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THE THIRD GUARDIAN

Chapter 14

Moonflow's Shoopuf Crossing at last. At first the four just observed from a short distance away for a few moments, taking in the colorful small tents of a collection of vendors who had staked out spots for themselves in an area not far from the loading platform. A few people milling around here and there seemed to complete the population of the Crossing.

The alert eyes of the Guardians had noted every salient point about the place and the people. Seeing nothing that would pose a danger to their Summoner, Braska's party quietly moved into the open space then staked out a place under a large tree nearby.

The Shoopuf had left only a short time before their arrival so they would have a wait until it completed its round trip to and from the other distant side. Still, it would be nice just to relax, visit the vendors, maybe buy some food, wander around a bit. They had been by themselves so much, for so long that it felt a little odd to have other people around them, feeling many curious eyes looking at them.

Lord Braska made a few small purchases then found a comfortable place to sit under the shady tree and just watched people as he ate the small meal he had bought. Telling his Guardians, "Go enjoy yourselves for a while. I'm perfectly safe right here and you won't be that far away anyway."

Raiel first purchased a sizable package of coffee and was trying to cram it into her smallpack when Auron approached and offered to put it in his. "Thanks," she laughed. "I don't think I can get much more in there."

Jecht had wandered off in another direction and Raiel saw him talking with one of the vendors at the other end as she and Auron slowly wound their way through a couple of the vendors, just looking at this and that, tasting a bit of food here and there.

True to form, Auron had had enough browsing after a few minutes and went to sit beside Lord Braska beneath the tree. It was good just to sit and relax for a change. As he was watching Raiel slowly move along the line of vendors, chatting a little with each, smiling, sometimes sharing a laugh, he became more and more aware of strong feelings building within himself.

Suddenly he had the very strong desire to just go put his arms around her, to just hold her close. Unsettled at the intensity of it, he thought, 'What caused that? Why do I feel like that?' The soft smile on his lips had been replaced by a small frown between his brows.

Braska, having observed the changing expressions on his Guardian's face, sighed. "What troubles you, Auron?"

Slightly startled, Auron looked at the Summoner. What should he say? If anything. Finally he said in honesty, "I find myself experiencing feelings that I don't understand, my lord. I'm not sure what they are or why I have them and I simply don't know what to do about them."

With a small twinkle in his eyes, Braska said, "I am considered by some to be a trustworthy person. I will be happy to listen, perhaps will even be able to offer a bit of advice."

Auron smiled, feeling a little embarrassed. "I find it a bit awkward to discuss these things but I am without any past experience from which to draw upon."

"Well, let's see if we can sort it out together. Why not begin with Raiel? She's the source of your dilemma, yes?"

Auron said, "I think the dilemma lies within me." Gesturing at the smallest Guardian across the way talking with a vendor, he said softly, "I looked at her over there and suddenly found that I wanted very much to hold her - and I don't understand why. And when I do hold her, she gives me a feeling of peace that I've never known before. I want to be close to her, even just sit and talk with her, or look at her. I want to hear her voice, hear her laugh, watch the expressions in her eyes. It's been months now and it's just getting stronger. I don't understand it."

Braska was quiet for several minutes then he said, "I understand. I remember when I first saw Aloma. Her eyes were the most beautiful shade of green I'd ever seen. And her hair was the color of the softest butter. I wanted to just touch it, let it fall between my fingers."

He chuckled. "It was most awkward because I was there meeting with her brother Cid over a meal and Aloma was bringing things to the table from the kitchen. I just couldn't take my eyes off of her - and Cid wasn't happy about it."

"Aloma seemed to find many reasons to return to the table and she would just smile at me with this - this - soft, shy little smile - and I could hardly breathe." He chuckled. "Finally Cid said something to her in Al Bhed and I didn't see her again until the next day."

"I was just wandering around the square waiting for time to meet Cid again and saw her making a purchase from a vendor. I lost no time making my way over to her and we had a few moments to talk a bit before she had to leave. There were so many things I wanted to say, to ask but I felt as if my brain had seized up. I could hardly say a thing! But I knew I wanted to be with her, talk with her, learn about her."

He paused for a moment and said softly, "I was the moth and she was the flame."

"We spent a lot of time sitting on a hard bench in that square, just talking. Within a few weeks I knew that I had fallen completely in love with her and I didn't know how I was going to do it, but I knew I was going to marry her. It took a while, but I did."

