Sorry again for the semi late chapter. I gave the file late to my beta, zealousfreak27. Which, we all owe thanks to since she clears up my stupid grammar mistakes and make this story more readable.

Before you read, I just want to say that I am surprise by the feedback of the story. When first posted this story, I excepted it to have a low feedback. Honestly, I thought I would be lucky to get ten reviews, because Dirk tends not to be too popular on this site. I want to thank you all for proven me wrong on this and I hope you continue to read.

Now, onward to the story.

Chapter 4: Home Improvement

Dirk spent the rest of the day getting the house ready for Lloyd and him to live in. It was a fairly easy task to dry the house out and put temporary patches on the roof. The patches didn't have to be too strong since they was little chance of rain for at least another couple of days. Getting rid of the mold proved to be the most tiring since he had to make a batch of his special disinfectedand scrub it all over the house. Including places he didn't want to see.

Although, it did provide him the chance to see exactly what condition the house was in. The house has not been lived in for almost two years, which was nearly a lifetime by a human's house standards. Human dwelling had to be maintained constantly or they would fall apart on you. Luckily, the bones of the house were fine and it was mostly the cosmetics that needed fixing and updating.

He decided it was best to first build the new house in the forest and get Lloyd settled there before he took up repairing this house full time. The mayor shouldn't care either way as long as the house was fixed and Lloyd came first in these matters.

Every couple of hours, Frank would stop by and give him furniture to help livening the place up. Despite the home being temporary, he wanted to make it as homey as possible. Frank was even nice enough to say that he could take all this stuff to his new home when he was finished.

Frank really was a good man. He owned him a couple of hard ones after he was done, although he knew Phaidra wouldn't approve. He never understood the Church's dismissal of alcohol and why humans in general were so stern about what age kids drunk. As long as they didn't guzzle a keg, kids were usually fine after a shot or two. Maybe that was just another way humans were different.

It was nearly sunset before he finished most of immediate the work. It was far from perfect, but it would have to do for now. He made his way to Frank's house and knocked on the door.

Frank answered and gave his friend a smile. "Dirk, you're just in time for dinner." He welcomed him in and Dirk saw Colette sitting next to Lloyd at the table with Phaidra sitting right across from them.

"Dirk, how is the house coming?" Phaidra asked kindly.

"Pretty good, but I won't be able to fix it proper until I build the new house." Dirk said. "I think it's important to get Lloyd settled in at a permanent home as soon as possible."

"I couldn't agree more." Phaidra said as Frank took his seat next to her. Dirk decided to sit on the side Lloyd and Colette were on.

"So, did you kids have fun today?" Dirk asked.

Colette, as always, was all smiles. "Yeah, we played with my toys and we played house."

Lloyd said nothing as he pulled his folk through his plate. If he was liked that all day, he couldn't see how Colette had so much fun with him.

Frank began to pass the mash potatoes and put a nice amount in the kids' plates. He then gave the string beans and a piece of pork chop.

Dirk eyed all the food in curiosity.

"You have seen mash potatoes and string beans before have you, Dirk?" Phaidra asked.

Dirk nodded. "I have had potatoes before, but never mash. I usually just baked them. But, I was more curious about what type of meat is that."

"Oh, it's pork chop." Frank answered.

Dirk recoiled in disgust. "You mean meat from a boar?"

"The local pigs to be correct." Frank said.

"I pass on the meat." Dirk said as he put some mash potatoes in his plate.

"Are you forbidden to eat pork for religious reasons?" Phaidra asked.

Dirk shook his head. "I just don't like eating meat. Especially from a creature like a pig or a boar. They're disgusting, filthy creatures."

"I completely understand." Frank said. "Unless my mother makes it, I don't trust another person to cook pork. It has to be well cleaned or it can make you very sick. Other meats can be disinfected by just cooking them well."

Lloyd ate a good amount of his food within a short time and began to greedily eat the meat.

"Take your time or you can choke." Frank warned.

"So, this is a normal human meal." Dirk noted.

