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To many, House of Hearth is rather an unconventional orphanage. It's a facility that gathers and spits such strange people that Fontaine might find entertaining at times. Nonetheless, these individuals are still children, so they do exhibit some qualities of regular juvenile behavior. That's best shown in the morning. Never did a single morning go without a hitch; someone is always either too eager to start a new day or not excited at all. Getting them presentable for the day is even worse. Even with older kids giving a helping hand, it always drags on and on, but no matter how long and torturous the start of the morning may seem, breakfast always starts at the same time, luckily. That's how one parent would describe her morning, as the other doesn't take any merit in the routine. Even so, this was an aggriment and such it was a sacrifice one shall make. Some may say children gather their act together when it's breakfast time because their mother finds this her favorite time of the day; everyone is in one place, enjoying the meal she has prepared.
Unlike other mornings, this one almost went perfectly due to one difference. Everyone was more giddy than usual, still composed themselves to quietly sit down until their parents arrived, but as the door creaked, only one face could be seen. A sent of flowers filled the room, and the sound of light footsteps approached the table. After a more peaceful morning, she was preparing herself for what was about to come. And as she was getting ready to sit down and enjoy her meal with her dearest, a tiny voice could be heard; if it weren't so near where Clervie sat, it might have gone unnoticed.
''Where is father?''
The whisper turned into a loud choir of noise as everyone caught on and started to wonder the same. Clervie was prepared; she got up, picked up a glass, and gently hit the fork against it, making enough noise to silence the curious children.
''Please, shimer down. As you are all aware, Father has been quite busy with writing reports about her travels in Nod Krai, and thus she is not able to eat with us.''
As she spoke, a tiny voice could be heard again from the other side of the table.
''But, why can't Father come just once to eat with us? Are her duties more important than ours?''
Clervie looked at her child with sorrow, how innocent and teary. She gathered herself and continued.
''Of course, they're not, you must understand that this is important work that can't be overlooked. Breakfast is only one of many sacrifices that she has to make for her duties to be in order''
The table sighs, quite disappointed with the answers. They understand all of this, but quietly they wished that she would show up... to show how much she missed them... Again, Clervie's heart slightly broke at the sight of her children like this.
''She missed you all very dearly as much as you missed her. As soon as she finishes this, she will again accompany us here and eat together-''
Her voice quieted as the footspets of sharp heels could be heard, those could only be one person...
''Father!''
Indeed, it was her, all tho, not usually as sharp-looking. She only came back copule of hours ago, and those hours were spent working on that report to Clervie's dismay. The tired father said nothing, only briefly looked at her children and carried on next to Clervie, where she sat next to her. Children were excited but polite enough not to make a ruckus out of it. The table was still. Clervie looked at her, displeased. Even so, Father paid no attention to it, only sat on the chair with no food in front of her, muttering something only Clervie could hear,
''Shall we?''
Slightly caught off guard, the mother slowly gives the signal that breakfast may start, and thus everyone starts eating the wonderful meal in front of them. Clervie eats her food slowly, glancing at Arlecchino, who looks at the table. She seemed so tired and struggled to keep her eyes open, which probably caused her mask to slightly slip, as a smile could be seen on her face while she observed. Trying her best to keep her angry expression was hard, as she knew being mad at her was wrong; she would have done the same after all.
''Thank you, Mother, for the meal.''
As the food vannised and as everyone ran off, only Father and Mother stayed, as one is cleaning up and the other is observing as she did before. Looking at her again, Clervie's annoyance seeps through, and her tongue finally lets out her two cents.
''What you did today was very kind of you, but I still can't help but be a little annoyed. You told me you wouldn't be attending today's breakfast, but you still came. Now you're not only tired but also hungry. I prepared a meal for you, and you didn't eat it, putting it off for later, and still dared to come here and eat air. I mean, really, if you changed your mind, I could have scraped something- And the children, I gave them this big talk about your responsibilities, and that all went through one ear and another when they saw you. Sometimes you just-''
''My intention was not to lie to you.''
''But?''
Arlechino slowly gets up, coming closer to unavere Clervie, who is too focused on cleaning up the crumbs children left for her. Suddenly, a cold hand grabs her hair and puts it on her shoulder as a forehead can be felt leaning on her left.
''May you believe this came naturally, it's a habit I missed so much in Nod Krai and well... Even when tried, I couldn't miss it...''
Perrie gently brushed Clervie's hair; her anger was again slowly quieting down. Still, she shouldn't give in; her feelings must still be in order and expressed.
''Next time, tell me that, and as for an apology, go get some rest. The report will wait.''
A small sigh could be heard; the hand pulled away, and the woman behind her stepped back. Her heels could be heard leaving the room, indicating that she listened to the demand of her colleague. Collecting herself slightly, she continued her duties as mother and such, finished up cleaning, and went to check the children.
