Even with being really busy right now I still have time to get this weeks update done.
For disclaimers please look at chapter one.
"I'm glad your father arrived, Kairi. I think he must have been worried about you."
Kairi smiled and nodded. She had not yet seen how well Lady Aerith could read and understand people, but she was comfortable with her. She had experienced little comfort at Twilight Crest, and she found this a relief.
"I think you must be right. It's so good to see him. We were to have some time together before I left, but then he was called away."
Aerith nodded, accurately guessing m ore than she was told.
"Do you have many siblings, Kairi?" Aerith asked with just the right amount of interest.
"Just one sister, Namine. I haven't seen her for some years."
"She is older?"
"Yes,
but more than two years. We have little in common. Lady Aerith, are
you sister to Sora's father of mother?"
"I hope you will
call me Aunt Aerith, and I am sister to Sora's mother, Belle.
After Sora's father died, our own father became ill. Taking all of
Sora's siblings, Belle moved many miles north to our own family's
keep, White
Hall,near
Traverse Town.
Our father is dead now, too, but Belle and the children have made
their home there and are most content. You will meet her at the
wedding."
Kairi
nodded looking thoughtful. "Sora has a large family?"
"Yes.
He is the oldest, but after him are Roxas,
Jane, CloudYunaand
Alice. Jane
is married and expecting her first child, but no one else had wed.
They live for the most part with my sister. I think you will meet
them all at the wedding."
Kairi's eyes had grown during this recitation, but she managed one more question.
"And Sora's father. Had he been long dead?"
"About six years. He died in battle, a great warrior he was. He made the king proud. Sora is very much like him." Aerith added this last bit with gentle pried, while giving Kairi a sweet smile.
Kairi smiled in return and asked, "And what about you Aunt Aerith, do you have children of you own?"
Aerith did have children, two grown sons who she adored, but she was not given time to answer before the men strode into their midst.
(&)
"I have no want to upset you, Kairi," her father began, "but the men who escorted you have families. For their sakes, I wish to know how they died."
Kairi nodded, her eyes briefly skimming over Sora and Aerith before retuning to her father. She told her story quietly, her eyes on her father or on the fire in the hearth. She didn't notice how Sora's jaw became rigid upon hearing the way she sat in the bushes and watched the men die. Nor did she see the pain in his eyes when he heard fear in her voice as she asked her father if he thought she would ever see the attackers again.
"No,
Kairi," he assured her, taking her hand in his own. "You'll
be safe at Twilight Crest."
"So you're leaving me?"
The anxious words were out before she could stop them, and Kairi
blushed as she dropped her eyes to her lap. An awkward moment passed
before Kairi spoke, her eyes still downcast.
"I'm rather tired. I think I'll go to my room."
Both Ansem and Sora stood.
"Will I see you tomorrow?" she asked of her father.
"I'll be here."
With that, Kairi briefly met his eyes, withed them all a goodnight, and walked from the hall. Sora's eyes stayed on her until she was out of sight. A moment later he was relieved that Tron had need of him. He also bid his guests goodnight, leaving Ansem and Aerith alone.
"Would you like to be shown to your chamber, Lord Ansem?" Aerith asked solicitously.
"I
believe I'll stay a while longer by the fire."
"May I
join you?"
"You do me honor, Lady Aerith."
The two sat again. After a moment Aerith commented, "Kairi is a lovely girl."
Ansem smiled. "I know she is not certain about staying, not that I blame her after such a rough initiation, but I truly think it is best."
"Sora told me that she suggested her going home and his visiting from time to time before they wed." Aerith suddenly thought that such a statement might seem impertinent, but Lord Ansem answered readily enough.
"That's not possible," he said quietly. "Kairi and her mother do not get on well. It would be a difficult time for both of them. It would also defeat the purpose of Kairi becoming better acquainted with Sora before they unite they lives."
"This is true," Aerith commented and then fell silent.
"They have not known a good start."
"This is also true."
Ansem speared her with a glance. She was choosing her words very carefully, and there was no need. She told her as much.
"In that case," Aerith said, "I'll tell you that Sora seems very willing for this trial period. Kairi, on the other hand, is not."