"More or less." Phaidra said. "If you like, I can give you some of my own recipes for you to use."

"I would like that." Dirk smiled. "Although, I may not be able to cook much until the house is ready. I was wondering if Lloyd and me could come to have dinner with yea until it's ready."

"Of course, you didn't even need to ask." Phaidra said.

"I can also check on Lloyd for you at the house." Frank said. "It's unwise, after all, to have a three years old staying by themselves."

"Grandma, can I have an apple salad?" Colette suddenly asked.

"Colette, you can't have an apple salad every day." Phaidra scowled.

Colette paused in thought. "What about a fruit salad?"

Phaidra sighed.

Frank laughed heartily. "Colette loves her fruits. If she had her way, that would be all she eats."

After dinner, it was time for Dirk and Lloyd to leave. Since Dirk had his hands full carrying the loads of books Frank had given him, Frank helped them walk back to the house by holding Lloyd's hand. They didn't trust the three year old not to wonder off, even though he had shown no motivation to do so.

Once they reached the old house, Dirk bid Frank a good night as they walked inside.

"This will be our new house for a while." Dirk informed Lloyd as he sat his books on a nearby table.

"We won't stay in the cave again?" Lloyd asked.

"No, you won't stay in the cave." Dirk said. "A growing boy like you needs a 'proper' home."

He helped Lloyd removed his clothes and slip him into his new nightclothes. Lloyd then laid on the makeshift bed that Dirk had placed in the dining room. The bedrooms needed more work before he felt comfortable enough to let Lloyd sleep in them. He also felt Lloyd was not ready to sleep by himself.

Lloyd lay silently in his bed for a second. "Why wasn't daddy here?"

Dirk knew this question was coming. "He just hasn't reached town yet. Give it a little more time."

Lloyd cuddled under the covers. "Daddy will find me. Daddy always finds me. He found me when the bad man had me and mommy. So, he'll be here."

Dirk nodded and smiled. "That's the spirit, lad. Now get some shuteye. You had a long day."

Lloyd rolled over and soon he was asleep.

Dirk spent most of the night drawing up the blueprints for the new house. He wanted something simple, but would grow along with Lloyd. He considered whether he should add a second floor. The land he had in the forest was not ideal for a ranch style, but it would take more time to build up a two-story house, which was not too ideal for the winter rain month. Not to mention, more expensive.

It was a good thing he had so much credit with the people in Iselia and a lot of money saved up because of his rather simple lifestyle. He would, however, would still have to do a lot of extra work and projects to make up for the difference.

Nonetheless, the two-story seemed the most ideal and he had to put Lloyd first regardless of the price. Like he told Frank, he wasn't going to half-ass this responsibility. It was after all a Dwarven Vow, anything worth doing, was worth doing right.

A screamed broke his concentration. He looked up to see Lloyd having another night terror. He dropped everything that he was doing and ran towards the boy's side. He whispered smoothing things until his ear, but just like last night it fell on deaf ears. This time, however, he didn't have Noishe to help comfort the boy.

"MOMMY, DADDY, PLEASE COME BACK!" Lloyd screamed.

Dirk rocked him back and forward and tried to ease the boy screams. Unlike in the forest, people might hear Lloyd. It took nearly an hour before the night terror finally eased away and Lloyd settled back down into sleep.

Dirk held him a moment longer before he put Lloyd back in bed. Damn, would this get any easier? It this did keep up, he may have to take Dr. William's suggestion.

He patted Lloyd's hair before he went back to work on his blueprint. Every now and then he would glance at Lloyd and his heart would bleed.

The next couple of days were busy for both Dirk and Lloyd. Dirk spent the better part of two days just buying the supplies he would need for the house. Thanks to his advanced skills, he was able to calculate how much material he would need. It was so much, however, that he had to rent a wagon to toll it all to his house.

To make his life even harder, he couldn't use a horse to pull the wagon. As part of the treaty with the Desians, Iselia wasn't allowed to have any so called 'war animals'. That included horses, mules, donkeys, and ox. Essentially, he couldn't get any animal to help pull the wagon and he had to do it himself. Which meant shorter loads and many more trips.