Very softly, he said, "The only regret I ever had was that we waited so long while trying to sway Cid to our side. I regret that we lost that time which could never be reclaimed. Especially after I lost her, I would think about those wasted days, days I could have had with her."

He looked into the dark eyes of the young man beside him. "Auron, I can't tell you what you feel. The answer is within you. You have to decide for yourself what you will do with your feelings: ignore them, bury them somewhere inside, do nothing - or trust your instincts and follow your heart. There is no guarantee of success with either one."

Auron barely nodded, his eyes on the ground in front of him.

Raiel was just enjoying visiting with the various vendors. One of them, an older woman with lively brown eyes seemed to especially enjoy her company as did her son, a solid, very nice-looking young man who appeared to be in his late-twenties, maybe a little more.

As Raiel said good-bye to the woman and started to move on, the son said, "May I have the pleasure of accompanying you?" He was incredibly intrigued by this beautiful young woman who wore a sword on her back. Not something you'd see often, if at all.

Not wanting to be rude, she answered, "Yes, though I'll be rejoining my party soon."

Hands clasped behind his back as they began to stroll along, the young man said, "I'm Banon."

Small talk, though Raiel was very cautious with her responses. This young man was very nice, polite, attractive, but she would rather have had the time to herself. She just didn't have to heart to send him away. He'd done nothing even remotely improper and she had given her permission.

Banon stayed near as she perused other vendors' wares, just looking, buying nothing.

He laughed. "I've never seen a woman pass so many tempting trinkets and not buy some of them."

Raiel smiled. "Not a lot of room in a smallpack. The space may be needed for more important things."

"That's all the baggage you carry?"

"Yes."

He just looked at her for a moment before laughing as he said, "I'm absolutely amazed. I didn't think it was possible!"

Raiel said, "We can't be burdened with baggage. We have only what we can carry in our smallpacks."

"We?"

"Yes. I serve as one of three Guardians to Lord Braska who is making his Pilgrimage to Zanarkand."

Banon's eyes grew wide as he softly said, "I had no idea! Lady Raiel, it is my privilege to have met you. I guess you don't know if - you'll be returning here or not."

Raiel's quiet response was, "No. We still have many months to go - and things are - uncertain for us."

A very tall man in a distinctive red coat was striding purposefully toward them. At his approach, Raiel smiled softly as their eyes met. Banon saw this and knew any attempt to capture her interest would be futile. He felt a bit crestfallen but a pleasant expression remained on his face.

"Banon, this is Auron, another Guardian to Lord Braska. Auron, Banon. His mother is a vendor here."

Auron, standing close to Raiel, nodded, saying, "Hello, Banon. Thanks for escorting Raiel."

Banon's good nature was in his face as he smiled at Raiel's companion. "It's an honor to meet you, Sir Auron. My mother and I enjoyed talking with Lady Raiel earlier and it has been my pleasure to be in her company for these few minutes. I'll leave you now but you have my best wishes for a safe journey."

Raiel said, "Thank you, Banon. You are most kind."

Banon smiled and nodded to them as he turned away.

Raiel looked up at Auron, her smile still on her face, and asked, "Have you eaten yet?"

He replied, "No. Lord Braska had something earlier that looked good. Want to try some of that?"

"Sure." They moved toward the food vendor, the hand of a red-clad arm holding her elbow.

Braska chuckled as he watched from his seat under the tree. He had seen Auron's hackles rise at the sight of another man paying attention to Raiel and it only took only seconds for him to get up and make a beeline to her side.

Their food purchased, they returned to sit near Lord Braska to eat.

With twinkling eyes, Braska said, "That seemed to be a nice young man, Raiel."

She stated, "Yes, very nice. His mother is one of the vendors."

Auron shot a look at the Summoner. However, Braska's blue eyes stayed straight ahead, trying to hide their twinkle, his face serene and smooth, a very small smile on his lips. Then he turned and asked, "Have either of you seen Jecht?"

Raiel said, "I saw him earlier talking with a vendor down at the far end, but I haven't seen him since. Have you, Auron?"

Auron shook his head. "I hope he hasn't gone far. The Shoopuf could arrive any time now. I'll go look for him if he doesn't show up soon."

