Tári Anárion: The Loyalty Trials

Chapter 2: The Revelation (Part 2)

Her unseeing steps led her to Fhrodd's home, Jade's ruler, who was waiting impatiently, huddled in a thick, velvety robe. The moment he saw her face as he opened the door, he warmly invited her inside.

"Come in, Tári. Melva and the children are asleep, but we can talk quietly in the living room," he whispered, his tone and expression both heavy with sadness.

He placed a comforting hand on her back, and, after closing the door behind them, guided her to a sitting room adorned with exquisitely carved furniture-each piece crafted by his own skilled hands. There, he offered her a seat by the fire, whose flames cast a warm glow over the room, and then settled himself across from her.

"Tári, I'm truly sorry for what has happened. Your parents..." He choked back a pained sigh. "I held them in the highest regard. They were hard-working, good people, and they loved you more than anything in this world. This... this loss has shaken all of us who already know of their passing. I want you to know that we'll support you in every way we can during these difficult times." He reached across and took her hands, squeezing them gently in a show of comfort as tears once more streamed down her cheeks.

"I appreciate your words, and all your support," she whispered. "The truth is... I still can't bring myself to accept what's happened. They were my life, my every day, and now... they're gone, and nothing feels real." She sniffed and pulled one hand from his to wipe away her tears.

"It's completely understandable, Tári. And experience teaches us that, in moments like these, the support of others is essential. So take all the time you need to accept what's happened and work through the feelings you're carrying. Let us handle the rest. All right?"

"Y-yes, I will." A faint, sad smile crossed her lips, a small gesture of gratitude for his kind words.

"Good." The governor smiled back gently. "Now that I've shared what I wanted to, could I offer you some tea or something to eat? I think something warm might help calm your mind."

"Oh, no, Fhrodd. It's late, and I don't want to take up any more of your time, truly." She waved her hands in polite refusal. "I... I should go home. There's... there's soup there." She pressed her lips together, fighting the urge to cry, and quickly stood up. "Thank you for everything, Fhrodd. I appreciate your kindness, and I'll hold your words close to my heart."

Fhrodd stood as well, uncertain whether to let her leave, but he sensed she needed time alone. Instead, he opened his arms and embraced her briefly. After a moment, he stepped back, looked at her with a steady gaze, and said as he walked her to the door:

"You're very brave, Tári. You were raised well, and I'm certain you have the strength to shape your future, even in their absence. But remember, all your neighbors are like family."

"I will, Fhrodd." One last faint smile. "Good night."

Though the young woman's heart had found some comfort in the company of that old family friend, stepping outside returned her to the harshness of reality, and the journey back home felt endless. As she approached, she couldn't help but realize how much had changed since that very morning: now the fields seemed sinister and lifeless in the dark, and a thick mist curled around her steps, weaving with her slow advance. Then, the gloomy building she had always longed to return to rose before her, imposing and unwelcoming. Trembling, she pushed open the door, and an agonizing creak echoed through the empty depths of the house. The moment it closed behind her, she ran to her room, collapsed onto the mattress, and gave in to a final sea of tears, as everything around her reminded her of what she had just lost. She longed for her mother's comforting touch-how she would come to soothe her whenever she cried, fingers sweeping hair from her face, the tickles to make her laugh... But she would never again feel those fleeting moments of love, and the thought tore her apart.