Noishe attempted to help whenever he saw Dirk leave the village, but the dog was not nearly strong enough to pull the heavy wagon, despite his size. What should have taken only a day or two to do, took over a week.

It didn't help that they were still taking the long way to avoid the Ranch. Not to mention all the monster corpses that still covered the forest floor. Their scent would attract more powerful and dangerous beasts and Dirk didn't want to deal with that.

Once he finally gotten everything to the location, he began to build the frame. Although, he made sure on the first day to complete the headstone for Anna's grave before he began construction.

Every day from morning until late evening, he would work on the house and then leave for the village. He would then have dinner with Frank and Phaidra where he learned what foods he should and shouldn't feed Lloyd. It was then back to the house where he attempted to bond with Lloyd before sending him to bed.

Lloyd was a little more opened, but still kept mostly to himself. From what Frank had told him, Lloyd would often sneak out of the house and search the village for his dad. Even when Frank took him to his house to play with Colette, the boy would still manage to sneak out. Dirk was beginning to worry that if this kept up, Lloyd would eventually be taken to the orphanage. He was almost taken away by public complaint, but Phaidra's influence kept them from going too far. Nonetheless, it was best that he hurried on the house construction.

Even worst, however, was that Lloyd's night terrors were getting worse. They were lasting longer and were becoming so traumatic that Lloyd was beginning to wet the bed. Lloyd, however, never woke up during these episodes, so Dirk was able to clean Lloyd and the bed sheets without waking him.

He was eventually forced to give Lloyd something for his night terrors. Thankfully, William was able to give Lloyd a natural herbal tea to help him sleep through the night. He still having night terrors, but it wasn't every night or nearly as severe.

William also suggested that it was maybe best for Lloyd to talk to a trauma counselor so he could begin to heal from the root of the problem. Dirk knew he was right, but the only 'trauma counselor' that existed was a priest from the Church of Martel. They pretty much sat a child down and told them that Martel and the Chosen would fix everything and one should put all their faith in them. It was hardly helpful advice in his opinion.

At the same time, however, it might be better than nothing. Simply giving Lloyd sleeping medicine would not make his problems go away. He had to learn to cope and deal with his demons on his own. Otherwise, who knew what he could grow up to become. He would be heartbroken if sadness and hatred consumed the boy.

Phaidra was nice enough to act as Lloyd's counselor, given that she knew he didn't care for the Church all that much. At the very least, Dirk knew that Phaidra would not force her ideals down Lloyd's throat.

Lloyd was in counseling for almost two weeks before he said anything about what he had happened to him.

"Dirk, do you believe in Martel?" Lloyd suddenly asked one day when they returned home.

Dirk was little surprise by the question. "What brought this on?"

Lloyd looked down to the floor. "Phaidra told me that Martel took mommy to heaven so she wouldn't suffer anymore."

Dirk shifted uncomfortably. "Well, what did your mom and dad say about Martel?"

"Daddy didn't talk about Martel." Lloyd said. "He talked about stars."

"Stars?" Dirk questioned.

"Like the constellation of Aska, Luna, Efreet, Sylph." Lloyd paused as he mentioned those summon spirits name. "I was born under the star of Efreet, just like daddy."

Dirk rubbed his beard. "So, you dad believed in the spirit symbols."

It was kind of odd since mostly half-elves and elves believed in the constellations in that way. Humans who did know about them tended to treat them as a fun novelty that wasn't taken seriously. Since the majority of Dwarves lived under the earth, most have never even a star before. So, it was an area of study he didn't know too well except from what he read in old books.

"What about you mom?" Dirk asked, getting back to the original subject.

"Mommy believed in heaven, but not Martel." Lloyd said.

It made sense since the Church of Martel was not the only religion that teach about heaven and hell.

"So, you weren't raised in the Church's faith?" Dirk questioned further.

Lloyd thought about it for a second. "I don't know. They just never mentioned Martel."