Taking advantage of the spare time, Raiel retrieved a small whetstone from her smallpack and began to slowly and carefully sharpen her blade. Auron, thinking that he hadn't tended to his blade in a while, decided to do the same thing.

Braska laughed and they both looked up from their occupations. "What a sight we must be, sitting here under a beautiful tree, the two of you busily sharpening your swords."

Raiel laughed, "The size alone of Auron's katana would be enough to terrify people!"

Auron just smiled and kept sharpening. That chore completed, they simply sat and waited until the Shoopuf finally came into view, then slowly lumbered out of the water and made its slow but strangely graceful way to stand by the loading platform for the passengers to disembark.

Auron stood and said, "I'd better go find Jecht."

Just then a hoarse bellow "FIEND! I'll get 'em!" brought Raiel to her feet, blade in hand as Auron's was in his. Then, to their horror, they saw the missing Jecht running full tilt toward the Shoopuf, blade drawn.

They both screamed, "JECHT! NO!"

Auron tried to catch up with him, but even his long legs couldn't close the distance in time. Jecht's blade slashed the animal's leg drawing an angry roar from the gentle creature.

Auron was able to tackle Jecht before he could do any further damage. Lord Braska and Raiel arrived on the scene quickly.

Raiel yelled, "Jecht, what did you think you were doing?"

Auron said with some disgust, "Judging by the smell, I don't think he was thinking anything - thanks to whatever he's been drinking."

An extremely upset, angry Hypello appeared, gesturing wildly. "What ish youz been shthinkin'? Youz hurts da Shoopuf? Shnow whata wez be doin' forsh da transhport?"

Lord Braska quickly broke in, "My dear sir, we are extremely sorry for this unfortunate occurrence! I'm afraid this man got terribly confused. I will heal your magnificent Shoopuf and I hope this will help make up for your inconvenience." He emptied the considerable contents of his purse into the Hypello's hands, then turned and cast Curaga on the unhappy animal's painful leg.

The wound healing quickly, the Shoopuf now stood quietly but cast a baleful look at the strange man still laying on the ground. The Hypello, seeing that his animal was now well and the large amount of gil in his hands, ceased his tirade. With a last look back at the Summoner's party, he returned to the loading platform, muttering as he went.

Auron, flushed with anger, yanked Jecht to his feet and proceeded to chew him up one side and down the other in terms that had everyone within earshot wincing.

Jecht, realizing the extent of the damage he had done, was truly repentant and very apologetic. Auron's continuing tongue lashing was so severe that Lord Braska finally intervened, "I'm sure Jecht understands his mistakes, Auron. He has apologized."

Auron stalked away in angry disgust. Jecht just looked down at his feet and apologized again to Braska. "I'm really sorry, Lord Braska. This will never happen again. I give ya my word. May not be much else good 'bout me, but my word is good."

"Thank you, Jecht. I accept your apology and trust the integrity of your word."

Braska then left to go calm the seething Auron. Jecht made his slightly unsteady way to Raiel who had retreated to the big tree.

"Raiel, I -"

Arms crossed in front of her, she turned aside so she wasn't facing him, saying, "Jecht, just don't talk to me right now! Just - don't!"

His gravely voice was low, "Raiel, I know I messed up. Messed up bad - but it won't happen again, I promise ya that an' ya know my word is good."

She didn't turn or respond.

He stepped closer to her back and put a big hand on each upper arm, his voice barely above a whisper. "Oh, please, Raiel! I can take it from Auron an' even Lord Braska but I - I can't take it from you."

Raiel turned to look up at the tall man before her, the tears in her eyes beginning to track down her face.

"You're better than that, Jecht! You're so much better than that! WHY did you go get drunk? I don't think you know how badly you hurt all of us but you hurt Lord Braska most of all. He had to empty his entire purse into that driver's hands. You know how hard it is to gather that much gil."

"Every person here knows that you are a member of a Summoner's party. And that you got drunk and attacked a gentle Shoopuf. There is no way to repair that kind of damage."

Tears were now running down Jecht's face. His growl low and soft, was full of aching pain, "Raiel, I can't tell ya how truly sorry I am. I can only promise ya an' give ya my word that I will never touch another drop again. Please forgive me! I can't stand it if you're mad at me. I'll drink nothin' but Shoopuf milk for the rest of my life!"

