Otherworld Year One: Chapter 6
Sahna came down the hallway yawning and stretching. She had slept soundly for the first time since Auron's arrival. As much as she hated to admit it, her bones were getting too old for couch sleeping. She just hoped that Auron had slept alright. He was markedly improved, but she knew that he was still in a lot of pain... even though he tried to act otherwise.
When she got to the front room, Auron was already gone from the couch. He must have taken a walk, she thought, going into the kitchen to start breakfast. She passed the kitchen table, then did a double-take and looked back. Sitting on top of the table was a beautiful new looking glass and next to that a storybook. She frowned for a moment, then smiled... realizing that these were gifts from Auron. He had somehow managed to get some gil and had purchased these for Remie and herself. But she was mystified as to how he could have obtained it. Then she suddenly recalled Remie mentioning the lady who had wanted to buy Auron's hair. Oh no... he wouldn't have done that? Would he?
Sahna was heading for the door to go find Auron to confirm her suspicions, when Remie came shuffling down the hall... still half asleep, rubbing his fists into his eyes and yawning loudly. "Good morning sweet pea." Sahna said playfully, patting him on the rear-end. "Mom! Stop it!" Remie said grumpily, twisting away from her. "You are such a grouch in the morning." Sahna said, grinning. Then she walked to the front door and went out, to stand on the porch.
Scanning the beach, she spotted Auron a ways down the shoreline, walking back toward the house. Remie came out then, and sidled up next to her, leaning into her warmth. She smiled and wrapped an arm around him... he often used her as a wind block this way.
As Auron drew closer, she saw that her fears were correct. His hair was cut in layered spikes all over his head, the gray streaks more pronounced now. And there was something else as well. Auron was sporting a pair of blue sunglasses. Clever, she thought, they hid his eye quite well. Then she felt a wave of sadness wash over her, wishing that he hadn't felt the need to wear them. She sensed that hiding his face was more than just self-consciousness about his appearance. It went much deeper than that. She wondered at the paradox that was this man... so wounded in mind and body and at the same time so competent and strong.
"Hey! Look at Auron mom!" Remie suddenly said from her side, startling her from her epiphany. "Shhh. Don't say anything to him unless he brings it up first, okay?" Sahna cautioned. Auron looked up just then and saw them on the porch, and turned from the water to walk up the short stretch of sand to the house. When he got to the bottom of the steps he stopped, and looked up at them.
"There's little point in avoiding the fact my appearance has changed, so I would appreciate getting any necessary comments done with now." Auron said, chagrin in his voice.
Sahna had been prepared to scold him about selling his beautiful hair, but decided it was petty and pointless to do so. "I think you look positively dashing." Sahna said, grinning... as she realized he really did.
"You went back to see that lady huh? Did you deck her after she cut all your hair off?" Remie asked, in gleeful anticipation. "No. But I did give it serious consideration." Auron replied with a smirk. Remie laughed, then cocked his head at Auron, as Sahna held her breath... wondering what was going to come out of his mouth. "Seriously cool." Observed Remie. "Thanks." Was all Auron managed, looking slightly befuddled, as they all walked up the steps into the house.
As they entered the kitchen together, Sahna turned and stood up on tiptoe, planting a kiss on Auron's cheek. "Thank you so much for your thoughtful gift." The smile Auron gave her was a wistful mixture of sadness and satisfaction.
Remie stood silently in front of the table, looking at the storybook. "I think Auron means you to have that." Sahna said softly. The last person to buy Remie a book had been his father. Remie reached out and picked up the book, then hugged it to his chest for a moment, then sat it back down on the table. Then he turned toward Auron and grabbed him around the legs, laying his head against Auron's stomach. Auron tensed, and looked up at Sahna... his face filled with conflict. He obviously didn't know how to react to Remie's show of thanks and affection. Then Auron brought his hand up and patted Remie on the head, as another wistful smile touched his mouth. Remie let go of him then, and went to the table and sat, quietly turning the pages of his new story.
