I hope you all like this chapter...
CHAPTER 9
It was a cool evening in Bevelle. This glorious metropolis has many grand houses within its urban-limits. One of these magnificent residences was that of the wealthy merchant Mezaro Odevaker. The house's young lord was standing by the doors that led to his private veranda six stories above the emptying streets of Bevelle. From where Olin stood he could clearly see the majestic temple of this great city. Its domes and turrets were truly a splendid sight.
It was already quiet for the vast metropolis was falling asleep. The Hymn of the Fayth could be vaguely heard in the distance. The emotional tune was resonating from within the sacred walls of the Bevelle temple and was amplified by absence of people below. The calming song was echoing throughout the empty streets.
This soothing atmosphere allowed Olin to think uninterrupted. Many thoughts were running amok inside his head. Most of them were of his goddess, who lay sleeping in one of the guest rooms, a floor below him. He imagined her to be lying on the white sheets, her long, blonde hair surrounding her head like a halo, her supple mouth slack from sleep, her smooth eyelids covering her dazzling eyes.
"Excuse me, my Lord." Came is valet's disembodied voice, disrupting his chain of thought. "Yes, Elohim?" replied Olin half-heartedly. "Are you certain you want to go through with this?" inquired the younger steward, unsure of himself.
-----
As the merchant caravan squeezed their way through the narrow paths of Macalania Woods in the early part of the afternoon, heading east toward the small trail that led to Bevelle, an excited air swept over the hired men. Some of these burly men were from Bevelle and were looking forward to seeing their families again. Others were eager to finally wander about the grandiose city's streets, hoping to find some out of ordinary souvenir for their loved ones in the south. The normally silent armed-escorts were chatting as well about their plans once they got to Bevelle. Even Elohim, who led he convoy was participating in some of the conversations.
This talkative atmosphere was everywhere except in the chocobo-drawn calash in the middle of the caravan, which carried the young Master Olin and his guests. The opulent carriage was eerily silent as the convoy neared the made their way to the city. Its occupants were clearly uncomfortable with this absence of noise. Their tense postures and dull expressions were a clear sign of boredom and uneasiness.
"How far is it until will reach the city?" asked Lydia in quasi-cheerful voice, hoping to break the quiet. "It is not too far now," replied Olin as he looked out the window, he was clearly relieved that someone had finally spoken up. He was also quite happy that it was his goddess that had spoken to him in an almost cheery tone. "We should arrived in Bevelle within the hour, Lady Guardian." Continued the auburn-haired merchant.
"Please call me Lydia, Lord Odevaker, there is no need to be so formal with me." Offered the mage with a slight giggle. This made the love struck man's heart leap in jubilation. "Then would you please call Olin for Lord Odevaker is my father." Insisted the man politely with a smile. This made Lydia giggle once more.
"What is so funny, Lydia?" inquired the curious Olin. This made the young girl giggle even more. "Do excuse my darling sister; she sometimes laughs at the most inane things, Sir." Pardoned Landien as he gave his sister a firm glare. "Please, Landien, there is no need for formalities," said the older man informally. "Let us all just try to be friends." He suggested with a sincere smile.
"That would be very nice, indeed." Said Landien as he looked to his silent guardian, Ilised with a smile. "Yes, it would be." Said the blonde man, who sat beside his beloved (and still giggling, albeit softly) Lydia in hesitant approval. This made the summoner smile brightly.
"And since we are now friends, it would be my pleasure to have you stay at my home as my guests for the night." Offered Olin. The summoner looked to his older guardian for consent. "I think it would be a good idea." Said Ilised softly with a nod. "Then it is settled. We would be delighted to be your guests." Announced Landien enthusiastically.
"Does that mean we can go shopping?" asked Lydia hopefully as turned to both her companions. "Perhaps..." replied Ilised vaguely. "It's fine with me." Replied her brother cheerfully, which made the mage smile widely. "Good. We can finally have a change of scenery." Said the young lady happily.
...
'I hope he would agree with me...' thought Olin as he quickly navigated through his house's halls toward his father's study. The young Master's guests had just left for the market; their absence would give the young man his chance to speak with his father about his decision. They young Odevaker was unsure of whether or not his father would consent to what he was about to pursue, but regardless of what his father would say, Olin was already determined to go through with it.
He did not know exactly when he conceived this idea. But he knew that it would be the best thing for him to do right now for he knew that no matter what he would do, he could never allow Lydia to leave him. 'May Yevon be with me...' prayed Olin as he opened the large doors to his father's study.