Raiel stepped toward him and he wrapped his big arms around her, her voice shaky through her tears, "I forgive you, Jecht. But if it ever happens again, you're going to have to deal with me, not Auron. And, believe me, you don't want to do that!"

Holding her close, Jecht rested the side of his tear-streaked face on her head. "Raiel, I'm so sorry. Thank you. I'll try to make it up to ya."

Raiel told him, "Just don't ever do this to us again. Don't do it to yourself again! I love you too much to see you demeaned, Jecht. And that's what drink does to you."

He just nodded, his tears wetting her hair.

After a few moments, "And, Jecht, you can't milk a Shoopuf. Especially that one. It's a male."

He stepped back from her, wiping his face, then looking straight in her eyes, "I love ya, too, Raiel. I wouldn't have made it even this far without ya, ya know? Red woulda probably sliced me up with that big sword of his by now. You've been nothin' but good to me an' it tears me up that I made ya cry. That's the worst part of all." A slightly shaking big thumb wiped some of the tears from her face.

Raiel said, "Why don't you go wash your face. And maybe brush your teeth. Your breath smells suspiciously like Al Bhed beer."

Jecht looked at her sheepishly. "I only had a few. I didn't think it would be as strong as ya said it was." He turned to go to the water.

Lord Braska and Auron joined her and Auron asked with traces of anger still in his voice, "Where's he going now?"

She smiled. "I sent him to clean up. He smells like Al Bhed beer."

Auron muttered, "Is that what it was?"

She nodded then asked, "Are we going to be allowed to ride?"

Auron said with some resentment, "Yes. Lord Braska's purse saw to that." Then turning to the Summoner, Auron said, "We'll have it refilled quickly, my lord. Enemies seem to be plentiful."

Braska smiled. "I'm sure we will, Auron. And, as we have little opportunity to make purchases, I suppose it isn't really a loss."

When a thoroughly chastened Jecht returned, Raiel went with him to get some food. By the time he had finished, it was time to go to the loading platform.

Just before he boarded, Jecht looked the little Hypello in the eyes and humbly apologized. The Hypello nodded and told him, "Ish okay dish timez. Not drinksh no morez."

The driver took his seat on the creature's neck and the gentle giant slowly made its graceful way back to the water.

In the passenger gondola on the creature's back, Auron and Braska sat on one side facing forward, Raiel and Jecht on the other side facing aft. Jecht propped an elbow on the side of the gondola and, chin supported by his hand, went sound asleep.

Braska turned himself at an angle, his back to the corner of his seat, one ankle resting on his opposite knee. "What's in the package, Raiel?"

"Tonight's meal. I thought it would be nice to have something besides game or fish for a change. And, I found some anabon juice that's native to Kilika I thought you might want to try. It's delicious!"

"How thoughtful of you, my dear! We will enjoy every bite of it."

Auron rested one elbow on the side of the gondola, fingers absently rubbing his temple as he stared at the water below them. Lord Braska's words were going around and around in his mind. 'The only regret I ever had was that we waited so long ... days I could have had with her... The answer is within you... You have to decide for yourself ... bury them somewhere inside ... follow your heart... no guarantee of success...'

Were valuable days slipping by, being wasted? Lost days he would later regret? What if Raiel didn't share his feelings? She had already said she hadn't sorted anything out. Talk to her? Wait? He had absolutely no idea which path to take.

Braska watched the two of them: Auron's eyes on the water, Raiel's on Auron.

She was thinking about the evening when they had stood by the water watching the pyreflies as they just held each other. She really wished that moment could have lasted forever. It had just been peaceful, quiet, soothing to her soul. It felt natural and right.

She enjoyed just looking at Auron's smooth, tanned face with those beautiful dark eyes. His hair was so very black. She had no doubt that there were times when his deep voice had reverberated all the way down to her very soul.

What were these feelings? Just an attraction? If she died, would she have regrets about not exploring them, finding out what they really were? Do people in the Farplane even have feelings? Can they think? They are really just a collection of pyreflies, aren't they? Not really people any more?

Then a thought hit her that made her face turn pale. What if Auron died? Her heart started pounding, she couldn't get her breath and she felt the sudden sting of tears behind her eyes. No. That just couldn't happen. No. Absolutely not. That would be unthinkable. No, not Auron!

