Days of Innocence
Part 2: First Impressions
The sun was setting over Bevelle as Kale entered the temple carrying the still sleeping Auron. The other two monks had already scurried off to see their families. Kale had a son to see, but first he had a wounded orphan to take care of.
Kale looked at Auron and smiled and then gently woke the boy. Auron stirred and then opened his eyes to see Kale's gentle smile.
"Welcome to Bevelle temple."
Auron looked around, he had never seen anything like this place before. Kale laughed quietly at the boy's reaction.
Auron squirmed a bit and Kale gently set him down and took his hand.
Kale smiled and Auron couldn't help but smile back as he looked into those kind gentle blue eyes. For the first time that he could remember Auron actually felt safe, but would it last.
--------------------------
A boy with long silvery-blue hair sat on the bed in his room with his nose buried in a book. He almost didn't hear the knock on the door and looked up just in time to a tall man open the door and walk in. The boy immediately dropped his book and stood to his feet.
"Father!"
The man smiled and then glanced back at the small boy that was hiding behind his legs. Ever so gently he pulled the boy from behind him.
"Come on."
The boy with the bluish hair looked with curiosity as his father brought the other boy to stand in front of him and then placed a hand on his shoulder to hold him there.
"Who's this?"
The man smiled at his son.
"This is Auron, he's going to be you're new roommate."
Auron watched as the other boy approached him.
"He's short."
"No Braska, you're just tall, but he'll grow."
Braska extended his hand.
"Hello, I'm Braska."
Auron just looked at him. Braska looked up at his father.
"Quiet isn't he."
"He's just a bit shy right now, he's been through a lot."
Braska looked Auron over. The boy's leg had been treated and he had been cleaned up and he had on new clothes.
There was a knock on the door and the man turned to answer it.
"Master Kale, the high priest wishes to see you."
"Very well, tell him I'm on my way."
"Yes sir."
There was the sound of footsteps as the young monk ran off and then nearly crashed into another monk in the hallway. There was a muffled "I'm sorry" and then the footsteps continued.
Kale closed the door and turned back to the two boys. Neither had moved or said a word.
Auron tried to back up and Kale ever so gently pushed him forward. Auron glanced back at Kale and saw that he already had his hand on the doorknob.
"I have to go now. You two behave and don't stay up past your bedtime."
Kale opened the door and stepped through before turning back.
"Braska, you look after him."
Braska nodded and Kale closed the door behind him.
There was silence for a long time. Braska sat on the edge of his bed and watched Auron. Auron didn't move or say a word. It wasn't until Auron saw those same kind gentle blue eyes in Braska that he warmed up and finally sat down on the other bed. Braska smiled and Auron couldn't help but smile back.
---------------------------
Auron had never slept in a bed like this, but it didn't help him sleep any more peacefully. Braska had been wakened in the night by a whimper that came from Auron's direction. Braska sat up and lit a candle that sat on the small table between the two beds.
"Are you alright?"
There was no answer and Braska could see that Auron was still asleep. The candlelight caught and illuminated a tear that ran down Auron's cheek.
Braska blew out the candle and stood up. He walked over to Auron and lay down next to him and silently wrapped his arms around the sleeping boy. He watched Auron and wondered what nightmares visited him.
Braska was a kind soul, much like his father. Even in sleep Auron sensed this and leaned against Braska and he fell silent.
------------------------------
It was well into the afternoon when the boys were wakened by a heavy knock on the door. Braska jumped when the door swung open and Kale rushed in.
"What are you still doing in bed?! You've missed half your classes!"
Braska instantly stood to his feet.
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright, just hurry up and get ready."
Braska nodded, grabbed some clean clothes from the dresser, and headed for the bathroom.
After Braska had closed the door Kale turned to Auron and gently shook him.
"Hey, wake up."
Auron slowly stirred and opened his eyes. He looked up to see Kale smiling down at him.
"Morning, did you sleep well?"
Auron rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand and sat up. Kale smiled and brushed a stray strand of hair from the boy's face.
"How's your leg feel?"
"Okay I guess."