The older Odevaker was seated in front of his massive desk made of sturdy hardwood imported from Kilika. He was busy with some papers. Behind him stood Adrodin, Elohim's father. His son was a spiting-image of him, except for his silver hair. The older manservant had once possessed bright blue hair (from his Guado heritage), now gray from age (this trait he had inherited from his human ancestry).
"My son!" rejoiced Mezaro as he hugged Olin and planted a kiss on each of his cheeks. "Father." Greeted Olin as returned his father's embrace and kisses, albeit, half-heartedly. "What is wrong, my beloved son?" inquired the worried gray-haired man upon noticing his heir's despair. "I must ask you something..." began the younger Odevaker as his father took his seat, knowing that what he was about to hear may shock him.
"Father, I have met someone and she means a great deal to me," said Olin hesitantly. Mezaro not surprised by this, nodded for him to go on, knowing full well that there was much more than that. "And I do not wish for her to leave my side." He elaborated. Mezaro nodded once more, waiting for the inevitable shock that was to follow. His son made a short pause to gather all his courage.
"So I wish to become a Guardian." Finished Olin resolutely. Mezaro knew that he was very serious about this and would, with or without his permission, follow this through. His son's decision to pursue guardianship frightened the older man slightly for he was unsure if his only child would ever return to him. Tears began to form in the aged father's eyes as his fear for his son grew from within him.
"Do you intend on bringing Elohim with you?" asked Mezaro grimly as he looked back to see his valet's reaction, a single tear rolling down his wrinkled cheek. Adrodin remained silent, unsure of what to say. But his eyes spoke of his complete submission to his master's final decision.
"Yes, Father, if he would go with me." Replied Olin softly; unsure if that was the right answer. 'He would follow you to the ends of the world, young Master Olin, with or without your consent.' Mused the older manservant as he wiped the incoming tears from his eyes before they could fall. Adrodin nodded at younger Odevaker's words, approving of his young master's answer.
"Than do as you wish, Olin. You have my blessings." Said Mezaro sadly, yet, firmly. "Thank you, Father." Said Olin as he took his father's hands and planted a kiss on each of them, clearly grateful for the man's approval. He then rushed to the aging valet and took his hands and planted a kiss on each of them as well.
"But please come home to me, my son." Added the distressed father as he stood and embraced his beloved boy once more. The younger man had returned his father's embrace and gave his parent one last kiss on his forehead before he turned and left, not wanting his father to see him cry.
-----
"Yes, Elohim, I will go through with this." Replied the Olin as he took his dear friend's hand into his own. "And would you go with me, not as a Steward of the Odevaker's, but, as my friend?" asked the older man, his grip tightening on Elohim's hand. "Yes, Olin, I would be a honor to follow you in this most noble of pursuits." Replied the silver-haired man with a smile as he kissed both of Olin's hands.
"When will you tell them?" inquired Elohim. "Tomorrow, my friend... tomorrow." Replied Olin.
...
They had been awake since dawn. The sun was not yet completely up when Landien, Lydia and Ilised entered the Cloister of Trials at Bevelle Temple. So far, it was hardest that they had to undergo in order to reach the Chamber of the Fayth. It had taken the Summoner a few hours before he emerged from the stone doors. He was drenched in sweat and looked absolutely exhausted.
"Do you want to rest one more day before we go on?" asked Ilised as he braced Landien before he could fall to ground. "Yeah, I'm sure we can spare a day." Encouraged Lydia, afraid for her brother's health. "No it's all right. I'll just need some water and a little food, then I'll be ready to go to Lake Macalania." Replied the summoner as he straightened himself out, clearly determined to go to Lake Macalania.
"If we hurry, we'll be able to make it back within the day." Suggested Landien cheerfully. But he was not as sound as he felt. After taking only a few steps outside the Cloister of Trials, the Summoner collapsed to ground.
"Landi!" screamed his guardians in unison as they rushed to his side. "Is he all right?" inquired a tall, brown-haired man, who was accompanied by another man and a little boy. "What do you think?" exclaimed Lydia, angered by the man's unintentional denseness. "Excuse us. Forgive her for her outburst." Apologized Ilised as he lifted Landien and carried him off towards Olin's house.
