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THE THIRD GUARDIAN
Chapter 37
After Raiel left, Jecht sat in the chair, unseeing eyes staring at the wall across from him.
There had to be a way. These priests in the big temple - they had to know somethin'. They just had to know somethin' more. But if they did, why didn't they tell? They wouldn't just let people keep dyin' for nothin' - would they?
Then he was struck by the thought, 'What if they are - somehow usin' Sin - ah, I dunno. But somethin' is definitely fishy about the whole thing.'
The little he knew about Yevon's teachin's just didn't sound right anyway. Instead of teachin's, they seemed more like a hammer held over people's heads to keep 'em in line. Surely not everybody bought into it. Prob'ly too scared to say anything, though. Just look at how them Al Bhed were hunted and hounded. Hm.
Fatigue finally overcoming him, Jecht stretched out in bed and slowly faded into sleep.
Braska sat for a short time after Auron left, just thinking. He felt much relieved now that he had given his orders to the Guardian. He had no way to know how long his Calm would last but he hoped it would be for a very long time. Time for Yuna, his Guardians and the people of Spira to live in peace, without dread, without fear. He smiled.
Yawning, he stood and stretched, then took his shower and prepared himself for bed. He would sleep well.
Auron and Raiel talked for a short while after her return to the room, then readied themselves for bed. Savoring these rare moments of just being alone, just holding each other close, they slept.
Returning to the compound, Mikel checked on his men and did some paperwork, then got a shower and stretched out on his narrow bed, just staring out at the night sky through the window of his small room. Who knew all that would transpire after his friend found him in the bistro only a few short days ago.
A smile came unbidden as he thought of that long night when Raiel had led them on such a merry chase through the streets of Bevelle. What an incredible, fascinating woman! The men in the Unit were still talking about the day of Q & A they had with her and Lord Braska. And so far, no one could figure out a way to safely take a Battle Mage into custody.
Then the astonishing discovery that Commander Collin and the men from the missing mission were alive and operating right here in Bevelle! At this point he didn't know how long he would remain in his present position, but he did know that when the time came, he would be joining that very brave group on the first level.
Meeting Lord Braska and Jecht. Another smile. Lord Braska was everything that true priests should be but were not. He was obviously a highly intelligent man whose alert blue eyes missed nothing, but he held himself in no special esteem, neither wanting nor expecting any preferential treatment. And the Summoner had no idea how truly rare that quality is.
What a unique personality Jecht is! Mikel would readily admit that he didn't understand the man's story but it was certain that there was no one else in Spira like him. There was just something about him that lent credence to his story - his total lack of knowledge about Spira, its history - and his innocence. Only someone who had never lived under the constant threat of death could have that particular demeanor.
It was also clear that the Summoner's three Guardians were completely devoted to him. The bond that bound the four was extraordinary, something that could only be formed by the sharing of many hardships over a long period of time.
He completely understood Auron's certainty that they would be the ones, however unlikely they may have seemed at the outset, who would successfully complete the Pilgrimage and defeat Sin.
But the cost. His lips fell into a grim line as that thought sank into him like a huge lead weight - oh, the cost of that success. The thought of never seeing those incredibly special people again was almost too much to bear.
He clenched his teeth and swallowed. By all that was sacred, there had to be another way to rid Spira of the scourge of Sin forever. These sacrifices had to stop!
How many Pilgrimages had been attempted in the past thousand years? Hundreds? Thousands? He doubted if anyone really knew. The attempt was constantly being made though the majority were simply abandoned or ended in the deaths of the Summoner and/or the Guardians somewhere along the way.
And to think that of them all, only three had been successful. That in itself was testimony of how unbelievably, incredibly grueling a Pilgrimage truly is. And all it did was buy a little time, a precious little span of peace. Then it started all over again.
There simply had to be a different way. He was intrigued by the things at which Collin had hinted the night they found him. He wanted to learn more.
His thoughts still whirling, he gradually slipped into sleep as the stars outside his window glided by in their unending stroll across the sky.
Zacor rubbed his tired eyes and stretched. It was getting late. He carefully rerolled the ancient scroll he had been studying and pushed his chair back, bracing his hands on the edge of the heavy table to help get his creaking body up onto its feet. Standing, he rubbed the small of his back to ease the ache that seemed to have permanently taken up residence there these days. It would match the ones in his knees. And that elbow.