"There is one thing more. Sahna, please accept this, I have no need for it." Auron said, reaching into his robe and then placing the gil on the kitchen table. Remie's eyes grew wide in his face... he had never in his life seen that much gil in one place before. Sahna blinked in stunned amazement at the pile of gil on the table. "Auron, I can't possibly..." She trailed off, as she saw the look on Auron's face. It obviously meant a great deal to him, and would undoubtedly insult him if she didn't accept it. "I don't know what to say, other than thank you. But I will only accept this on two conditions. One, that you keep some for yourself... you can't wander the streets of Zanarkand with no spending gil. And two, that we use some of it to replace your shirt... going around with your chest hanging out is unseemly." She finished, smiling slyly.
Auron thought for a moment about debating the issue with her, then decided he wasn't up to it, judging by the stubborn look in her eyes.
"Very well, I accept your terms." He sighed, reaching over and taking a small handful of the gil and tucking it back inside his robe. "Good. That's settled then." Sahna said, somewhat surprised at the ease with which she had won the battle. "Let's go see my friend Gabe, I think he may be able to help us with the shirt. He is a collector and purveyor of arms, and he supplies most of the city enforcers with their gear... if he can't come up with something, no one can."
"Can we go today? Can I go too?" Remie asked excitedly. "We can go today, if Auron feels up to it, and yes, you can come too." Sahna said, reaching over to rub her sons head. "So, what say you, 'o shirtless one?" Sahna teased, looking at Auron. "I am ill prepared to go up against both of you, as I am clearly outmatched... we go today." Auron said in a mock tone of defeat.
************
Auron had to remind himself several times not to gawk like a tourist as they made their way to Sahna's destination. Everywhere he looked, there seemed to be a new wonder of architecture or mechanized display. At one point, they had passed a huge waterfall, as it cascaded impossibly down the side of a massive building and into the water far below, rainbowed clouds of vapor floating in the air above it. From what he had observed thus far, the control of water seemed to be at the heart of the city's design.
Auron followed Sahna and Remie, as they made a left turn from the main road, and onto a suspended breezeway that led toward a small complex of buildings, standing alone on a raised platform above the water. The structure, like most of the city's it seemed, were circular stacks of randomly sized metal, the spires interrupted by bands of multiple window glass.
As they drew nearer, the front door of the main building opened and a lone figure emerged, walking toward them. "Gabe!" Remie yelled, waving his arm and grinning madly, as he broke into a run. When he got close enough, he launched himself at the man, who then caught him with one arm and swung him up to sit on his shoulder, as he grinned broadly and waved toward Sahna. She laughed at her son's display of enthusiasm, as she returned the wave.
Good Yevon, Auron thought, the man was nearly as big as a Ronso. Even moving similarly to those feline beasts... his massive bulk gliding forward with an easy, slow grace. The striking difference, however, between this giant of a man and the denizens of Gagazet, were his affable features. His weatherbeaten face was deeply lined around the eyes that were a faded color of blue, and despite his age... sparkled with mischief. His short cropped white-blond hair stood straight up from his head, lending him an air of authority that his boyish face did not.
"Sahna! How good to see you!" Gabe said cheerfully, grabbing her around the waist and hoisting her off the ground for a moment, as she laughed and smacked him across the chest. Setting her back down and then lowering Remie from his shoulder, Gabe turned toward Auron and extended a hand... "Gabe's the name, and who might you be?" Auron extended his own hand and managed somehow not to wince as Gabe pumped it twice, sending a shockwave up Auron's arm and into his shoulder. "Auron, pleased to meet you."
"Auron's been staying with Remie and I. He needed a place to recuperate for awhile, and we've really been enjoying his company." Sahna explained. "I see." Gabe responded, the emotion beneath his words not lost on Auron. "We could use your help with a shirt for him." Sahna continued, holding up Auron's chestplate. "Sure thing, come on in." Gabe replied, turning to lead them through the front door of the shop.
************
Gabe found himself feeling alarmed by this turn of events. He didn't think he cared much for the idea of this man staying under Sahna's roof. He knew how big-hearted she was. She would be easy prey to someone who wanted to take advantage.
He also knew how lonely Sahna had been since the death of her husband. He had wanted very badly for some time to ease that loneliness... but had never had the courage to do anything about it. And now here was this fellow... who's physique and manner radiated power and vitality, in strange contrast to the wounded, beleaguered appearance of his face.