Slightly gloomy for a summer's day, the clouds were slowly piling up as rain was about to commence later in the evening, but still, children proceeded to leave the orphanage to attend to their own task, whatever they may be. Clervie only asked what their plans might be and left them be, although some decided to play indoors, and so she played with them. Later, she read to them, attended to their needs, and so on until it was lunch. Some were still out, so only a few seats were filled. They ate in silence, and as such, they were done before they knew it. Due to the weather and calming outmosfier, many chlider felt sleepy, and although it was unwise to let them rest now, Clervie allowed it. She had something on her mind anyway, and that involved bringing an extra portion to someone.
Climbing upstairs with lunch in hand, she thought about waiting for a bit, not waking her up. Internally, she knew it was rash to wake her up even if she was hungry. As she was continuing, she could hear pen scratching against the paper. She wouldn't dare. Gentle footsteps became loud and aggressive steps to the room she had hesitated to enter only moments ago. Opening the door, a figure could be seen working on her paper with the perfectly untouched bed next to her.
''You lied to me again!''
Slowly, the woman turned to her, no regret in her eyes. She already knew this would come, so she was prepared.
''Please, don't raise your voice. These reports are almost done... Besides...''
''You have something else to do, right?''
Even tho she knew her well, Clervie knew her better. A dry laugh could be heard clashing against the pen, still writing a report.
''It will take only a few stops, nothing that requires more effort than this.''
''Then, I will come with you.''
''What? But... the children''
''They are either coming back at night or are fast asleep. Don't try to hide behind them, Im coming.''
The woman wrote quickly on her paper and finally rested her pen. Getting up, she looked at the angry lady standing at her door and could only muster one word.
''Alright''
Leaving the orphanage, the weather got worse. It was now getting windy, and Clervie worried about her other children who were still outside. Looking at the person next to her, no concern could be tracked on her face, only a need to get things done and come back home. As Clervie wondered what Arlecchino would be up to after such a hard trip, a sound of money caught the woman's attention. Her gaze landed on Arlechinos's hand as she was holding what seemed like a pocket full of Mora; there seemed to be quite a lot of it.
''You know if you needed something, you could have just informed me to fetch it for you.''
''I fear it wouldn't be that simple.''
''Tck, do you owe someone a favor?''
''Maybe.''
''Huh? Who?''
An answer was not given, only a small chuckle.
''Really, for whom? Joking around when Im in this mood is unwise-''
''Trying to lighten up the mood is not your forte today?''
''Why didn't you pay upfront for this? If I didn't come with you, people would make assumptions about that cash''
''That's why I allowed you to accompany me.''
''Allow? Im a grown woman, same senior as you''
''Mhh... I see... But I still need checking on?''
''You-''
The banter quieted down as they approached their first stop: a liquor store. Clervie fussed in shock. Was this really something that couldn't wait? They entered the establishment, and as a cheery owner turned around to face the last customer of the day, unaware of who he was serving, he exclaimed a happy welcome, only for his expression to harden when he saw Arlecchino looking at the bottle behind him.
''AHH- La-lady Arlecchino! Wh-wh-what may I help yo-you with to-today...?''
''That bottle behind you, can you get it for me?''
''Th-that bottle? Im so so sorry, but this-''
''I reserved it. Here is the agreement. One of my children made a reservation for me.''
''Ah! Of course! My appolagize La-lady Arlecchino!''
''They reported back to me that the fund I originally provided wasn't enough. So, may this suffice?''
A bag of mora could be seen pressed on the table, and the owner looked at it with fear.
''No, no, no, no, no! Th-this is on the ho-house.''
''Please, no special treatment, take the money, the bottle is worth it.''
''Stop scaring the owner!''
From glooming from behind, now she was a part of this interaction; she took her veil down, making the owner relax a bit.
''Ah, Lady Clervie! I apologize for not greeting you earlier, my attention was... aham, shortened''
''Please, don't apologize. Take her money, she really won't keep tabs on you hahaha''
''But, Lady Clervie, you have to understand-''
''I promise this was earned fair and square.''
The shopman hesitated, but, looking at his regular customer, he sighed and took the money. Placing the bottle in front of the pair and wishing them a happy day, it was time for the next stop. Along the way, Alrechinoo seemingly stopped to glare at the small spaces of shops, which were plainly closed. Clervie was curious to see her partner's displeased expression, but continued.
Chioir's boutique was next, and a final stop. Clervie was confused, and her question would only pile as the owner would only quietly give Arlechinno a bag filled with clothes. Looking over her face lit up when she saw her regular.
''Lady Clervie? If you were going to ask about the dress I-''
''No, no, it's alright. I only came with my... Friend, I had no idea we would be passing by''
A small glance was carried to Arlechino, who said nothing. Clervie continued.
''Well, it was quite wonderful to see you. I conjure you will be working even through this weather?''
A loud lock sound could be heard in front of her as her guess was shattered.
''I fear not, this weather would leave me soked later. Besides, I have some personal projects at home to attend to, so this works in my favor.''
''Oh, well, that's understandable. Speaking of time, we should probably go. I would hate for this dress to get ruined.''