'Zacor, you're getting old.' He sighed and ran a hand through his thatch of white hair as he looked around this room that held the collection of precious, irreplaceable scrolls and books that he loved to read. If only he could spend all of his time here! But unfortunately his duties required him to be elsewhere most of the time so he would simply enjoy these few hours here now and then when he could. He was most fortunate to be allowed access to this highly restricted room and prized every moment in it.
Carrying the scroll back to its place on the rack, he noticed a book left out of its place. Ah, Baran has been looking at the pictures again. He couldn't help but smile a little. No matter how many times the young man had been told not to touch them, he just couldn't resist looking at the richly illustrated borders and pictures in the old, handwritten tomes.
Many a time he had entered the room to find Baran laying on the floor on his stomach, completely lost in admiring the colors of the drawings, his cleaning equipment forgotten, past warnings utterly lost in the uncluttered simplicity of his mind.
He couldn't help but feel sorry for the boy. He chuckled at his use of the word 'boy.' Baran was probably in his mid-twenties, tall and quite strong, but he still thought of him as a boy.
About a year ago, Baran's brother, a dock worker of some sort, had brought him to the temple inquiring if there was any position, no matter how menial, that his brother could hold. He had said that when he was at work all day there was no one to look after Baran since their mother had gone to the Farplane and he didn't like leaving him alone.
The brother had explained that due to an illness when he was a baby, his brother's mental ability was extremely limited in spite of his large size and strength. He was capable of doing very simple tasks such as sweeping and mopping but had little comprehension of anything more complicated.
Nadec, the priest responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the temple, had agreed to give the tall, sandy-haired young man a chance. It made the church look good to be seen helping the less fortunate from time to time - not that the church hierarchy cared what anyone thought one way or the other.
Soon Nadec was congratulating himself on his wise decision. Baran never complained, was never late and took his duties seriously to the extreme. He could often be seen down on his hands and knees closely examining the floor he had just mopped, trying to find any sign of a speck that may have escaped his careful mopping. The areas of the temple to which Baran had been assigned were impressively immaculate.
Because of his work ethic, cheerful attitude, wide smile and the expression in his child-like, blue eyes, the young man soon gained the trust and favor of everyone he encountered. Some mornings he arrived with a handful of slightly wilted, little yellow flowers, one of which he would shyly offer to priests or others he met in the halls. Even the most jaded denizen of the temple soon looked forward to encountering the young man at some point during the long day before his brother arrived to take him back down to their home somewhere on the first level.
No one cared if the earnest young man dusted in a room while confidential meetings were being held. No one paid any attention if he was seen carefully cleaning outside a door where important talks were being conducted. Baran's presence was accepted anywhere he went, tunelessly humming to himself.
Like everyone else, Zacor became accustomed to seeing Baran zealously working with his broom, mop and dust cloth. Then one day, he had come upon the young man as he was about to enter the very private, restricted-access library on one of the upper floors and had stopped him.
When Zacor tried to explain that this room was not to be disturbed, there was confused befuddlement in the boy's blue eyes. "But - Baran has to clean floors. Shine pretty, brother be proud."
He had tried again to explain that the library was off-limits except to a few certain people but there was absolutely no comprehension of that at all. Baran had looked through the library's open door and pointed in distress. "Floors dirty!"
Zacor had sighed. The poor unfortunate soul could certainly do no harm and he was right - the floors hadn't had a good cleaning in a very long time. He had allowed Baran to enter and was rewarded by a bright, happy smile.
As he sat reading, Zacor had heard Baran half-humming as he diligently swept and mopped. As his work brought him closer to the table, Baran had stopped and stared at the beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations on the page Zacor was reading.
Totally fascinated, the young man had slowly walked to stand next to him and asked in a hushed tone, "Bird? That's a bird?"
Zacor smiled at the amazed expression on Baran's face and said, "Yes, that is a bird, Baran. A very special bird named Valefor." The boy's gaze had taken in everything then looked at the old man and asked hopefully, "Book has more pictures?"
Soon Zacor found himself thumbing through page after page, showing Baran the beautiful pictures that illustrated the writing on the pages. The grizzled old man had found himself totally captivated by the young man's child-like enchantment with the colorful images.