But he had to admit that despite all that, he had instantly liked the son-of-a-bitch too. Well, there was little he could do at the moment... he'd just have to wait and see what developed.
************
Now this, was his idea of shopping, Auron thought, as they entered the large main room of Gabe's place of business. There was a central work counter at the front, and behind was a large workout space with a padded floor. Through an archway beyond that, was what appeared to be an indoor firing range. On the left wall were bladed weapons of every size and type... arranged in an open hanging display. The right hand wall was covered in projectile weaponry, a few side arms and rifles of a type he recognized, but most were highly mechanized looking firearms he had never seen before. A sweeping staircase led up from this end of the wall, to an open mezzanine above, with doorways leading off into what he assumed were other sections of the shop.
As Sahna and Gabe chatted at the counter, Auron walked to the wall of bladed weapons, looking them over. He was immediately drawn to one in particular... a large katana with beautiful inlay work along it's top half, the metal of the blade appearing to be of unusually high quality.
"You're a man who knows his weapons I see. That's the finest blade in the shop." Gabe said, walking to Auron's side, rubbing his chin. "Why don't you give it a try... I'd like your opinion." Auron turned to look at Gabe, apparently apprehensive about his invitation. "Please." Gabe said, motioning toward the training floor. "I really would appreciate your assessment."
Auron still hesitated. The last time he'd had a sword in his hand was not a pleasant experience, and he took a moment to make sure his emotions were in check. "Very well." He said finally, taking the sword down from the wall and testing it's feel in his hand.
"Auron! Don't you dare use your right arm to wield that. You'll undo all my healing work... and then I'll be forced to get angry." Sahna said, from the counter behind them. "You really don't want to see her mad, she's lethal when angered." Gabe cautioned from behind his hand. "Yes maam." Auron said, turning toward her and bowing low, as he tossed the hilt of the sword to his left hand. Sahna clucked her tongue, but offered no further comment.
Auron walked to the center of the training floor and adjusted his grip on the hilt of the sword, then began to move in a simple one-handed training kata he had used since boyhood.
Two steps forward with a quick lunge, turning to a side block, then a full turn in the opposing direction spinning the sword over his head and finishing with a short, controlled downward arc, the blade ending inches from the intended target.
Auron frowned as he finished, realizing for the first time that in addition to the lack of peripheral vision, his depth perception had been altered by the loss of half his sight... he would need to retrain himself to adjust. Then sadly reminded himself that there was little point in doing so.
"Wow." Remie breathed, looking up at his mother in awestruck joy.
Sahna opened her mouth to speak, then promptly closed it, speechless.
Gabe was merely intrigued, rubbing his chin in thought. He had never seen anyone handle a blade like that before, and he had seen the best. And even more disturbing, was the thought that given his current condition, Auron wasn't demonstrating the full extent of his skill. He remained torn in his opinion... not sure whether he wanted to admire the man, or beat the crap out of him.
"Although smaller than I prefer, it is a fine weapon, very well balanced." Auron said tonelessly, returning to the front of the shop, completely unaware of the reactions he had elicited by his display of swordsmanship.
"Smaller?!" Gabe bellowed, "God's man, what would you prefer? A main-mast?" Auron didn't reply, but merely returned the sword to its place on the wall. "You should see his sword Gabe, it's humongous!" Remie exclaimed, holding his arms wide to demonstrate. "I'd like very much to see it sometime." Gabe replied.
Sahna suddenly became aware of Auron's obvious discomfort on the subject of his sword. For whatever reason, he didn't want to discuss it. Deciding it best to change the subject she turned to Gabe... "So, what can be done with this, anything?" Pushing Auron's shirt across the counter. Gabe, catching her drift, picked the chestplate up and turned it over in his hands, frowning. "It might be repairable, but would not be as serviceable as simply replicating it. That would be my recommendation."
"What do you think Auron?" Sahna asked. "That is acceptable." Auron replied, thinking that never again donning this particular reminder of his failure would be just fine with him.
"I can simply duplicate what is here, but it would be best to take new measurements for a proper fit." Gabe said, looking to Auron. "Agreed." Came Auron's short reply, then he added... "I also have some alterations in mind that I hope you may be able to accommodate."
