that alone would give her assurance and himself a breath relief from being overly exasperated. Valorya turned her attention back to the door, she then brought her eyes to a close and then breathed deeply before the lyrics of her song sprung out from her breath.

"Your day is here,
Bringing joy all new,
On this special day, Mother dear,
I want to remember you

I can't give you big gifts,
And I've told you this before,
No matter what I give you,
You give back, so much more

I'm giving you a rose,
Gathered in the early morn,
But this rose was the one you've planted,
The day that I was born

In kindly, loving thoughts of you, mother
And with the faith you still impart,
The rose that I will give you on your birthday,
Is the love that's in my heart"

Jehryn was hauled away by the calmness of Valorya's voice. It was absolutely unexpected from someone he had thought would gave a slightly unpleasant singing voice but all of the lyrics were sung beautifully and with an earnest heart to stir her emotions along. His eyes were slightly wide open as perplexed emotions of admiration showered him through.

Valorya managed to open her eyes as she sighted a middle-aged woman wearing a light cloak. She had auburn hair, wavy in texture. A few portions of her face were rooted by wrinkles while a small scar can be seen above her right eye. The woman's eyes were the same as Valorya's: being colored in golden yellow and shimmering with the Inarta's bold heritage. The woman smiled with utter joy as they exchanged looks with her daughter. "Valorya, Why," She then paused as she brought her eyes around place, gazing at every corner to see bright decorations and then the delightful sight of flowers before her. "This is...just too much, my dear child" She felt so happy that even her her thoughts smeared nothing but joy.

Valorya sprung from where she stood. Arms reached her mother's body, pulling in to her embrace. The warmth of her mother gave a comfort that can never be replaced by anything and Valorya waited to embrace her from the days that she couldn't. The very sight of the two made Jehryn be at ease. His heart felt warm and the smile on his face never faded since Valorya sang. "Oh mother," She held her mother with much more affection "There can never be too much when it comes to loving you" After a long embrace and some gleeful chuckles, Valorya released her mother from her tender grasps. Both of them held their attention to Jehryn who seemed to be delighted from viewing behind. Valorya's mother then stared at her with jovial suspicion "Now Valorya, what have I told you about inviting strange men in?" It was one of the questions she prepared to answer and it was as expected to come out from her mother's mouth. Valorya cackled before she could answer "He is a stranger mother," Her voice then shifted into a serious tone with feelings of appreciation sprouting in "But all of these would not be possible without his help. He is a good man" Valorya's mother nodded as she turned to Jehryn and smiled. The Kelvic did feel adulated by Valorya's words but it was best for him not to show his humbleness to anyone. "I thank you dear child for helping my daughter. I hope she didn't gave you much trouble If I suppose" Jehryn grinned sheepishly. "Oh...uh...no..she didn't, actually. It is my pleasure" He was a bit unsure of what he said. Although this whole thing was trouble from the start. At least for me, that is. He thought to himself but overall, he felt as if he was rewarded by seeing the faces he wanted to see on people. Valorya's mother then chuckled.

"Vitari?, Vitari dear. I hear some jolly chuckles. May I join in?" A voice was heard from a distance just outside the hallways. But it was strangely familiar to Jehryn that he slightly shuddered. He then had thought that it was some other associate of Valorya's mother, completely unfamiliar to him though the voice seemed to belong to someone he didn't wish to see. "Who is it mother?" Valorya asked in curiosity. "Oh she's just a friend of mine," She then paused "Come and help yourself in....Arren!" Valorya's mother cried.

Arren? who the.....Arren?!mother?! Thoughts erupted his mind like a the very tips of Mt. Skyinarta. Jehryn sank himself into disbelief, slowly unfolding the words into his mind. Arren. He never thought she could be somewhere near, Was it coincidence? he wasn't yet sure. There might be another woman whose name is Arren, so Jehryn hang his feet steadily to see if he's correct. The door shoved open, revealing a middle-aged woman whose age seemed to revolve at a close gap to Valorya's mother. She had a thick fiery orange hair and eyes that struck fear to the Kelvic's heart. It's her!!!It's truly her!! He spoke in his mind with sheer terror. The woman was smiling as she pulled herself inside. Her sights were first set on Valorya and her mother "Oh my, this is a wonderful surprise. I know I am as old as to remember your birthday Vitari but, Happy Birthday!!!" The woman chuckled merrily and soon, joined Valorya and her mother. But the woman's smile soon ended as she gazed at the decorations and saw what wasn't expected "Jehryn?!!!!" Her faced dropped out a frown. Jehryn sighed and then thought of the worst things that might happen.