They both looked up when the deep gong of the tall clock in the room announced the time. Baran had looked at it and said, "Time for brother." Then he had looked at the half-finished floor in worried agitation. "Floor not finished!"
Zacor had said, "Don't worry about it, my boy. You can finish it tomorrow."
"It's okay? Baran do it tomorrow?"
Zacor had smiled, "Yes, Baran. Tomorrow will be fine."
The wide, happy smile had brightened the room as the young man said, "Baran go now. Do floor tomorrow. Shine pretty."
"Yes, it will, Baran. You always do a very good job."
Baran had started to leave, but turned back and, struggling with the words, said, "Thank you - for pictures. Baran can see more?"
"Yes. I'll show you more."
With a happy wave, the big young man had left. Then Zacor had noticed that the cleaning equipment had been forgotten where it lay. He sighed but smiled. No matter. It was a rare time when anyone else ever visited this room and Baran would be there in the morning to finish in any case.
Outside the temple, the strapping young man had been met by his brother and the two left. They had followed the same pattern day after day so no one took any notice of them.
As soon as they had reached the second level, Baran's blue eyes caught those of his "brother" and he said quietly with a grin, "I'm in!"
The "brother's" eyes had lit up. "The library?"
"Yep!"
"Oh, man. I can hardly wait to see the Boss' face when you tell him! Got anything today?"
"Yeah. Probably twenty pages worth. An old priest was showing me the pictures."
The "brother" had held out a hand which Baran soundly slapped.
Baran was the rare individual who had total recall, a photographic memory. He knew every word that was on the pages he had seen. After he had gotten a shower and a meal, he had repeated every word of it to Collin and it had been written down. His success in gaining access to the private library had been a tremendous break-through and a gigantic step forward for their mission.
There were now many, many pages of information of incalculable value recorded. Every additional page uncovered a little more of the truth of Yevonism, all thanks to a brilliant and incredibly courageous young man with an extraordinary gift.
The information he was bringing out bit by bit was heretofore available only to a maester and a small group of high-level priests in the temple and even they had never read all of the material in the extensive library. It would be instant death for Baran if they ever caught on to him and would doubtless launch an intense search for his cohorts.
But now, on this night, Collin lay in bed staring at the ceiling, wishing with everything in him that he had more information with which to convince Lord Braska to abandon his Pilgrimage. But he knew that they just didn't have everything they needed yet. The private library contained many, many books and scrolls and Baran's time to scan them was limited. He had to be extremely careful to always stay in character and not cause any hint of suspicion.
In the quiet darkness, many thoughts spun through his mind. Would the Summoner accept additional Guardians? If so, he knew there would be many volunteers from among his men who would be glad to go with them. Maybe with more people, more of them would make it back. Including Raiel. But even as he thought of it, he knew that such an offer would be gently declined.
The salty sting of tears burned his eyes. His precious sister. For most of their lives, it had only been the two of them. She had been the only brightness in his cold, hard world and it was she who had saved his sanity. It was her loving, devoted presence that had prevented his bitter hatred of the Yevonites from overwhelming him. She had been the safety valve that allowed him to live, to maintain his humanity.
Scenes of their lives together wandered through his mind. All the nights they had trained and worked together. Her delighted chortle and sparkling eyes when she successfully triumphed in a trial he had set for her. Her diligent efforts to make a really nice home for the two of them even when she was so very young, doing her best to take care of him. Her uncomplaining thoughtfulness.
And her terrible cooking. He smiled. Auron better learn his way around a kitchen because Raiel in a kitchen was definitely not a good thing. In pure self defense, he had had to quickly learn how to prepare a good meal out of little.
Some of his own worst trials were the days he had come home to find a happy sister who was eager to feed him her latest surprise concoction. How he ever managed to force the stuff down, he'd never know. It would invariably be absolutely horrid. Raiel was talented, intelligent, brave and outstandingly capable in many areas, but her culinary ability would never be included in that last category. Ever.
He finally slipped into sleep with a soft smile on his lips as memories of a smiling face, an impish face, a loving face, a laughing face - his sister's beautiful face - floated through his mind.
The next morning the Summoner's party met Mikel in the dining room for breakfast. Though he said nothing, Braska detected a bit of puffiness around Jecht's eyes and noted the many deep breaths that he took.