Dirk frowned. Even atheists mentioned Martel to some extent or another. It was, after all, the major religion of the entire world. Not to mention the entire journey around the Chosen. Then again, Lloyd could have just been too young to remember. Although, Lloyd has shown to have a sharp memory when he chose to use it.

"Dirk?" Lloyd asked the older man.

Dirk knew he couldn't avoid it any longer. "I can't say I believe in Martel."

Lloyd looked down. "So mommy isn't in heaven?"

"I didn't say that." Dirk said quickly. "You can believe in heaven without believing in Martel."

Lloyd shook his head. "That's not what Phaidra said."

"Phaidra has own set of beliefs." Dirk said. "But, not everyone believes in the same thing."

Lloyd looked confused. "But, there's only one truth?"

"You'll find in life that nothing is simply one truth." Dirk said.

He wasn't sure how deep he could get with a three year old, but he didn't know how to talk down to his level. Oddly enough, Lloyd didn't seem have too much problem following along.

"If Martel's real, why did she take mommy to heaven and didn't take me with her?" Lloyd asked softly. "I miss mommy."

"And you will always miss her." Dirk said slowly. "The Church wants to justify why people die. Especially when it is a senseless, ruthless death. It will be up to you to decide what you'll eventually believe. But, never doubt that your mother loved you and would have never left you if it was within her power to stay."

Lloyd wiped his eyes, which were moist with tears again. "It's not fair."

Dirk sighed. "Another harsh lesson you learned too young."

Without another word, Lloyd walked to his bed and lay down. With their conversation over, he went to the kitchen to get Lloyd's tea ready.

The weeks flew by and Lloyd continued to get counseling. He did seem to get gradually better, but he still was very meek. Even Colette's bright and sunny attitude couldn't completely snap him out of his depression.

The construction of the house was coming along much better and Dirk had all but completed the first floor. What made him work so fast was that he was not hindered by the human coffee break. When a dwarf does a project, they don't stop unless they become injured or sick. If it weren't for the fact that he had to return every evening to take care of Lloyd, he would work well into the night and only stop to sleep.

He decided then it was time to move Lloyd to the new house. It was livable as it was now and he could complete the second floor as he goes. Once the second floor was done, he could bring the stuff from the Jefferson's house and make it part of Lloyd's room. He could move the things from his cave into the new house and make his old home into a full time workshop. It would also give Lloyd and him time to really get to know each other and he could start to rear Lloyd himself.

Phaidra was not too pleased when Dirk told Frank and her of his decision.

"Are you sure it's wise for you to leave now?" Phaidra asked. "The house isn't even finished and I still have lessons left with Lloyd."

"Awww, you're leaving?" Colette pouted.

Dirk smiled at Colette. "Yeah lass. I think we overstayed our welcome here. You know the mayor is not pleased with how Lloyd likes to sneak out and asked completely strangers where his father is."

"I can handle the mayor." Phaidra insisted. "You shouldn't just run off if things aren't in order."

"We'll be fine Phaidra." Dirk assured.

Frank shook his head. "You know Dirk, mom. Once he gets an idea, you can't force it out of his head."

Phaidra sighed in defeat. "Well, I don't want to give up my talks with Lloyd. He still has a lot to overcome."

"And he will for a long time to come." Dirk finished with a note of sadness. "But, we can't baby him forever."

"He's three years old, he is a baby." Phaidra corrected.

"Will Lloyd still come to visit?" Colette suddenly asked.

Dirk gave a small smile. "We'll see, lass." He then turned to face Lloyd, who was as quiet as ever. "Lloyd, you get to see your friend Noishe again."

Lloyd lit up at the news. "Noishe, how he's been?"

"He's been my partner for the last couple of weeks." Dirk said. "He's a good dog and he misses you."

"You have a doggy!" Colette suddenly exclaimed happily. "I want to see him!"

Frank shook his head. "You can't leave the village Colette."

Colette frowned at the news.

"You'll see Noishe eventually." Dirk laughed. "If you're ever in the area Frank, stop by. We can have ourselves a couple of cold ones."