[Jehryn Seyfara]

"Mother" Jehryn's voice sounded calm and subtle as he sighed from utter vexation. However, inside his mind were numerous exclamations that never found their way out. He was a bit afraid actually. Afraid of being witnessed by other people from what his mother is about to do. He had no room for being humiliated and certainly not on this day where he sacrificed himself in helping someone. But he was ready for anything his mother was about to do, since disobeying her was one of the biggest mistake he can ever commit.

In the nick of time, Valorya surprisingly stepped in before the woman. Her eyes were colored with an earnest desire to defend a person who just gave her happiness. She stood steadily with her arms held at her back while both of her hands were clutched together. She then took her gaze and tilted it to look at the woman's eyes even though she wasn't giving any of her attention to Valorya. "Pardon me, Mistress Arren. Are you Jehryn's mother?" Judging from how the woman exclaimed, Valorya actually knew that she was. Arren's frown abruptly shifted as she wrapped her face with a friendly expression in the most sudden of times. It was forced obviously, but it was the best thing to do to avoid conflicts between her friend's daughter. "I'm afraid I am, my sweet darling," The tone of her voice sounded terrible. It was obvious to anyone that she was forcing the courteous act. "I'd like to ask you something if you don't mind. Did that person gave you any trouble? Please do tell me in your most honest of words." Valorya took in a deep breath as answers streamed her mind in a very fast pace. But she did know honesty should be present in all of it. "Alright. So first of all, I'd like to apologize dearly. I made him or......uh...forced him to help me," She paused briefly knowing that adding honesty was making herself nervous but nonetheless, she found her courage to continue on. "Go on dear, don't be afraid, let your words flow out" Arren said with her friendly expression slowly fading off. Valorya, again, took a deep breath before letting herself continue "I was afraid and worried that I couldn't finish everything to prepare all of these for my mother's birthday. I know, I'm being selfish for forcing Jehryn to help me but.....But, I see him as a good person, he helped me without complaining. Well, I suppose he did complain at the start but only at that brief moment. I know how terrified he was when you, his mother, would find out that he is skipping your daily tasks for him. And yes, I'm just as selfish as I am for forcing him refuse to return at his quarters. I am terribly sorry Ma'am. I told him that all of these won't be taking too long but unfortunately, it did. And I also want to apologize to him for that one. He is a good person, and I praise you for raising a son who is so generous and kindhearted on helping other people even if they are strangers themselves. I was- Valorya cut her words for a moment to take yet another deep breath. "I was actually planning on letting him go when I realized the help he gave made it possible for me to take care of the rest. But.........I-I felt the earnest effort he was putting in helping me accomplish each and every task. All of it just made me happy that I refused myself on letting him go. And again, I'm sorry for my selfishness. I owe Jehryn a lot and also to you, Mistress Arren for raising him wholeheartedly and making him a good person. Please forgive. I've waited three seasons just to feel my mother's embrace and I can't describe how happy I am to feel it on her special day." Valorya ended. with much of her emotions stirring up. Shedding her tears wasn't an option for her to make but she did eventually though it was just a tiny spark of it and she wiped it right away for others not to see. The Inarta slowly pulled herself down. She then knelt and faced the solid ground with her eyes being brought to a close.

Everything just made Jehryn speechles, even his thoughts died abruptly. Each and every word Valorya spoke made him open his eyes wider. He never thought that his help would give so much joy to two people and he too, felt their joy as all of it cruised towards him. He was happy that he gave people happiness. Perhaps it was something much better from taking credit and naturally spurting his humbleness out like he naturally does. But the things he just saw and felt were entirely different, and it was genuine as he never thought it would be. Plus, he schemed to think intentionally that Valorya was starting to like him. He would laugh sheepishly but he couldn't.

