Mon Chéri

Chapter 3

The rustling of the leaves, the petals floating on by the window. It made this humble abode feel more at peace. The air filled with the scent of the left over tea; the sweet aroma filling the kitchen.

Jeffrey closely studied the house. The numerous herbs hanging from the ceiling above, the hand-crafted ceiling lamps that dangled down with a magical essence within them. The oak looking furniture blended in well with the somewhat darkened walls.

"He really loves to decorate his home. It's very cozy in here..."

He felt safe within the cottage. His heavy boots against the floorboards, eyeing the numerous flower pots, the miniature old fashioned windows. "Hm,  I see why he loves it out here."

Jeffrey could see a clear view of a flower field through the window. The colors brought life to the area, the paregola with the swinging seat in the back, the apples dangling above from the apple tree.

His fingers tips brushed along the doorways. The fireplace within his home neatly fit with his soft looking oak couches, the small coffee table with the fancy coasters and the paintings hanging around.

Jeffrey couldn't help it and softly smiled. "I've...never been inside of a house before. Are all houses like this? Is this how my home looked too? It really is warm and welcoming..."

He gingerly walked over to the coffee table, picking up a book that was left open. Jeffrey flipped through it, the pages making a crisp and gentle sound. His senses tingled at these new sensations he was feeling.

"I've only held a book once in my life. But, it was one I found within a puddle back home. This one seems so...well kept and the words, they're so beautiful. What have I been missing out on my entire life? Have I even lived my life? Who...even am I anymore?"

He chuckled to himself as he placed the book back down, closing it. He held his chest as he felt fuzzy along with his throat slightly scratchy. Jeffrey ignored it and kept walking around, back into the room where he first awoken. It was small, but extremely cozy.

The small shelves stacked with books, stuffed animals and plants. The miniature bed sitting against the wall, the desk tucked away in the corner along with a small little rug.

"I don't know where I'll see. I hope Lord Ark is alright with me sleeping on the couch. It doesn't seem like he has another bed. Has Lord Ark never had a guest? Is Ashanti really his only friend? I wonder why he's so secluded, he seems like a sweet person."

After examining the room. He walked back towards the kitchen, but noticed the light reflecting off of something. "What is that...?" He walked back, raising his hand to block the light.

Behind a painting was another door. It was tucked away neatly and was made to be hidden from sight it seemed. Jeffrey stared at it, gulping heavily in suspicion and tensed a bit.

Can I go there?
Will he be mad?
Is it really right to invade?

Despite his thoughts. He knew it was wrong to intrude if Ark wished to keep this hidden away. But, what if he didn't even know? Jeffrey sighed to himself. "I respect him. I am a guest within his home, but please, Lord Ark. Forgive me for the intrusion. I am just...curious."

His heavy footsteps crept towards the painting. A gentle lift as it unhooked from the door. Jeffrey placed the painting gently against a wall as he turned back to the door. Uncertainty filling his mind, his fingers gripping the doorknob as he turned it, opening the door.

The dust began to fly around as new life rushed into the room once again. He began coughing, swiping at the air as he looked around the room. It was filled with what appeared to be sheet music, an old looking piano, and a bunch of supplies that ranged from gears to springs.

Jeffrey began feeling his body warming up, mostly his throat and forehead as he wiped it. Phew, I'm warming up a bit. It's probably the new environment. He noticed the room was different from the rest of the house.

It was barren, the walls were stripped of their previous paintings, the windows were removed and the room was untouched. He walked over, lifting up a piece of sheet music and glanced over it.

"Seems you're getting accustomed to everything?"

He swiftly turned around in panic and got down on his knees. "P-Please! Lord A-Ark, I was j-just looking! I didn't mean harm or to intrude, I promise!" He heard the light laughter as he looked up to see Ashanti.

"I'm sorry, did I scare you? Don't worry, I won't tell Ark anything. Besides, I'm supposed to be meeting with him soon." She glanced around. "It seems he's already headed off though." She said, heading off.

He sighed in relief, but looked around. "Lady Ashanti! W-Wait!" Jeffrey watched her stop, look back.

"Before you go, may I ask?"
"You may."
"What is this room?"

Her shoes were light against the wood. That's why I didn't hear her. "Ark used to use this room for a variety of things. In fact, he grew up here learning how to play the piano, but the grand piano he has; has been broken ever since." She sighed, folding her arms. "He's an extremely talented individual, the most talented I've seen in ages. Ark has learned to invent things along with produce sheet music."

"He's capable of such things? Lord Ark truly is a mystery with so many abilities, more than I have ever possessed in my lifetime and I am much older than him. He's rather...inspirational."

"I've been looking at his sheet music. Even though, I can't read it, it seems to be utterly beautiful. The words on these pieces of paper. They're something I've never read before! It sounds...mystical!"

His expressions seemed to surprise Ashanti to a degree. Jeffrey was booming with these new experiences, this amazing feeling. He felt like he was learning more and more by the moment by looking at these papers.

"I've heard..." Ashanti said, walking over and looking at these papers. "...It's an ancient language that Ark has been studying. One that's been lost to us for generations and he's been cracking down on it." She picked up an empty canvas, sighing sadly. "He stopped doing these projects and being inspirational. I hope, he finds a way to be inspired again."

"What did she mean by that? Has Lord Ark lost inspiration to do this type of work? But, why? He's absolutely incredible with it! I hope...he finds his inspiration again. I wonder if it's possible to help him?"

"I may have met you and Lord Ark a few days ago, but deep down, within my very soul. I believe that he'll find inspiration again to continue this beautiful work and it'll never go unnoticed."

Ashanti looked at Jeffrey, smiling. "Thank you for your kind words, Sir Jeffrey. It is greatly appreciated and I appreciate you meeting Ark. It's nice to see him get along and hangout with someone else."

"I'm glad I could be of some help. It's much better than how my life was back home! In fact, this is my first time ever seeing a home!" Jeffrey said happily, not realizing he possibly overshared.

She walked out of the room. What did he mean by that? She noticed the clock on the wall. "Oh! I'm going to run late. It was very nice speaking to you, Sir Jeffrey!" Ashanti waved, rushing off.

Jeffrey nodded. "I'll see you soon, Lady Ashanti!" He waved and watched her rush off as he placed the sheet music down.

"I wonder if Lord Ark would appreciate if I fixed this room up for him..." Jeffrey looked around, shaking his head as he walked out, closing the door behind him and gently hooked the painting on the door. "Maybe another time."

As he walked to the living room he felt his body beginning to burn up. Woah, I'm burning up. He slowly began to see his vision spinning, his head dizzy as he looked around. What's going on!?

Unsure of what was going on and with nobody around to check on him. Jeffrey looked towards the door, stumbling. "Lady...Ashanti...!" He pushed himself to go after her in desperation and worry that something would happen if he didn't.