Kale carefully slid up the boy's pant leg and began to unwrap the bandage. Auron winced a bit but made no sound. Kale looked at the stitched wound being careful not to cause Auron any more discomfort than necessary.
"Why can't you just use a cure spell on him?"
Kale turned to see Braska standing behind him.
"There is no need to use magic on a wound like this; it is better for it to heal naturally."
Kale gently lifted Auron from the bed and set the boy on his feet and gently pushed him toward the bathroom.
"Your turn, now go get ready."
Auron walked into the bathroom and few moments later running water could be heard from behind the closed door.
Kale turned his attention to his son and shook his head.
"Braska, brush your hair."
"But-"
"I told you, if you want to keep it long, you have to take care of it."
"Yes sir."
Braska took his hairbrush from the top of his dresser and sat down on the edge of his bed. Kale sat next to him and smiled down at his son.
"How would you two like to go out after your classes this afternoon?"
Braska looked up with sparkling eyes.
"Really? You'll take us out?"
Kale nodded.
"Yay!"
Braska jumped up to his feet on the bed and threw his arms around his father's neck. Kale smiled and hugged his son then set the boy on the floor.
"Now brush your hair."
Kale stood up and walked toward the bathroom to find out what was keeping Auron. He knocked on the door and pushed it open. There he saw Auron standing with his shirt off and staring at the floor.
"Auron, you're supposed to get in the water son."
Auron didn't look up and Kale heard what sounded like a sniffle.
"Auron? Are you okay?"
Kale walked over to Auron and noticed that the boy was crying. Kale knelt in front of Auron and wrapped his arms around the boy.
"Shhhh.it's okay, you're safe here."
Kale picked up Auron and sat down with the boy on his lap and held him close. Braska watched in silence.
--------------------------------
By the time Kale managed to get both boys dresses and ready there were only two classes left in the day. Kale stood with Auron's hand in his left and Braska's in his right. Behind the door in front of them the class was already well underway.
When the door opened the Sensei immediately looked up to see Kale and the two boys. Auron had ducked behind Kale's legs and could barely be seen as he peeked out from his hiding spot.
The sensei glanced over the rim of his glasses and a trace of irritation was in his tone.
"Nice of you to join us."
Kale's tone was apologetic.
"I'm sorry they are so late, it's been a long morning."
The sensei raised an eyebrow and gave Kale a questioning glance. Kale either didn't notice the look or he was ignoring it. He was know kneeling and had one hand on Braska's shoulder as he spoke quietly to the boy.
"You two behave alright."
"Yes sir."
"I have to go someplace so wait for me in your room and I'll come get you after your classes, okay."
"Okay."
Kale heard the impatient sound from the sensei. Had Kale not been in the presence of children he would not have reacted kindly.
"Alright, I'll see you then. Look after Auron."
Braska nodded then took Auron's free hand and led him to the two empty seats at the back of the room. Auron looked back at Kale who smiled at the boy as he stood. Kale turned to the sensei.
"Sorry to disturb your class."
Kale shot the sensei a glance that said he better not DARE make that sound to him again. The sensei quickly turned back to his book to avoid Kale's eyes.
Kale gave one last smile to Auron and Braska before walking out of the room and closing the door behind him.
--------------------------------
It was the last class of the day, phys ed. Auron sat next to Braska around the mat. The boy had remained silent and distant, he barely heard the sensei's words and didn't noticed the large boy that now stood on the mat.
"Chose your opponent."
The boy on the mat looked at the other kids and then his gaze settled on Auron.
"Hey new kid."
Auron didn't look up.
"Hey, I'm talking to you!"
Braska nudged Auron and the boy slowly looked up at him and then his gaze shifted to the boy who stood on the mat.
"Yes you, get up here and fight me."
Auron gave Braska a questioning glance and Braska smiled and nodded to him. Auron slowly stood to his feet and walked onto the mat. The other boy was much bigger than Auron and obviously took a great deal of satisfaction in looking down at Auron. The boy sneered at Auron and took his stance. Auron didn't blink or flinch, he just stood there.
"Begin," the sensei spoke.