Braska, watching her face, knew that she had just realized something of great import. Something that had scared her badly, but what? She had frozen, looking at Auron with stark fear in eyes that had suddenly tried to fill with tears. After a moment, she looked down at the hands tightly gripping each other in her lap and seemed to be trying to catch her breath.

Auron finally turned from his contemplation and it seemed to be Raiel's turn to study the water.

Auron was taking in every detail of the woman seated across from him. The light breeze was gently ruffling her dark hair and making the three small feathers in her beautiful braid gently and delicately flutter with its passing.

He smiled to himself as he thought, 'I could spent hours just looking at her.' He couldn't think of even one thing he didn't like about her. He didn't even really mind it when she yelled at him. Especially since, sooner or later, she usually apologized for it.

She was extremely thoughtful of others as she had so thoroughly demonstrated during this Pilgrimage - having Rin synth their equipment, the Blitzball, their morning coffee - among other things. Even now their meal and drink for this evening was in the package at her feet.

Braska was observing the softened look on Auron's face as he quietly studied Raiel. He truly hoped they could find a mutual path. He wanted them to live and have the long happy life that had been denied him.

He had even entertained the thought of releasing them from their Guardianship vows at some point well before Zanarkand so they could have that chance but he knew that order would result in a furious explosion from each of them - and they would go with him anyway. They would not release themselves from their oaths. No, he would have to come up with something a lot better than that if that was to be his ploy!

Jecht, sound asleep, was beginning to snore loudly. Without taking her eyes from the water, Raiel's elbow thumped him on the arm. "Jecht, you're snoring again."

"Mmph. Hmm. Mmm." His eyes never opening, a slight shift and he descended back into the oblivion of his sleep.

Braska chuckled. He was amazed at the depth of the relationship that had been forged between Raiel and Jecht. They dearly loved each other but it had nothing to do with romance. He envied them for the total ease they had with each other.

He didn't know the reason but the Summoner knew within his heart that Jecht was supposed to be on this Pilgrimage and he now knew that Raiel was, as well. He doubted that Jecht and Auron would have been able to find enough common ground to ever have had any appreciation for each other without Raiel's influence. Without her, they certainly wouldn't have the cohesion that the entire party now enjoyed.

He smiled as he thought of that morning now so many months in the past when Jecht had poured cold water over her sleepy head. He couldn't suppress an audible chuckle as it replayed in his mind. Two sets of eyes looked at him questioningly. "Sorry. Just remembering things."

Squinting as he looked ahead, Braska said, "I do believe I can make out the landing. Still a ways to go, though. Won't be much daylight left by the time we actually get there. Think you can find a good place for us on the river, Auron."

"Yes, Sir. It's been very pleasant to be camping along the Moonflow, hasn't it?"

Braska nodded. "I have enjoyed it. Let's make the most of it while we can."

Conversation lagged as each retreated back into private thoughts and memories. In another hour's time, the huge Shoopuf found footing in the shallowing water and they were soon disembarking onto the elevated platform.

The Hypello appeared to have forgotten his earlier anger and was all smiles as they collected themselves to leave. Having had the benefit of a very long nap, Jecht again felt more normal and the swagger was back in his walk.

He looked at Raiel as if he was trying to remember something. "Did ya wake me up back there for somethin', Raiel, or was I dreamin'?"

She gave him a stern look. "I tried to wake you up, Jecht. You were snoring so loud you were scaring the Shoopuf and the driver was about to throw us off - right out there in the middle of the river!"

Jecht examined her serious face closely trying to decide if she was telling the truth or not. Then she grinned and, grinning back, he said as he grabbed her from behind and lifted her feet from the ground, "It's a good thing I love ya, little girl!" The ever-observant Braska enjoyed a laugh.

Auron and Jecht went to check out possible campsites and returned shortly. The spot was ideal: private, quiet, more than adequate protection afforded by a dense stand of trees and brush - and a breath-taking view of the wide expanse of the junction of three primary tributaries of Moonflow River system spread out before them.

Auron and Jecht set up the tents as Raiel gathered wood nearby then got the fire going. They ate the food she had bought for them and enjoyed the fresh juice. A short time later, Jecht grabbed the Blitzball and went to see if he could find some Hypello before the sun set. The ball blasting out of the water and arcing high in the air gave them the answer and, though the onset of darkness shortened the playing time, Jecht returned to shore happy.

