Thanks again for reviewing. I'm glad you guys are enjoying my story. I hope you'll like this chapter as well. To be honest, I had a hard time making this one because I was totally distracted by a boxing match, a ball game and a nine-ball billiard tournament…

----- FLASHBACK (start and end)

… TIME ELAPSES

-…- SUDDEN CHANGE OF PERSPECTIVE

CHAPTER 4

It was already dark by the time Landien and his guardians neared the woodlands surrounding the temple. There was no moon that night, which made their trek through the forest extremely difficult. Many fiends had attempted to ambush them in the dark but Lydia and Ilised had easily crushed them. When they reached the heart of the woods, it was pitch black. This forced Lydia to conjure a simple fire spell to light their path.

But as the party neared the temple, the mage's incantation was unnecessary for the pulsating light of gigantic fires illuminated the sacred edifice. Landien and Lydia were struck with childish awe at this for they had never beheld such a sight before in their lives. "They are the by-product of the Kilika Spheres' power." Explained Ilised, pointing towards the huge pyres. He knew this from the stories Filus, his first adoptive father told him of the lands he had traveled as a Crusader.

"Excuse me," came a voice from the landing above them. "Are you the Summoner from the isles of Hadura?" inquired a monk, the source of the voice, as he descended the steps to meet them. "Yes, I am and these are my guardians." Replied Landien as all three of them bowed in respect to the monk. "Very good. Please follow me to the temple, my superior has been expecting you for some time now." Said the monk as he gestured for the party to follow him up the steps.

"How is it that Kilika Temple's master knows of Lord Landien?" inquired Lydia as the party approached the monk. "I believe, his sister once resided in Hadura." He replied, moving up a few steps. "Perhaps you've heard of her, a Lady Dhira?" he continued politely. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I know her personally." Said Landien reluctantly, recalling the start of his training as a Summoner.

-----

It had been a week since the twelve-year-old had proclaimed his intention to become a summoner. Sati, the wise matriarch who had endorsed him in the town circle, decided to bring him to one of the smaller islands of Hadura. It lay to the east on the very fringes of Hadurian territory. They had to take a two-hour boat ride in order to get there.

"I shall take you to a place where you can learn the basic skills of a Summoner." Informed Sati as they began to set sail. "There is a woman there who can teach you. She herself was once a Summoner," continued the elderly woman. "But she is now retired, for High Summoner Braska had brought about the Calm in her time." She explained. The young Landien only nodded at this.

"I will have to leave you there with her for about half a year," she began. The prospect of having to live away from home scared Landien, but he knew that he would have to overcome this fear in order to succeed as a Summoner. "I will come back for you then." She finished. Landien could only hug his leather pack for comfort.

True to her word, Sati left him on the small island with the retired Summoner. Sati did not even have to get off boat for a woman with gray hair was waiting for him on the beach. The clothes she wore were very different from what the boy had seen in his village; they were far more lavish than anything he had seen before.

"Now go." Was the only thing the elderly matriarch said to him as she helped off the vessel. There were no good-byes, for the wind and waves quickly carried the ship away. The small island had no proper pier, so this forced the young boy to swim a small distance to dry land for the sea's depth near the beach would not allow the ship to dock. As Landien plodded along the shallow waters toward the beach where the gray-haired one awaited him, he thought to himself, 'What have I gotten myself into?'

When the now thoroughly soaked boy arrived on the beach the woman handed him her cloak, to put over his wet clothes. "I am Dhira," introduced the retired summoner as she helped him with the pack he carried. "And I will teach you the what you need to know."

-----

"My sister had written to me about you." Said Dhorum, the head-priest of the Kilika Temple, who sat in front of him, as he took a sip of his tea. The temple's superior had called for Landien to join him in his private quarters to have a drink of tea. The Summoner had immediately left the dining hall when a priest-in-training had informed him of Lord Dhorum's request.

The superior's chambers were barren; it was furnished with only the necessities, a bed, table, three chairs and a cupboard. Aside from those, there were some wall-scones, two candelabras and a huge window that overlooked the island.

"I see. And did she say good things about me?" inquired the Summoner half-heartedly for he did not feel comfortable participating in a conversation about his dead mentor. Ever since Dhira passed away three years ago in one of Sin's attacks, Landien had avoided any unnecessary small talk about her. He thought it distasteful and a travesty of this woman's glorious life.

"Yes, she wrote only your praises." Answered the priest, taking another sip of his tea. 'He behaves just like her…' noted Landien as he took a deep gulp of his drink. 'He even has her hazel eyes…' pondered the summoner. 'I wish he'd stop this though…' lamented the boy. He had no desire whatsoever to speak of such depressing things.

"I'm afraid to say, that your sister did not do the same for you. Not once in the six months that I lived with her, did she mention that she had a brother." Said Landien with a voice strained from attempting to sound congenial.

