Handcarved
The evening air was warm as it passed through the open window, Astrias sat quietly in the lone chair in one of the smaller rooms of their house her hands resting lightly on her growing stomach as she hummed a slow tune. The pastel green of the walls was accented by the chirping of birds from Eversong as she had hoped it to be, a quiet chuckle rose in her throat as she thought of the difficulty she’d had in getting the right shading for the paint. Happiness with her handiwork filled her, she had doubted herself when she started painting the walls but it had been something to do while Tyverus was away. The room fell silent as the ranger filled her thoughts, her worry for his silence giving her pause as she looked at the small carved bear that was tied above the crib, she did not know when he had carved it and the thought had crossed her mind that he might not have even carved it himself as the edges were rather rough. She remembered the first ring he had offered her as he professed his love and intentions, damning expectations to follow his heart and as he had hoped hers. It was a beautiful ring he carved by hand with such care, smoothed to perfection to draw each detail of the wood grain to shine in it’s own right. The little bear seemed to be formed by a completely different touch, one she did not think Tyverus would have thought fitting to give to their son.
Slowly Astrias dropped her gaze, her thoughts turning over the distance that her husband still offered. ~“I’m fine.”~ Those words had become an automatic response when she asked after him and she scowled as they echoed in her mind. She sat for a long while as her expression smoothed and her attention was drawn to what she was staring at, another handcarved piece that dominated the room and seemed to stand as expectantly as she sat, the crib.
~
“I want to give you something. I hope you don’t mind that I made you a little something, well, your baby.” The elf stood by Astrias, keeping a further distance than she ever recalled him standing as he addressed her. There was hesitation in Sadenel as he looked at her, some sadness in his gaze that was quickly covered by a brashness that was new to his face or so she thought. It had been some time since they had spoken, short encounters in formal settings that made it possible to pass over the awkwardness that had come between them. “I do not mind.” She answered, careful with her wording as she was uncertain where they held each other. He removed his mask to reveal his smile before simply turning toward the back door of the Hospital where the labs were, she followed hesitantly as he beckoned.
“I don't know if you know this or not, but I have been working with wood for a long time. When I saw you were pregnant I had to make you something.” He walked over to the large object that stood in the room and gripped the canvas that covered it. “Are you ready?” Astrias paused as she saw the covered thing, her olive hues flitted to his face. “I did not know that about you.” She focused back on the canvas, “I suppose.” With a flourish he ripped the canvas away revealing a handcrafted crib. The pieces were made from finely aged redwood with carved tigerlilies over the rails. “I know this won't repair things between us but I wanted your child to rest in something made by a friend. You see, I was busy picking the wood and carving it. I decided tigerlilies because it kinda represents us, ya know?” She stared at the crib, her gaze flowing over the intricately carved flowers. Her brows swooped low as her mind went to the very flower that sat safely pressed in her keepsake chest at home. “Sadenel... you did not have to..” She shook her head slowly, “Goodness.” Her smile came back as she stepped towards it lifting a hand to touch the railing, “It is beautiful.”
“You did not have too, truly..” Her words were quiet as Astrias spoke, “Thank you..” She seemed at a loss for words, her confusion and happiness causing the light in her eyes to flash and fade. “You know how it is. We never have to do anything, we just want to. I noticed you been having a busy time and I thought this would be one less thing you would have to worry about. Sorry I rushed it but if you want I could make you a rocking chair to match.” She felt her ears warm and she knew that they had turned a light pink, "Oh, no.. Tyverus does some whittling.. and I wouldn't want to draw your attention away from your other responsibilities." She pressed her lips together, dropping her gaze as her thoughts shifted back to the night she had gone to see him. Their argument flashing in her mind, his words that shocked and then angered her as he bit back in response to her tears. Her thoughts lingered on the tigerlily he had given her long ago for a moment before she added, “I would have you leave a good impression with him.” Sadenel chuckled, “The crib is yours, I hope you like it and that your baby will like it as well.” He seemed unphased by her mood or accepting of her distancing herself from him since that night. She took it as a sign that her presentation held, enforcing the thought was his wide smile as he beamed with pride over his work. Astrias offered him a brighter smile, “Thank you Sadenel..” He noticed the sadness in her gaze as she looked at him, “Asti.. is there something on your mind? I am here for you, if you wish.” She shifted, trying to compose herself with the easy motion as she set her shoulders, “There is much, as I am sure you can imagine. This is, after all.. unusual for me.” She saw him look around before asking, “What is? The crib.. or me?”
“Both. This is my first child… and the first I’ve had to work to consider friend without.. without slipping so fast into the stance we had in the past.” She heard her own hesitation and felt her ears droop as he took a deep breath. “Asti.. if it is work then maybe I damaged us too much to go back. If you just wish to be colleagues I do understand. If you wish me to be somewhere else, I can’t fault you. You are more important here that I am. If you want to go back to what we once were that is great, but if it is not there then we can’t force it to work.” She listened to him, her thoughts processing what he meant or could mean, still remaining silent as he continued. “Your child will be smart and beautiful and happy because it will be yours. You always had this light in you, even during the hard times. Don’t be afraid to share it with the world, even if I am not included.”
Astrias slowly shook her head, “That is not what I am saying.. honestly, I am confused. I know that you have apologized, I would not have your life influenced by such. I am warned in each instance that we've encountered each other.. that we are not the same. I wonder even, if I know you still. I see in you the boy I knew before.. but those eyes are shaded with this man.. who I do not know.” She looked at the crib he had carved for her and waited for his response. “And I see the same when I look at you. This wallflower that was scared of her own shadow has grown into this strong woman I see now. I catch glimpses of the Asti I knew but time has forged us.” Her fingers traced the petals, her expression smoothing. “Perhaps it is true.. I cannot think to say different as I am in awe of my words to you so long ago. Speaking caution to your courage.”
She heard him move closer to her though he still kept a respectful distance as she looked up to see his smile before he spoke, “We were quite a team. You the voice of reason and me...well being me. The time we tried to.... I tried to to pick the lock on Cero's chest.” Astrias lifted a hand to cover her lips as her laughter peeled out. “You were so cautious to open any other boxes for only a week!” She quieted as he continued, “But the zepplin ride from Thunder Bluff to Orgrimmar, that was one that stood out in my mind. You see that is where I got the flower.” Her giggle faded as she turned her gaze from him, “Oh?” She shook her head once, “I have kept it.” She caught his nod from the corner of her eye, “I know you have. That is why I chose to carve the tigerlilies on the wood. A symbol of your friendship. One thing Felano always said is that families fight. Before Felano adopted me.. you were my family, my sister. I know you might not see me like that but to me you will be my sister. I am sorry I failed you.”
“You did not fail me. You made no promises and know that I will have none. We are friends and I am happy to have shared such times with you.” Astrias released a quiet breath, “Our paths may cross and they may part, but we are happy to hold and build those ties again… At least, I would like to think so.”
[ sadenel-sunsprint tyverus ]