The boy wasted no time. He immediately charged Auron and punched him as hard as he could in the jaw. A slight turning of his head was the only acknowledgement that Auron gave to the hit; he didn't even bother to whip the blood from his mouth. Auron turned to look at Braska.
"Am I allowed to hit back?"
Braska grinned and nodded.
The older boy's expression of shock turned to anger at Auron's reaction.
"You can try!" the boy shouted as he charged again.
This time Auron dropped to his hand to avoid the hit as he brought one foot up and kicked the other boy full force in the gut. Pain flashed through the other boy as he doubled over, but Auron wasn't finished. Auron then grabbed the other boy's arm and flung him over his shoulder, over the other students, and off the mat.
The other children and the sensei looked at Auron in amazement. He had throw a much larger boy several yards with no effort, as if he had been nothing more than a rag doll, and he hadn't even broken a sweat.
Auron turned to the sensei, bowed, and returned to his seat beside Braska. It would be a few moments before everyone got over the shock and the class returned to normal.
------------------------------
It was near the end of class. Most of the children had already completed the lap that they were required to run around the large room. When Auron rounded the last corner he was the only one left. Auron was by no means a fast runner, in fact he was rather on the slow side. But what he lacked in speed he more than made up for in endurance. Braska shouted to Auron.
"Hurry up! We'll be late!"
Auron glanced at Braska and then broke into a full out run and sprinted the last 60 or so yards.
When Auron finally reached the finish he showed no signs of being even the slightest bit tired. The other boys who were still struggling to catch their breath looked at him with amazement. Here was a boy that had finished much later then them and had even sprinted the last quarter but he wasn't even winded.
The sensei watched with interest and then approached Auron.
"That was quite impressive, you have great potential."
When the sensei moved to lay a hand on Auron's head, the boy instantly cringed and shied away. The sensei pulled away his hand and cocked his head in curiosity.
Braska's excitement had gotten the better of him and he grabbed Auron's hand.
"Let's go, we'll be late!"
Auron closed his hand around Braska's and ran after him.
------------------------------
When Kale finally walked through the door of the boys room he was nearly bowled over by a very excited Braska. Kale laughed and picked up the boy.
"Whoa, settle down there."
"Guess what Auron did today."
"I heard about it already."
"You did?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Okay."
Braska squirmed and Kale let him slide back to the floor. Braska jumped up onto his bed and stood there looking as if he would burst from excitement.
"Can we go now?"
"In a minute, son. First I need to take care of Auron's leg."
"Okay."
Braska plopped down on the bed and did his best to contain his excitement. Kale knelt in front of Auron who sat on the edge of his own bed. He carefully pulled up Auron's pant leg and began to remove the bandage that he had put there that morning.
"Sensei Maxius was rather impressed with you today. He'd like to give you private lessons after class if that's okay with you."
"Okay."
"You have great potential, Auron. Far more than you realize."
Kale finished removing the bandage and started cleaning the wood with a damp cloth. Auron never moved or flinched. Kale remarked at how stoic the boy was. Indeed in the multiple times that he had treated this wound he had never seen Auron show any indication of pain or discomfort, not even when he held the fully conscious boy while the wound was stitched. Kale wondered how and why this boy had seemingly become immune to pain.
Braska was no longer able to control his excitement.
"Where are we going father?"
"Anywhere you want Braska."
"Anywhere?"
"Yes."
"Oh boy, oh boy!"
Braska jumped up and down on his bed. Kale turned from Auron and shot a glance at his son.
"Braska! Settle down, son."
Braska turned to his father in the middle of spin jump and he landed on his rear on the bed.
"Oof."
Kale turned his attention back to Auron and put some ointment on the wound before he began to wrap it again.
"Can we go to the Emporium?"
"Yes Braska."
"YAY!"
It was useless to try to contain the excited jumping boy. Fortunately Kale had finished with Auron's leg and pulled the boy's pant leg back down. Kale stood to his feet and offered a hand to each boy.
"Well, let's go."
Braska eagerly took his father's hand and Auron took Kale's other hand. Braska reached out with his free hand and opened the door. And the three of them left and walked down the halls of the temple and into the streets of Bevelle.