"No problem. Tell you what... come back by in a couple of days. I should have my current work done by then, and I'll be ready to get started." Auron didn't speak, but simply nodded his agreement. Lousy conversationalist, Gabe thought to himself, as he stowed the chestplate on a shelf under the counter.
"Well, I guess we should get going and let you get back to work then Gabe." Sahna said, putting an arm around Remie and turning him toward the shop entrance. "I'm never too busy for you two." Gabe said, grinning at them, as Sahna and Remie smiled back in unison.
"Auron, may I have a word with you?" Gabe suddenly asked, as they reached the front entrance. Auron merely nodded and opened the front door, holding it for Sahna and Remie, as they filed out, looking at each other curiously. After the door had closed behind them, Auron walked back to the counter and stopped, raising an eyebrow... silently telling Gabe that he was listening.
As was Gabe's nature, he got right to the point. "I don't mean to insult you in any way, but I care a great deal for Sahna and Remie... so I'm going to ask you what your intentions are in their regard."
Auron had suspected this was the subject on Gabe's mind. "I am not insulted. In your position, I would have asked the same." Auron replied, then continued... "I wish only to share in their friendship, nothing more. And I assure you that I will be leaving Sahna's home as soon as I am able." Gabe studied his face for a moment, then relaxed his posture. "Thanks for telling me Auron, I appreciate it."
"Is there something else?" Auron asked, as the look on Gabe's face indicated there was. "Well, yeah, actually... I was just thinking that I could really use a hand around here. I'm no kid anymore, and this seven-days-a-week shit is getting old. You obviously know your way around a weapon, so if you're interested, I guess I'm offering you a job when you're feeling up to it. And just to sweeten the deal, I'll let you have the use of the small apartment I own next door."
Auron turned and looked around the shop for a moment, thinking... then smiled. "I accept your offer."
"Great!" Gabe boomed, reaching across the counter and slapping Auron on the back, knocking him forward a step and nearly sending his glasses flying. Auron pushed his glasses back up with his thumb and sighed. All the affection and goodwill he had received today was beginning to wear him out.
Sahna came down the hallway yawning and stretching. She had slept soundly for the first time since Auron's arrival. As much as she hated to admit it, her bones were getting too old for couch sleeping. She just hoped that Auron had slept alright. He was markedly improved, but she knew that he was still in a lot of pain... even though he tried to act otherwise.
When she got to the front room, Auron was already gone from the couch. He must have taken a walk, she thought, going into the kitchen to start breakfast. She passed the kitchen table, then did a double-take and looked back. Sitting on top of the table was a beautiful new looking glass and next to that a storybook. She frowned for a moment, then smiled... realizing that these were gifts from Auron. He had somehow managed to get some gil and had purchased these for Remie and herself. But she was mystified as to how he could have obtained it. Then she suddenly recalled Remie mentioning the lady who had wanted to buy Auron's hair. Oh no... he wouldn't have done that? Would he?
Sahna was heading for the door to go find Auron to confirm her suspicions, when Remie came shuffling down the hall... still half asleep, rubbing his fists into his eyes and yawning loudly. "Good morning sweet pea." Sahna said playfully, patting him on the rear-end. "Mom! Stop it!" Remie said grumpily, twisting away from her. "You are such a grouch in the morning." Sahna said, grinning. Then she walked to the front door and went out, to stand on the porch.
Scanning the beach, she spotted Auron a ways down the shoreline, walking back toward the house. Remie came out then, and sidled up next to her, leaning into her warmth. She smiled and wrapped an arm around him... he often used her as a wind block this way.
As Auron drew closer, she saw that her fears were correct. His hair was cut in layered spikes all over his head, the gray streaks more pronounced now. And there was something else as well. Auron was sporting a pair of blue sunglasses. Clever, she thought, they hid his eye quite well. Then she felt a wave of sadness wash over her, wishing that he hadn't felt the need to wear them. She sensed that hiding his face was more than just self-consciousness about his appearance. It went much deeper than that. She wondered at the paradox that was this man... so wounded in mind and body and at the same time so competent and strong.
