Disclaimer: Theirs.
A Legend's Journey
Chapter 24
Raine slowly became aware of sounds. Low voices somewhere nearby. She became aware of a searing, burning pain in her side. She wanted to turn away from it, to get away from the fire and pain.
Strong hands held her shoulders. "No, Lady Raine. You must stay still. Can you hear me?"
Her eyes tried to open, tried to focus on the strange face above her.
"I'm Casen, Lady Raine. I'm a Healer who is helping Julan. I want you to be still. You can't move, OK?"
His words penetrated into her mind, but there was not a lot of understanding. She did understand 'Julan', though. Her eyes tried to focus on the room she was in. Their room? They were home?!
Her eyes darted here and there. A whispered rasp, "Auron?! Where is he?!"
"He's right here beside you. We're taking care of him. He's right here."
Her right hand drug itself across the covers a few inches and found the huge hand that she instantly recognized. Tears trailed down the sides of her face and into her hair as she held that hand with all the frail strength she could muster.
The voice continued, "There will be another potion in a few minutes that will help you rest, but it is important that you stay still so the wound can begin healing. Understand?"
The tiniest nod of her head conveyed her response. Then her eyes opened a bit again and Casen just made out, "Marin?"
"He's in the other room. We're taking care of him, too. He'll be fine. Just rest and let us take care of all of you, OK?"
Another tiny nod.
Shortly, a potion was pressed to her lips which she drank and sank back into peaceful darkness again, released from the burning pain. But her hand never released the hand of the man beside her.
Marin was trying to find his way out of the thick, cottony fog that enveloped his mind. His left arm felt impossibly heavy and waves of fierce, intense pain were trying to overwhelm him. A groan escaped him as the pain left its tracks across his face.
Someone placed some liquid into his mouth which trickled down his throat. Then more and yet more. He tried to turn his head away as thoughts attempted to form in the midst of the fog.
Just the vaguest wisps floating in the fog, more like impressions than real words - Where? Home? Sir Auron?! Lady Raine?
Sounds came from his throat but none of them were words. Carlon, taking his turn on what had become known as the Care Schedule, and guessing at the meaning of the sounds, said, "You're back home, Marin. You're in Sir Auron's villa. Sir Auron and Lady Raine are in the other room. Julan and Casen are taking care of all three of you."
Carlon paused and said in a low voice, "You did it, Marin. You brought them home."
Carlon watched Marin's face intently. He thought he saw some acceptance of his words but wasn't sure. He reached again for the water bottle and began trying to get down the injured man's throat as Julan had admonished. "Water. Lots of water!"
Then time for another potion that blotted out the pain and the world.
Auron knew nothing. His mind was protecting his body with total blackness, protecting him from the killing pain that he would know if he awoke, giving his body time to try to restore itself, heal itself, to make blood, to make use of the potions given to him, to continue in life.
Somewhere in the blackness, some distant, primal part of his mind caught tiny bits and pieces of something that gave him peace and comfort, that seemed to increase his strength, something that his spirit responded to.
Words, maybe. A touch, maybe. A sweet scent, maybe. The darkness was too deep for such definitive identification, only in the deepest part of the soul itself could it be identified at this stage.
He breathed. His heart beat.
Days passed. His care continued without ceasing.
He breathed. His heart beat.
With the passage of time, both Raine and Marin improved, though neither was capable of managing on their own just yet.
Their story was told – and, as Julan had said, it was an amazing one. Sten had requested that the town scribe be present to write it down to be sure that the words were preserved. Marin told it as seen through his eyes, followed by Raine telling it through hers.
When asked about leaving the three highwaymen in the road as they did, Raine gave the scribe a long, level look before answering in a low, steady voice. "We were exhausted by six continuous days on the road and still had to keep moving. Those three would have slit our throats without a second thought! They started it, we finished it. There is no way I would further delay getting my husband home to Julan's care by spending even one minute on them."
She paused. "The devil can take care of his own."
Marin nodded. The room was silent for a time. No one could disagree.
In time, Marin was released by Julan and Casen to return to his own quarters, potions and instructions in hand. He would be checked on regularly. Sten assigned one man a day to be with and assist their boss in any way he needed. The duty was eagerly sought by the men who genuinely admired and respected him.