Lord Braska asked, "Raiel, do you have the music sphere? Music would nice while enjoying this magnificent vista, don't you think?"

She smiled and got the sphere from her smallpack. "Anything in particular?"

"No. Though if someone was up to one of the beautiful island dances that would be nice, as well."

Raiel laughed. "Jecht, you'll be my partner?"

He laughed heartily. "I doubt I'll 'member much of it, but I'll try, little girl."

She pressed the buttons and the sensual strains began to float out over the water as the pyreflies dipped and darted above it. Jecht made mistakes but actually did very well for himself considering that he had had so little instruction or practice. Auron watched as the image of Raiel's graceful movement was burned into his memory.

Though it wasn't very late, Lord Braska soon excused himself and retired to one of the tents. The alcohol he was no longer used to was making his body pay for his indulgence and Jecht was not far behind the Summoner in retiring.

His heart pounding, his insides trembling, throat suddenly dry, Auron decided that tonight was the night. He stood before Raiel and held out his hand as his low voice asked, "May I have this dance?"

She took his hand with a smile and said softly, "I would love to dance with you, Auron."

And they danced to the soft music beside the beautiful river whose surface reflected the rainbow colors of thousands of pyreflies.

Auron had a natural sense of rhythm heretofore undiscovered which gave him a sixth sense in moving to the music and after only a moment he didn't even have to think about it - they just danced - and he found that he honestly enjoyed it.

After a while, Raiel looked up and said softly, "I did some thinking today while we were crossing, Auron." She paused, looking up into those dark eyes above her. Then, even more softly, "I think I got things mostly sorted out and - I know it's for the right reasons."

Gathering her closer to him as they danced, Auron said, "I've been doing a lot of thinking, as well, Raiel. There are still many things I don't understand, but I've been thinking about what your father said to you: you can't discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore."

He continued after a moment, "I also learned some important things from Lord Braska this afternoon. He told me about meeting his wife and said the only regret he ever had was letting time go by trying to convince Cid to give his blessings to their union."

Raiel said, "Having the blessing is critically important to the Al Bhed. They won't even recognize a union without it."

Auron nodded and Raiel asked with a touch of surprise, "You know that?"

Hesitating, he nodded again. "I asked Lord Braska."

Raiel just looked at him, puzzled. "You asked Lord Braska."

For the third time, Auron just nodded. He wasn't really sure where this conversation was going.

"Why did you do that?"

After a long pause, he said softly, "Because I wanted to know what it meant when an Al Bhed gave his blessings."

Head tilted slightly to one side, Raiel was just looking at him in confusion. "I don't understand. Why would you even think to ask that?"

Neither was aware that they had stopped moving and were simply standing there holding each other. Auron truly didn't want to answer but the honesty ingrained in him wouldn't allow him to avoid the answer.

"Before - before we left, Rin told me that we - we both - have his blessings."

Raiel stood looking into his eyes, unmoving, frozen. After many long moments, she said, almost whispering, "Rin - said that?"

"Yes."

Raiel's arms slowly dropped from around him and she slowly turned to look at over the water.

"Were you going to tell me?"

"I didn't understand its meaning until yesterday."

"But were you going to tell me?"

"I think so, yes. But I didn't know when or how exactly. It just had to be the right time - and I'm not sure that this was that time. Was it?"

Raiel breathed a soft, half-laugh. "I don't know. I'm - I'm so bowled over that - that Rin - ." She shook her head as if to clear it. "Oh, dear sweet Rin. He wanted - for it be okay - if - if.. He knew I would need his blessing - and he wouldn't be here ..."

She swallowed hard, fighting the tears that threatened to spill over. "When we were kids, I was always the reckless one, dashing headlong into things. He was always the steady one who tried to make everything all right for me. I guess he still is."

Auron stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on the top of her head. "He loves you very much, Raiel."

She nodded. "Auron, Rin had to have trusted you without reserve to have done that."

They were quiet for a time, each thinking as they stood looking out at the reflections on the water.

Raiel said, "Rin gave you his full trust." She turned around to face Auron and said, "I will give you my full trust. There is one thing I have withheld."

Auron asked, "What is that?"

She looked into his eyes. "Collin."

Auron looked confused for a moment. "Collin?"

"My brother. His name was Collin."

Suddenly Auron was stunned. So stunned he couldn't even speak. Her brother was - -?