Disclaimer: How many ways are there to say this? Theirs, not mine! But, as Captain John Paul Jones said, "I have just begun to fight!" :-)

A Legend's Journey

Chapter 26

Raine stood and watched with shining eyes as Auron readied his uniform and coat. Every buckle, tassel and attachment was checked. The new breastplate replacing the one shredded by the two zimwe fit comfortably over the thin, black shirt he wore beneath it. The sheath carrying the great blade was strapped onto his back, his preferred position for it.

Finally, the tall leather collar and glasses were donned. Anyone looking for The Legend in his full glory would not be disappointed today.

This is the first time he would appear in public since he was nearly killed in Cortland. He had refused to let himself be seen until he was one hundred percent recovered. It had been a very, very long, hard journey but he had done it.

Raine had dressed in slacks and a shirt because she wanted to take Daisy out for a short ride. Chocobos need to be ridden regularly to keep them in good condition.

They stood on the path leading to the outer door, just looking into each other's eyes, each understanding the meaning of this day to them personally and to many others, as well.

Raine smiled with great love, "I'm so proud of you, Auron. You've worked so hard and I'm tremendously happy for you!"

Auron looked at her with overwhelming love, respect and pride. "I wouldn't be standing here today if it wasn't for you, Raine. And Marin. I owe my life to you both."

She just smiled, "Didn't do a thing you wouldn't have done yourself and you know it!"

He kissed her for long moments then opened the outer door and stepped into the square.

They had hardly taken six steps when they were spotted by some of the vendors and their customers. Someone began to applaud, then another and another, until the entire square rang with the sound of hundreds of hands welcoming The Guardian back from the grave.

Raine felt Auron's body stiffen as he held his breath. He would never let it be known what that ovation truly meant to him. The Legendary Guardian had a facade to maintain. It was expected of him. But the man behind the title was tremendously touched! Only his wife knew how much.

She glanced up and caught the expression in his eyes behind the dark glasses. Her hand touched his and received a quick squeeze in return. They knew what was being said in that communication, message sent and acknowledged.

He had paused a moment and nodded his head once but then resumed the sedate pace at which he always moved, nodding slightly now and then as they moved toward the Chocobo corral. He was very glad when they arrived and the attention directed at him could be ended. Auron did not like the spotlight on him.

Carlon stood inside the corral at the railing and said quietly, "Welcome, Sir Auron. This is a happy day for all of us."

Auron said, "Thank you, Carlon. It's good to be here."

Giving his wife a sidelong look, he continued, "I understand that I now own two rather bad-tempered Chocobos." Raine ducked her head slightly and grinned as her blue eyes flashed a glance at the very tall man beside her.

Carlon smiled at the quick exchange between The Guardian and his wife. "Yes, Sir, I believe you do. They're not bad birds, they just refuse to work for anyone except Lady Raine and Marin. Let me get them."

He disappeared into the barn then returned leading Dan & Daisy out. As soon as the birds spotted Raine, they began cooing and chirring, obviously happy to see her.

Then Dan spotted Auron. He stopped and studied the tall man for several moments. Raine and Carlon froze, waiting to see what he would do. Auron and the bird just looked at each other, then Dan stepped carefully to the railing and gently laid his head on Auron's shoulder, softly cooing.

"He recognizes you, Auron!" Raine exclaimed. "He remembers you!"

Auron was totally taken back by the big bird's action and his big hand slowly reached for the soft yellow feathers on Dan's neck and gently rubbed them, much to Dan's delight.

Daisy, seeing Dan's attention to Auron, gave him her own examination. Her vocalizations told them that she too recognized the man they had so carefully carried home. She was funny as she tried to look behind his dark glasses, cooing to him. That corner of Auron's mouth quirked up in spite of his efforts to stop it.

Raine had the sparkle of tears in her eyes as she watched Dan and Daisy stake their claim to a portion of Auron's heart. He would probably never admit it but she knew that the birds would always be special to him, as they were to her.

"I'm surprised they remember," Auron said softly.

