I finally got this chapter under control, after a rather lengthy hiatus. Sorry 'bout that guys; for some reason, this one just didn't want to cooperate. *pokes it* Ah well, I got it now. :P

Enjoy!

Chapter Four: Memories

Harper was a reasonable woman, but even she had her limits. When the young, ambitious child she took care of suggested they ride a wild hummingbird, she knew her reasoning had run out.

Ronin was not an average child; she had known that from the beginning. When Harper had first been introduced to the strangely silent boy and his father, she had known this job would not be simple. But, she had known the boy's mother since they were children and she couldn't abandon her dear friend's only child to loneliness.

General Elrith had not been specific when handing the care of his son over to her, and Harper hadn't pressed the man for any more information. She knew he was grieving, and he needed space to heal from his wife's loss.

Ronin had quickly proven to be a rambunctious child; his energy level was beyond her, even though Harper was only a few years older than his own mother. He had a terrible habit of hiding in clever spots, specifically when she deemed it necessary he bathe.

But, overall, he was strong in spirit and in character. There were more than a few times Harper had felt the need to discipline him, but she felt it did him good in the end, even if he hated each punishment she came up with. As a teenager, he'd become quiet and reserved, with just a streak of longing for adventure. When he'd made the decision to join the ranks of Leafmen, she'd cried tears of joy.

Harper had watched him grow from a curious child to a kind-hearted man. She'd long ago seen his relationship with his father left much to be desired, but he had done well without a man's influence on his life. Ronin would go far, she had told herself when he kissed her cheek goodbye on that early summer's day with his bag slung over his shoulder and the biggest grin on his face.

He was happy, and she was content.

So, it was with quite a bit of surprise that Harper found Ronin standing on her doorstep, looking as if he'd just been scolded harshly.

"Ronin!" she exclaimed. "What are you doing here? I thought you were-"

"Patrolling, yes." He glanced over his shoulder, and she noted with some concern how he was holding onto his arm rather stiffly. "It's a bit of a long story, Harper. Might I come in for a moment?"

She nodded and opened the door further. He stooped slightly to come in, and she noticed he had shot up a bit more since she last saw him. Of course, he'd only been fifteen years old when he'd joined the Leafmen, and he was certainly not done growing at that point.

He was broader around the shoulders as well, filling out rather nicely like his father had done. Harper had been friends with Elrith and Kala since they were children, and she knew Ronin would resemble his father one way or another. She honestly wouldn't have been surprised if he already had a pretty young woman on his arm one of these days.

Harper motioned for him to sit at her table, and she moved to prepare some tea. She kept an eye on him while she worked, and she couldn't help but notice something seemed off. When he was younger, Ronin's eyes usually held some spark of life in them, but now he just seemed devoid of any emotion. His mouth was turned down in a severe frown, and he continued to hold his arm stiffly.

"Ronin, what's wrong?" She lightly touched his shoulder, but he jerked away without meeting her eyes.

"Nothing; and then…maybe everything." He refused to meet her eyes, looking around the simple home he knew all too well.

Harper pulled the small pot off the fire and poured two cups of tea. "Don't be a stranger, Ronin. You've always been able to talk to me."

They sat in silence, neither one moving or looking at each other. Harper recalled a time when Ronin's father had been this way; when he'd been troubled, he would draw out the silence and leave Harper and Ginger to wait for him to speak.

"I've been banned from Moonhaven, and my privileges as Leafman revoked."

Her mouth dropped open. "Ronin, I'm so sorry…" She reached over and touched his hand, and this time he didn't pull away. "Was this somehow related to the patrol of Boggans a week ago?"

"Yes." Ronin leaned back in the chair, running his hand through his hair. "It was complicated, and I was going to warn them, but…"

"But?" Harper prodded, curling her hands around her rapidly cooling tea.

"I happened upon a young Jinn woman in the Boggans' path; her situation took precedence over warning my father."

"Oh Ronin….will your father allow you to work your way back into your division? He can't expect you to make your way as a common man?"

"I don't know, but Drake suggested as much." He shrugged slightly and winced, rolling his shoulder only slightly. "It may be worth trying, but I need to do something faster than that. The east side has been quiet for days; no doubt the Boggans are just laying low, and I need something to happen."

"Ronin, I'm afraid you're not going to like what I'm about to say to you, but you need to hear it." Harper leaned against the table top, staring straight at him. "You want me to speak to your father on your behalf, but I won't do it. I've spent too long swaying his mind for your sake, and its about time you show him what kind of man you are. Now, are you going to let him beat you into silence like this?"

While she'd spoken, his eyes had widened but he slowly shook his head. "No, Harper."

"But that doesn't mean disregarding the rules. You obey your father, but you do not let him rule your life. I've raised you better than that."

"Yes, ma'am."

Harper nodded with a smile, picking up her tea and swirling the dregs around.

"Harper?"

"Yes Ronin?"

"Did I ever mention how much I love you?"

She just beamed in reply.

So, what did you think? Hopefully you guys aren't too disappointed with it. If you have a moment, please review!