---to be continued---
The sun was setting over Bevelle as Kale entered the temple carrying the still sleeping Auron. The other two monks had already scurried off to see their families. Kale had a son to see, but first he had a wounded orphan to take care of.
Kale looked at Auron and smiled and then gently woke the boy. Auron stirred and then opened his eyes to see Kale's gentle smile.
"Welcome to Bevelle temple."
Auron looked around, he had never seen anything like this place before. Kale laughed quietly at the boy's reaction.
Auron squirmed a bit and Kale gently set him down and took his hand.
Kale smiled and Auron couldn't help but smile back as he looked into those kind gentle blue eyes. For the first time that he could remember Auron actually felt safe, but would it last.
--------------------------
A boy with long silvery-blue hair sat on the bed in his room with his nose buried in a book. He almost didn't hear the knock on the door and looked up just in time to a tall man open the door and walk in. The boy immediately dropped his book and stood to his feet.
"Father!"
The man smiled and then glanced back at the small boy that was hiding behind his legs. Ever so gently he pulled the boy from behind him.
"Come on."
The boy with the bluish hair looked with curiosity as his father brought the other boy to stand in front of him and then placed a hand on his shoulder to hold him there.
"Who's this?"
The man smiled at his son.
"This is Auron, he's going to be you're new roommate."
Auron watched as the other boy approached him.
"He's short."
"No Braska, you're just tall, but he'll grow."
Braska extended his hand.
"Hello, I'm Braska."
Auron just looked at him. Braska looked up at his father.
"Quiet isn't he."
"He's just a bit shy right now, he's been through a lot."
Braska looked Auron over. The boy's leg had been treated and he had been cleaned up and he had on new clothes.
There was a knock on the door and the man turned to answer it.
"Master Kale, the high priest wishes to see you."
"Very well, tell him I'm on my way."
"Yes sir."
There was the sound of footsteps as the young monk ran off and then nearly crashed into another monk in the hallway. There was a muffled "I'm sorry" and then the footsteps continued.
Kale closed the door and turned back to the two boys. Neither had moved or said a word.
Auron tried to back up and Kale ever so gently pushed him forward. Auron glanced back at Kale and saw that he already had his hand on the doorknob.
"I have to go now. You two behave and don't stay up past your bedtime."
Kale opened the door and stepped through before turning back.
"Braska, you look after him."
Braska nodded and Kale closed the door behind him.
There was silence for a long time. Braska sat on the edge of his bed and watched Auron. Auron didn't move or say a word. It wasn't until Auron saw those same kind gentle blue eyes in Braska that he warmed up and finally sat down on the other bed. Braska smiled and Auron couldn't help but smile back.
---------------------------
Auron had never slept in a bed like this, but it didn't help him sleep any more peacefully. Braska had been wakened in the night by a whimper that came from Auron's direction. Braska sat up and lit a candle that sat on the small table between the two beds.
"Are you alright?"
There was no answer and Braska could see that Auron was still asleep. The candlelight caught and illuminated a tear that ran down Auron's cheek.
Braska blew out the candle and stood up. He walked over to Auron and lay down next to him and silently wrapped his arms around the sleeping boy. He watched Auron and wondered what nightmares visited him.
Braska was a kind soul, much like his father. Even in sleep Auron sensed this and leaned against Braska and he fell silent.
------------------------------
It was well into the afternoon when the boys were wakened by a heavy knock on the door. Braska jumped when the door swung open and Kale rushed in.
"What are you still doing in bed?! You've missed half your classes!"
Braska instantly stood to his feet.
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright, just hurry up and get ready."
Braska nodded, grabbed some clean clothes from the dresser, and headed for the bathroom.
After Braska had closed the door Kale turned to Auron and gently shook him.
"Hey, wake up."
Auron slowly stirred and opened his eyes. He looked up to see Kale smiling down at him.
"Morning, did you sleep well?"
Auron rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand and sat up. Kale smiled and brushed a stray strand of hair from the boy's face.
"How's your leg feel?"
"Okay I guess."