Arren felt the sincerity of the girl. Her forced expression was gone and all she showed was affection and sadness not from the girl's longing desire but to her mother's current condition. She reached her left arm to pat the girl's head as she gave a subtle look at her mother. "Stand up child," She suggested as she brushed the girl's hair delicately. "There is no need to do this. That isn't what call selfishness but surely, you don't need to give something big to your mother because your love for her is enough. And Jehryn," She then paused as he turned her gaze to the Kelvic. Smiling to her heart's content and nodding to give a him a sign that he did well. "My son is always ready to help people. His father and I trained him to do that" Arren then pulled herself down to kneel in front of Valorya. The girl still faced the ground and her eyes were still closed. Arren placed her hands on her shoulders with her eyes
solemnly directed to the girl's even though they were still closed. "There is no need for an apology. My son is glad that he helped you and I promise, I won't scold him from doing it," She then took a brief pause. "I'll tell you something lovely. You and your mother should spend this special day together. Go out, free yourselves from work just this once and I bet she will enjoy it dearly." Arren then uttered a soft chuckle filled with glee. Valorya slowly opened her eyes. The first thing that came to her sights was Jehryn's mother smiling at him. She knew she was kind as her son was and didn't doubt she would ever fail from explaining everything to her. She then reached both of her arms towards Arren and leaned against her body abruptly. Her sudden embrace made Arren's expression jump from its suddenness but she felt the warmth of it after she could feel its tenderness. "Thank you" Valorya said. Arren gave her an exchange of her embrace as she wrapped her arms around the girl's back. "You are most certainly welcome"

-------------------------------------------------------------- oocafter a few bells had rang------------------------------------------------------
Endless chuckles and leisurely conversations brought about a package of noises around the dead hallways where Valorya's quarters were located. At last, it had a bit of life but it didn't took long until all of the noises sank. A few co-workers and associates of the Avoran potter Vitari swarmed the place until time took its toll and they waved their goodbyes and appreciations from having to spend their time around. They all strayed from different directions, either each of them going back to their quarters or to their stations to resume their tasks. Valorya and her mother stood near the door of their quarters and the two waved their hands as they saw their visitors vanish in sight. They went back inside to attend the remaining visitors, Jehryn and his mother.

They were both holding a mug filled with hot tea. Jehryn's mother took one sip at a time with every stop going to either start or resume a conversation. Jehryn, however, never touched his tea. He didn't like the taste of them in general but he was too humble to give an honest refusal and ended himself pretending to take a sip, still he had to suffer. As the last of Arren's tea was sipped, she sprung from her seat to give her thanks to Vitari and Valorya. Jehryn did the same but with a bit of awkwardness present when he turned to Valorya. "Well now, I suppose everything is settled. We thank you Vitari, dear and also you Valorya for the wonderful cup of tea," Arren said with her merry tone exaggerating most of her words "As much as I hate to say this, I'm afraid we should be on our way. Jehryn still has his lessons and I have a few people who I forgot to attend the other day" She then smiled as they slowly paced towards the door. "Do visit here if you have the time. My daughter here would certainly love it if your son visits her again" Jehryn sighed in exasperation as the two mothers exchanged loud hysterical chuckles. The door finally closed as Jehryn and his mother finally waved their goodbyes and stepped out.

