I do not own The Village.

I do love it so much.

Speaking Further On Such Matters

Lies Made Truth

He is still so weak that it takes all the strength he has to lift his heavy head from the pillow to drink the water his mother offers him.

Or sip the broth Mrs. Clack so carefully feeds him.

Afterward he is so weakened he often slips into sleep before he knows his eyes have closed.

But it is a deep and restful sleep, not ladened with undercurrents of sucking infection or blistering fevers.

Whatever they have given him, he now rests to rest, not rests to dance with death.

And always upon awakening . . .

"Lucius. I am here."

. . . he is greeted by her.

"How did you know I was awake?'

Ivy Walker.

"Your breathing changed. And your color brightened."

With her blind, blue eyes and roughened, soft hands.

"And no . . ."

Ivy with her gentle voice and unwavering . . .

". . . I won't tell you what it is."

. . . spirit . . .

"Stop asking."

. . . of love.

Ivy with her tangled hair and freckled nose has relayed her tale of misadventure and victory, with trembling voice and tracking tears.

". . . fell down the wall mostly ungracefully but I doubt anyone could have done any better at any rate . . ."

Her bravery and determination has made his soul swell with pride and respect for her.

And the treachery she faced . . .

". . . down into the pit where I believe . . . it died."

. . . chilled the marrow of his very blood.

His own perfectly good vision fracturing with the advent of tears that spill down his face at her plight.

Tears that hold no shame for him in the presence of Ivy whom he loves.

Not for her blindness but for the goodness of her soul that would not judge him harshly for his outpouring of emotion.

For she is kind.

And he is unashamed.

"I am grateful you are safe."

"I am grateful you are awake."

And then they simply abide, hands clasped.

"I may not be for much longer. I feel weary."

"That is alright. Rest. I will be here."

And speak no more.

"Where is Noah? I have not heard mention of him. Is he still locked in The Quiet Room? It has been a long time for him to be punished."

These words she speaks with anger still simmering through every fiber of her being. Anger that he would seek to hurt Lucius. Simply for the jealousy of her that would darken his soul to an act so final as the taking of another's life.

But her father has taught her forgiveness and though she is not yet forgiving of Noah, she knows she must set her feet upon that path.

If she is to be the person she wishes to be.

"I am sorry to tell you this, Ivy."

And her father takes a deep breath.

"But Noah Percy . . . escaped The Quiet Room."

Steeling himself to lie once more to his blind daughter.

"He climbed a tree to hide himself away. He climbed too high and . . . the branch gave way . . . he fell . . . and broke his neck upon the ground."

Mrs. Percy gasps a strangled sob; is lead from the room by her mournful husband.

"He died, Ivy."

It is as good a story as any.

And effective enough as well.

For Edward Walker watches the crumbling of his beloved offspring with grim satisfaction.

"I'm so sorry to be the one to have to tell you this."

As fresh tears upon his daughter's cheeks . . .

"Oh, Papa . . ."

. . . determine the lie accepted as truth.

And . . .

It is done then.

. . . he pleads to the Lord in Heaven . . .

May God have mercy on all our souls.

. . . to forgive him these grievous, necessary sins.

And later, as Lucius Hunt sleeps on in healing repose, . . .

". . . son. We always tried to do our best for you."

. . . the casket of Noah Percy is lowered into the ground.

"We are sorry . . ."

The heavy rocks and red robes within buried forever.

". . . we failed."

Along with all their secret sins . . .

"We love you."

. . . and heartbreaking regrets.

Well, they were going to have to make up something, weren't they?

Thoughts?

Thanks to DinahRay for giving this a shot; you're always so gracious! :D