Much the way Ansem had surprised Sora at the table, he now took Aerith unaware by smiling.
"You are pleased, Lord Ansem."
"Yes, I am. If I believe Sora would shun and hurt Kairi I would take her with me, but this situation has promise. Sora will have to work hard to find Kairi's harmonious side, but I know it will be worth this effort."
"She does seem to have a will of her own."
Ansem chuckled. "She's no man's plaything, and if Sora can get beyond her lovely face and engaging curves, he'll find himself a wife whose worth cannot be measured."
It was one of the most wonderful things Aerith had ever heard anyone say. She started at Ansem for a long moment, but he eyes were on the flame, a small smile playing around his mouth.
Aerith suddenly remembered the sleepwalking and felt concern. Maybe she should go upstairs. Did Kairi's father know of the problem?
"Lord
Ansem?"
"I'm sorry, my lady, I was not attending."
Indeed, his thoughts had drifted far.
"Sora tells me that
Kairi walks in her sleep. Should I check on her now?"
Ansem's frame stiffened. "Kairi only walks in her sleep when something is upsetting her."
Aerith did not know what to say to this.
"Sora asked me to stay on if I so chose. Maybe I shall do so." Again Aerith could not frame a suitable reply.
"I
hope you will not find me rude, my lady, but I feel a sudden need to
check on Kairi myself."
"Of course, Lord Ansem. I shall
escort you to her room."
(&)
The problem in the keep concerning the evening guard was swiftly handled by Sora and Tron, so it wasn't long before the lord of Twilight Crest stood alone atop the wall. The night was swiftly closing in around him; it was one of his favorite times of the day.
Sora was not a religious man, nor one given to praying, but he did believe in God and that He was in control. He would have given much right then to say that he knew God better, in hopes that he would then know what plans God had for the future. Sora found himself wanting a life with Kairi in a way that he hand' wanted anything in a long time.
He could easily envision the fine sons they would they have just as easily put Kairi's fear of him at the back of his mind so that he could also envision a good marriage between them. It really made no sense. Kairi clearly wished to be elsewhere, and he didn't even know the girl. But Sora felt sureness deep within him that Kairi of Hallo Bastion was the woman God had planned for him.
Sora shrugged. He was growing maudlin. It was impossible to know what the future held, and being the logical man he was, Sora started toward the castle. There was no point in loosing sleep over the matter.
(&)
Ansem was out of the castle early the next morning, but many of the castles folk were already astir. He walked through the keep and around the grounds and was pleasantly surprised to find Sora and Tron returning from the practice field. Both men were gleaming with sweat, and Ansem saw that directly behind them was the jousting field.
"Good morning to you, Ansem," Sora greeted him.
"And
to you, Sora. This is one of your knights?"
"Yes. Lord
Ansem, meet Tron."
"It's a pleasure, sir," Tron said with respect and then took himself off to the castle.
"You're up early," Sora commented as they walked easily in Tron's wake.
"Yes. I will accept your offer to stay for a few days, but with so little time, I did not care to lounge in bed."
"Good,"
Sora returned sincerely. "I think Kairi will be very
pleased."
"And may help a little more willing to remain
here and get to know you better."
Sora smiled at his perception. "I do not wish to see her pine for you."
"Nor do I. keep in mind, Sora," the older man continued, coming to a stop, "Kairi lived at the abbey for years. During her time there she learned a great deal, the most important of which is that her life there kept her unspoiled. Always remember that Kairi will never yearn for a life of creature comforts. She does not put great stock in her surroundings as much as she does in the people surrounding her."
Sora nodded. It was a good thing to know. Still, he knew that Twilight Crest could offer her better.
"I don't know if you've been to see Kairi's room, but that chamber is just temporary."
Ansem waved a dismissive hand. "You will find she is most settled. I would ask you, though to take care with Kairi herself. I speak without bias when I say she has many fine qualities, but that is not to say she has no faults. Pray, deal gently with her."
Sora
was impressed with the older man's honesty. "You are telling me
she likes to have her own way."
Ansem smiled. "What
woman does not?"
Sora only smiled in reply, but he knew that if he pressed Lord Ansem, the older man would have to admit that Kairi was a class alone.