"Hey! Look at Auron mom!" Remie suddenly said from her side, startling her from her epiphany. "Shhh. Don't say anything to him unless he brings it up first, okay?" Sahna cautioned. Auron looked up just then and saw them on the porch, and turned from the water to walk up the short stretch of sand to the house. When he got to the bottom of the steps he stopped, and looked up at them.
"There's little point in avoiding the fact my appearance has changed, so I would appreciate getting any necessary comments done with now." Auron said, chagrin in his voice.
Sahna had been prepared to scold him about selling his beautiful hair, but decided it was petty and pointless to do so. "I think you look positively dashing." Sahna said, grinning... as she realized he really did.
"You went back to see that lady huh? Did you deck her after she cut all your hair off?" Remie asked, in gleeful anticipation. "No. But I did give it serious consideration." Auron replied with a smirk. Remie laughed, then cocked his head at Auron, as Sahna held her breath... wondering what was going to come out of his mouth. "Seriously cool." Observed Remie. "Thanks." Was all Auron managed, looking slightly befuddled, as they all walked up the steps into the house.
As they entered the kitchen together, Sahna turned and stood up on tiptoe, planting a kiss on Auron's cheek. "Thank you so much for your thoughtful gift." The smile Auron gave her was a wistful mixture of sadness and satisfaction.
Remie stood silently in front of the table, looking at the storybook. "I think Auron means you to have that." Sahna said softly. The last person to buy Remie a book had been his father. Remie reached out and picked up the book, then hugged it to his chest for a moment, then sat it back down on the table. Then he turned toward Auron and grabbed him around the legs, laying his head against Auron's stomach. Auron tensed, and looked up at Sahna... his face filled with conflict. He obviously didn't know how to react to Remie's show of thanks and affection. Then Auron brought his hand up and patted Remie on the head, as another wistful smile touched his mouth. Remie let go of him then, and went to the table and sat, quietly turning the pages of his new story.
"There is one thing more. Sahna, please accept this, I have no need for it." Auron said, reaching into his robe and then placing the gil on the kitchen table. Remie's eyes grew wide in his face... he had never in his life seen that much gil in one place before. Sahna blinked in stunned amazement at the pile of gil on the table. "Auron, I can't possibly..." She trailed off, as she saw the look on Auron's face. It obviously meant a great deal to him, and would undoubtedly insult him if she didn't accept it. "I don't know what to say, other than thank you. But I will only accept this on two conditions. One, that you keep some for yourself... you can't wander the streets of Zanarkand with no spending gil. And two, that we use some of it to replace your shirt... going around with your chest hanging out is unseemly." She finished, smiling slyly.
Auron thought for a moment about debating the issue with her, then decided he wasn't up to it, judging by the stubborn look in her eyes.
"Very well, I accept your terms." He sighed, reaching over and taking a small handful of the gil and tucking it back inside his robe. "Good. That's settled then." Sahna said, somewhat surprised at the ease with which she had won the battle. "Let's go see my friend Gabe, I think he may be able to help us with the shirt. He is a collector and purveyor of arms, and he supplies most of the city enforcers with their gear... if he can't come up with something, no one can."
"Can we go today? Can I go too?" Remie asked excitedly. "We can go today, if Auron feels up to it, and yes, you can come too." Sahna said, reaching over to rub her sons head. "So, what say you, 'o shirtless one?" Sahna teased, looking at Auron. "I am ill prepared to go up against both of you, as I am clearly outmatched... we go today." Auron said in a mock tone of defeat.
************
Auron had to remind himself several times not to gawk like a tourist as they made their way to Sahna's destination. Everywhere he looked, there seemed to be a new wonder of architecture or mechanized display. At one point, they had passed a huge waterfall, as it cascaded impossibly down the side of a massive building and into the water far below, rainbowed clouds of vapor floating in the air above it. From what he had observed thus far, the control of water seemed to be at the heart of the city's design.
Auron followed Sahna and Remie, as they made a left turn from the main road, and onto a suspended breezeway that led toward a small complex of buildings, standing alone on a raised platform above the water. The structure, like most of the city's it seemed, were circular stacks of randomly sized metal, the spires interrupted by bands of multiple window glass.