Also catching the many concerned glances that Raiel cast in her fellow Guardian's direction, he correctly surmised that Jecht was finally aware of the events that would transpire in the final summoning.
He thought it would be better to just keep the conversation light until after the meal. As the last of the coffee was being enjoyed, he sat back in his chair and asked in general, "So, do any of you have plans for the day?"
Raiel asked, "What are your wishes, Lord Braska?"
He thought for a moment before saying, "Two things I would like to do. One, I would like to briefly stop by my former home. And two, I - I would like to see Yuna for a moment. I don't want her to see me, but I would like - a few moments near the orphanage."
Eyes were downcast and the table was silent for a long moment before Raiel said softly, "We'll be with you, Lord Braska."
The Summoner looked up. "Thank you, Raiel, but it's really not necessary for the three of you to tag along after me. I'll be quite alright."
She just looked at him with one eyebrow raised and he laughed. "Okay, my dear, you may come if you insist. But you know I'll be fine."
Jecht cleared his throat and growled in his rough voice, "I'll go with ya, Lord Braska. I'd be kinda lost left by myself."
Raiel looked at Auron questioningly. In response he said, "I have an errand or two but they can be done anytime before we leave."
She said, "I'd like to spend some time with Collin at some point today. And I need to visit a shop or two before we leave."
Braska looked at the three and said, "Okay, Jecht, why don't you keep me company for a while. It won't take very long and you'll have time for whatever you like afterward."
"That's good by me, Lord Braska."
Auron knew that Raiel needed some time alone with her brother, so he said, "I'll go with the two of you and let Raiel visit with Collin."
Raiel's eyes thanked her mate for his thoughtfulness as a sweet smile crossed her lips and her hand lightly squeezed his.
A corner of his mouth turned upward as he rumbled, "That's my sword hand, Raiel."
She laughed at the absurdity of his comment, remembering her response to the crushing grip in which he had held hers the previous night.
Recognizing that it was a private joke, the others just smiled at the exchange.
She said, "I think all of us would like to be with you this morning, Lord Braska. I can see Collin afterward."
Braska's sweet smile graced his face as he patted her hand and said quietly, "Thank you, my dear."
Then he took a deep breath and said more firmly, "There is something I would like to say before we start on our various errands."
Looking at Raiel and Jecht, he said, "When I spoke with Auron last night, I gave him the orders that I wish to be carried out in Zanarkand and I want the two of you to be aware of them, as well."
Mikel spoke, "Lord Braska, I'll excuse myself so as to not intrude."
Braska responded, "If you don't mind, Mikel, I would like for you to be a witness so there can never be any question about what I say."
The CO nodded and resumed his seat. "Yes, sir."
Turning back to Raiel and Jecht, Braska said, "As you know, the last battle is actually fought between the Aeon and Sin. There is absolutely no reason for any of you to be present. Therefore, my orders are that the moment that I obtain the Final Aeon, the three of you are released from my service and are to leave Zanarkand immediately. I told Auron that I prefer it that way - I insist upon it."
Both Guardians began to protest but the Summoner interrupted them. "No! No objections. That is the way I want it. Do I have your word that you will honor my wishes on this?"
Raiel was biting her lower lip as she fought to control the tears that made the inside of her nose sting and blurred her vision. Very softly, she managed, "Sir, I - swear. You have my word."
Jecht wasn't managing much better. He was really fighting his emotions. In his entire adulthood in Zanarkand, people - except for Asha - had always wanted things from him, what he could do for them or give them. Takers. Users. Braska was the first person who had ever accepted him just as he was, for who he was, without asking anything from him except his friendship and his word.
He knew he had to give it but it was taking every ounce of his strength to finally get it out from between tightly clenched teeth. The promise finally given, he muttered an "Excuse me" and left the table, striding out into the plaza.
Auron started to get up to follow him, but Raiel put her hand on his arm and said, "I'll go, Auron." And she quickly slipped out the door, catching up with her friend some distance across the plaza.
Concerned, Mikel asked quietly, "Is he going to be all right?"
Auron nodded. "Jecht wants everyone to think he's tougher than nails, but he gives himself away. Raiel handles him better than either of us."
Mikel looked a little confused but said nothing. Braska saw his expression and said, "She is the one who made so much possible for Jecht and they formed a special bond almost from the very beginning."