Raine laughed, "They had to carry your heavy self for three days! They remember!"

Auron glared and she laughed again.

The two birds then returned their attention to Raine and she fed them the treats they loved. Auron watched the joy on her face as she talked to them and they talked right back to her.

Then his eyes fell to a faint discoloration on Daisy's side and he stiffen noticeably. Carlon realized what Sir Auron had seen and said in a low voice, "I tried to clean it but not all would come off. I don't think she's noticed it. Hasn't said anything about it, anyway." The wrangler paused and added, "Daisy carried her all day, plus half of the weight of the litter. She's quite a bird."

Auron nodded. "Thank you, Carlon. Raine's had enough to cope with these last months." Then, looking at Carlon, "I believe we have some business to conduct. I'll see you tomorrow, if that's agreeable. How much gil do I owe you? Be sure to include the cost of their care and feed."

Carlon figured and came up with a number. Auron nodded and said, "Done" as they shook hands.

Marin, just having finished his time on duty, walked up to the corral. A smile on his face, he said, "Well, I see you've met your birds!" He received an Auron snort in return. Marin and Carlon both laughed.

Raine, spotting Marin, asked, "Want to go for a ride, Marin? They need exercise."

Marin glanced at Auron. That corner of The Guardian's lip twitched upward and he gave a slight nod. In reality, he couldn't wait to actually see his wife riding a Chocobo of her own free will! He had thought that would never happen.

Dan and Daisy, sensing that they were going out, were dancing on excited feet. Raine gave the sit signal and the birds sat in unison for their riders to mount.

Marin and Raine glanced at each other, grinning. Marin gave the rise signal and the birds rose as one and they moved off, moving in unison. It was hard to tell which were happier, the riders or the birds.

Auron watched, seeing the great joy Raine took in riding Daisy with Marin and Dan right beside her. She rode well, too, he noted. Better than he himself. His great height always made him awkward and uncomfortable on the birds, so he much preferred walking.

He noticed that Marin, standing right at six feet, sat his bird well. Oh, well. They could enjoy themselves; he was more than content to wait. He was very glad that Raine had a riding partner who could watch out for her.

Carlon, standing beside him, shook his head. "I'll never know how they taught them that. Chocobos simply do not work together like that! We're seeing something that will never happen with other birds." He stood and watched a moment before asking Sir Auron to excuse him. "Got work waiting for me!"

Taking the birds out the eastern gate, Marin and Raine rode around the perimeter of the town and thoroughly enjoyed their ride. Both had laughing, happy, flushed faces as they brought the bright-eyed birds back to the corral.

Many smiling eyes watched them. Lady Raine riding a Chocobo and having the time of her life, the captain of their Security Force escorting her, and a tall figure in a scarlet coat back in the square after so long. It was a very, very good day!

A few days later, Auron and Raine were again strolling in the square when they came to an area they had rarely gotten to. They stopped by the work area of Ren, the master carpenter.

A stocky, dark-haired man greeted them. "Good day. I'm Ren, the carpenter. Welcome!"

Raine extended her hand to him with a smile, "Hello, Ren! I'm Raine."

Ren quickly wiped his workman's hand on his shirt before taking her hand and giving her a small bow.

Raine saw some projects he had in progress and asked about them, genuinely interested. Sensing her interest, Ren explained what he was making and how. He seemed happy to answer her questions and was delighted to see her smelling the different woods and running hand over their smooth surfaces.

Auron, standing back as was his habit, enjoyed watching his wife interact with people. She was so natural at it, the opposite of himself. It had always been his nature to keep people, except for a very select few, at a distance.

As he stood watching Ren and his wife, a small boy ran up to him. "Hello, Sir!"

Auron looked down into the smiling face of Tep. He stooped and said, "Hello, Tep. How are you?"

"Fine, Sir!"

Ren stepped out and said, "I apologize for my son, Sir Auron. He's still learning his manners."

Auron stood. "Tep is a friend of mine. He has helped me from time to time. He's a fine boy, Ren."