Marin was anxious to get back to work but had to settle for a few hours or so in the office, at first. Then, he was able to ride a Chocobo for short periods of time as his strength continued to return.
The day after their return from Cortland, Harlan had taken his jacket, replaced the ruined sleeve, and had taken it, along with a blue cloak and a scarlet coat, to Hop Sing. In a few days time, all three articles were returned in new condition.
Finding a sling very awkward and uncomfortable, Marin decided to use Raine's idea of using the jacket itself as a sling. It worked well for him. The first time Sten saw it, Marin grinned and said, "Lady Raine's idea. Hey, it works for Sir Auron!" Sten grinned in return.
Late one afternoon shortly afterward, he stopped by the villa to check yet again on Sir Auron. Lady Raine met him at the door with a welcoming smile.
With care in her eyes she asked, "How are you doing, Marin?" It still bothered her that Marin's injury was incurred while helping her get Auron home though he was the one who made the journey successful.
He thought for a second. "Making progress. Riding the Chocobo a bit now. Just wish I had more use out of that arm! Casen said it will take a while, but it should be restored in time."
His brown eyes looked at her as he asked quietly, "How is Sir Auron?"
Her blue eyes glanced out the window a moment as she softly sighed, returning her eyes back to him. "About the same, Marin. Julan and Casen seem to think that this continued state is working for him, not against him. Julan said that sometimes the mind protects the body like this so healing can take place."
Her eyes dropped as she almost whispered, "I do hope so."
"Listen to them, Raine. They are experienced and understand these things."
A small smile. "I should know by now to listen to you, Marin." Tears tried to spring her eyes and he knew she was thinking of the arduous journey they had made.
"Yes, ma'am, you should!" That brought a smile to both of them.
They sat quietly for several minutes before he asked, "Have you been out of the house yet?"
She looked up. "No. Not yet. I've just stayed close to Auron since I've been able to be up a little."
A bit of a smile crossed his mouth. "Would you like to go see Dan and Daisy for a few minutes?"
A genuine smile spread across her face and the look in her eyes brightened. "Oh. Oh, I would like that, Marin! Just a moment!"
She told Casen she was going into the square for a few minutes and would be right back.
From the bedroom, he heard, "Oh, no, Lady Raine! You aren't ready to be out alone yet!" Casen walked into the living area. As he saw Marin, he said, "Oh, I didn't know you were here, Marin. How are you doing?" casting a professional eye over the younger man.
"Doing better, Casen, thanks to you and Julan. Wish it was faster but I'll take what I can get!" He smiled. "Thought Lady Raine would like to visit Dan and Daisy for a few minutes. Getting out a bit may be refreshing."
"Yes. You're right. If you are with her, it will be all right - but not for long, okay?"
Marin nodded. Raine returned from the kitchen where she had collected some treats for the birds and Marin escorted her out into the square.
The brightness of the sun was harsh in her eyes for a few moments so Marin waited until her sight adjusted. "I had forgotten how bright it can be out here!" she laughed.
Her escort was thinking, 'I think that's the first time I've heard her laugh since we got the news about Sir Auron.'
They walked slowly across the expanse towards the Chocobo corral, greeting the people who called out to them along the way.
As they neared the corral, two of the birds pressed as hard as they could against the railing, feet agitated, cooing and chirring animatedly. Marin looked at Raine and said with a smile, "I do believe they recognize you!"
"Us, you mean!" Her eyes were glued to the Chocobos, an expression of real joy on her face.
Carlon appeared in the doorway of the barn, a big smile making its way across his face. "Well, I wondered what was the cause of all the ruckus out here! They've been looking for you ever since you got back!"
He shook Marin's hand and gave a short bow to Raine. Raine went straight to the railing, both birds excitedly greeting her. She talked to them, stroked their soft feathers and fed them the treats she had brought. Carlon and Marin stayed back and just watched, exchanging a small smile.
Carlon spoke in a very low tone, "I didn't think I'd ever see that! Takes something powerful to bring a change like that!"
Marin, watching Lady Raine, answered, "It was love, Carlon. Nothing short of total, unconditional love! She would have gotten to Sir Auron if she would have had to crawl."
