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A Legend's Journey

Chapter 10

Auron kept watch through the night, giving Raine the potions at their appointed times.

She seemed to sleep some but often stirred fitfully. At times she seemed to be murmuring something but he wasn't able to discern what it was. The hours passed.

Raine faded in and out of semi-consciousness. The pain in her head was somewhat relieved by Julan's potions but it was still quite thunderous. Auron. Where was Auron? She called but he didn't answer. Where was he?

The sky was slightly lighter in the east when Raine's eyes eased open. The pain had lessened a bit and her brain tried to resume normal function again but the mental fog was still thick.

Very gingerly, she turned her head. Close beside her bed in the big chair was Auron, long legs stretched out before him crossed at the ankles, head back, asleep. One arm was resting on the edge of her bed, his hand holding one of hers.

Foggy or not, she thought he was beautiful. Asleep, his face was peaceful, his mouth soft. That one lock of hair stubbornly flipped forward. She so badly wanted to caress that face, touch that hair.

Still unable to think clearly, she didn't know what to make of him holding her hand while he slept. Her disjointed thoughts actually meant, 'Why is he holding my hand? To wake him if I move?"'

So she tried it. The instant her hand moved, his eyes opened, he sat up and leaned closer. She had her answer, 'Yes. It was to alert him.'

Dark eyes in his concerned face searched her face. "How are you feeling?" asked his soft rumble.

It was too painful to actually make sounds just yet so her response was only a whisper, "Head hurts."

"It's almost time for the next potion. It should help. Are you thirsty? Are you warm enough?"

Another whisper, "Hurts." She felt pain all over.

Auron still held her hand. "I'm so sorry, Raine. I would do anything if I could take that pain for you. Rest as easy as you can. I'm right here." He pressed the hand he held to the side of his face and she could feel the roughness of his beard.

Her muddled mind was trying to compute this information. Holding her hand to his face? What? At the moment she was unable to decipher this. Maybe later.

She faded back out into sleep.

His big hand continued to hold her small one against his face, then moving it closer to his lips as he kissed it, but Raine wasn't aware of it. He sat like that for a very long time.

Sunlight began to fill the small room. Time for more potions. Raine's eyes opened again to find Auron's face close to her own as his arm cradled her into more of a sitting position so she could swallow without choking.

Her blue eyes looked deep into his dark ones so close to her. Oh, she wanted to tell him of her feelings! She hoped there would be a day when she could. She loved him so very much!

As Auron looked into the beautiful blue eyes, it was all he could do to keep himself from just saying, "Raine, I love you!" One day he would.

He eased her back against her pillow, his arms still holding her for a moment as he looked down into her eyes. He used all of his willpower to stop himself from gently kissing those sweet lips. With a sigh, he sat back up. Her eyes followed him, their depths unreadable to him. He didn't know what he was seeing there.

What he was seeing was, 'Auron, I love you so much. I wish I could tell you.' But he didn't recognize that. He'd never seen it before.

The potions were making her sleepy and soon dark lashes were resting on her checks again.

Auron stood and stretched. He went to the kitchen and started the coffee then got a quick shower and shave. Back in the kitchen, he found a left-over muffin that would serve as his breakfast. Sitting at the table, waiting for the coffee to finish, he still didn't have an answer to his question: what are you going to do? He just didn't know.

Kimahri! Surely he wasn't still standing guard outside, was he? Long strides quickly took him to the outer door. A massive Ronso Warrior stood there but it wasn't Kimahri.

"Alsa! Where is Kimahri?"

Alsa turned and gave his version of a smile to Sir Auron. "Good morning, Sir Auron. Alsa relieve Kimahri; Kimahri rest now. Raine better?"

"Thank you, Alsa. The Ronso have my deep gratitude for all their kind, generous help. I am indebted."

"Thanks not needed. No debt. Sir Auron Ronso friend."

Auron gave Alsa a thump on his chest and rumbled, "Thank you, anyway."

He continued, "Raine is resting. I think she's a little better but it will take a while before she's up and about." A shadow clouded his face as he continued, "We could have lost her yesterday, Alsa." Auron couldn't get that thought out of his mind.