Ren smiled, looking at his beautiful son. "He's smart, too, Sir Auron. Gets that from my wife, Leah. She's the smart one. I've always wanted to learn but I never really had time. Worked with my father from the time I was Tep's age."

He paused a moment, then his voice roughened. "But I'm determined that my son will be educated if there's any way I can possibly manage it! I don't want him to grow up ignorant like his father!"

Auron looked at the man. "Ren, you are an honest, hard-working and valued member of our community. Your value comes from that, not from what you may or may not know from books. Who among us can craft wood the way you can? Not I. Yes, educate your son, but know that the most important lessons a father can teach his son come from within a loving home where he learns respect for others and responsibility for himself. You are doing that. You should hold your head high."

That was an exceedingly long speech for Auron and Raine was caught by the meanings in it that only her ear could hear. She heard Auron's longing for the home that was snatched from him at such a young age, about the age of Tep. And she saw the hidden dream of his heart. She felt very sad for him.

They took their leave of Ren and began their walk back home, each quiet with their own thoughts.

A few days later Auron excused himself to attend to some personal business. "I shouldn't be too long. Are you going out?"

Raine thought, "I'll probably go see Dan and Daisy. I don't know if Marin is on duty now or not, so I don't know if I can go riding – unless you want to go?" The last was said with eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Not if I can help it, my love! I'll leave that to you and Marin!"

He kissed her with a kiss that threatened to delay his departure. "I'd better go while I still can!"

Raine busied herself with a bit of cleaning and dusting, planned their evening meal, then went to the square. She first bought a few treats for the birds then went to the corral to visit them.

Auron's business took him to the town's center. He was meeting with a solicitor to update his personal affairs. His primary business was to ensure the protection of Raine in the event of his death. The solicitor took down all of his instructions, then the papers were signed and sealed.

There was one other piece of business that he wanted done. He gave his instructions to the solicitor and asked him to please see that it was done. The solicitor gave his word, "It will be done tomorrow, Sir Auron!"

Auron left, stopped to see Weldon to get his hair cut and to thank him personally for the care he had given when he was incapacitated. Weldon was delighted to see him.

Though it was not expected, Auron made sure that a large handful of gil was placed in Weldon's hand as he left.

His next stop was to see Nathan whose bright eyes lit up at the sight of his visitor. "I can't tell you how glad I am to see you, Sir Auron!" Nathan had come to the villa the day after their arrival from Cortland and had collected three messy swords. When they were returned, they were immaculate and sharp as razors. As soon as Auron was able to check his blade for himself, he recognized Nathan's careful work. Only he would think to care for the blades.

He thanked Nathan who said quietly, "Was nothing, Sir Auron. It was the little I could do."

"Nathan, I'm looking for a very special blade," Auron said, then giving the details of what he wanted and that he wanted it kept confidential. "I understand, Sir. I'm not sure that I have what you want here. If you'll give me a moment, I'll see what I have. If I don't have it, I'll begin a search for it. If that isn't successful, I'll make it myself!"

Auron waited while Nathan slowly went through his inventory. When the sword-smith returned, he said, "There are two that may be close, but they are not what you want, Sir Auron."

Auron said, "I think I'd just rather have you make it, Nathan. You know exactly what I want and I'd rather not waste time in looking for something that probably won't be found. It would be better for it to be a one-of-a-kind blade anyway. You'll accept the commission to do it?"

"With the greatest pleasure, Sir Auron!" Auron gave him the information he required and left.

The next day, Ren was busy sanding some wood when a man appeared at the entrance to the work area. "Excuse me, I'm looking for Ren, the carpenter."

"I'm Ren. How may I help you?"

The solicitor explained that a Patron who wished to remain anonymous had learned of Ren's desire for an education for his son. "I have here legal documents which promise the payment of a certain amount to be placed into your hand every month for the purpose of your son's education. I think you'll find that the amount is quite generous and will allow your son to pursue his education anywhere he desires, until he reaches age eighteen. Is this acceptable to you?"