He paused a moment before continuing. "She was willing to stop long enough to rest the birds, but I can tell you that I was hard pressed to get her to even take time enough to eat, much less get any sleep!"
He sighed and said, "Carlon, don't ever get between a woman and the man she loves, even if it is for her own safety! Whew!"
Carlon smiled. "I can only imagine!" Then, giving a serious look at Marin, "How are you doing now, Marin?" gesturing to the arm resting in the front of his jacket.
Marin shrugged with his good shoulder. "Much too slow, but I guess it's getting there. I'm not used to the inactivity. There's too much I want to do."
A rough hand fell on the good shoulder. "Give it time, my friend. You went through a lot. It'll take some time to get all the way back."
Marin nodded and looked down. Then he sighed and nodded towards Lady Raine. "Now I've got to convince her that it's time to get back. Casen said to make it short."
They strolled over to the railing. Carlon said, "They've hardly taken their eyes off that door over there" - gesturing to the outer door of the compound - "because that's the last place they saw you." He paused. "They've been waiting for you."
Raine's eyes sparkled with the threat of tears. "Carlon, they did so much for us. The wrangler in Cortland said they wouldn't work together, but I knew they would. They knew! Somehow, they knew."
She paused before continuing, "I've been thinking, Carlon. I – I haven't been able to discuss it with Au-Auron yet, but I would like to purchase Dan and Daisy from you, if you'd be willing. They would still live here in the corral and we would pay you for it. Is that something you would consider?"
Carlon looked down into the blue eyes so earnestly looking into his face. He had to smile. "Lady Raine, I may as well. I've tried to lease those two out several times since they got back and they nearly kicked the barn down. Nobody will get near them! I think you'd be doing me a favor if you did that."
A big, delighted smile lit Raine's beautiful face. "Name your price, Carlon; I'll be glad to pay it." Her eyes went back to the two birds peering at her at the railing.
"They are yours, Lady Raine. I'll conclude the business with Sir Auron when he's able. Give it no thought."
She turned to the wrangler. "Thank you, Carlon. You are so very kind."
Marin spoke up, "It's time for me to get you back, Lady Raine. Casen won't be pleased if you tire yourself out."
A mischievous look crossed Raine's face. "You mean I don't have to eat first, Marin?"
Marin shook his head and chuckled at Carlon. "Don't ever try to get this woman to do something she doesn't want to! You will never hear the end of it!"
Still chuckling, he slowly lead her back to the villa.
More days passed. Raine stayed by Auron's side, talking to him, touching his face, letting her fingers drift through his soft black hair, even singing softly to him.
She would sometimes fall asleep during the day while sitting in a chair, leaning onto the side of the bed, her head close to his, holding his hand. At night, she slept beside him, still holding his hand. She was rarely physically separated from him.
One morning as the sun's light began to filter into the room, Raine woke and turned to look at her husband's still face. "I love you, Auron. I love you so very, very much! One day you'll wake up. I know you will." She raised the hand she was holding to her lips and kissed it gently.
For a moment she wasn't sure that she had actually felt it, but she had! There was a slight – very slight- pressure on her hand from his.
She jumped up too quickly and nearly fell, bringing Julan into the room, eyebrows raised.
"Julan! He squeezed my hand! Just a little, but he did, Julan! He did!"
Julan carefully checked Sir Auron. The only detectable change was a very small increase in his respiration. "Hmm. Are you sure, my dear?" he asked, peering at her with his gray eyes.
"Yes, Julan! Yes!!"
"Well, let's watch carefully, then, shall we? Let me know anything else you detect, hm?"
She nodded, her eyes on her husband's face. Nan stopped in a while later and tried to get her to come eat a bite of breakfast without luck. There was no way she was leaving Auron's side now!
She talked, sang, stroked his face, his hair, held his hand – waiting for any sign. Nothing. By late afternoon, she couldn't keep the tears from falling. Maybe she had imagined it. Maybe she just wanted to believe it had happened. Julan and Casen both had failed to get her to leave to eat or drink all day. She simply refused.
At sunset, Marin came to check on Sir Auron. Casen told him what had happened that morning but that there had been nothing else all day. "We can't get Lady Raine to leave him long enough to eat anything. She keeps hoping there will be another sign."
