The morning went by quickly for Purity. Tonn and Etria took turns showing Purity various chores or new games to play, they were constantly eager for Purity's company. Riza demanded some attention as well, to show off an ever-so-important collection of oddly-shaped rocks.
Noon approached, and Gess came by to speak with Purity.
"Momma Elsie wants to see us," she said.
Tonn, who had been trying to teach Purity a game involving sticks and drawing on the ground, raised an eyebrow with confusion.
"What's up?" he asked. "It's almost lunch time. We don't have to set the table for a while now."
"Momma Elsie wants to see us," Gess repeated, "I don't know why. Maybe Purity did something wrong and I'm getting blamed for it. Let's go."
Purity followed Gess without comment. Gess didn't seem to be in the mood for conversation anyway, she hadn't done as well in her lessons and had to spend extra time studying this morning.
Momma Elsie was in the kitchen when Gess and Purity came into the house. She was slicing carrots into a large pot on the stove.
"Gess, I've got a job for you," she said as soon as the pair entered, "and I'd like Purity to watch and learn. Sister Melitia hasn't come back from the market and lessons went long today. I need help preparing lunch."
Gess heaved a long sigh, which got her a glare from Momma Elsie. "None of that," she said, "you're old enough to help out. It's time you started."
"Why is sister Melitia still out?" Gess grumbled. "It's her job. What do I have to do?"
"Potatoes. I need five of them peeled and sliced."
"Yes, Momma Elsie. Is Purity going to help?"
"This is a job that you can hurt yourself with. I'd like Purity to just watch. Be careful with the knife!"
Gess pulled some potatoes out from the cupboard next to Momma Elsie, then grabbed a knife from the counter. She brought them to the table and began to peel them.
"You pull the knife towards you slowly," she explained to Purity, "and make sure your thumb is out of the way in case you slip."
Purity watched with rapt attention. The interest was flattering to Gess, who began to peel quicker and quicker. She finished the potato and set it in front of her. She gave a little smirk to Purity.
"This is how you slice," she said, "well, I'll show you how we're supposed to do it. Then I'll show you the better way that I learned to-"
"Gess!" Momma Elsie didn't even turn around. "Safety comes first, Gess. If you get injured showing off, I will have to have quite the talk with you. Don't think you'll get sympathy!"
Gess glanced at Momma Elsie, rolled her eyes, then went back to the potato. She sliced carefully, but the knife was rather dull. Every time she pushed it through it would hit the table with a thud. The table was well-worn with knifemarks.
"Here," Gess said, "take these pieces to the counter." She shoved the sliced potato over to Purity, then started working on the next one.
The front door slammed open and Dewie ran into the kitchen. "MOMMA EL-SIE!" he shouted, "SOMEONE'S COMING!"
"Dewie! For heaven's sake, silence!" Momma Elsie turned around, furious. "You are going to be punished for this, young man!"
"Momma, someone's coming! Melitia is coming down the road with someone in nice clothes. Tonn told me to tell you, he went off to see who it is!"
"Then when you come to tell me, you should come and TELL me, not shout! I will be out in a moment. Go on!"
Dewie ran back out of the house. Momma Elsie sighed and pushed the pot from one side of the stove to the other.
"Gess, dearie, I'm going to need you to stir this for a moment," she said, "it's off the heat so you don't need to add anything. Just make sure it doesn't burn." She stalked out of the kitchen in a huff.
Gess walked over to the pot and started stirring. She huffed, then glanced at Purity. "Aren't you going to go see who it is?" she asked. "It's probably about you anyway."
"About… me? Why?"
"Strangers don't come by every day. If someone is coming by, it's GOT to be about you, why else? People looking to adopt us only come by when Momma Elsie sets up a meeting."
Purity looked around nervously. "I don't want to cause trouble."
"Well," Gess stroked her chin thoughtfully, "maybe it's one of your parents who found out where you are? You DO have parents, right?"
Purity didn't answer, but ran out of the room. The front door was open, Momma Elsie was standing just outside of it. She was talking with someone that Purity couldn't see.
"It has not even been a full day, I don't think that it is very appropriate," Momma Elsie said.
"I understand," a male voice outside replied, "but what miss Melitia told me is quite intriguing. I would love a chance to meet this boy, every gifted child deserves a chance to explore their-"
"Yes, I know, I know. I've cared for special children before. But this is just too much. Purity needs a chance to rest. Even I don't know the situation he came from!"
