Disclaimer: *yawn*
A Legend's Journey
Chapter 27
With Auron's return to health, the delayed meetings between the Elders and scholars of Spira and Raine were rescheduled. This night the Town Council was meeting to decide on the arrangements.
Auron stood in the dark shadows at the back of the room as this faction and that faction jockeyed for position, threatening to turn the entire event into a political football.
Finally, he had heard enough. As eyes saw him walking up the aisle, tongues fell silent. By the time he had reached the speaker's platform there was quiet in the room and every eye was on him. The sight of the big Guardian was truly intimidating! An aura of power surrounded the man.
"I've heard nothing but political squabbling here. These proposed meetings are for the soul purpose of sharing information that may prove useful and helpful to the people of Spira – not to further anyone's political career or standing."
"I have spoken to Theron who owns the large storage building adjacent to my home. It is mostly empty at the moment and has more than enough room to accommodate a large number of people. Theron offers its use at no charge for these meetings. The town only needs to provide seating and security. I suggest you take him up on his generous offer."
"One last point. No one is to make any arrangement, commitment or plans for Lady Raine without first consulting with me. I alone speak for her."
"The meetings will be for one week only."
He stood silently looking at every face in the room. Satisfied that his points were well taken, he stepped down from the platform and the only sound in the room was the thud of his boots and the slight flapping of his scarlet coat around his long legs as he left.
Arriving at the square a short time later, he paused as a shadow stepped out of the darkness.
"All is well, my friend?"
A deep rumble from an enormous blue furred chest responded, "Quiet. Meeting good?"
A low chuckle, "I think they understand my position."
A Ronso rumble-chuckle. "Kimahri's bed calling."
"Good night, Kimahri. Thank you."
Kimahri responded with a thump of his fist against broad Auron's chest.
Auron watched as the Ronso Warrior walked across the square. His very low voice said, "Be safe, my friend."
Sharp feline ears heard even at that distance and one enormous paw was raised in a wave as he disappeared into the darkness.
Auron turned toward his home.
Raine had resumed her visits to the Al Bhed tent, identifying many, many items and explaining their uses to the best of her ability.
This day she and Auron walked to the tent and entered to be greeted by Jaho. The day was warm so all four sides of the tent were open to catch the breezes. Many items were piled in about every available space, everything still backed up from her long absence.
Jaho brought one object after the other, Raine identified, described. They had managed to clear most of one section. As she sat waiting for the next batch of articles, she spied something under a canvas-like cover.
Holding her breath, she lifted the bottom edge of the cover and saw three very sturdy legs. Suddenly, the cover went flying, Raine frantically trying to move the remaining articles sitting on top of the object she was digging out.
Jaho hurriedly called a few extra Al Bhed hands to catch the things she was about to fling aside, her rapt attention centered on this large object.
Finally it was completely uncovered and Raine stood looking at it, almost transfixed, hardly daring to breath. Even Auron didn't intrude on her. Obviously this thing was extremely important to her.
She slowly reached out and ran her hand over the dark wood, then went to one side of the odd-shaped thing and raised one side of the top, propping it up with a small stick-like device that had been laying inside.
Raine looked inside the opening, then began searching for something and found a very small compartment that held a small tool of some sort. She returned to the widest part of the object and opened a long narrow lid which revealed things that looked like black and white tabs of some sort.
Completely oblivious to anything or anyone around her, Raine began touching the tabs which emitted sounds, then she would take the small tool and adjust something in the casement. More and more people were being drawn to the tent by these strange sounds.
When she was finally satisfied with the adjustments she had made, she pulled out a small bench, looked at the row of tabs and sighed, a soft, sweet smile on her lips. Her eyes found the eyes of her husband who was watching her intently and saw the sparkle of tears in her blue eyes.
Then her fingers began to move over the keyboard and the beautiful strains of many, many melodies floated out over the mesmerized people who were listening. She played for more than an hour without stopping. Old ballads, songs from Broadway, some contemporary songs from her era, country, Chopin, Liszt, Brahms, a steamy tango – a little of everything.
