Teva's Tears 2

“ Adryan, my dear, wake up. “

Adryan stirred slightly, his mind floating aimlessly. He tried to open his eyes but the bright light blinded him. He squint his eyes against the light and saw a blurry figure in front of him. The place on his neck where the fighter struck didn’t hurt him anymore.

“ Sairin, where are we ? ”

“ Dearie, just stay still and rest. I’ll bring you some hot broth in a moment.”

His vision cleared and he saw an old female cleric at the side of his bed. His memories flooded into him and he remembered everything that had happened.

“ Where’s Sairin ? Where is she ?”

The old cleric looked sadly at him and said, “ We managed to revive you but Sairin was too long gone. We were too late. “

Adyran turned his face away from her and wept silently. Hot tears were splashing on the bed sheets. Agonizing pain and despair clawed from within his chest. His breath came in gasps. He felt a deep hole of darkness in his heart. He was supposed to protect Sairin and he failed. Now, she’s gone forever and he’s still alive.

I don’t deserve to be alive. I want to die and be with Sairin.

Suddenly, he felt a firm hand grabbing his shoulder.

“ Adyran, be strong. Sairin maybe be gone from us but she will never be gone from our heart. Have courage and remember that. “

“ WHY do you care ? You don’t even know her, “ sneered Adyran angrily. He glanced at the old cleric with rage. “ I don’t need your comfort. She’s dead… She’s dead forever… I don’t care about anything, anymore. “

“ I do care. She was my best apprentice. If you won’t be strong for yourself, at least be strong for your daughter, “ said the cleric as she walked wearily away, leaving him alone in the room. The room darkened as dawn approaches.

My daughter… She looks exactly like Sairin…

His heart lurched suddenly in pain. He tried to control the pain that is trapped within him. Little by little, the pain dulled. But, the sadness in his heart will never be cured. He is not whole anymore. He will never be whole again.

“ Daddy ? “ A timid voice came across the room.

Adyran turned his head toward the door and saw a pale white face looking at him.

Rainna…my daughter…The old woman was right. I have to be strong for my daughter. I can’t wallow in self pity.

“ Rainna, come. Daddy is here, “ said Adyran, trying to force himself to smile but his face can’t seem to work properly.

The child ran into the room, her short black hair reflecting the light of the dying sun. Her dress flapped softly as she lifted her light and small body onto the bed and sat beside Adryan. She turned her pale face toward her father and said, “ Daddy, where’s mother ? “

“ She’s…she’s not with us anymore, “ said Adyran with a sea of sorrow in his voice.

The child nodded sadly but knowingly. Without a word, she raised her arms up and hugged her father, her arms not quite reaching his back. A tear fell from her eyes and then down her cold cheek. Adyran hugged his daughter silently. Together, they are united in sorrow of the death of their loved one.

I love you, Sairin.