"Of course. But-"
"No buts. Purity is staying with me until I decide he is ready to move to a new home. As it so happens, it takes more than twenty-four hours to find that out!"
There was a period of silence. Then the male voice responded, quite a bit more coldly than before, "I understand. I will return later."
Momma Elsie waited for a moment, then gave a huff and walked inside. "I’ll have a talk with you about this later," she called to Melitia. She stopped in surprise when she looked up the stairs.
Purity was sitting halfway up the stairs, arms around knees, knees against chest, nearly weeping. Elsie stepped up the stairs and sat next to Purity with a sympathetic pat to the head.
“What’s wrong, dear? Did you want to be adopted? I understand, but I think it’s too soon. You’ll-"
"No, Momma! His heart, his heart! It wasn't broken, or thrown away, he…"
Elsie waited patiently for Purity to continue. When Purity didn't, she spoke up. "He what, dear?"
"He killed his heart," Purity whispered, "he killed it. Completely."
"I suppose that means you'll refuse his adoption, then. Don't worry, Purity, things will work out well. You don't need to go with anyone you don't want to."
Purity looked up at Elsie. "I don't like being special. I want to be just like all the others."
"You are like the others, Purity. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
"But-"
Dewie ran into the house. He dashed into the kitchen, then back out and looked around. He glanced Purity and Momma Elsie on the stairs and ran up to them.
"Some other people are coming!" he said breathlessly, "two of em. Black clothes, never seen anything like it!"
Momma Elsie sighed and stood up. "You stay here," she told Purity, "you don't worry about a thing." She walked outside.
After a moment, Purity stood and walked to the door as well, peeking around the doorframe.
Momma Elsie stood with hands on hips in a rather defiant manner. She gestured for the children to go back behind the house, then stood still as the two black-robed men approached.
"Elsie Durmot?" One of them asked.
"Yes. What can I do for you? Is this an inspection?"
"We are with the Council Magical Inquiry branch of the Delnast government. We just apprehended an individual that attempted to take one of your children. We will need to speak with you and your assistant about this."
Momma Elsie tilted her head. "The man didn't seem too nice. What were his charges?"
One of the black-robed men looked around, as if unwilling to explain. "You won't want to hear this," he said. "I think it might be best if we stepped inside to speak."
The other man spoke up. "Where is the assistant?" he asked. "We shouldn't let her get away."
"Get away?" Elsie said sharply. "Just what are you accusing Melitia of?"
The first man sighed. "Melitia Evermes has been found to be in collusion with a group that has been kidnapping magically gifted children for experiments." He looked away from Elsie, then back to her. "She is indirectly responsible for some very terrible things."
Elsie looked for a moment as though she wanted to sit down, but stayed standing. "How do you know this?" she said weakly.
"Following the uncovering of the organization by Daes Lune and the Void Gate, we were sent to uncover all information we could. We found several members of this group and interrogated them. Her involvement was unquestionably linked to the apprehension of these children."
"Melitia!" Elsie called. "Melitia, come here!" she glared at the two men. "If you have an accusation, I will have her hear it. But I will not allow you to take her-"
"Yes, Elsie?" Melitia walked around the house and walked boldly towards the two men in black. She had a cold air about her, and she had gritted her teeth.
"Melitia, these men have brought accusations against you, very serious ones. I do not believe them for a second. Now, strangers, explain yourselves!"
"No need. I know what they have to say. And I know that I can't escape, no matter what. I have earned my punishment, whatever the Council decides to do with me…"
"You can't be serious!" Elsie stamped her foot, almost childishly. "No, I refuse to accept this! I have known you your whole life, there is no way you would do this, not knowing what happens to the children!"
Melitia looked sadly at Elsie. "You've taken good care of me. I'm sorry that I wasn't the child you thought you raised. For what it's worth… I never wanted a single child to be harmed."
"It's not worth anything," one of the men cut in, "I saw what they were doing. In my eyes, you're just as guilty. Now, come."
Melitia began to walk away from the house. One of the men followed her closely, while the other stayed next to Elsie.
"We will be examining this home to find out if anything else suspicious was going on," he said, "we will be in touch. Do not allow any children to leave, and do not leave yourself, until we return."
Elsie stayed staring as Melitia was led away. She turned suddenly as a shout rang out from one of the children.
"Hey!" Den shouted. "Where are you going? Where are you taking her?"
The children all ran after Melitia. She turned to them, kneeling to give them each one last hug. The man beside her held out his hand to stop her, then pulled back to let the children see her.
"Whath going on?" Riza wailed.