Alsa gave a Ronso grunt in response, but Auron knew exactly what it said.

He looked into the gold eyes of the Ronso. "Everything seems under control now. Why don't you get some rest, too?"

Alsa looked down from his great height. "Alsa stay. Alsa leave, Kimahri kick butt!" The rumble that followed was his version of a chuckle.

Auron had to smile. Alsa was probably right! A parting thump to Alsa and Auron returned to the house.

The coffee smelled good as he poured a cup. He returned to his seat at the table and looked out the kitchen window as he slowly sipped it.

A light tap at the inner door caught his attention. Julan had been admitted by Alsa.

"You're out early this morning, Julan. Will you have a cup of coffee with me?"

"That's very kind, Sir Auron! Yes, I will gladly, but I'd like to see my patient first, if you don't mind."

"Of course," and he gestured toward her room.

Julan noted the proximity of the big chair to the bedside as he checked on his sleeping patient. She seemed to be as was to be expected at this point, but should improve fairly quickly from now on.

They returned to the kitchen where Auron poured a cup of hot liquid for the Healer.

Julan didn't speak at first. He sat just sipping his coffee and studying his host.

Auron knew the older man had something on his mind so he just waited. Julan would speak when he was ready. If there was one thing Auron knew how to do, it was to wait, patiently or not!

Eventually Julan cleared his throat and looked in Auron's eyes. "This is a delicate subject but I think I must address it."

He looked down for a moment, then returned his gray eyes to the dark ones across the table from him.

"Raine has declined because something is making her very unhappy. Something is troubling you and you aren't sleeping well. I think the two are related. I would never bring it up but I think Raine's condition was the cause for her fall yesterday. She isn't eating enough to keep a bird alive and I'm not talking about a Chocobo!"

"Forgive me for broaching such a personal subject but - are you by chance in love with her, Sir Auron?"

Auron was caught off-guard by the question. Many thoughts raced through his mind as he debated about how to answer. At last, he decided that this man across the table from him was as honest and trustworthy as they came. There was something in him that invited confidences. Maybe it was better to just acknowledge his feelings for Raine to him.

"Yes, Julan, I am. I don't know how or when it happened, but it did. I can't let her know because I don't want her to feel any obligation to me for being her Guardian. A Guardianship requires strict behavior and I can't betray that. Personal feelings can never interfere with a Guardian's duty. And, she has to be free to make her own choices. I don't want her to feel any obligations to me."

Julan considered The Guardian's words.

"Hm. I fully understand the sense of responsibility you feel toward your position. Your unquestionable integrity is one of the reasons you are so totally trusted in every land. But we have a unique situation here."

He paused a moment before continuing. "I think it is very likely that Raine is in love with you and, for whatever reason, is afraid for you to know. I would never interfere with your duties and obligations as a Guardian, but I think it is time to consider this possibility."

Auron's jaw dropped. What?? He was stunned! His eyes left those of the Healer and looked out the window. Raine in love with him? Could that be??

Julan watched as the information sank in. He said, "Why don't you let me speak with her and see if I can gently sound her out? It may be a day of two before she really feels like talking."

Auron simply nodded as his whirling thoughts prevented any speech.

Julan stood. "Many thanks for the coffee, Sir Auron. I have to be on my way. I'll see myself out." And he left.

Auron sat at the table for a long time, cold coffee untouched in his cup, trying to get a grasp on this possibility that Julan had brought up.

He thought back to the almost-kiss so long ago. How he wanted to complete that kiss! Auron's heart was thudding at the thought that Julan's theory could be correct. He hardly dared to believe it. He asked all the gods in the universe to please let it be so! He sat with his untouched coffee, thinking. Hoping.

Finally he went to check on Raine.

She hadn't seemed to have even moved during his absence. He had hardly settled himself in the big chair when she slightly stirred and her eyes began to open. She slowly turned her head toward him and whispered, "You're back."

He leaned close and said, "Yes, I was talking with Julan. He came to check on you. How are you feeling?"

"A little better, I think." It still appeared to take some effort to speak.

"Do you think you could eat something? Something to drink?"

"Cold juice?"