''Very well, oh, and on that dress, you can come to pick it up next weekend.''
''Spleadned! Well, it was nice seeing you, Chiori, best of luck getting home''
''Same for you two.''
A storm could be heard approaching, so they hurried their step home. Even so, Clervie couldn't help but wonder. Arlecchino isn't a fan of alcohol, the clothes are certainly not for her... those things could only be for...
''Lady Arlecchino! Your flowers!''
Turning around quickly, Arlecchino ran over to pick up the flowers that a small lady was holding.
''I apologize for not gathering your attention; you seemingly didn't see me. All tho, my store is pretty unnoticeable next to these shops.''
''No, the fault is mine. Please take this as compensation for waiting in such weather.''
''No, no, no I can't-''
''Take it!''
A voice echoed behind them. It was Clervie, with her happy grin as she finally understood this all.
''Alright, alright! Here are the flowers now go-''
''Thank you again for waiting.''
As Arlechino approached Clervie, the flowers were more visible; they were blue, beautiful, things... Similar to her necklace, only slightly different somehow... They had no time to waste; the rain would start any minute now, but as their heels hit against the pavement, a laugh could be heard from Clervie.
''Don't waste your breath, we are still quite far-''
''You did all this for me? But, why''
The question lingered as Arlechino focused on running and getting her thoughts in order.
''As an apology, I suppose...''
''Oh Perrie...''
''Come on, we are almost there.''
The storm only caught them slightly as they entered the home. Looking around, Clervie noticed no one was near. As panic set in, Father took the initiative to check the children's rooms, and as expected, they were all fast asleep.
''Are all of them there?''
''Yes, Clervie. I checked... Calm down. Even so, it's just rain. They aren't made of sugar.''
''Ha ha very funny-''
''Come on, let's get comfortable ourselves... This liquor won't waste itself.''
''The clothes! Are they wet?
''No, they are perfectly well. I asked Lady Chiori to wrap it up just in case.''
''Thank goodness...''
Going upstairs, they entered a special enclosure that no one was allowed in but them. The room was small but seemed much bigger due to being slightly empty-looking. It had a sofa, a dresser, and a small table in front of the sofa, but what would catch anyone's attention when entering was its giant window, which was then being attacked by heavy rain. The clothes women needed to change into were already set by Clervie earlier this morning; still, they didn't change at the same time; one changed while the other waited outside, and vice versa, until they were all set. Sitting down on the sofa, bottles in front and some treats as well, Clervie still had one question to ask about today.
''Why did we run back there? You know running in heels is hard...''
''I wear higher heels than you.''
''Perrier.''
''You hate getting wet, no?''
''No, only when I get my hair done.''
''Which you have. The only way my hands can go through that hair is if you went to the salon.''
''Grr... Fine, you're right.''
''But tell me... You only get your hair done when something special is about to commence. Why is my return special ?''
''Maybe''
''Mh, silly girl...''
A small kiss could be felt on Clervie's forehead. Perrier cold lips always make Clervie shiver a bit; this time it felt warm...
''Perrier... It frustrated me that you lied to me today...''
''I understand, but that wasn't my intention... While being so far away, having only letters to hear your voice was heart-crushing... Seeing you and the children is the best start to my day... Getting that report finished made me too nervous to rest... So I didn't even bother...''
''Why didn't you say that? Why play tricks on yourself that you know won't work? I felt like my speech was a lie... Anything we say and do will reflect on our kids... And me.''
Clervie leaned on Perrier's shoulder as one brushes her hair calmly... She glanced at the bottle in front of her... It didn't seem familiar, and she knows alcohol. Perrier took notice and offered her glass for Clerive to try. Taking her offer, she sipped only a little, which hit her mouth with a flavor she had never tasted before.
''This flavor... Is it from Nod Krai?''
''Newest one, only shipped in Fontaine before my leave, and I wanted it to be fresh.''
''Oh my... Its delighful... I didn't have a drink for so long... You know, drinking in front of chlider is forbidden.''
''Which is why I needed to grab it for you today...''
''What about the other gifts?''
''Dresses were made ages ago, but Lady Chiori kept adjusting them to your style at the time, so... I had to grab them before you changed your mind about your fashion sense.
''And flowers?''
''Made the order the night before my arrival... The lady ran out of your favorite, so she had to suffice with an alternative... they would have gone bad if I waited any longer''
Glancing at the pretty flowers in the vase, a light grin could be seen on Clervie, but Perrier continued.
''What happened today will never occur today. My reckless behavior is something that hurt you, and that is enough for me to never do such a thing again, not to mention the children...''
''Note taken''
As the rain poured down on a window, the ladies got more comfortable, and the tension finally subsided... As they were about to shut their eyes and rest. Clervie only mustered a few words before slumber.
''Im so happy you're back... please rest by my side more often... My nights feel rather lonely without you''
As Perrier glanced at the window one last time, she smiled and let her lips part.
''As you wish, love.''