As they drew nearer, the front door of the main building opened and a lone figure emerged, walking toward them. "Gabe!" Remie yelled, waving his arm and grinning madly, as he broke into a run. When he got close enough, he launched himself at the man, who then caught him with one arm and swung him up to sit on his shoulder, as he grinned broadly and waved toward Sahna. She laughed at her son's display of enthusiasm, as she returned the wave.
Good Yevon, Auron thought, the man was nearly as big as a Ronso. Even moving similarly to those feline beasts... his massive bulk gliding forward with an easy, slow grace. The striking difference, however, between this giant of a man and the denizens of Gagazet, were his affable features. His weatherbeaten face was deeply lined around the eyes that were a faded color of blue, and despite his age... sparkled with mischief. His short cropped white-blond hair stood straight up from his head, lending him an air of authority that his boyish face did not.
"Sahna! How good to see you!" Gabe said cheerfully, grabbing her around the waist and hoisting her off the ground for a moment, as she laughed and smacked him across the chest. Setting her back down and then lowering Remie from his shoulder, Gabe turned toward Auron and extended a hand... "Gabe's the name, and who might you be?" Auron extended his own hand and managed somehow not to wince as Gabe pumped it twice, sending a shockwave up Auron's arm and into his shoulder. "Auron, pleased to meet you."
"Auron's been staying with Remie and I. He needed a place to recuperate for awhile, and we've really been enjoying his company." Sahna explained. "I see." Gabe responded, the emotion beneath his words not lost on Auron. "We could use your help with a shirt for him." Sahna continued, holding up Auron's chestplate. "Sure thing, come on in." Gabe replied, turning to lead them through the front door of the shop.
************
Gabe found himself feeling alarmed by this turn of events. He didn't think he cared much for the idea of this man staying under Sahna's roof. He knew how big-hearted she was. She would be easy prey to someone who wanted to take advantage.
He also knew how lonely Sahna had been since the death of her husband. He had wanted very badly for some time to ease that loneliness... but had never had the courage to do anything about it. And now here was this fellow... who's physique and manner radiated power and vitality, in strange contrast to the wounded, beleaguered appearance of his face.
But he had to admit that despite all that, he had instantly liked the son-of-a-bitch too. Well, there was little he could do at the moment... he'd just have to wait and see what developed.
************
Now this, was his idea of shopping, Auron thought, as they entered the large main room of Gabe's place of business. There was a central work counter at the front, and behind was a large workout space with a padded floor. Through an archway beyond that, was what appeared to be an indoor firing range. On the left wall were bladed weapons of every size and type... arranged in an open hanging display. The right hand wall was covered in projectile weaponry, a few side arms and rifles of a type he recognized, but most were highly mechanized looking firearms he had never seen before. A sweeping staircase led up from this end of the wall, to an open mezzanine above, with doorways leading off into what he assumed were other sections of the shop.
As Sahna and Gabe chatted at the counter, Auron walked to the wall of bladed weapons, looking them over. He was immediately drawn to one in particular... a large katana with beautiful inlay work along it's top half, the metal of the blade appearing to be of unusually high quality.
"You're a man who knows his weapons I see. That's the finest blade in the shop." Gabe said, walking to Auron's side, rubbing his chin. "Why don't you give it a try... I'd like your opinion." Auron turned to look at Gabe, apparently apprehensive about his invitation. "Please." Gabe said, motioning toward the training floor. "I really would appreciate your assessment."
Auron still hesitated. The last time he'd had a sword in his hand was not a pleasant experience, and he took a moment to make sure his emotions were in check. "Very well." He said finally, taking the sword down from the wall and testing it's feel in his hand.
"Auron! Don't you dare use your right arm to wield that. You'll undo all my healing work... and then I'll be forced to get angry." Sahna said, from the counter behind them. "You really don't want to see her mad, she's lethal when angered." Gabe cautioned from behind his hand. "Yes maam." Auron said, turning toward her and bowing low, as he tossed the hilt of the sword to his left hand. Sahna clucked her tongue, but offered no further comment.
Auron walked to the center of the training floor and adjusted his grip on the hilt of the sword, then began to move in a simple one-handed training kata he had used since boyhood.