"It is quite obvious to me your revulsion of this subject," uttered Dhorum satirically, putting his empty cup down. This shocked Landien, the priest's outburst seemed uncharacteristic of one who looked as mild as the man before him did. "So I shall get to the point." Scoffed the priest as he stood to retrieve something from the cupboard in the corner of the room. The young summoner did not say anything because he felt ashamed of his disregard for the monk's feelings.

"She sent this to me a few months before the attack, she instructed me to give it to you when you would come here to Kilika as a summoner." Said the priest despondently, handing Landien a medium-seized box wrapped in smooth lime-green paper. Landien accepted this graciously, but he could not express his gratitude for the package or his remorse for his behavior. "You may leave now. You can open it in your room." said Dhorum flatly as he gestured toward the door. Landien nodded and left the head-priest's rooms without another word.

'What could this be?' wondered the Summoner as he began to tear the box's lime-colored wrapping in the corridor just outside his room. He did not want to step inside just yet because he shared this room with Ilised and Lydia, and he was not certain whether they should be privy to the package's content.

But as Landien opened the parcel itself, he let out a sigh and was almost moved to tears when he saw his mentor's sphere. He knew of its contents. Dhira had placed this on the top shelf of her bookcase so that it would be beyond his reach. ' "This contains the images of my pilgrimage… so do not touch it." ' Had been her warning all those years ago. This Summoner had never viewed it.

The package also contained note, which said: "I hope this may give you an idea of the trials you are to face. But know this, no matter how times you will view this, you will never be fully prepared for what you are about submit yourself to." This short note brought about memories that Landien would have rather forgotten.

' "You will die if you are to succeed in your pilgrimage…" ' were his mentor's parting words when he left the island. They haunted the young summoner.

…

"Are you sure you're up to this, Landi?" asked Lydia, her voice full of concern for her brother, who was about to enter the Chamber of the Fayth. "Yes, I'm sure." Lied the nervous summoner as he stepped through the doorway. Before his sister could say anything more, the door slid into place.

"Oh, He'd better not take too long." Hoped the mage as she began to pace around the lonely chamber. Ilised, her fellow guardian, was not with her for he had been expelled from the temple last night while Landien was with Lord Dhorum at the time. She sighed at the thought of this. 'Why does everything seem to be against us?' lamented the lady guardian as she ceased pacing and instead chose to squat in one corner.

-----

"What could they be talking about?" asked Lydia. "It's probably something about Lady Dhira." Answered Ilised. The Summoner had left the dining hall only minutes ago after a young boy had informed him of the head-priest's request. "Oh, I see." Murmured the mage.

As the two guardians made their way to their chambers, a man from behind them called out, "Hey, you Al Bhed!" Lydia and Ilised abruptly ceased upon hearing this. "Yes." Said the male guardian as he turned to see whom it was that called to them. "Stand behind me." He whispered as he advanced a few paces toward a two burly looking men at the far end of the corridor, his female companion closely behind him.

"How dare you come in here, this place is sacred." Threatened one of the men as he roughly pushed Ilised when they met in the corridor. "We believe in Yevon just as…" before Ilised could finish this sentence the man threw a punch at him, which he evaded easily.

"Why you son of a…" the man began to curse, but Ilised punched him staunchly in the gut before he could finish. This caused the man to collapse and curl into a ball on the ground, wincing in pain. "Serves you right!" declared Lydia as she kicked him hard.

"Damn you, wench!" screamed the fallen man as he took hold of lady guardian's ankle, making her scream. "Lydia!" shouted a concerned Ilised. But before he could aid her the other man lunged at him, screaming obscenities.

But the well-trained swordsman dodged this and kicked the offensive man in back, which sent him hurtling into the opposite wall. But the brute did not seem effected by this for he quickly recovered and drew out a small knife. 'Damn it.' Ilised inwardly cursed for having left his weapons in the room, thinking that there would be no need for them in a temple.

The knife-wielding man then charged toward the unarmed guardian. Ilised avoided this but was caught unaware when the man swung his arm backward. The guardian winced in pain as the knife sliced through his skin. The armed aggressor was about to make a second lunge when Lydia, who had already subdue her attacker with a firm blow to the head, quickly cast a powerful thunder spell, which easily knocked out the man.

"Ha! That's what you get for messing with us." Taunted the jubilant mage as pumped her fist into the air. But before she could continue her triumphant display a very worried Ilised disrupted her. "Go before the monks get here. I'll take responsibility for this." He said as he pushed the younger girl in the direction of their rooms. "Wait for Landien in the room, and do your best to explain what happened," he went on as he quickly checked the corridor behind him. Footsteps were fast approaching. "And help him in the Cloister of Trials, anyway you can. And bring my sword with you, I'll meet you back at the town." He added as he gave the mage one final shove down the corridor.

-----

The sun was shining brightly as the SS Intrepid entered Kilika waters. Its owner was currently sulking in his quarters below deck. 'Normally the Young Master would be out and about on such a fine day… what could be bothering him so?' wondered Elohim, Olin's personal valet and bodyguard, as he carried his master's daily medication to his chambers. 'He's been this way since Besaid. I hope he is not ill.' Pondered the young valet.