Marin thought a moment. "May I see her?"
Casen gestured toward the bedroom and said, "Right in there."
Marin softly entered the room to see Raine on her knees beside the bed, holding Sir Auron's big hand in her small one, talking softly to him, tears running down her cheeks.
He quietly knelt down beside her, the leather of his sword belt creaking, "Raine. Time to take a break. Come on; let's get a bite to eat."
Raine looked at him, face wet, eyes overflowing. "He squeezed my hand this morning, Marin. Just a little. A tiny bit. But he squeezed it."
A sob broke through. "But nothing else all day. I know it happened, Marin. I know it!" Her shoulders were shaking with her sobs.
"You aren't going to be any help to him if you don't eat. Remember what happened last time! To help him, to be here for him, you have to take care of yourself."
At first Marin thought she was just going to ignore him, but she finally raised her head and took a deep breath. "Okay. I don't know what's in the kitchen" - a sigh - "but maybe there's something."
She stood and looked down into Auron's face for long moments before turning to the door. Casen's eyes, eyebrows raised, caught Marin's as they entered the living area and turned into the kitchen.
A bit of rummaging turned up enough to put together a small meal and some of Bana's ever-present juice. Marin had already eaten but he made a pretense of nibbling on a little food just to satisfy her.
Raine sat eating, her eyes troubled. Marin just sat quietly. After a time, she looked at him thoughtfully for several long moments. "Did you just rescue me again, Marin?"
A bit of a smile. "No. Just helped you realize that you need to eat now and then."
"Every time I turn around, you're making me eat! If I get fat, I'll tell Auron to take it up with you." A faint smile played with her lips.
The smile disappeared as she sat thinking, then serious blue eyes looked at him. "Marin, you do know that your name will forever be linked with Auron's, don't you? You saved his life. You will never be able to go back to life exactly the way it was before."
She saw that he hadn't considered this.
"Some people are going to want to associate with you because of what they think you or that association can do for them. Some are going to regard you as a prize to be won for whatever purpose. Some, politicians in particular, will try to use you in any way they think possible. And, thankfully, some will still like you just because you are you."
"I think that's why I like the townspeople in the square so much. They accept me just as myself. They let me just be me."
"Kimahri is dealing with the same thing. He and Auron have spent so many years with each other, fighting together, taking care of each other, that he is forever associated with Auron."
"Auron said that Kimahri has never gotten even half the credit he is due. Yes, Kimahri is known as a fearless Warrior and as a Guardian, but he's mostly known because of his relationship with Auron."
She explained the misgivings Kimahri had about returning home for this visit, and his suspicions of the reason for the request to attend.
"I just want you to be aware of these things, Marin, to be prepared for them. You know those few you can trust now, just be careful."
She paused and looked down before looking back into his serious brown eyes. "I'm so sorry that it is this way, Marin. But know that you are always welcome here for just you yourself. You have been a very good friend to me, the best friend I've ever had. I never had brothers or sisters and never had time for socializing when I grew up. The people I've met here are the first real social contacts I've ever had. So you really are the best friend I've ever had!"
"I guess I'm trying to say 'Thank you' for all that you are, for all that you've done, and mostly for being a friend to me when I needed you the most."
She smiled and said, "Auron saw it immediately. I'm so glad for the trust he placed in you."
Marin dropped his eyes. He had no idea how to respond to this. His face flushed a bit as he said, "Sir Auron honored me with his friendship and his trust. And now you have done the same. I will try very hard to be worthy of it. To be your friend is the highest honor I can ever receive. I don't know how to thank you."
Touched by his sincerity and knowing his difficulty in accepting accolades or praise, she just smiled and nodded.
Marin glanced out the window at the darkness. "I always seem to be overstaying. I'll be on my way. Is there anything I can do before I go?"
She shook her head. "No, but thank you so much for the visit outside today, Marin." She half-laughed. "What do you think Auron is going to say when he finds out that he now owns two Chocobo?"
Marin had to laugh. "I'm sure I wouldn't know! And I'm glad I'm not the one to tell him! I seem to recall that he walks everywhere because he does NOT like riding them!"
On that note, Marin left, and Raine returned to Auron's side to continue her vigil.