Mikel nodded. He looked at the Summoner and said, "Lord Braska, is there any thing I can do for you during the remainder of your time in Bevelle? Any service I can do or have done for you?"
Braska smiled, "Thank you, Mikel. You're most kind to offer but I can think of nothing." With a little laugh, he said, "Hopefully now we can simply rest, complete our business in the temple - and be on our way. Each of us needed the time here, but now we need to resume our journey."
By hurrying, Raiel caught up with and walked beside Jecht saying nothing, letting him have time to deal with the emotions with which he was still struggling. They eventually came to the outer wall of this level and stood looking out at the vista surrounding the city.
The sun, still fairly low on the horizon, cast a golden glow on the sparkling waters of the sea creating an indescribable blending of that gold and the deep blue of the sky's reflection on the face of the sea. Fingers of blue bays reached far into the green of the land where ships could dock close to the city, loading and unloading their cargoes of eagerly sought goods. A few white clouds sailed by against the backdrop of the crystal blue sky as gulls were circling and wheeling in their quest for a meal, their shrill cries discordant and pleasant at the same time.
Jecht rested his forearms on the top of the wall and leaned on them. In his low, rough growl, he said, "I think that's the hardest thing I ever had to do."
She inhaled deeply and breathed, "I know, Jecht. I don't know if I'll actually be able to walk away from him when the time comes or not."
The tall man beside her just nodded. Propping his elbows on the top of the wall, he scrubbed his face hard with his big hands. "I gotta get a grip on myself. I used to get on Tidus about cryin' all the time. Looks like he mighta taken after his old man."
Raiel said softly, "If he did, he should count himself fortunate."
Jecht's brown eyes cut over toward her and a small smile slid into place.
She smiled and linked her arm with his and leaned against the wall with him in companionable silence. The morning sun felt good on their faces and the breeze floating in from the sea felt cool and fresh. Just being able to look out and see something besides the hard surfaces of the confining city was easing to their spirits.
After a while, Jecht took a deep breath and said, "Think we better get back? Don't wanta keep Lord Braska waitin'."
"If you're ready."
"Yeah."
As they turned to retrace their steps back to the inn, Jecht said, "Thanks, Raiel."
Walking beside him, she sent him a gentle smile as she bumped his arm with her shoulder.
Leaving the inn, Mikel had to smile as he watched the three Guardians automatically fall into a close, protective formation around the Summoner - Raiel on Close Point, Jecht at Escort, Auron at Rear Guard. He knew that not one of them was consciously aware of what they had done; it was as natural to them as breathing.
As they walked, the thought came to him that he would really like to see them in action in battle. As a highly trained warrior himself, he recognized their smooth efficiency and knew it would be a beautiful thing to watch. Months ahead in the future he would have lunch with his friend Tella and would hear a first-hand account of the battle that Tella had witnessed one early morning beside a dirt road and would smile as he pictured them in his mind.
Guided by Braska's directions, the group arrived in front of a small, white house with a dark blue roof located in one of the outer rings of the second level. Situated outside of the cover of the first level, the attractive little home was bathed in sunlight which allowed the growth of several small trees in its thickly grassed yard.
Braska just stood in the road looking at the place his beloved Aloma had turned into a haven of loving happiness for him, where Yuna had been born and had spent all but this last year of her young life. He noticed a few small toys laying in the grass and smiled. It was good that the house again knew the sound of small footsteps and childish giggles.
The shutters seemed to have been freshly painted in that same soft yellow that Aloma had liked so much, something he had intended to do but never seemed to get around to. Thanks to her heritage, Aloma was the one who had the knack for doing not only the household chores but the periodic maintenance, as well.
On those rare occasions when he would attempt to assert his male dominance over some small project, he would usually wind up muttering darkly in frustration until a small pair of hands appeared and completed the task in seemingly mere seconds.
He would sigh heavily and look at her with mock irritation. She would return his glance with a solemn face until the sparkles in their eyes could no longer be hidden and they would burst into laughter as he would sweep her into his arms.
His gaze fell on the large bed of bright flowers near the front entry. Late one afternoon, he had come home from his day at the temple and found her busily working the dirt, her face flushed from the heat of the sun, checks darkly smudged where her hands had brushed her thick, golden blonde hair back from her face - and she had never been more beautiful in her life. A sweet smile softened the sad expression on Braska's tanned face.