For a moment they stayed silent. It was even scarier if it was stirred up on the dead hallways with seemingly no activity observed. But after a few minutes had passed, covering a distance from Valorya's quarters, Jehryn's mother managed to clear her throat. Jehryn expected that he was going to get scolded but from hearing her words, he had little hope that he wasn't going to be. "That girl," Arren paused as she thought of it wondrously. "You like her, don't you?". Jehryn sighed "No mother. I don't" He stated, annoyed at her mother for he knew she was about to start teasing him. "Well she likes you," Arren then stuck herself to the fact but she was eager to confirm things "Oh Jerry, I'm not forcing you to say anything but its alright for me to know how you feel" Jehryn felt annoyed more than he ever was just by being called 'Jerry' just now. He wondered why his mother didn't even bother to mention it despite having numerous conversations with different people. "I just said I don't, didn't I? What else would you like to expect?" He then answered, trying his best not exclaim everything out. Jehryn's mother sighed in disbelief but it sounded though as she wasn't about to give up on asking yet. But then, both of them went silent again with only their footsteps being the most audible sound between them. Jehryn again sighed, deeply. He felt as if surrendering to his mother's 'ridiculous mind games'. "Ok fine mother. You win. I like her. I find her attractive." He admitted with defeat. His mother then exploded into laughter but didn't actually sounded loud as it seemed. Jehryn soon joined her as they both chuckled their way back.

Their laughter was soon brought to an end. Arren's once joyful expression had turned grim. Her eyes shifted into a gloomy state as if there was something bothering her emotions. Her pace slowed down, as her face turned slightly towards the ground. Jehryn failed to notice as he continued on walking. "Look. Jehryn," She said with her voice suddenly saddened by the thoughts smearing around her mind. "I'm going to act as a terrible mother for a while and tell you this. I don't want you to...be hurt, I just wanted things to be settled in your mind so that you won't worry about other people to the point where you would yourself" Jehryn soon felt something was up and he wasn't about to like it. He stopped for a while as he noticed his mother halted. His eyes were open and his face showed a questioned look. He wasn't expecting something that would hit him hard but he had vague feelings lingering around the corners of his heart. "Valorya's mother," Arren took a big gulp before continuing "Doesn't have much to live. Her Illness is at it's dire state. I'm sorry Jehryn. I really really am sorry" For once, Arren thought her son was about to explode from anger. She didn't want him to worry more about people although she did thought selfishly and gave Jehryn a grim reminder that his efforts were just wasted. Still, Arren felt shame from telling the truth but Jehryn didn't reacted violently. He just stood, steadily on his feet as he watched his mother regret every single word she had spoken.

But to Jehryn, it actually meant a lot. It was the time when he saw people smiling and genuinely unfolding their love for each other. It was the bright shimmer of the sun after an endless storm. He realized he couldn't actually do anything about it since it already started happening. But there was something he had done which caused himself to regret it, deeply. And it was himself assuring Valorya that her mother will be alright if she believed, and it will all happen if she did. He felt angry at himself. Its as if his heart was about to burst out from sheer rage. This is was happening again. Seeing people being drowned into sadness just after claiming their happiness. Sure it was painful for Jehryn to hear but every piece of it slowly started to look normal to him. He had seen things alike countless of times and he promised that he would never hurt himself if he would just forget everything and move on. But to do this kind of thing, such as forgetting something like helping Valorya, felt beyond horrible. As he would try to help himself, doing those kinds of horrible things should be a part of it, that way he couldn't feel the pain that is piercing his heart.

"Come mother" Jehryn turned away from his mother and on to the path that they were supposed to walk along. His mother remained on her steady state, regretting about every single thing she had said. "I'm used to it now. And I'll forget it just as I forget every single thing that had hurt me". Arren slowly laid his eyes on Jehryn. She shook her head with such weakness and couldn't just believe what her son just stated. It was sad for her, not only from the grim state of Valorya's mother but also to Jehryn. What he became as of now. But there was a certainty she found where he could still be awoken by someone. Someone who can still open his heart to the acceptance of unhappiness. Arren picked up her pace as she followed Jehryn down the halls.

----END----

[Estrellir Konrath]

Jehryn Seyfara

Skills
Observation +3
Stealth +1
Negotiation +1
Floristry +3
Rhetoric +2
Philosophy +2

Lores
Valorya: Inarta gardener
Help others to help yourself
Floristry: Preserving tulips in fresh soil
Valorya: Good singer
Vitari: Inarta potter
Vitari: Terminally ill

Comments

This was a lovely thread, I especially liked the strong emotions you described. You got one thing wrong though: Floors in Wind Reach aren't cemented, they're usually solid rock. I imagine most are covered in rugs to keep rooms warm. If you've any other questions or concerns, feel free to PM me!

.