"Okay. I'll be right back." He'd have to go to the square to get it but it would only take a few minutes.

Coat quickly donned, Auron went to the outer door and there was Kimahri.

"My friend, I am deeply in your debt. You have my gratitude for being here."

Kimahri gave that rumbling grunt. "No. Sir Auron friend. Would do same." Then his rumble that meant a laugh, "Give Kimahri something to do!"

Auron's lips twitched. "I tried to get Alsa to go home earlier but he said you'd kick his butt if he did."

"Alsa smart!" followed by the rumble-chuckle. "Raine better?"

"Yes, I think a little better. It's still hard for her to talk much, but she indicated that the pain in her head is not quite as bad. That's a good sign."

"Kimahri happy to hear."

"She wants some cold fruit juice, so I'm going to get that and will be right back."

"Kimahri get."

"Thank you, my friend, but I need to move my legs and this will help." The thump on the furry arm spoke volumes between the two.

Auron's long legs took him to Bana's tent and he requested a container of the juice Raine wanted. Bana said, "I've just prepared it so it is nice and fresh, Sir Auron!" Auron paid and thanked him, then headed back to the villa.

Nan saw him and caught his attention as he was leaving. Auron stopped in front of her tent a moment.

"Sir Auron, how is Raine? Is she better?" True concern was visible in her normally bright eyes.

"I think a little better, thank you. But it will take some time to fully recover. She wanted some of Bana's cold juice, so I'll take my leave now, if you don't mind. I don't want to keep her waiting."

"Of course, Sir Auron. We all are concerned about her. Let me know if I can help in any way."

Auron thought for a moment then said, "She may feel well enough to change into fresh clothing now. If you have time later, it would be greatly appreciated."

"I'll be there shortly. I'm sure Anya will be glad to watch the tent for me. Business is a little slow today."

"Thank you, Nan. You are a good woman!"

Nan blushed a bit and turned to help a customer.

Auron returned to the villa, filled a glass with the cold juice and took it to Raine's room.

Her eyes were closed but when she heard him move into the room, they opened. A small smile appeared on her lips.

He knelt close to the bedside. "I have your juice. It's fresh and really cold. I hope you enjoy it. Here, let me rearrange the pillows."

He fluffed them and repositioned them so that she was semi-sitting. One arm behind her, he helped her steady the glass as she drank a few sips at a time. "It is so good," she smiled. There was actually a bit of her voice this time instead of just a whisper. Good sign.

He smiled back at her. "I'm glad you like it. Bana had just finished squeezing it when I got there."

Being so close to her, holding her, helping her drink, made his heart rate increase. 'Oh, please let Julan be right!' He was very glad that it took so long to sip the drink. It meant that much more time to hold her.

The cold drink felt so good in Raine's throat, but Auron's arm supporting her felt so much better and his beautiful face so close to hers was best of all. 'How I wish I could tell you, Auron!' It would take a very long time to consume this drink!

Eventually the glass was empty and Auron eased her back on the pillows. A small sigh escaped as he removed his arm from behind her. "Nan will come shortly to help get you into fresh clothing if you feel up to it."

"That will be nice. Nan is special, isn't she?" she answered in a low, soft voice.

"Yes, she is."

As if on cue, Nan was ushered by Kimahri into the house. She tapped lightly on the partly open door. Auron rose from his position by the bedside. "Thank you for coming, Nan. I think Raine will appreciate your help. If there's nothing you need, I'll excuse myself."

Nan turned to Raine, "Do you feel up to a light wash, my dear?"

"Oh, that would be so nice, Nan, if you don't mind."

"Not at all. If you'll bring hot water, Sir Auron, we'll have her all freshened up in only a moment!"

Auron returned with the water and the things necessary for bathing. He closed the door as he left Nan to her task.

He could hear her non-stop chatter, a few chuckles and occasional soft responses from Raine. Little time had passed when the door opened and Nan's smiling face appeared. "We're all done, Sir Auron! If you will lift her, I'll put fresh linens on." Nan was never one to let a good opportunity go by!

Auron's strong arms were gentle as they lifted her from the bed. She smelled of sweet, fragrant soap. He stood holding her as Nan changed the linens, Raine's forehead resting against his neck. She smiled to herself, 'Sir Auron knows an opportunity when he sees one, too!'

