Disclaimer: SquareEnix's, not mine, never will be - but don't I wish! :-)
A Legend's Journey
Chapter 2
Julan arrived moments later, escorted by Kimahri. The old Healer bent over the young woman, studying her and her lack of reactions to various stimuli, muttering to himself. When he finally stood, there was concern on his rugged old features.
"Sir, she has undoubtedly experienced a very traumatic event and has lost contact with reality. She will require very delicate care for a time, maybe a very long time. You have a place for her here?" The old man's eyes searched The Guardian's own.
His breath caught for a second. Here? Then he realized that it was only fitting that he, a Guardian, should undertake responsibility for the young woman's care until her recovery.
"Yes. That will not be a problem." was the quiet response.
"Good. I will go prepare some potions and will bring them shortly. She must be kept warm, quiet and comfortable."
Julan left on his mission, leaving the two old friends to ponder the situation.
Kimahri emitted a small grunt and gave his friend a long look. "Hmph! Kimahri friend begins new journey!"
The man looked at him questioningly, a frown on his face. Putting a very large paw on the shoulder of the red coat, Kimahri turned to leave. "Kimahri come tomorrow," and was gone.
As The Guardian stood there contemplating his next move, a light tap came at the door of the small villa. Turning, he saw the friendly, open face of Nan, the food vendor.
"Sorry to disturb you, Sir, but you left your package." Looking down into the unseeing eyes of the girl, Nan felt a tug on her aging heart. "Ohhh, poor dear."
The Guardian knew that word of the girl's mysterious arrival and condition, as well as her being placed in his care was rapidly spreading among the populace.
Getting only a low "Hmph" from the very tall man who still stared thoughtfully at the girl with slightly narrowed eyes, Nan carried the package through a doorway into the kitchen.
Returning to the first room, she tentatively touched the arm of the red coat for a second of his attention. "I'll help any way I can. Please call on me if you need me," and she slipped out the front door.
He was thinking to himself that he'd better prepare for the long-term, which means arranging the small room that had been serving as his private office into a guest room. Giving his charge one last look, he turned to his task.
Actually, it took little time. Though he had been in residence for quite a while, there was very little of himself in evidence. Everything was spotlessly clean and spartan. Nothing to tell more of the man who lived there. As a Warrior and Guardian who was constantly on the move, he had owned nothing more than what could be placed in a smallpack and taken with him.
With very little effort, the desk and its chair were moved into the larger room where he slept. A single-sized bed was retrieved from a storage closet and set up in the former office and clean linens placed upon it. A small table beside the bed accommodated a lamp.
Clothing. Hm. She was dressed rather oddly in a simple-looking white shirt with short sleeves and long blue slacks, a simple pair of sandals on her feet. Not really what young women here would wear, though he thought it was a most practical-looking outfit. Additional clothing would be required but that would have to wait for the morrow.
Returning to the living room, The Guardian took a little more time to study his new charge. Except for the shaking, she had not moved at all, still saw nothing with those dark blue eyes.
He found himself trying to think if he'd ever seen that incredible shade of blue before. The closest he thing he could think of was the blue of the deepest ocean whose deep blue water reflected the blue of the sky.
His dark eyes traveled to her other features – hair that reached below her shoulders so dark brown it almost appeared black, soft bangs in front. Clear, fair skin; cheeks that seemed to have a pink flush – though that could be due to her current state.
His back stiffened as he became aware of a very odd sensation within himself, an unfamiliar stirring somewhere in his middle – and was nonplussed by it. Still, he had an almost overwhelming desire to brush that little strand of hair away from her cheek, to touch that cheek.
"Hold, Guardian! Control your emotions, guard your Summoner!" The mantra of a lifetime snapped him upright and stayed his hand. Not a summoner this time, but still someone whose care and well-being he was now responsible for. The same principles apply: Do not be distracted from your duty! Ever!!
The tinkling of little bells announced someone at the outer door. He opened the outer door to Julan who was carrying a variety of vials and other things he couldn't quite identify.
Inside, the old Healer again checked his patient. No change. He turned to the tall Guardian and sighed.