NOTES:
I. Timeline (Yuna – Landien):
On the Highroad (Operation Mi'ihen is about to happen) – Bevelle
CHAPTER 9
It was a cool evening in Bevelle. This glorious metropolis has many grand houses within its urban-limits. One of these magnificent residences was that of the wealthy merchant Mezaro Odevaker. The house's young lord was standing by the doors that led to his private veranda six stories above the emptying streets of Bevelle. From where Olin stood he could clearly see the majestic temple of this great city. Its domes and turrets were truly a splendid sight.
It was already quiet for the vast metropolis was falling asleep. The Hymn of the Fayth could be vaguely heard in the distance. The emotional tune was resonating from within the sacred walls of the Bevelle temple and was amplified by absence of people below. The calming song was echoing throughout the empty streets.
This soothing atmosphere allowed Olin to think uninterrupted. Many thoughts were running amok inside his head. Most of them were of his goddess, who lay sleeping in one of the guest rooms, a floor below him. He imagined her to be lying on the white sheets, her long, blonde hair surrounding her head like a halo, her supple mouth slack from sleep, her smooth eyelids covering her dazzling eyes.
"Excuse me, my Lord." Came is valet's disembodied voice, disrupting his chain of thought. "Yes, Elohim?" replied Olin half-heartedly. "Are you certain you want to go through with this?" inquired the younger steward, unsure of himself.
-----
As the merchant caravan squeezed their way through the narrow paths of Macalania Woods in the early part of the afternoon, heading east toward the small trail that led to Bevelle, an excited air swept over the hired men. Some of these burly men were from Bevelle and were looking forward to seeing their families again. Others were eager to finally wander about the grandiose city's streets, hoping to find some out of ordinary souvenir for their loved ones in the south. The normally silent armed-escorts were chatting as well about their plans once they got to Bevelle. Even Elohim, who led he convoy was participating in some of the conversations.
This talkative atmosphere was everywhere except in the chocobo-drawn calash in the middle of the caravan, which carried the young Master Olin and his guests. The opulent carriage was eerily silent as the convoy neared the made their way to the city. Its occupants were clearly uncomfortable with this absence of noise. Their tense postures and dull expressions were a clear sign of boredom and uneasiness.
"How far is it until will reach the city?" asked Lydia in quasi-cheerful voice, hoping to break the quiet. "It is not too far now," replied Olin as he looked out the window, he was clearly relieved that someone had finally spoken up. He was also quite happy that it was his goddess that had spoken to him in an almost cheery tone. "We should arrived in Bevelle within the hour, Lady Guardian." Continued the auburn-haired merchant.
"Please call me Lydia, Lord Odevaker, there is no need to be so formal with me." Offered the mage with a slight giggle. This made the love struck man's heart leap in jubilation. "Then would you please call Olin for Lord Odevaker is my father." Insisted the man politely with a smile. This made Lydia giggle once more.
"What is so funny, Lydia?" inquired the curious Olin. This made the young girl giggle even more. "Do excuse my darling sister; she sometimes laughs at the most inane things, Sir." Pardoned Landien as he gave his sister a firm glare. "Please, Landien, there is no need for formalities," said the older man informally. "Let us all just try to be friends." He suggested with a sincere smile.
"That would be very nice, indeed." Said Landien as he looked to his silent guardian, Ilised with a smile. "Yes, it would be." Said the blonde man, who sat beside his beloved (and still giggling, albeit softly) Lydia in hesitant approval. This made the summoner smile brightly.
"And since we are now friends, it would be my pleasure to have you stay at my home as my guests for the night." Offered Olin. The summoner looked to his older guardian for consent. "I think it would be a good idea." Said Ilised softly with a nod. "Then it is settled. We would be delighted to be your guests." Announced Landien enthusiastically.
"Does that mean we can go shopping?" asked Lydia hopefully as turned to both her companions. "Perhaps..." replied Ilised vaguely. "It's fine with me." Replied her brother cheerfully, which made the mage smile widely. "Good. We can finally have a change of scenery." Said the young lady happily.
...
'I hope he would agree with me...' thought Olin as he quickly navigated through his house's halls toward his father's study. The young Master's guests had just left for the market; their absence would give the young man his chance to speak with his father about his decision. They young Odevaker was unsure of whether or not his father would consent to what he was about to pursue, but regardless of what his father would say, Olin was already determined to go through with it.
He did not know exactly when he conceived this idea. But he knew that it would be the best thing for him to do right now for he knew that no matter what he would do, he could never allow Lydia to leave him. 'May Yevon be with me...' prayed Olin as he opened the large doors to his father's study.