(&)
"I do not wish to stay here, Father God, but I will do as I am asked. Please help me to know control of my actions and emotion. Please help me to deal kindly with all here."
Kairi stopped when Sora came to mind. Did she mean him, too? In truth, she wasn't sure. She had no wish to be mean, but knowing that he felt her troublesome, along with his interest in her sister, made Kairi want nothing to do with him.
Kairi immediately warned herself not to grow overly emotional She had no real proof that Sora was interested in Namine. After all, he had only asked a few questions, and Kairi recognized her own sensitivity where Namine was concerned.
A knock on her chamber door brought Kairi to her feet. She found her father waiting without.
"Come and break the fast with me, Kairi."
"Do
you leave today?"
"No. I will be here for you."
Kairi
beamed up at him and took his proffered arm for the journey down the
wide stone stairs.
(&)
"This flour has been sifted?" Kairi asked the baker and let a handful run through her fingers.
"Yes, my lady."
"Please repeat the process."
"Yes, my lady," the man spoke, but Aerith, standing at Kairi's side, could see that he was not happy.
The older woman had to keep from shaking her head. Ansem had been gone for two days, and Aerith had steeled herself for Kairi's resentment or depression. She got neither. Kairi was throwing herself into the workings of the castle with a vengeance.
Kairi was the most fascination woman Aerith had even encountered. One moment she was tending to a slight wound on the finger of a small child and the next she was telling the milkers, in no uncertain terms, that they would do a better job of rinsing their pottery jars. Aerith knew there was a few who wanted to toss her into the moat, but most of the castle fold were beginning to adore her.
And Sora was no exception. Aerith could see it in his eyes. Unfortunately, Kairi did not return his sentiment. She might be talking with Tron, smiling at him in true affection, or even laughing at some outrageous remark from Leon, but the moment Kairi became aware of Sora's presence she became stiff as a poker. She was even warming up to Kimabir, but to Sora she was chillingly civil.
"Aunt
Aerith?"
"Yes, dear." the woman had made their way
from the kitchen and baking quarters and were almost to the great
hall.
"Who
is Lolo Francesca?"
Aerith came to such an abrupt halt
that Kairi started. The older woman took a moment to ask, "Where
did you hear her name, Kairi?"
"I heard Mrs. Potts mention her to Snow white, but I have met on one at Twilight Crest with that name."
Aerith licked her lips. "She lives in the village."
Kairi nodded serenely, but because she was very curious over Aerith's reaction, she pressed her.
"But
how is she?"
Aerith hesitated for only a moment this time;
surely Kairi was mature enough to understand.
"She is the village prostitute."
Aerith was not prepared for Kairi's reaction. Her eyes filled with compassionate tears.
"Is she very young?"
"I'm not sure," Aerith had mitted and felt shame for the uncharitable thoughts she'd had toward Lolo Francesca in the past. On top of these thoughts, however, was one of horror. She couldn't stop herself from voicing it.
"You're not thinking of going to see her, are you Kairi?"
"Well, not right away."
"Kairi." Aerith felt panic coming on. "I do not think Sora would approve." Disapproval was too mild a word, but Aerith could think of none better.
Kairi stiffened with outrage."Why? Does Sora visit her?"
"No!" Aerith's voice squeaked. "No, Kairi, never."
Some of Kairi's strain left her, but she till looked offended. Aerith sighed. It would seem that Sora could do no right, not even with he was innocent.
"You judge Sora too harshly, my dear." Aerith's words were spoken gently, but they had a powerful effect. Kairi stared at the older woman and dropped her eyes. Her fingers come to her lips, and she looked very contrite.
Aerith would have questioned her some, but Cogsworth approached then, announcing, "Lady Aerith, Lord Sora asked me to tell you that Lord Roxas and Lord Cloud have arrived."
"Thank you, Gogsworth."
"Sora's family?' Kairi questioned when Gogsworth moved away.
"Yes, the two brothers closest to him in age. Will you come with me to meet them?"
"They will be hungry. I will join you when I've seen that something is prepared."
Aerith saw it for the excuse that it was and let it go, but she knew that Kairi's fears were ungrounded. She was going to love Sora's brothers.
A short one but a good one none the less. Please read and respond.