Ren stared at the man with incredulity. Who would do this for an unknown carpenter in a small town? Who would do this for him, for his family, for his son?

Then the image of a tall man in a scarlet coat stooping with a smile to speak with a small boy came to his mind. The identity of the mysterious Patron was not unknown to him, but he would respect his wishes to remain anonymous.

Through the years as their paths crossed, Auron would always ask about Tep and Ren would always tell of his son's efforts and progress in his education, but as their eyes met, each man would continue to pretend that the other did not know.

One day shortly after Auron's visit to the center of town, Marin looked up to see Sir Auron in his doorway and was momentarily taken back to the fateful day when The Guardian left for Cortland. Seeing Marin's face, Auron knew what was passing through his mind.

"Busy?" he asked.

"No, Sir. All is well?"

"Yes. What time do you get off duty?"

Marin thought for a moment. "Should be clear later this afternoon."

"Someone is spending a lot of time at the corral railing these days making two ornery birds fat with too many treats. Think you'd have time for a ride?"

A smile creased Marin's face. "Yes, Sir, there's nothing I'd like better! I need to check on the class in training when I finish here, but there should be plenty of time for a good ride afterward."

"Is there any assistance I can render?"

Marin thought. "Sir Auron, we always need your instruction and your advice. Anything you are willing to do, I am most grateful for. Kimahri and Alsa have resumed weapons training and I think the men are doing well."

Then he smiled and said, "Everyone is asking if you'll be resuming sword instruction."

Auron thought a moment. "Yes, I think it is time. Set up your training schedule and let me know."

Marin nodded. "Yes, Sir, I will work on that tomorrow."

Auron said, "Why don't you plan on staying for a meal after your ride?"

"I will. Thank you, Sir!"

Auron left, that corner of his mouth tweaked upward a bit.

When Marin presented himself at their door a little later, Raine was delighted at his proposal to go for a good ride. She looked at Auron and nearly bowled him over with her hug.

"Give me a minute to change, Marin! I'll be right back!"

And she was back quickly, dressed in slacks, shirt and her white shoes. Auron noted that the shoes were badly worn and made a mental note to have new ones made for her. He held out her sheath and waited as she fastened it into place. Whenever she was leaving the walls of the town, he required her to have her blade and he received no protest.

"I'll prepare the food for this evening, so enjoy your ride."

She gave him a big kiss and she and Marin left.

Dan and Daisy, always eager to see them, alerted Carlon to their arrival even before they reached the corral. He grinned as he greeted them. "Going for a ride? Good! They need it! Been getting real restless."

Raine smiled. "Sorry, Carlon. Auron won't let me go unless Marin is with me and he's very busy with his duties."

Carlon smiled back. "I understand, Lady Raine. Come whenever you can." He turned to Marin, "How are you, my friend? How's the arm?"

"Made a lot of progress with it, Carlon. Casen's therapy has about killed me, but it seems be working! I guess if you survive, it's worth it!"

Mounting the birds, the two moved out and exited the gate. They rode, thoroughly enjoying the freedom of riding, laughing and just enjoying each other's company. It was a good afternoon for them and for the birds.

When they entered the house, they were still arguing good-naturedly about an impromptu race which Raine won by a feather and which Marin was protesting.

"You need to spot me some time! Dan has to carry more weight!"

"You just don't like losing to a girl!"

"No, I just don't like losing!"

Auron smiled as he heard them from the kitchen. Marin was just what she needed. He was good for her and he was thankful that the relationship between the two of them had worked out as it had.

They entered the kitchen, faces showing the glow of a good ride and good company.

Raine gave him a big hug and a sweet kiss, her eyes still sparkling from her afternoon out. "Need a hand?"

"No. It's about ready. Have a good time?"

"Oh, yes! Except for the sore loser over there!"

Marin laughed. "Not a sore loser. Just want a little more equity, that's all!"

"Yeah, right! You and Dan just can't keep up with me and Daisy! Girls win!"