Auron recognized the last song as soon as she began to play it. Have I told you lately that I love you? It was a beautiful song. She looked at him with all of her love in her eyes as she played. He had heard her sing the words so many times that he could hear those words in his mind as the music flowed from her heart to her fingers.
When she finished, a silence hung over the entire square. Jaho slowly moved to her side with a strange expression on his face. "Lady Raine, what is this thing?" he asked.
"A piano, Jaho. A baby grand piano." Her hand slowly caressed the wood of the piano, reluctant to leave it. "I didn't think I would ever have the chance to play again," she said mostly to herself. Tears forming in her eyes finally spilled down her cheeks.
"For most of my life, I only had my books and my music. I didn't think I'd ever hear music again."
She took a deep breath, pushed the stool back and stood. "Jaho, thank you for giving me a few minutes of my life back. I'm very grateful."
Auron, close at hand, took her hand and held her close, her need for him at that moment more important than his facade.
The people in the square were hushed in their conversations, as though they didn't want to break the spell the music seemed to cast over them.
Raine said, "Auron, I think I want to go home." She needed to deal with the emotional aspect of suddenly finding such an important piece of her life in Jaho's tent. The crowds silently parted as they passed through. It was almost as if it had been a spiritual experience for them.
Marin joined them as they walked home. He looked at Raine as if he didn't know what to say. "I've never heard anything like that!" he finally said in a hushed voice.
A low rumble responded, "None of us have, Marin."
In the living area, Auron sat holding her in one of the big chairs, Marin occupied the couch.
Raine said, "I can't tell you what that felt like! There are so many new and wonderful things here in this world that I've loved learning about - but the only thing I've truly missed from mine has been music. I played for hours every day. My mother loved to listen and I loved to play."
She was quiet for a moment, then said softly, "I do hope Jaho will let me play once more before they take it away. Just once more..."
"I'm sure they will, my love."
Gathering herself, she said, "I'd better get some food together. Y'all must be hungry." Speech from her native South still slipped out.
Auron said, "I'll get the food together. Why don't you two take a ride while there's still good daylight? It'll do you good. Marin, that okay?"
"Yes, Sir. A ride sounds great!"
Raine thought, 'Yes, a ride with Daisy is exactly what I need right now!'
They went to the corral, got the birds and rode through the gates. After they left, Auron ran a quick errand, then returned home and began preparing the evening meal.
By the time the two riders returned it was nearly dark. When Raine walked in the door, she let out a loud cry followed by many sobs. Even Marin's breath caught.
Auron strolled out of the kitchen, that corner of his mouth tweaked upward, his eyes watching his wife as she saw the piano in place in the large living area. He wasn't quite prepared as she suddenly launched herself at him, bracing his feet at the last moment, catching her in mid-air.
She was so happy that she was laughing and crying at the same time. Auron just held her tightly until she regained some control. Marin, watching, had moisture in his own eyes.
Very wet blue eyes looked at dark ones. "Auron, you'll never know how much this means to me! And there's no way I can thank you enough." Looking back at the piano, she said softly, "A huge part of my life has returned to me. I thought I'd never see or hear it again."
Turning back to her husband, looking deep into his beautiful eyes, her voice was very soft as she said, "Thank you, Auron. Thank you so very much! You are so kind to me."
His low rumble said, "Just enjoy it, my love. It's yours."
Finally, he pried her loose from his neck, her feet returned to the floor from around his waist and said, "If we don't eat soon, the food isn't going to be fit to eat! Hungry?"
She laughed up at him, "Starved!"
Marin said, "Well, that's a change! No badgering required for once!" A pillow caught him in the chest. He laughed and threw it right back!
This really felt like a home should. It was the home that Auron had always longed for. No one could see as he squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. His heart was happy.
Many changes had occurred in Cortland since Sir Auron nearly died there. That entire Town Council and the Mayor found themselves looking for other employment and the man who had called himself a Healer vanished overnight.
The new Mayor and Council members had some serious meetings to set their agendas to meet the needs of the people in the town. That included generous funds to set up a Security Force for themselves like the one in Sir Auron's town. Seeing a fully uniformed Marin, thoroughly capable and well-trained, hand-picked by The Guardian himself to watch over his wife, had made a huge impression on everyone.