In his mind's eye, he saw his precious baby girl toddling across the soft grass on sturdy little legs, chasing after a butterfly, shrieking with delight before she plopped with a thump! on her little diapered bottom. And when she was a little older playing with her dolls in the shade beneath the slender trees.
The smile faded as the memory of the day that changed their lives forever intruded into his thoughts. The day he received the news. Her ship attacked by Sin, no survivors. His eyes dropped to the paving stones beneath his feet. Three years had passed and the pain was as intense and raw now as it had been then.
That's when he had made his decision. He would do everything within his ability and power to see that no one had to suffer as he and his daughter had. That spark of intense hatred for Sin had remained simmering deep within him, driving him. He would defeat that unspeakable scourge if he had to rip it apart piece by piece himself!
Taking a deep breath, he raised his face and forced his hands to release themselves from the hardness of balled up fists. He would win. The people of Spira would have peace and he would be reunited in the Farplane with the only woman he would ever love.
The eyes of his Guardians and the CO had observed and had understood something of what the Summoner was feeling as they stood by him in respectful silence.
Finally, taking another deep breath, Braska turned toward a stairway leading to the upper level and said quietly, "Let's be on our way, shall we?"
The group remained quiet as they ascended to the temple level and made their way to the area where the orphanage was located. A large courtyard, surrounded by thick green shrubs, was the play area for the children who lived there.
Though some childish voices were heard, there was little of the shrill laughter normally associated with playing youngsters. These children had little to laugh about and seemed to mostly go through their days in stoic quietness, doing as they were bid by the Yevonite nuns in whose care they now lived.
Braska eased up to the side of the courtyard, pushing some of a shrub's flexible branches to the side to afford them a view inside. Clusters of children were in the courtyard, some occupied with small toys of some sort, others talking softly among themselves, some just sitting on stone benches keeping company with their own thoughts.
Braska's eyes immediately spied a slim young girl of about seven years as she quietly sat staring out at the clouds slipping across the blue sky, her hands clasped together in her lap. A light breeze from the sea flirted with her rich brown hair, its gentle movement catching the sparkle of the sun.
With a slight nod of his head, Auron indicated to the others which child was Braska's Yuna. Raiel felt a knot form in her throat as she absorbed the soft, quiet sadness of the young girl sitting by herself on the bench. She wanted to run to her, throw her arms around her and just hold her small frame close, to comfort her.
She felt Auron's strong hand tighten on her shoulder and knew he ached to go to her, as well. Jecht's gentle tender-heartedness was clearly shown in the distress on his face and Mikel's handsome chiseled features were rigidly trying to control the emotions that exploded in him.
Braska simply stood unmoving, looking at his daughter. The same breeze that ruffled his daughter's hair lightly lifted his own, as though it wanted them to share something one last time.
The five stood for many long minutes during which time Yuna sat unmoving. There was sadness in her, yes, but there was also a certain calmness about her not expected in one so young, something arresting but undefinable. She was her father's daughter.
After a time, Braska gently released the branch which closed their portal into the courtyard but he remained unmoving for another space of time. Finally, he drew a deep breath and wordlessly turned toward the stairs to the lower levels.
Back in front of the inn, he turned and looked at his companions, saying, "Thank you, my friends. My personal business is now complete, so each of you must feel free to do as you wish for the remainder of the day. I think I will return to my room until time for our dinner invitation."
Jecht escorted the Summoner to his room, then returned to join the others. It was decided that Mikel would accompany Jecht and Auron as they went to make their few purchases and that Raiel would go spend some time with her brother, all agreeing to meet later for dinner with Collin and his men.
On the lower level, Raiel tapped on the heavy wood door. After only a moment, it was cracked to identify the visitor, then opened to admit her.
Wiping his hands on a small towel which he flung across his shoulder, Collin entered the main room from the kitchen and swept her into a big hug.
"What's my favorite sister up to?"
"Just came to see my favorite big brother. You're cooking; need some help?"
Collin threw back his head laughing. "As much as I love you, I will never allow you near any food that people will have to eat!"
"What are you talking about? You always liked what I cooked."
"No, darling. I survived it! Big difference."
"Collin! You always said I was a good cook."
"I lied."
He laughed as he dodged the punch that was aimed at his arm.
Glancing around the room, he asked, "Where are the others?"