Working at the counter, Auron had his back to them which hid the smile on his face. He enjoyed hearing their banter. He had never had a brother, either.

The meal ready, they sat and enjoyed it.

"Auron, you really are an excellent cook. Maybe you should do all of it!" Raine teased. All she got back was a look from under one raised eyebrow. She laughed.

Raine cleared the table and poured more coffee, as they sat and enjoyed a bit more conversation after the meal.

Shortly afterward, Marin said it was time for him to take his leave and began to get up from the table.

Auron said, "If you have a minute, Marin, there's something on the roof I'd like for you to see."

"Yes, Sir." He got up to follow Sir Auron up the stairs.

Raine, mystified, followed the two men.

Auron turned to Marin. "Do you mind removing your sword belt?"

Puzzled, Marin shook his head and loosened the leather belt from around his waist and handed it to Sir Auron.

Auron moved over to one of the benches and picked up something from it before turning back to Marin.

In his hand was a beautifully tooled leather sword belt which he handed to Marin. Marin looked at the beautiful belt with astonishment.

"S-Sir Auron! Th - this is - beautiful!" He looked at Auron with puzzlement. "I'm afraid I don't understand."

Auron said, "I thought you could use a new belt."

Marin was obviously thrilled with the beautiful gift. "I – I hardly know what to say! Thank you, Sir Auron! I've never had such a beautiful gift before!" He couldn't take his eyes off the beautiful design tooled into the belt.

Auron said, "Try it on. See if it fits."

Marin nodded, put it around his waist and fastened it to see a perfect fit. The smile on his face was a sight to see. He simply could not believe that he had something so magnificent!

He reached for his blade to put into the sheath of the new belt, but Auron said, "I don't think that one will fit. Try this one." And he held out an incredibly beautiful blade like Marin had never seen before!

It was graceful, yet powerful looking. The grip fit his hand as if it was made for him, as it had been. The length was perfect for his reach, the balance superb. The guard was delicately engraved with the same design that was tooled into the leather of the belt. The design carried from the guard down onto the blade and about half-way down the spine.

Marin looked into Auron's dark eyes. In a very low, uncertain voice, he said, "I – I don't know what to say, Sir Auron." It was clear that Marin was totally overwhelmed.

Auron said, "Marin, you've proved yourself to be a man worthy of the best blade possible. Nathan crafted this one for you from the information he had on you for the Security Force blades. It was custom-made for you and there isn't another one like it."

"You don't understand what you have accomplished. You don't understand what you have achieved. I've known respected Guardians who could not have done what you have. You have the ability, you have the character. You are a Guardian, Marin. You're the Guardian of many."

"May this sword serve you as well as mine has served me."

Marin looked as he was in complete shock. "Sir Auron, it will take some time for those words to sink in. You see much that I don't. But I will promise you this: I do my utmost to live up to those words and to never be the cause of any bad reflection on you."

He continued, "The only higher honor I've ever received has been the friendship and trust bestowed on me by you and Raine. I don't think I've ever felt more humbled then at that time and this one."

He looked Auron straight in the eye and said, "Thank you, Sir Auron. I accept with grateful thanks."

Auron's mouth played with a smile. "You're welcome. Take care of it and it will take care of you."

Raine wasn't sure that Marin's boots ever touched the stairs after leaving the roof. She gave him a big hug as he was leaving. He asked, "Did you know about this?"

She shook her head. "No. Auron probably knew that I could never keep it hidden from you! I would have spoiled the surprise."

He left, still in a daze.

Raine went to her husband, put her arms around him and said, "Auron, that was the sweetest thing you ever could have done! That was just so kind and thoughtful. No one has ever given him anything. He will never forget this!"

He looked down into her blue eyes and said, "He deserves it, Raine. I'm just glad I was the one to be able to give it to him."

Raine smiled at him, "I have the most incredible husband! And I love you so very much!"

He kissed her until she couldn't breath anymore. Then he picked her up in his strong arms and carried her to their room.