The end of the school year at the orphanage was always a mix of joy and sorrow for Aunt Tildy. Joy at seeing the students succeed, and sorrow at seeing them leave; certain ones left an indelible impression on her. When they left, there was an emptiness behind which could never quite be filled by anyone else. She sighed and looked out the window by the sink. The sky at this time of year was always the most lucent, deep rich blue it could be. Noise drifted in, the noise of chatter and of the children doing their chores in the background.
Fenix and Jewellyn had left earlier this morning. It was one of the most difficult, emotional scenes of her life. Those two were bright, well behaved (most of the time); though Fenix could be surprisingly adventurous. They were even considerate despite that one time where they hadn't told her where they were going.
She looked at the necklace they had made for her. It shone nicely in the sunlight, sparkling as it swayed back and forth. It was a simple necklace made with one single leather strand, but attached to it was the most beautiful hand engraved silver coin she ever saw; surely they had it made in the highborn district with what little they earned doing odd jobs. It had engraved upon its shiny surface a laurel wreath, and within that was the symbol of life and love eternal, the Valdemarian Circle of Love. It was an infinite loop which seemingly had no beginning or no end. Its intricate clever design was pleasing to look at. It had to have cost a fortune, all their savings! When she asked about the price, Fenix and Jewellyn only smiled then told her price was not a measure to be considered. She had taught them about love, they had said. If you gave love a price, a monetary bind, it would only serve to cheapen it. The spiritual essence of it was what mattered.
They had grown so much and learned so much about life, yet she knew their were tough times ahead for them. Times where their spirits would be sorely tested. Times when they would feel like giving up. She was sure though that they would prevail, especially with some training from the Collegium in Haven. She continued with her musings. Of course, there would be those days or nights where one would feel the sublime essence of creation, a beautiful night-time sky strewn with shining stars; especially when you were with someone who saw and felt it too. It was a sharing of spirits in tune with the appreciation of and wonder of nature in all its' beauty. Also, simply knowing someone with a kindred spirit would be enough. Sometimes words weren't necessary. Sometimes love created its own unique message, which would express itself in subtle ways.
Aunt Tildy sighed, still looking out the window. She wondered how different life would have been had not Jacob died. He was the only man she had ever loved. Somehow she felt she could love no other man after that. A part of her heart had been torn out. A part where she chose not to try and replace. She looked at the leather knecklace again and her eyes began to tear a little. She thought of Fenix and Jewellyn again, wondering perhaps if they might fall in love someday.
Yet it was time to move on. This time they were entering a new phase of life, with it's direction still unclear at this point. They had explained to her their desire of going to Haven, and studying at the Collegium there. Aunt Tildy knew if they could get in there, they would be set for life. She had no doubt they would succeed. Yet, it could be very dangerous as well. Despite this, she knew they would be engaged in such noble goals as would benefit Valdemar in many ways.
The plan was for them to work and live on a farm for a while. There were many local farms tended to by honest hard working folks who needed a hand during harvest season, more than they could do for themselves; so it was common to hire 'outsiders,' as they referred to anyone who didn't live on their farm. In exchange besides the monetary gain, they would also be provided with some living quarters as long as they remained true in spirit and worked hard. These farmers knew who to go to when they needed hired hands; Aunt Tildy could always be counted on to recommend the best help.
She sent them off with a prayer and a wish.
The toughest part is the moment when you finally do send them off to be on their own...