"I have to say I'm not heartened at all, Sir!" Gesturing toward the array of potions, he said, "I'm not sure that these will be sufficient for the task before us, but let us wait until the morrow to see what may be required."
Selecting several vials, the old Healer carefully and slowly eased the liquids between her lips. Other than a few mild sputters from his patient, there was no response.
Julan gave careful instructions on the use and timing of the various potions to be administered, as well as things that The Guardian should watch for and possible changes to be aware of in the condition of his charge. Intelligent dark eyes took in every word.
The old man looked down at the young woman, sighed at her precarious condition, and told her Guardian, "I'll return in the morning." With a wave of his hand he was gone.
Blackness.
Nothing.
Swirling horror.
Palpable, unspeakable terror.
….. and that low rumble ....
"You're safe here ..... safe here …... safe here ..... safe ..... it seemed to say.
Somewhere in her mind, she held on to that sound with all the strength left in her being.
"You are safe here....."
Strong arms gently lifted her from the couch and carried her to a soft, sweet-smelling bed. The Guardian thought about changing her clothing but - decided that her present garb would do just fine for now, especially as there were no other clothes for her! Sandals removed, she was tucked into bed.
He had added a large comfortable chair to the sparse furnishings in the small room and made himself comfortable as he began his vigil.
As the moon slowly crossed the sky, potions were gently administered at their appointed times and he kept watch, alone with his thoughts, absently rubbing his temple. At times, she appeared more distressed and cried out. At those times, he moved to the edge of the bed and held her, whispering "You're safe here …. You're safe here …..You're safe" until she quieted and finally seemed to fall into something like a slumber.
With the morning light, an obviously tired Julan presented himself at The Guardian's door with several more vials he had prepared during the night. Though the blue eyes were now closed in some semblance of sleep, Julan's face was grave as he studied his young patient.
The Guardian noted the great concern in the old Healer's face but asked no questions. Julan finally turned to him, giving him another of those very long, probing looks, said softly, "We may have to take a more drastic course if there isn't improvement by the end of the day."
He felt a small chill in his inner being at the Healer's words but made no comment and nothing showed on his calm, immobile face. Julan would tell him what had to be done when the time was appropriate. In his lifetime, he had faced many challenges and had come through them all. He would do what was necessary. He was a Guardian.
Since his charge was resting more quietly from the effects of the potions, The Guardian stood and stretched his stiff muscles to the fullness of his height which passed six feet by a little over four inches.
Then his stomach reminded him that he had never gotten an evening meal last night. As he was passing through the living room on the way to the kitchen, the tiny bells at the outer door announced the presence of a visitor. Opening the outer door, he encountered the ample form of Nan.
"I apologize for disturbing you, Sir. I had some things left this morning and thought perhaps you might enjoy this for your breakfast." She pressed a wrapped package into his hands and with a small wave and smile, she quickly walked away towards her vendor's tent.
Touched by her kindness, Auron quietly closed the door and made his way into the kitchen. Unwrapping the package, he found several soft, just-baked muffins along with some unblemished, fresh fruit. His stomach rumbled loudly as he prepared coffee to go with his repast.
Biting into a muffin as the coffee perked, he realized that he hadn't even said thank you. He would make it a point to let Nan know how much he appreciated her kind thoughtfulness.
He went back to the smaller bedroom to check on his ward and saw no change from when he had first left. Returning to the kitchen, he poured a cup of the hot, dark liquid from the pot and sat at the table, lost in his thoughts as he sipped it, again absently rubbing his temple as was his habit when deep in thought.
Dark blue eyes. Incredibly blue eyes. Silky-soft dark brown hair. Blue eyes. So blue.
Suddenly he shook his head and squeezed his eyes tight. "Control your emotions, Guardian! You can't properly protect someone unless you are in complete control of your emotions." He had had that relentlessly drummed into him for many years as he grew up and trained under the watchful eyes of the Monks who had raised him.
He got up, checked on her once more, then took the stairs to the rooftop garden. He knew he didn't have time for a full workout, but he could do enough to work off some of the stress and pent up energy he felt building up inside.