"I have to go, children," Melitia smiled. A tear ran down her cheek. "Take care of each other. I… I won't be back. I'm sorry, I'm sorry this was so sudden. And tell Purity… Tell Purity that I'm most sorry for him."
The children clamored with whys and tears. At last the man from the Council pulled her up. "It's time," he said, "the children will have to leave you alone."
Melitia stood up. "Away, children! I must go. You all are to go tend to Momma Elsie. She will need your support. I expect you older children to bring the younger back to the house…"
It took several more minutes before the older children managed to get the younger back even a few feet from Melitia. She turned away from them and took a deep breath.
"WAIT!" All heads turned as Purity ran out from the house shouting. "Wait a moment!"
"Purity, wait!" Elsie tried to grab Purity, but failed.
Purity ran up to Melitia. Without pausing to catch a breath, Purity grabbed Melitia's hand.
"Please," Purity said, "please, don't throw it away. Don't, don't throw it away."
Melitia smiled. A warm smile. "I'm so sorry, Purity," she said. "I'm so, so sorry."
"Your heart," Purity said, nearly crying, "don't throw it away. You threw it away before, but now, just now… the others, the children, they gave you from their hearts. Their hearts are breaking, they gave the pieces to you, don't throw them away!"
There was a long pause. Melitia stared at Purity, and tears welled up in her eyes. "I… I won't," she said, "I won't. I did, for so long… so very long… but I won't. Whatever punishment I get… I'll never throw it away."
The man from the Council tugged on her shoulder, and she turned. Purity sat, watching them go. Even after they were gone, Purity watched. Purity watched until Momma Elsie came, and watched as Momma Elsie carried Purity inside.
The younger children cried. They cried until they had no more tears, then they were brought to their rooms. The older children sat in silence, nobody talked. More than a few glances were made at Purity, but still nobody talked.
The day passed. Nobody noticed lunchtime had come and gone. Eventually it was time for dinner, and Momma Elsie brought out cold stew for everyone. This time dinner wasn't had at the table, but wherever the children were.
Nobody could remember bedtime, or getting tucked into bed, but everyone woke up in the morning.
Purity looked at the stuffed bear after waking up. All around the room there were other items like it, items that had been given pieces of hearts. All around the room there were children hugging tightly onto dolls or blankets.
Purity hugged the bear, giving it a new piece of a heart.
Noon approached, and Gess came by to speak with Purity.
"Momma Elsie wants to see us," she said.
Tonn, who had been trying to teach Purity a game involving sticks and drawing on the ground, raised an eyebrow with confusion.
"What's up?" he asked. "It's almost lunch time. We don't have to set the table for a while now."
"Momma Elsie wants to see us," Gess repeated, "I don't know why. Maybe Purity did something wrong and I'm getting blamed for it. Let's go."
Purity followed Gess without comment. Gess didn't seem to be in the mood for conversation anyway, she hadn't done as well in her lessons and had to spend extra time studying this morning.
Momma Elsie was in the kitchen when Gess and Purity came into the house. She was slicing carrots into a large pot on the stove.
"Gess, I've got a job for you," she said as soon as the pair entered, "and I'd like Purity to watch and learn. Sister Melitia hasn't come back from the market and lessons went long today. I need help preparing lunch."
Gess heaved a long sigh, which got her a glare from Momma Elsie. "None of that," she said, "you're old enough to help out. It's time you started."
"Why is sister Melitia still out?" Gess grumbled. "It's her job. What do I have to do?"
"Potatoes. I need five of them peeled and sliced."
"Yes, Momma Elsie. Is Purity going to help?"
"This is a job that you can hurt yourself with. I'd like Purity to just watch. Be careful with the knife!"
Gess pulled some potatoes out from the cupboard next to Momma Elsie, then grabbed a knife from the counter. She brought them to the table and began to peel them.
"You pull the knife towards you slowly," she explained to Purity, "and make sure your thumb is out of the way in case you slip."
Purity watched with rapt attention. The interest was flattering to Gess, who began to peel quicker and quicker. She finished the potato and set it in front of her. She gave a little smirk to Purity.
"This is how you slice," she said, "well, I'll show you how we're supposed to do it. Then I'll show you the better way that I learned to-"
"Gess!" Momma Elsie didn't even turn around. "Safety comes first, Gess. If you get injured showing off, I will have to have quite the talk with you. Don't think you'll get sympathy!"