Linen change complete, Auron carefully lowered her to her bed and covered her. Raine felt so much better being freshly clean and in her soft white gown. A sigh escaped and she smiled.

"That feels so good. Nan, I can never thank you enough." Raine smiled at her.

"'Tis nothing at all, my dear. Not something I haven't done many times before for my own girls and grandchildren! Now, I must get back to my tent. Rest well, child. We miss your visits in the square!"

Auron escorted her to the door. "Nan, you have my gratitude. Perhaps there will come a time when I can repay my debt to you."

Nan turned, a determined and serious expression on her face and in her eyes. Her voice was a little stern, "Sir Auron, it is we who are in your debt! You helped defeat Sin. We will never be able to repay you for that! And it will never be forgotten." One last serious look and she left.

Auron took a deep breath. He hadn't known how to respond to Nan and was glad that she had turned so quickly to leave.

He returned to the villa and checked on Raine. She was resting back on the pillows, eyes closed, her breathing slow and regular. The bath must have taken all her energy. He collected the bathing things and took them to the bathroom.

His stomach was complaining about the lack of food it was getting. He went into the kitchen and put a small meal together for himself and ate. 'Where has the day gone?'

Returning to Raine's room, he made himself comfortable in the big chair which he quietly slid closer to her bed. His hand sought hers and gently wrapped itself around hers. Somewhere in her sleep, Raine smiled.

Day faded into night and throughout the night, he slept in the chair beside her.

The next morning, he was awakened by a tap on Raine's door. He had overslept! Julan's face peered around the door, taking in the scene before him, including Raine's hand enclosed in Sir Auron's.

In quiet tones, "My apologies, Sir Auron! Kimahri admitted me. I hope it was all right."

Auron responded quietly, "Of course, Julan. I have overslept. Welcome."

"Well, I'm not surprised. You barely slept the night before! How is my patient?"

"Better, I think. She wanted some cold juice yesterday, but she hasn't eaten anything yet."

A sleepy voice behind them very softly said, "But she would love an egg and toast if she could find someone to bring them."

Both men turned in surprise. A somewhat disheveled Raine was looking at them with a sleepy smile on her lips.

"I'll go prepare it right now," Auron said. "Coffee?"

"Oh, yes. Thank you, Auron." Her voice was much stronger this morning.

Auron left and Julan approached her bedside. "Feeling better, are we?"

"Yes, Julan, I really am. Thank you so much."

"Well, you do need to be careful for a while. You had a really bad fall and it will take a while. Especially since you have declined so. What is troubling you, my dear? Can you tell me?"

Raine wanted so badly to tell this wonderful old man. He was so kind and had been so good to her. Should she tell? She looked into gentle gray eyes.

Before she knew it, words were softly tumbling from her heart. Once they started it was impossible for them to stop until her tale was told.

All the while, Julan had sat holding her hand as he listened with kindness on his face, just nodding now and then. Julan's only concern was that Auron would return and interrupt. But Auron could hear the murmur of their voices, so kept himself occupied in case Julan was able to get Raine to open up to him.

Raine ended, "So you see how impossible it is for me to tell him. Maybe one day..." and her voice trailed off.

Julan sat for a time considering his response. A big sigh. "Well, my dear, why don't you give it just a little more time, hm? Time for me to go now. I'll check back again. Enjoy your breakfast!"

'Give it a little more time? What can he possibly mean by that?' She lay back on the pillows pondering the old Healer's words.

Julan returned to the kitchen where Auron waited. He stood as soon as the Healer approached.

"You have a very good day, Sir Auron. It's really quite beautiful out. Perhaps Raine would enjoy a little time out in the sun. Of course, you'll have to help her. She isn't quite steady or strong enough yet." He patted the heavily muscled arm of Sir Auron and smiled hugely.

Auron studied the aging face of the Healer. 'What? What does that mean?' Julan, all but reading his mind, chuckled and turned to leave. Glancing back at the puzzled Guardian, he said, "Take my word for it: it IS a beautiful day!" And with that, he disappeared out the door.