He didn't even use his usual sword, a massive blade whose enormous size and weight alone was enough to keep him in perfect shape. Wielding it through the precise steps of his daily workout kept every muscle in peak condition. The lighter, smaller practice sword would do for today.
After a short time, he stopped, knowing that he shouldn't be far away from the young woman downstairs for long. A quick shower, clean clothing and he felt more refreshed.
He had hardly finished when the bells at the outer door sounded again. Somewhat annoyed by the sound, he went to the door to find Kimahri. "Welcome, my friend."
Kimahri's normally serious expression seemed genuinely saddened by the "no change" news on the young woman's status. The Guardian again realized that his enormous blue friend truly did have a caring heart in that huge chest of his.
The life that Kimahri had led in service of others paralleled his own in so many ways that they understood each other without the necessity of words. A look, an expression, a thump on the arm, chest or back said it all. Each had utmost respect for the other. Each trusted the other implicitly.
After a short visit, the Ronso left and The Guardian returned to his vigil. Then, remembering the clothing that would be needed, he went to the outer door and glanced around.
He caught the attention of a young boy who had been playing with his friends. Gesturing for the boy to come closer, the child slowly walked to the doorway not daring to defy, eyes downcast, wondering what he had done to bring himself to the attention of this huge, terrifying man.
As the boy approached, the man knelt down so he would be more on the same level as the youngster's eyes. He gently asked the boy, "What is your name?"
Stammering, the child answered, "T-Tep, Sir."
"Tep, would you mind doing a great service for me?"
Young eyes looked into the legendary man's dark ones and saw no anger or danger there. With a little blink of surprise and sudden happiness, the child smiled hugely and said, "Oh, yes, Sir! Tell me and I will do it!"
He smiled at the child's obvious relief and gave him his instructions: "Go to Harlan the tailor and ask if he would visit The Guardian's quarters when it is convenient for him to do so."
Reaching into a small pouch at his waist, he pulled out a gil and placed it in the boy's hand. With a surprised gasp, the boy saw the gil and looked up at the dark eyes now smiling at him. "Oh! Thank you, Sir! Th-Thank you!" as he scampered off toward Harlan's tent.
The Guardian had no idea that he was now forever the hero of the small boy's dreams! And the boy was the now the envy of his young friends who, from a short distance, had witnessed the exchange with the great man.
After that, Tep always looked for the big man in the red coat and would run to him whenever he saw him. The Guardian was always pleased to see the youngster who unfailingly received a warm smile from him.
He hardly had time to administer the next round of potions to his charge when the now annoying bells announced another visitor. As soon as he received the message from a very important-feeling Tep, Harlan called for his oldest son to mind the tent and he presented himself at The Guardian's door as quickly as possible. One did not keep waiting the man of whom stories would be told for all generations to come!
The Guardian thanked Harlan for coming so soon to which the tailor gave a slight bow and replied, "It is an honor to serve you, Sir!"
"I assume you are aware of the unexpected guest who arrived yesterday."
"Oh, yes. Her arrival has been the topic of much conversation this morning."
'Hmph! I can imagine!' "It seems that she requires a bit more in her wardrobe than what she has and I hope you will accept the commission to provide it for her. She only has the simple articles in which she arrived, so I'll leave the outfitting to your excellent taste and experience."
Harlan couldn't help but smile and slightly puff up with pride at these generous words and bowed again. "It will be my pleasure, Sir! Might I inquire if there are any specific styles or colors you would prefer?"
Styles? "I would think that the style of the ladies today would be appropriate. And maybe some in the style of her own clothing."
The tailor asked, "Any particular colors you prefer, Sir?"
The Guardian shook his head then thought for a moment, "She has blue eyes. Dark blue eyes."
The tailor noticed the softened look in the younger man's eyes, but no power on earth could ever force him to make mention of it. Discretion would always win when dealing with the eminent person before him!
"And size, Sir?"
Size?!
The tailor saw that man may be a legend but he was helpless to answer. He clearly was not accustomed to the wardrobe requirements of ladies!
Harlan cleared his throat, "I don't intend any intrusion, Sir, but perhaps I could see the young lady for one quick moment and would be able to gauge the sizes without disturbing her."