She told him and he said, "Well, what do you say we go out for a while?"
"Okay. Where do you want to go?"
He looked at her a moment and said, "Home."
A soft smile played across her mouth as she nodded and responded quietly, "I'd like that."
Collin went back to the kitchen, dropped the dish towel on a counter and said, "I'm going out for a while with Raiel."
Someone replied, "Go ahead, Boss. We got it covered here."
He returned to the main room and said as he headed for his small room off to the side, "Give me a minute. I can't go out without disguise of some sort. Can't take a chance on anyone recognizing me."
When he came back, Raiel burst into a fit of laughter that left her gasping for air. He was wearing a large old hat whose wide droopy brim heavily shadowed his face.
He just stood looking at her, hands on his hips, something of a scowl on his face waiting for her to regain control of herself. Every time the giggles would begin to abate, she'd look at him again, pointing as she fell into a helpless heap of hysterical laughter on the floor beside one of the chairs.
Several heads appeared around doorways to see what the merriment was about.
Collin, a trifle exasperated with his sister, asked, "Are we going or are you going to sit in the floor all day laughing at me?"
Holding her stomach with one hand, she wiped the tears from her face with the other. Trying very hard not to laugh, her voice was somewhat strangled as she said, "I'm sorry, Collin, but that has got to be the dorkiest looking hat I have ever seen!"
As she sat on the floor, leaning against the chair, face flushed, her eyes sparkling, Collin realized that he had had no idea how badly he missed his sister's infectious laughter. Or how she could find outrageous humor in the smallest, most mundane things and situations.
Unable to help himself, he began to chuckle before genuine laughter broke loose and he joined her sitting on the floor, both of them just laughing.
Raiel had to try on the hat and she walked around the room doing her best 'Collin' imitation - his walk, his habit of standing with feet apart, hands on hips, rocking back and forth on his toes and heels, his deep voice - "Now, Raiel. I want you to walk this course that I have littered with every noisy thing imaginable and which you will walk blindfolded. And when you have successfully mastered this one, you have five hours of sword practice. Then when you have finished that -"
Snickers and guffaws were heard from adjoining rooms at her performance.
Laughing, Collin got to his feet, snatched the hat from her head, clamped it onto his own - which set her off again.
"Raiel, it's not that funny!"
Between giggles, she managed, "Yes, it is!"
He finally grabbed her by the elbow and pulled her toward the door. "Come on."
The heavy door closed leaving echoes of their laughter behind.
The siblings had always greatly enjoyed each other's company and they quickly reverted back to their poking-fun-at-each-other behavior, very, very happy to be together again.
Collin had always been a fastidious, neat person who paid attention to the orderliness of his attire, no matter what it was - and thus, it became a prime target for Raiel's impishness. And today was no different.
As they began the walk to the upward stairs, she suddenly grabbed his shirt and quickly pulled it out from its neatly tucked in state, then took off running - one of her favorite 'gotchas' of many years standing.
"Raiel!" Collin growled at his now-loose shirt tail and sprinted after her as she shrieked with laughter.
When he caught up with her he grabbed her around the waist and swung her around until she was dizzy, both of them laughing like the kids they used to be, thoroughly enjoying this moment from their past.
Certain observing eyes were surprised - almost shocked - at first. Then they realized that they were not seeing Collin the Boss, they were seeing Collin the brother.
The two finally turned toward the stairs with faces flushed from their laughter, their eyes still holding the sparkle of the joy of the two of them just being together again, even if it was just for one afternoon.
At the top of the stairs, the joking and playing stopped as their eyes became alert and watchful while they crossed the spacious plaza toward the side streets that led to the home they had shared and loved.
Finally turning down the lane, they shortly arrived outside the bamboo gate. Inside the enclosure, Raiel stopped and slowly took in the beautiful flowers she had planted so long ago.
Leaning against her brother, she said softly, "You've taken such good care them." Pointing to a group of vibrant red flowers, she said, "Those were the first I ever tried to grow, remember?"
Collin smiled. "Yes. You would sometimes get up in the middle of the night to go check on them."
Raiel laughed. "I had no idea it would take so long for seed to sprout. But look at them now."
They continued to the door which Collin unlocked with a key from his pocket. Inside, they both just stood for a moment looking around, remembering.
Raiel said softly, "I'm so glad you were able to buy it, Collin. Somehow, it would seem wrong for anyone else to live here."
