No Matter How Dark the Night Chapter 8

A/N: Hi everybody. Thanks sooooo much for all those sweet reviews. Sakin- you really love me! This one's for you. Hope you guys enjoy

Isthia drowsed in the warmth of the sunbeam that fell across the bed she shared with Auron. His sleeping bulk lay next to her, his strong arms tightly around her. She smiled at the recollection of last night- she had gone from miserable to drowning in ecstasy within just an hour. She laughed at her own foolishness at thinking the precepts of Yevon were the only things she could obey. Last night she had obeyed her heart, which she now acknowledged as her only master.

Auron stirred and opened his eyes. Isthia was studying his face as if it were a rune that she could see her future in. He grinned lazily and trailed his fingers across her shoulder, feeling her tremble, as she always did when he touched her. She snuggled closer to him, fitting her head under his chin.

"Auron," she murmured, her voice muffled in his shoulder.

"Yes, beloved?" Auron tilted her chin up to meet his eyes.

"What are we going to do? Kirin's not going to take this lying down, and neither is Gaia. We- we have to leave Bevelle- that's all there is to it." Isthia's eyes showed Auron that there was no changing her mind, but he still tried.

"Isthia. You are soon to be a summoner, and I will soon be a warrior monk. You can't just walk away from all your training- it's kept you strong. Besides, you're just a few months away from your pilgrimage- I won't let you give all that up!"

Isthia shook her head, knowing he was right. "But- Kirin....and Gaia- they...won't just look the other way at this."

Auron shushed her with a gentle finger on her lips. "You let me worry about that, little one. Right now you need to get moving- morning summons are about to begin." His eyes burned with passion as he kissed her goodbye, and Isthia felt her body warm in anticipation of what would surely be another night of bliss. She dressed quickly, and ran to the temple, arriving just in time to take her place among the kneeling almost- summoners. She noticed with a little bit of trepidation that Kirin was not among the priests leading the prayers that morning.

At that moment Kirin wished he could be anywhere but where he was. He sat silently in Maester Mika's audience chamber, his head bowed. The Maester sat stonefaced, regarding the young priest in front of him. When he finally spoke, Kirin's blood ran cold.

"You, Kirin Lighthand, are a disgrace. Forget the fact that she's your wife, the fact that she loves another, and analyze your actions. You raised your hand against a summoner of Yevon, one of the most revered individuals in our land! NO-" Mika raised a hand as Kirin tried to speak. "I don't want to hear whatever meager defense you've put together. You have brought dishonor upon yourself and your rank as priest. In fact, I'm not entirely sure you deserve that honor. I made a mistake in allowing you to become one. But happily that's a mistake I don't have to live with. Kirin Lighthand, it is my official ruling that you are forthwith stripped of your rank as priest. Now, go to Isthia and apologize. Beg her to come back. Your marriage at least I will preserve. You may go."

Kirin rose slowly. Stripped as priest- and Isthia unpunished for her adulterous ways?!" He wouldn't live for it.

"Y-Your Grace, may I speak?" Mika looked up, as if surprised by his presence.

"Well if it is so important that you defy my command to go- I suppose I have to listen," Mika replied, settling himself in his chair.

"What is to happen to Isthia for the dishonor she brought upon HER rank as summoner by her inappropriate behavior? Should she not also answer to Yevon for her mistreatment of one of his priests?"

Mika's expression did not change. "What I intend to do with your wife is none of your concern. Rest assured, however, that your wife will return to you tonight."

Kirin bowed. "Thank you, Your Grace. Forgive me for taking up too much of your time."

Mika sighed as he leaned back in his chair. Now came the messy part of this whole affair. He summoned one of his messengers. "Bring the lady Isthia to me," he commanded. The messenger bowed silently and went on his way.

Auron as well was having a difficult morning. He had been summoned to the high priest's audience chamber and now sat in silence, his hand on his katana, ready for trouble. Molkan took in his measure.

"Auron, my boy, that's a fine sword you have, son. Can you use it?"

"Some," Auron replied, shifting the sword with a natural grace that assured Molkan 'some,' was a severe understatement of his abilities.

"Mmm, very good. I can see why she has fallen for you. Handsome, talented, strong personality- yes, I approve. Well," he said brightly, "On with the plans- the wedding takes place in three days!" He slapped Auron on the shoulder.

Auron sat stunned. Wedding? What wedding? The only wedding he was interested in was his and Isthia's, which would take longer than 3 days to arrange, given the-er- delicate nature of the proceedings. Suddenly his stomach knotted into a million different twists. Surely he didn't mean...

"Your eminence, if I may..." Auron stumbled in choosing his words. "I should like to know whose wedding you refer to, so that I may clarify my understanding."

Molkan guffawed heartily. "Why yours and Gaia's of course, my boy! Surely you've noticed how she just mopes and looks at you with those gorgeous eyes full of love for the ground you walk! My little girl has fallen for you, and my little girl can get whatever she wants."

Auron sat back in his chair, a sickening feeling coming over him. As if there were not already enough complications to his being with Isthia- now HE was the one expected to marry! He shook his head.

"My lord, I am truly flattered by your- your generous and most gracious offer. But...I cannot accept. My heart is given elsewhere."

Molkan leaned in close. "That wasn't an offer, son. That was a statement of fact. You marry Gaia in three days or there will be no end to the hell I'll bring down on your head. You'll beg for death by the time I'm done with you!" Then he smiled brightly. "Gaia, Gaia my pet! Come here and kiss your fiancée!"

With catlike grace, Gaia entered the room, her green eyes spiteful and triumphant. Silkily she strode up to Auron and kissed him tenderly. He stiffened. "Oh, Auron, my love," she purred, stroking his cheek. "I'm going to make you so happy." Auron tried not to sneer. Underneath the purring voice, the tender kiss, he sensed burning triumph, elation at her 'victory'. He bowed formally. "The lady Gaia does me much honor. I shall endeavor to deserve her." And he turned on his heel and left.

At that moment, Isthia sat silent in Maester Mika's hall, in the same seat her husband had vacated just an hour before. Mika regarded her kindly before walking to her and placing a hand on her shoulder. Surprised by this move, she looked up.

"You've been unhappy, I'm sorry," Mika said, bowing his head. "It was a mistake to do that to you, my beauty. Can you forgive me?"

Isthia's eyes widened. The Grand Maester of Yevon, apologizing to her? She remembered herself and smiled softly.

"You had my best interests at heart, my Lord. There is nothing to forgive."

Mika smiled. "Go to him, tell him what you feel. Whatever decision you make I will uphold, even though your marriage will be binding as long as you live. Take your time in doing so. And accept my apologies. As a summoner, you know what is expected of you, what I expect of you. You are bound by the sacrament of marriage. If you take years in coming to the right decision, don't worry. All life is a journey, summoner. The path you take may be long, but it will lead you home. Now go."

Isthia bowed and left. In other words, she thought bitterly, you just ordered me to go back to him. Well, we'll just see about that.

Ok, please don't hate me for these two cliffhangers- I PROMISE I'll update soon! Hugs and kisses to all my fans! Oh, and keep all those great reviews coming!