Two steps forward with a quick lunge, turning to a side block, then a full turn in the opposing direction spinning the sword over his head and finishing with a short, controlled downward arc, the blade ending inches from the intended target.
Auron frowned as he finished, realizing for the first time that in addition to the lack of peripheral vision, his depth perception had been altered by the loss of half his sight... he would need to retrain himself to adjust. Then sadly reminded himself that there was little point in doing so.
"Wow." Remie breathed, looking up at his mother in awestruck joy.
Sahna opened her mouth to speak, then promptly closed it, speechless.
Gabe was merely intrigued, rubbing his chin in thought. He had never seen anyone handle a blade like that before, and he had seen the best. And even more disturbing, was the thought that given his current condition, Auron wasn't demonstrating the full extent of his skill. He remained torn in his opinion... not sure whether he wanted to admire the man, or beat the crap out of him.
"Although smaller than I prefer, it is a fine weapon, very well balanced." Auron said tonelessly, returning to the front of the shop, completely unaware of the reactions he had elicited by his display of swordsmanship.
"Smaller?!" Gabe bellowed, "God's man, what would you prefer? A main-mast?" Auron didn't reply, but merely returned the sword to its place on the wall. "You should see his sword Gabe, it's humongous!" Remie exclaimed, holding his arms wide to demonstrate. "I'd like very much to see it sometime." Gabe replied.
Sahna suddenly became aware of Auron's obvious discomfort on the subject of his sword. For whatever reason, he didn't want to discuss it. Deciding it best to change the subject she turned to Gabe... "So, what can be done with this, anything?" Pushing Auron's shirt across the counter. Gabe, catching her drift, picked the chestplate up and turned it over in his hands, frowning. "It might be repairable, but would not be as serviceable as simply replicating it. That would be my recommendation."
"What do you think Auron?" Sahna asked. "That is acceptable." Auron replied, thinking that never again donning this particular reminder of his failure would be just fine with him.
"I can simply duplicate what is here, but it would be best to take new measurements for a proper fit." Gabe said, looking to Auron. "Agreed." Came Auron's short reply, then he added... "I also have some alterations in mind that I hope you may be able to accommodate."
"No problem. Tell you what... come back by in a couple of days. I should have my current work done by then, and I'll be ready to get started." Auron didn't speak, but simply nodded his agreement. Lousy conversationalist, Gabe thought to himself, as he stowed the chestplate on a shelf under the counter.
"Well, I guess we should get going and let you get back to work then Gabe." Sahna said, putting an arm around Remie and turning him toward the shop entrance. "I'm never too busy for you two." Gabe said, grinning at them, as Sahna and Remie smiled back in unison.
"Auron, may I have a word with you?" Gabe suddenly asked, as they reached the front entrance. Auron merely nodded and opened the front door, holding it for Sahna and Remie, as they filed out, looking at each other curiously. After the door had closed behind them, Auron walked back to the counter and stopped, raising an eyebrow... silently telling Gabe that he was listening.
As was Gabe's nature, he got right to the point. "I don't mean to insult you in any way, but I care a great deal for Sahna and Remie... so I'm going to ask you what your intentions are in their regard."
Auron had suspected this was the subject on Gabe's mind. "I am not insulted. In your position, I would have asked the same." Auron replied, then continued... "I wish only to share in their friendship, nothing more. And I assure you that I will be leaving Sahna's home as soon as I am able." Gabe studied his face for a moment, then relaxed his posture. "Thanks for telling me Auron, I appreciate it."
"Is there something else?" Auron asked, as the look on Gabe's face indicated there was. "Well, yeah, actually... I was just thinking that I could really use a hand around here. I'm no kid anymore, and this seven-days-a-week shit is getting old. You obviously know your way around a weapon, so if you're interested, I guess I'm offering you a job when you're feeling up to it. And just to sweeten the deal, I'll let you have the use of the small apartment I own next door."
Auron turned and looked around the shop for a moment, thinking... then smiled. "I accept your offer."
"Great!" Gabe boomed, reaching across the counter and slapping Auron on the back, knocking him forward a step and nearly sending his glasses flying. Auron pushed his glasses back up with his thumb and sighed. All the affection and goodwill he had received today was beginning to wear him out.