The older Odevaker was seated in front of his massive desk made of sturdy hardwood imported from Kilika. He was busy with some papers. Behind him stood Adrodin, Elohim's father. His son was a spiting-image of him, except for his silver hair. The older manservant had once possessed bright blue hair (from his Guado heritage), now gray from age (this trait he had inherited from his human ancestry).
"My son!" rejoiced Mezaro as he hugged Olin and planted a kiss on each of his cheeks. "Father." Greeted Olin as returned his father's embrace and kisses, albeit, half-heartedly. "What is wrong, my beloved son?" inquired the worried gray-haired man upon noticing his heir's despair. "I must ask you something..." began the younger Odevaker as his father took his seat, knowing that what he was about to hear may shock him.
"Father, I have met someone and she means a great deal to me," said Olin hesitantly. Mezaro not surprised by this, nodded for him to go on, knowing full well that there was much more than that. "And I do not wish for her to leave my side." He elaborated. Mezaro nodded once more, waiting for the inevitable shock that was to follow. His son made a short pause to gather all his courage.
"So I wish to become a Guardian." Finished Olin resolutely. Mezaro knew that he was very serious about this and would, with or without his permission, follow this through. His son's decision to pursue guardianship frightened the older man slightly for he was unsure if his only child would ever return to him. Tears began to form in the aged father's eyes as his fear for his son grew from within him.
"Do you intend on bringing Elohim with you?" asked Mezaro grimly as he looked back to see his valet's reaction, a single tear rolling down his wrinkled cheek. Adrodin remained silent, unsure of what to say. But his eyes spoke of his complete submission to his master's final decision.
"Yes, Father, if he would go with me." Replied Olin softly; unsure if that was the right answer. 'He would follow you to the ends of the world, young Master Olin, with or without your consent.' Mused the older manservant as he wiped the incoming tears from his eyes before they could fall. Adrodin nodded at younger Odevaker's words, approving of his young master's answer.
"Than do as you wish, Olin. You have my blessings." Said Mezaro sadly, yet, firmly. "Thank you, Father." Said Olin as he took his father's hands and planted a kiss on each of them, clearly grateful for the man's approval. He then rushed to the aging valet and took his hands and planted a kiss on each of them as well.
"But please come home to me, my son." Added the distressed father as he stood and embraced his beloved boy once more. The younger man had returned his father's embrace and gave his parent one last kiss on his forehead before he turned and left, not wanting his father to see him cry.
-----
"Yes, Elohim, I will go through with this." Replied the Olin as he took his dear friend's hand into his own. "And would you go with me, not as a Steward of the Odevaker's, but, as my friend?" asked the older man, his grip tightening on Elohim's hand. "Yes, Olin, I would be a honor to follow you in this most noble of pursuits." Replied the silver-haired man with a smile as he kissed both of Olin's hands.
"When will you tell them?" inquired Elohim. "Tomorrow, my friend... tomorrow." Replied Olin.
...
They had been awake since dawn. The sun was not yet completely up when Landien, Lydia and Ilised entered the Cloister of Trials at Bevelle Temple. So far, it was hardest that they had to undergo in order to reach the Chamber of the Fayth. It had taken the Summoner a few hours before he emerged from the stone doors. He was drenched in sweat and looked absolutely exhausted.
"Do you want to rest one more day before we go on?" asked Ilised as he braced Landien before he could fall to ground. "Yeah, I'm sure we can spare a day." Encouraged Lydia, afraid for her brother's health. "No it's all right. I'll just need some water and a little food, then I'll be ready to go to Lake Macalania." Replied the summoner as he straightened himself out, clearly determined to go to Lake Macalania.
"If we hurry, we'll be able to make it back within the day." Suggested Landien cheerfully. But he was not as sound as he felt. After taking only a few steps outside the Cloister of Trials, the Summoner collapsed to ground.
"Landi!" screamed his guardians in unison as they rushed to his side. "Is he all right?" inquired a tall, brown-haired man, who was accompanied by another man and a little boy. "What do you think?" exclaimed Lydia, angered by the man's unintentional denseness. "Excuse us. Forgive her for her outburst." Apologized Ilised as he lifted Landien and carried him off towards Olin's house.
NOTES:
I. Timeline (Yuna – Landien):
On the Highroad (Operation Mi'ihen is about to happen) – Bevelle