Gess glanced at Momma Elsie, rolled her eyes, then went back to the potato. She sliced carefully, but the knife was rather dull. Every time she pushed it through it would hit the table with a thud. The table was well-worn with knifemarks.
"Here," Gess said, "take these pieces to the counter." She shoved the sliced potato over to Purity, then started working on the next one.
The front door slammed open and Dewie ran into the kitchen. "MOMMA EL-SIE!" he shouted, "SOMEONE'S COMING!"
"Dewie! For heaven's sake, silence!" Momma Elsie turned around, furious. "You are going to be punished for this, young man!"
"Momma, someone's coming! Melitia is coming down the road with someone in nice clothes. Tonn told me to tell you, he went off to see who it is!"
"Then when you come to tell me, you should come and TELL me, not shout! I will be out in a moment. Go on!"
Dewie ran back out of the house. Momma Elsie sighed and pushed the pot from one side of the stove to the other.
"Gess, dearie, I'm going to need you to stir this for a moment," she said, "it's off the heat so you don't need to add anything. Just make sure it doesn't burn." She stalked out of the kitchen in a huff.
Gess walked over to the pot and started stirring. She huffed, then glanced at Purity. "Aren't you going to go see who it is?" she asked. "It's probably about you anyway."
"About… me? Why?"
"Strangers don't come by every day. If someone is coming by, it's GOT to be about you, why else? People looking to adopt us only come by when Momma Elsie sets up a meeting."
Purity looked around nervously. "I don't want to cause trouble."
"Well," Gess stroked her chin thoughtfully, "maybe it's one of your parents who found out where you are? You DO have parents, right?"
Purity didn't answer, but ran out of the room. The front door was open, Momma Elsie was standing just outside of it. She was talking with someone that Purity couldn't see.
"It has not even been a full day, I don't think that it is very appropriate," Momma Elsie said.
"I understand," a male voice outside replied, "but what miss Melitia told me is quite intriguing. I would love a chance to meet this boy, every gifted child deserves a chance to explore their-"
"Yes, I know, I know. I've cared for special children before. But this is just too much. Purity needs a chance to rest. Even I don't know the situation he came from!"
"Of course. But-"
"No buts. Purity is staying with me until I decide he is ready to move to a new home. As it so happens, it takes more than twenty-four hours to find that out!"
There was a period of silence. Then the male voice responded, quite a bit more coldly than before, "I understand. I will return later."
Momma Elsie waited for a moment, then gave a huff and walked inside. "I’ll have a talk with you about this later," she called to Melitia. She stopped in surprise when she looked up the stairs.
Purity was sitting halfway up the stairs, arms around knees, knees against chest, nearly weeping. Elsie stepped up the stairs and sat next to Purity with a sympathetic pat to the head.
“What’s wrong, dear? Did you want to be adopted? I understand, but I think it’s too soon. You’ll-"
"No, Momma! His heart, his heart! It wasn't broken, or thrown away, he…"
Elsie waited patiently for Purity to continue. When Purity didn't, she spoke up. "He what, dear?"
"He killed his heart," Purity whispered, "he killed it. Completely."
"I suppose that means you'll refuse his adoption, then. Don't worry, Purity, things will work out well. You don't need to go with anyone you don't want to."
Purity looked up at Elsie. "I don't like being special. I want to be just like all the others."
"You are like the others, Purity. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
"But-"
Dewie ran into the house. He dashed into the kitchen, then back out and looked around. He glanced Purity and Momma Elsie on the stairs and ran up to them.
"Some other people are coming!" he said breathlessly, "two of em. Black clothes, never seen anything like it!"
Momma Elsie sighed and stood up. "You stay here," she told Purity, "you don't worry about a thing." She walked outside.
After a moment, Purity stood and walked to the door as well, peeking around the doorframe.
Momma Elsie stood with hands on hips in a rather defiant manner. She gestured for the children to go back behind the house, then stood still as the two black-robed men approached.
"Elsie Durmot?" One of them asked.
"Yes. What can I do for you? Is this an inspection?"
"We are with the Council Magical Inquiry branch of the Delnast government. We just apprehended an individual that attempted to take one of your children. We will need to speak with you and your assistant about this."
Momma Elsie tilted her head. "The man didn't seem too nice. What were his charges?"
One of the black-robed men looked around, as if unwilling to explain. "You won't want to hear this," he said. "I think it might be best if we stepped inside to speak."
The other man spoke up. "Where is the assistant?" he asked. "We shouldn't let her get away."
"Get away?" Elsie said sharply. "Just what are you accusing Melitia of?"