She wandered back to her very small bedroom. Behind her, Collin's low voice said, "Is there anything here you want to take with you?"
She opened the wardrobe and slowly ran her hand over the few articles of clothing hanging there. There was one shirt that she could use, but that was about it. She pulled it from its hangar and said, "This."
"Nothing else?"
She shook her head. "No room in the smallpack."
She walked over to her bedside table and gently touched the delicate petals of the beautiful yellow flowers in their little vase. She looked back at her brother with a sweet, gentle smile, her voice a whisper, "Thank you."
He just nodded. Every few days for nearly a year, he had bought a little bunch of the yellow flowers, putting half of them here in her room, half on the table in the house down below. It was a ritual he would continue for the rest of his life.
They returned to the tiny sitting area and sat in the two soft old chairs there, reminiscing and laughing.
Raiel asked, "Do you remember that book you bought for me?"
Collin laughed but his face turned pink. "Oh, yes! I will never forget that day. There are some things that brothers simply cannot do. You gave me such weird looks for a long time afterward. But it gave you the information you needed, didn't it?"
"Yes, but - as I have since learned - there was an awful lot it left out."
Collin's eyebrows were raised as he said, "I'm sure there is, however, I will not inquire further!"
As their chuckles faded, he asked, "You're happy as Auron's mate?"
"Oh, yes, Collin. I wish - well, it would be nice if we could have a regular life and a home, but I won't complain. Just being with him is all I'll ever need."
"If I'm not prying, have you thought about what you're going to do after the Pilgrimage?"
She looked into the serious blue-green eyes of her brother. "Collin, we have to get there first. It won't be very long now until we reach Zanarkand. We don't really know what to expect, but - you know the odds."
She told him of Lord Braska's orders and he said, "Then you will come back."
She looked at him and answered in a very low voice, "If possible, I will."
Not for the first time, Collin wondered if his sister wasn't actually the stronger of the two of them.
They passed the afternoon just enjoying being together again and talking, then relocked the door and slowly strolled back down the lane. Before entering the plaza, Collin gave his sister a tight hug and a kiss before continuing on down to the first level to help with the last preparations of the evening's dinner. Raiel was going to the inn to check on the others in her party before tending to her little bit of shopping. They would meet again shortly.
That evening everyone was gathered in the large main room of the house enjoying the truly wonderful meal cooked by the men and there was a festive atmosphere with a lot of laughter as they all shared stories, experiences and good fellowship.
Only at the end of the evening when Lord Braska stood to speak did the real world descend on them again.
"My friends, having come to know you in these few days is one of the brighter spots of my lifetime. Our thoughts of you and the warmth with which you received us will make our journey much easier in the days to come."
He paused a brief second, "I thank you for that."
Taking a deep breath, he continued, "I wish you great success in the brave mission you have undertaken. We share a common goal - peace for the people of Spira. All of us here have made great sacrifices in our efforts to accomplish that. May the Fayth be with us all and grant us success."
"I'll take my leave of you now; tomorrow will be a busy one for us. I don't know that I'll see you before we leave so I want to thank you again. You will not be forgotten."
The room remained quiet as the Summoner slowly went to each man, shaking his hand and speaking a personal word to him. Completing his circuit by returning to stand by Collin, he took his hand and said, "Young man, you have so very much of which you can be proud but your crowning achievement is the job you did in raising your precious sister under very difficult circumstances. And, thank you for allowing us to be here with you. I'm aware of the risk that you took and value your trust in us. I expect we'll see you tomorrow evening. It would be a pleasure if you could join us for a meal."
"It would be my pleasure, Lord Braska, though there is plenty of food here and you are welcome to return if you would like."
"Thank you, Collin. That would probably be easier for you; I understand the need for discretion when you're out. Then, yes, we will accept if you're sure there is plenty for everyone. The food was so very good!"
Joined by the CO, the Summoner and his Guardians took their leave and returned to the inn. Since Mikel had also accepted Commander Collin's invitation for the following evening, he bade them good night at the inn's door and returned to the compound, looking forward to being with them one last time tomorrow.
Braska and his Guardians returned to their rooms, ready to enjoy another night with the luxury of hot water and soft beds to sleep in.
Tomorrow, the Cloister of Trials and Bahamut awaited them.