Kale carefully slid up the boy's pant leg and began to unwrap the bandage. Auron winced a bit but made no sound. Kale looked at the stitched wound being careful not to cause Auron any more discomfort than necessary.
"Why can't you just use a cure spell on him?"
Kale turned to see Braska standing behind him.
"There is no need to use magic on a wound like this; it is better for it to heal naturally."
Kale gently lifted Auron from the bed and set the boy on his feet and gently pushed him toward the bathroom.
"Your turn, now go get ready."
Auron walked into the bathroom and few moments later running water could be heard from behind the closed door.
Kale turned his attention to his son and shook his head.
"Braska, brush your hair."
"But-"
"I told you, if you want to keep it long, you have to take care of it."
"Yes sir."
Braska took his hairbrush from the top of his dresser and sat down on the edge of his bed. Kale sat next to him and smiled down at his son.
"How would you two like to go out after your classes this afternoon?"
Braska looked up with sparkling eyes.
"Really? You'll take us out?"
Kale nodded.
"Yay!"
Braska jumped up to his feet on the bed and threw his arms around his father's neck. Kale smiled and hugged his son then set the boy on the floor.
"Now brush your hair."
Kale stood up and walked toward the bathroom to find out what was keeping Auron. He knocked on the door and pushed it open. There he saw Auron standing with his shirt off and staring at the floor.
"Auron, you're supposed to get in the water son."
Auron didn't look up and Kale heard what sounded like a sniffle.
"Auron? Are you okay?"
Kale walked over to Auron and noticed that the boy was crying. Kale knelt in front of Auron and wrapped his arms around the boy.
"Shhhh.it's okay, you're safe here."
Kale picked up Auron and sat down with the boy on his lap and held him close. Braska watched in silence.
--------------------------------
By the time Kale managed to get both boys dresses and ready there were only two classes left in the day. Kale stood with Auron's hand in his left and Braska's in his right. Behind the door in front of them the class was already well underway.
When the door opened the Sensei immediately looked up to see Kale and the two boys. Auron had ducked behind Kale's legs and could barely be seen as he peeked out from his hiding spot.
The sensei glanced over the rim of his glasses and a trace of irritation was in his tone.
"Nice of you to join us."
Kale's tone was apologetic.
"I'm sorry they are so late, it's been a long morning."
The sensei raised an eyebrow and gave Kale a questioning glance. Kale either didn't notice the look or he was ignoring it. He was know kneeling and had one hand on Braska's shoulder as he spoke quietly to the boy.
"You two behave alright."
"Yes sir."
"I have to go someplace so wait for me in your room and I'll come get you after your classes, okay."
"Okay."
Kale heard the impatient sound from the sensei. Had Kale not been in the presence of children he would not have reacted kindly.
"Alright, I'll see you then. Look after Auron."
Braska nodded then took Auron's free hand and led him to the two empty seats at the back of the room. Auron looked back at Kale who smiled at the boy as he stood. Kale turned to the sensei.
"Sorry to disturb your class."
Kale shot the sensei a glance that said he better not DARE make that sound to him again. The sensei quickly turned back to his book to avoid Kale's eyes.
Kale gave one last smile to Auron and Braska before walking out of the room and closing the door behind him.
--------------------------------
It was the last class of the day, phys ed. Auron sat next to Braska around the mat. The boy had remained silent and distant, he barely heard the sensei's words and didn't noticed the large boy that now stood on the mat.
"Chose your opponent."
The boy on the mat looked at the other kids and then his gaze settled on Auron.
"Hey new kid."
Auron didn't look up.
"Hey, I'm talking to you!"
Braska nudged Auron and the boy slowly looked up at him and then his gaze shifted to the boy who stood on the mat.
"Yes you, get up here and fight me."
Auron gave Braska a questioning glance and Braska smiled and nodded to him. Auron slowly stood to his feet and walked onto the mat. The other boy was much bigger than Auron and obviously took a great deal of satisfaction in looking down at Auron. The boy sneered at Auron and took his stance. Auron didn't blink or flinch, he just stood there.
"Begin," the sensei spoke.