Frank laughed at the offer, but Phaidra gave a sour look. He was going to miss these people.

The next morning came quickly and Lloyd and Dirk were ready to move out to the forest. Frank, Phaidra, and Colette were kind enough to see them off.

"Bye, bye!" Colette yelled as she waved happily from Frank's arms.

"Don't be strangers." Frank said.

"May the Goddess by with you." Phaidra stated.

"Thank yea for everything." Dirk said as he looked down towards Lloyd. "Say bye, Lloyd."

Lloyd looked at Dirk for a second before he turned back to look at the others. "Bye."

Phaidra gave a sad smile. "Stay strong, Lloyd. Better days will return one day."

They stepped out of the village and were almost immediately greeted by Noishe.

Both Frank and Phaidra grasped in shock.

Colette, on the other hand, squealed in delight. "Doggy!"

The nearby guard shook his head. "Still can't believe that's a dog."

Dirk put Lloyd on Noishe and took off. Things had greatly calmed down the forest and the Desians were no longer covering the area. The monsters' death had also stopped. It would seem the Desians had given up in finding that exsphere. It was all for the best.

Since it was safer, Dirk decided it was alright to take the shortest route to his house. Which took them passed the Ranch. Although the Ranch was on a high cliff and the route they were taking was nearly a fifty-foot drop from it, Dirk still avoided going that path for over a month out of fear that he may run into Desians.

He still kept on guard as they passed through the area and he knew Noishe was on high alert. Although, Noishe was most likely more concerned about the monsters than Desians. Whatever has happened to the dog had given him a near crippling phobia of any beast. Given the injury Noishe had to his shoulder when Dirk found him and what he suspected had happened that night, he couldn't blame him.

Midway through the walk, Dirk thought he sensed something watching them. He looked around for the source of the disturbance, but couldn't find anything. As fast as the feeling came, it was gone. It was strange; it was like it just disappeared. Maybe it was nothing at all.

Noishe looked at him as if to say he sensed it too. It didn't make him feel better. Maybe he made the wrong decision about coming this route.

Nonetheless, they made it to the house with no fanfare. Lloyd gasped when he saw the newly built house. It was a wooden house made out of dark lumber wood from the forest. There was a flat roof and several beams of construction for the second floor. Dirk's cave could no longer be seen since it was now behind the house and hidden from casual view.

However, it was something else that really got Lloyd's attention. His eyes turned when he saw his mother's grave. Instead of just being a mound of dirt marking where his mommy was sleeping, there was now a tombstone in its place. The tombstone was a gray with a light twinge of blue.

Lloyd jumped from Noishe's back and walked over to the grave. When he got close enough he saw what was written on the stone.

Anna

Loving mother

The words were simple and short, but it brought tears to Lloyd's eyes. Dirk walked over to him and placed a heavy hand on Lloyd's shoulder.

"You made this?" Lloyd asked softly.

Dirk nodded, although he knew Lloyd couldn't see him. "I didn't know her last name since I figure Irving is your father's surname. She didn't tell me before she passed. She barely had the strength to give me her first."

Lloyd gently touched the stone. Tears began build into his eyes. "...thank you..."

Dirk smiled sadly. "It was the least I could have done for such a strong woman."

"Mommy..." Lloyd whispered.

Noishe walked over to join them. He also seemed to cry as he lowered his head down in reflection.

They stood like that for a long time in silence. Not even nature disturbed them.

The time of true healing has began. I could end the story here, but there is more to come.

TriforceandSheikahArts, hopefully the grammar mistakes are reduced.

Kiomori, I would recommend any of Kasan Soulblade. She is a great author and I personally feel she is a must read for any fan of Tales of Symphonia. Now I sound like a fangirl, lol.

accident prone, glad you like my version of the mayor. I wanted to make him a jackass without going too far with it. Mostly because I do not think he is an evil person, just a cowardly and selfish one, something I doubt Dirk would respect.

Well, that is it for now. Until next time.