Lan found himself on a Chocobo headed west with orders to seek out Marin and see if he, or someone he would designate, would undertake the challenge of setting up a similar force in Cortland.
When he arrived, he asked for directions to Marin's office. On arriving at the Town Center, he was directed to a neat, orderly office where Marin sat busy at a desk. When Lan tapped on the door, Marin looked up and smiled in recognition.
"Hello, Lan! Come in! Have a seat. What brings you to our town?"
"Hello, Marin! Good to see you again! I've been sent to ask a favor."
The two sat as Lan brought Marin up to date on the situation in Cortland. Marin listened carefully to the request to train and set up a security force for them.
"This will take some thought, Lan. I have two shifts a day here, twenty men per shift and we're getting ready to increase that to three shifts a day, with at least thirty on each shift."
"We have weapons training every day, and instruction in other aspects of security three days a week. I also have two new training classes in session that I'm either teaching or overseeing. I just don't know how I can work in any more!"
Lan was very disappointed and it showed.
Marin said, "Let me think on it and see what I may be able to come up with. How long are you going to be here?"
A chuckle, "As long as it takes to convince you to do it!"
Marin picked up his cap and buckled on his sword belt. "Come with me. I need to make some rounds. You can see something of our setup as we go."
Lan noticed the belt and blade. "Nice blade there!"
Marin paused a moment, his hand touching the leather of the sheath. His voice was very quiet as he said, without any elaboration, "It was a gift." Lan just nodded, understanding much more than was said.
Lan couldn't help but be impressed by the carriage of the men in the force he saw, the look of confidence in their eyes, the neat, clean uniforms they wore so sharply, the purpose with which they moved. This was an organization worthy to be emulated. Lan wanted this for his own men.
He and Marin observed the latter part of one of the training sessions where overall security was being taught. Those in the class were listening to the instructor carefully. When the class ended, Marin introduced Lan to Sten.
"Sten is our second-in-command, also the best instructor we have." Sten shot his boss a quick look with a quiet snort.
Sten gripped Lan's hand and his blue eyes looked levelly into the visitor's eyes. 'A good man,' he thought, taking his measure as greetings were exchanged.
"Lan wants us to train a force for Cortland. I told him I'd have to think about it. I explained that we have about as much as we can handle right now, but he's persistent."
Sten glanced at his boss and said, "Add any more and I don't know how we can do it."
Marin nodded. "Maybe you and I can talk about it and see it there's any way."
"Yes, sir. Let me know when and I'll be there."
Marin clapped his lieutenant on the shoulder and turned away, "I'm making rounds."
"Yes, sir!"
Lan followed him as he checked on the men making their rounds within the town walls, moving in pairs, quietly walking, observing what was going on around them, totally profession in demeanor and appearance.
Then he and Marin made a complete circuit outside the town walls as Marin checked on each position manned by his people. Each pair of men was found alert and watchful. He noted that as Marin neared them, the men stood respectfully and addressed him as 'sir'. He also noted that even as they spoke with their leader their eyes continued sweeping the area.
When they finally returned to the town, Lan was quiet as he digested what he had seen. Marin glanced at him as they walked but could see the other man was deep in thought.
"Lan, I didn't do this by myself. I was in much the same situation that you have been in. Sir Auron scared the Town Council into loosening up some operating money for me. Then he, Kimahri and Alsa did the training. Kimahri and Alsa do weapons training for everything except swords. That was Sir Auron's specialty, which he has resumed."
"Everything I've learned, I learned from them. Now Sten and I are passing it on the newer men. I'll give your request more thought but bear in mind that the credit goes to those three."
Lan listened closely. "Do you think they would come to Cortland and get us started?"
Marin paused a moment before answering. "I really don't know, Lan. I'm to be at Sir Auron's home shortly. I'll broach the subject to him."
He paused another moment, then laughed. "If he does, you can believe that Lady D'Auron will be with him!"
He sobered and his eyes dropped. "We nearly didn't make it back, Lan."