The boy wasted no time. He immediately charged Auron and punched him as hard as he could in the jaw. A slight turning of his head was the only acknowledgement that Auron gave to the hit; he didn't even bother to whip the blood from his mouth. Auron turned to look at Braska.
"Am I allowed to hit back?"
Braska grinned and nodded.
The older boy's expression of shock turned to anger at Auron's reaction.
"You can try!" the boy shouted as he charged again.
This time Auron dropped to his hand to avoid the hit as he brought one foot up and kicked the other boy full force in the gut. Pain flashed through the other boy as he doubled over, but Auron wasn't finished. Auron then grabbed the other boy's arm and flung him over his shoulder, over the other students, and off the mat.
The other children and the sensei looked at Auron in amazement. He had throw a much larger boy several yards with no effort, as if he had been nothing more than a rag doll, and he hadn't even broken a sweat.
Auron turned to the sensei, bowed, and returned to his seat beside Braska. It would be a few moments before everyone got over the shock and the class returned to normal.
------------------------------
It was near the end of class. Most of the children had already completed the lap that they were required to run around the large room. When Auron rounded the last corner he was the only one left. Auron was by no means a fast runner, in fact he was rather on the slow side. But what he lacked in speed he more than made up for in endurance. Braska shouted to Auron.
"Hurry up! We'll be late!"
Auron glanced at Braska and then broke into a full out run and sprinted the last 60 or so yards.
When Auron finally reached the finish he showed no signs of being even the slightest bit tired. The other boys who were still struggling to catch their breath looked at him with amazement. Here was a boy that had finished much later then them and had even sprinted the last quarter but he wasn't even winded.
The sensei watched with interest and then approached Auron.
"That was quite impressive, you have great potential."
When the sensei moved to lay a hand on Auron's head, the boy instantly cringed and shied away. The sensei pulled away his hand and cocked his head in curiosity.
Braska's excitement had gotten the better of him and he grabbed Auron's hand.
"Let's go, we'll be late!"
Auron closed his hand around Braska's and ran after him.
------------------------------
When Kale finally walked through the door of the boys room he was nearly bowled over by a very excited Braska. Kale laughed and picked up the boy.
"Whoa, settle down there."
"Guess what Auron did today."
"I heard about it already."
"You did?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Okay."
Braska squirmed and Kale let him slide back to the floor. Braska jumped up onto his bed and stood there looking as if he would burst from excitement.
"Can we go now?"
"In a minute, son. First I need to take care of Auron's leg."
"Okay."
Braska plopped down on the bed and did his best to contain his excitement. Kale knelt in front of Auron who sat on the edge of his own bed. He carefully pulled up Auron's pant leg and began to remove the bandage that he had put there that morning.
"Sensei Maxius was rather impressed with you today. He'd like to give you private lessons after class if that's okay with you."
"Okay."
"You have great potential, Auron. Far more than you realize."
Kale finished removing the bandage and started cleaning the wood with a damp cloth. Auron never moved or flinched. Kale remarked at how stoic the boy was. Indeed in the multiple times that he had treated this wound he had never seen Auron show any indication of pain or discomfort, not even when he held the fully conscious boy while the wound was stitched. Kale wondered how and why this boy had seemingly become immune to pain.
Braska was no longer able to control his excitement.
"Where are we going father?"
"Anywhere you want Braska."
"Anywhere?"
"Yes."
"Oh boy, oh boy!"
Braska jumped up and down on his bed. Kale turned from Auron and shot a glance at his son.
"Braska! Settle down, son."
Braska turned to his father in the middle of spin jump and he landed on his rear on the bed.
"Oof."
Kale turned his attention back to Auron and put some ointment on the wound before he began to wrap it again.
"Can we go to the Emporium?"
"Yes Braska."
"YAY!"
It was useless to try to contain the excited jumping boy. Fortunately Kale had finished with Auron's leg and pulled the boy's pant leg back down. Kale stood to his feet and offered a hand to each boy.
"Well, let's go."
Braska eagerly took his father's hand and Auron took Kale's other hand. Braska reached out with his free hand and opened the door. And the three of them left and walked down the halls of the temple and into the streets of Bevelle.
---to be continued---