The first man sighed. "Melitia Evermes has been found to be in collusion with a group that has been kidnapping magically gifted children for experiments." He looked away from Elsie, then back to her. "She is indirectly responsible for some very terrible things."
Elsie looked for a moment as though she wanted to sit down, but stayed standing. "How do you know this?" she said weakly.
"Following the uncovering of the organization by Daes Lune and the Void Gate, we were sent to uncover all information we could. We found several members of this group and interrogated them. Her involvement was unquestionably linked to the apprehension of these children."
"Melitia!" Elsie called. "Melitia, come here!" she glared at the two men. "If you have an accusation, I will have her hear it. But I will not allow you to take her-"
"Yes, Elsie?" Melitia walked around the house and walked boldly towards the two men in black. She had a cold air about her, and she had gritted her teeth.
"Melitia, these men have brought accusations against you, very serious ones. I do not believe them for a second. Now, strangers, explain yourselves!"
"No need. I know what they have to say. And I know that I can't escape, no matter what. I have earned my punishment, whatever the Council decides to do with me…"
"You can't be serious!" Elsie stamped her foot, almost childishly. "No, I refuse to accept this! I have known you your whole life, there is no way you would do this, not knowing what happens to the children!"
Melitia looked sadly at Elsie. "You've taken good care of me. I'm sorry that I wasn't the child you thought you raised. For what it's worth… I never wanted a single child to be harmed."
"It's not worth anything," one of the men cut in, "I saw what they were doing. In my eyes, you're just as guilty. Now, come."
Melitia began to walk away from the house. One of the men followed her closely, while the other stayed next to Elsie.
"We will be examining this home to find out if anything else suspicious was going on," he said, "we will be in touch. Do not allow any children to leave, and do not leave yourself, until we return."
Elsie stayed staring as Melitia was led away. She turned suddenly as a shout rang out from one of the children.
"Hey!" Den shouted. "Where are you going? Where are you taking her?"
The children all ran after Melitia. She turned to them, kneeling to give them each one last hug. The man beside her held out his hand to stop her, then pulled back to let the children see her.
"Whath going on?" Riza wailed.
"I have to go, children," Melitia smiled. A tear ran down her cheek. "Take care of each other. I… I won't be back. I'm sorry, I'm sorry this was so sudden. And tell Purity… Tell Purity that I'm most sorry for him."
The children clamored with whys and tears. At last the man from the Council pulled her up. "It's time," he said, "the children will have to leave you alone."
Melitia stood up. "Away, children! I must go. You all are to go tend to Momma Elsie. She will need your support. I expect you older children to bring the younger back to the house…"
It took several more minutes before the older children managed to get the younger back even a few feet from Melitia. She turned away from them and took a deep breath.
"WAIT!" All heads turned as Purity ran out from the house shouting. "Wait a moment!"
"Purity, wait!" Elsie tried to grab Purity, but failed.
Purity ran up to Melitia. Without pausing to catch a breath, Purity grabbed Melitia's hand.
"Please," Purity said, "please, don't throw it away. Don't, don't throw it away."
Melitia smiled. A warm smile. "I'm so sorry, Purity," she said. "I'm so, so sorry."
"Your heart," Purity said, nearly crying, "don't throw it away. You threw it away before, but now, just now… the others, the children, they gave you from their hearts. Their hearts are breaking, they gave the pieces to you, don't throw them away!"
There was a long pause. Melitia stared at Purity, and tears welled up in her eyes. "I… I won't," she said, "I won't. I did, for so long… so very long… but I won't. Whatever punishment I get… I'll never throw it away."
The man from the Council tugged on her shoulder, and she turned. Purity sat, watching them go. Even after they were gone, Purity watched. Purity watched until Momma Elsie came, and watched as Momma Elsie carried Purity inside.
The younger children cried. They cried until they had no more tears, then they were brought to their rooms. The older children sat in silence, nobody talked. More than a few glances were made at Purity, but still nobody talked.
The day passed. Nobody noticed lunchtime had come and gone. Eventually it was time for dinner, and Momma Elsie brought out cold stew for everyone. This time dinner wasn't had at the table, but wherever the children were.
Nobody could remember bedtime, or getting tucked into bed, but everyone woke up in the morning.
Purity looked at the stuffed bear after waking up. All around the room there were other items like it, items that had been given pieces of hearts. All around the room there were children hugging tightly onto dolls or blankets.
Purity hugged the bear, giving it a new piece of a heart.