The relieved sigh he received in response to the suggestion pleased the tailor greatly. Ushered quietly into the small guest room, Harlan took a few quick measurements and noticed that she was very lovely indeed.
The Guardian placed a large handful of gil into the tailor's hand and asked him to please bill him for whatever more was required.
Harlan was thrilled at the prospect of completely outfitting this lovely young woman, as well as pleasing his highly esteemed client. He knew that the woman would attract enormous attention when she recovered and ventured out and he wanted everyone to know that her beautiful wardrobe was his creation. He couldn't wait to get started! With his long years of experience, he knew just what was needed. Oh, he could just see it now!
A last bow and Harlan was out the door with a final thanks and a huge smile on his face.
Quiet returned to the villa. The silent vigil continued and Julan's potions were administered as ordered.
While relaxing in the big chair, a sudden thought jolted the dark-eyed man upright. Bathing!
No! Absolutely not!!
He would face any fiend or demon any time, any where, but he was not about to undertake that task himself! There had to be an alternative.
His mind searched rapidly for a name, a face, who could help him in this dilemma. Who in his acquaintance would be suitable?
Kima....? HA!!
There has to be someone!
Nan. Yes, he would call upon her for help as she had requested. A sigh of relief escaped his lips. What else hadn't he thought of? 'I'm sure I'll find out soon enough!'
In the great scarlet coat, he set out across the square toward the food vendor's tent. He waited until the customers in the tent made their purchases and drifted away before approaching the kind proprietor.
"Good day, Sir! I hope you're well."
"Good day to you, Nan. Yes, I'm well, thank you. I thank you for the breakfast you brought. It was superb and most thoughtful of you."
Nan flushed slightly at the compliment. "What may I do for you now?" she asked.
A flush creeping up his checks, he cleared his throat and glanced around. In a very low voice, his words came with difficulty as he asked Nan if she would help with his charge's bathing and clothing change.
She simply could not contain the chuckle that escaped her lips nor the merry sparkle in her eye as the reason for the consternation of the man towering above her became manifest. With sympathetic understanding, she looked into his dark eyes which were trying very hard to be glaring but not quite pulling it off this time.
Nan, mother of four, grandmother of six, answered, "Of course, I'll be happy to help, Sir. What hour do you have in mind?"
They agreed on the time a little later in the day and The Guardian left her tent with a very long sigh of relief. He went straight to Harlan's tent to inquire about a sleeping garment for his ward.
Harlan thought for a moment, then went back to a large chest. He rummaged around for a moment, then picked out two simple, white, sleeveless garments of a soft, lightweight fabric that should serve the purpose and wrapped them for his client. Gil was placed into Harlan's hand and the imposing figure left.
Back in the villa, The Guardian emitted another sigh. This was more complicated than he thought. He checked his purse and reminded himself that he needed to replenish the gil that was rapidly disappearing. It was a good thing that he had a sizable cache hidden away. He never knew that women were so costly!
Women were something of a mystery to him in any case. Certainly his formative years with the Monks were devoid of female influence. There was a short period of time in his teen years when he and a few other students from the temple compound would slip out at night and meet local girls for short dalliances in the dark, but from his early adulthood, it had always been duty first. And it seemed that he was always on duty as he was a formidable warrior and his services were in great demand.
He had known others who had fallen in love, married and lived happy, comfortable lives together, but somehow it seemed impossible to imagine himself in similar circumstance. He had known attractions at times, but had never allowed himself to follow through since his youthful dalliances. "Control your emotions, Guardian!" The stern voices of the Monks echoed through his mind. "Control your emotions!"
He didn't think he could ever do otherwise. It was too ingrained into the very fiber of his being!
He wasn't aware of his sigh. Nor did he realize that the growing impatience he felt inside was largely due to the magnitude of the loneliness within him. As long as there were pilgrimages to make, summoners or others to protect, missions to accomplish, living on the edge of his wits, battling fiends and demons, his busy-ness helped keep the emptiness at bay.
But since peace came and the activities that had filled his life ceased, it seemed to be trying to overtake him. He had contemplated his choices but had reached no conclusions. He knew that he needed to find a different direction, a new path.