Lan could see the painful memories in Marin's brown eyes. He waited before responding. "I heard about it, Marin. The story has become well known by now and those few who don't know will soon enough."
Lan waited another moment before continuing quietly, "That was one hell of a job you did, Marin! One hell of a job!"
Marin shook his head and sighed. "Lan, sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. Keep putting one foot in front of the other."
Taking a deep breath, Marin said, "I'm due at Sir Auron's soon so I have to be on my way. You have accommodations?"
Lan nodded and extended his hand. "Thank you, Marin. I've learned a lot just by observing today. I'll see you tomorrow."
Marin turned toward Sir Auron's villa. Lan watched him walk away. He may have had a lot of help getting started, but the organization reflected the man who ran it. How could he ever live up to the standard Marin had set? He didn't know if he could but he would give it his best effort.
Auron had again started Marin and Raine on their training with their swords. They were both good, but under his instruction, they were on the way to becoming very good! Auron enjoyed teaching his two eager students and worked them hard on the rooftop nearly every day, pushing them to new limits constantly.
One evening as the two were sparring and practicing the moves taught to them, Raine suddenly stopped and looked at Marin with surprise. He usually pulled no punches with her and he clearly just had.
"Marin! I missed that move! You could have easily moved in and I couldn't have blocked you! Why didn't you take advantage?" She just looked at him with confusion in her eyes.
Marin just stood there, his sword hanging by his side, an odd, unreadable expression on his face.
Auron looked from one to the other, then, replaying the last moments of the practice in his mind, he saw where Marin's sword would have gone. Right to the beginning of the long scar on her body and Marin couldn't bring himself to do it even in practice.
Raine looked to Auron then back to Marin. "Did I do something wrong?"
Auron spoke from the sidelines quietly, "I believe you already have one scar there."
Auron realized more everyday the price these two had paid in getting him back home. They were both stronger people for it, but the price was high and the effects far-reaching. The feeling that hit him in his chest was intense.
Then Raine realized where Marin's sword would have hit her. Her breath taken in sharply, she looked at Marin, understanding the pained look in his eyes.
Then her chin came up. "Well, looks like I need a lot more practice with that move, then, doesn't it?"
She resumed her stance, her sword came back to the beginning position, and she said to Marin, "Defend yourself, brother mine!" and they went back at it again, neither giving any quarter.
That corner of Auron's mouth lifted a fraction as he watched them.
After this evening's session, as they sat in the coolness of the early evening drinking cold, refreshing juice, Marin brought up the subject of Lan and his request. "I just don't think Sten and I can take on anymore. We're both about at capacity now."
Marin looked at Sir Auron. "Lan wondered if perhaps you, Kimahri and Alsa would go to Cortland and set them up as you did me. I told him I'd mention it to you."
Auron's eyes never left Marin's face, but he could feel two blue lasers zeroed in on him. He finally looked to the side as he considered.
He said, "I'll have to give that more thought, Marin. I can't give an answer right now."
Totally aware of her look, he finally glanced at his wife. Marin followed Sir Auron's glance and his face struggled to control itself. Raine was looking at Sir Auron with many centuries of wifely determination on her face that translated into any language as "Over my dead body, buster!" But then his face became solemn as he realized that once it nearly had been.
Auron's lip twitched. "There seems to be some opposition to that idea, Marin. Let me think about it."
After Marin left, Auron turned to face his wife. "Auron, you aren't seriously considering going back to that place, are you?!"
He put his hands on her shoulders, feeling the tension there and looked into her eyes. "Raine, there are many things to consider, but no, I don't think I'll be going back to Cortland any time soon."
Some of the tension in her relaxed at his words. "Setting up what they need will take months. I will not leave you for that length of time."
She sighed and the tension left her. She knew he wouldn't say it if he didn't mean it.
While she was thinking this, she missed the glint of mischief that appeared in his eyes. "Besides, the thought of walking all that distance with Daisy breathing down my neck would be just too much to bear!"
He caught a laughing, loving wife as she jumped into his arms and held onto him, enjoying feeling his strength again, loving him with all her being. The kiss that he got removed any thought of being separated from her!