Every since he could remember Elohim had always been in the service of Master Olin. In his youth he had begun to learn the arts of a steward in the house of Odevaker, which encompassed the skills of proper serving-etiquette to torturing a man with the use of only a dull pin. Even now at the age of seventeen, he still continues to learn new things from his father, Adrodin – Lord Mezaro's valet and bodyguard, in order to better protect Young Master Olin, his senior of only eight years.

Elohim knew that whatever bothered his master so gravely was making his already frail body weaker. 'He almost collapsed when that clumsy roughen in Besaid had collided with him. She didn't even thank him for offering his assistance to her.' Fussed the valet. His master's fragile constitution made things so complicated at times. But Elohim was determined to protect Olin not matter what, for both his way of life and his heart were at stake.

-…-

A knock at his door brought Olin out of his fevered reverie. "Come in." said the dazed man, his voice slightly hoarse from disuse. The young merchant had barely spoken in the last two days, for his mind was constantly preoccupied with thoughts of his 'goddess'. He barely ate as well, preferring to dream about dining with the 'goddess'. This capricious habit had made him a bit ill.

"Young Master, I am very worried about you," began Elohim, his loyal valet and dear friend. "What bothers you so?" he inquired as he handed the pale brunette his medication and a glass of water. "Do tell me." Implored the worried manservant. His charge only smiled at this.

"I'm madly in love, that's all." Cooed Olin dreamily. This struck a cord in the younger man's heart. "I see and who is… she?" strained Elohim, attempting to hide his jealousy. His slightly pale master did not even notice his derision as a slight blush came to his cheeks.

"She is a Goddess, my friend. I don't even know her name, but I love her!" He exclaimed animatedly, his eyes swooning over the image he held of a certain blonde beauty in his head. "She is even prettier than you, gorgeous." Teased a deliriously giddy Olin as he cupped his manservant's face. Elohim was slightly irked by this. He could not help but feel slightly shameful for his rather feminine looks.

Anyone who had ever laid eyes on him could never forget his remarkable ethereal beauty. His unique, to say the least, heritage has resulted in a creature so stunning you could hardly believe your eyes. Elohim's ancient line is a peculiar mix between the Guado, Al Bhed and human races. This exotic blend of bloodlines had given the manservant his tall and stalwart stature, uncanny grace, heavenly voice, ivory skin and curiously fine, silver hair.

Everything about this empyreal being, from his long limbs, broad shoulders and narrow waist (all of which he hid under plain robes) to his feminine looks could be categorized into otherworldly beauty. Everything perhaps except his ordinary obsidian eyes, whose only distinct characteristic is their unusual depth. His eyes alone spoke of Elohim's intellect, pleasing personality and humble nature, which nobody, with the exception of one, ever saw because they were far too immersed in his extraordinary beauty.

'Why Olin? Why?' lamented the heartbroken lackey as he left his master's chambers. 'You have known me all my life and yet, you swoon over a woman who know nothing about.' Thought Elohim grudgingly as headed to the kitchen. 'I have devoted my entire self to you and yet you feel nothing for me…'

NOTES:

I do hope that you liked this chapter, cause when I went back and read it again to edit myself, I wasn't all that pleased with it….

Also, I hoped you liked Elohim because it took me while to think him up. Do tell me what you think of him. But please do not make any conclusions about him just yet, I have a plan brewing in my head which… oh never mind. I'm not even completely sure if I should pursue his character…. You see, I am really considering adding people to our trio just as you suggested it. Oh, please let me know what you think….

Lastly, Xmaster, in one of your reviews you said that you liked the names of the characters, so well, here is how I got them….

Landien – I got it from LANDON, which means long hill and is reminiscent of our hero's long and arduous pilgrimage.

Lydia – There's nothing special about this name, I just liked it.

Ilised – I just made this one up.

Dhira – I got it from the Jewish name, DARA, which means wisdom or compassion.

Dhorum – I got this one from the Irish/English name, DORAN, which roughly translates to exiled.

Olin – I was actually planning to name him ROLIN, which is wolf in Ancient Celtic (according to a friend of mine) but I missed a key and so we have OLIN.

Elohim – I got this one off a poster, who knows what it means….

Jaro – I derived this one from the Indian name, JOHAR, which possibly means salute in Sanskrit.

Sati – Got it from SHADI, which is Persian for happiness.

Darion – I still got this from DORAN.

Filus – Got it from Felice, which is Italian for FELIX which means lucky.

Larra – Got it from LARA, which is short for LARISSA, which is Ionic Greek for citadel.

Mezaro – Got it from MACARIO, which is a Spanish name that was derived from the ancient Greek word, MAKAROS, which means blessed.

Odevaker – I got it from the ancient German name, ODOVACAR, which means wealthy and vigilant

You see when I find a name that I like I say it over and over again until my tongue slips and well…hehehe

If you're wondering how I got the meanings of the names, just visit: www.behindthename.com, it's all in there. I do hope it shortens the time it takes you to make up a new name. = )