Chapter 2 : The Promise

The night of her arrival in Bevelle, Paine was escorted to the Tower of Yevon and into the chamber of the council of Yevon. It was a dimly lit and shadowy room, quiet and still, save for the ambience from without the tower itself.

There were five Maesters in the council chamber when she arrived. Maester Reylan was at the head of the council table of course, and there was Maester Ellis from Luca, Maester Feltan from Guadosalam, Maester Reno from Kilika, and Maester Amadhi Ronso, from Mount Gagazet. Paine entered the chamber and bowed, making the sign of the Fayth with her hands. She stood waiting for the Maesters to call on her but they did not keep her waiting. Maester Reylan spoke first.

"Lady Paine, how good to see you again. I am glad to have you join us tonight. Forgive me, I know you are wounded and still weary from your battles and travels, but I'm afraid this meeting could not wait." He said.

"Of course, my Maester. I am here at your service." Paine said dutifully. The old Maester smiled contentedly.

"You fought well in your last battle, so I heard. Indeed, you won a great victory for Yevon, in defeating the Black Eagle heathens and killing their queen. However, unfortunately it was not quite enough. I am sure that Commander Beclem already informed you about the succession rituals of the Black Eagle tribe. This dark cycle of succession must be broken, or else the tribe will continue to be a menace and a threat to the security of Bevelle and the whole northern continent. Obviously, you are one of our most capable warriors and field officers. It seems to me that you are most fit to carry out this mission, considering your extensive experience in warfare against the Black Eagle tribe. Therefore, it is the decision of this council to promote you to the rank of Captain and confer upon you a medal of merit, as well as one for your Lieutenant, Sir Brock Boru. You shall receive both before you depart for the northern ravines." Reylan said.

"I thank you for your generosity, Maester Reylan! We shall not disappoint you." She assured him.

"Now we wish to inquire as to your material needs for this mission. What equipment and forces do you suppose it will require?" Reylan asked.

"I have reviewed our intelligence reports, but they are sparse and incomprehensive. It is difficult to send scouts into Sin's Wake, and few return. We are not even entirely sure where the home of the tribe is located. The most likely place is a long trek away through mountains and rocky ravines. It also unknown how large the forces of the tribe may be. If we take too small an expedition, we may never make it, or make it back for that matter. We do not know what fortifications they may have; it would be unwise to attempt an assault without artillery and grenadiers. We will need a considerable force, with cavalry support and caravan supply trains, artillery and demolition equipment. We will likely need re-supply for a siege scenario. This will be a long mission, and hard on our troops. Once complete, it will likely be necessary to garrison forces long term in the area to create stability and prevent a backlash in the future. That is how it occurs to me, at least. I await your orders of course, my Maester." Paine concluded.

"The cost of such a campaign would be astronomical… it would deplete our forces and leave Bevelle vulnerable. I'm afraid we will have to ration our forces, and we cannot afford to devote the forces that Commander Paine has requested." Maester Feltan said, with a scratchy old voice.

"Of course, I understand the risk to the capitol, Maester. But if we are ever to solve this problem and win the war, we must eliminate our enemies faster than they can eliminate us. Indeed, there will be attacks on the capitol in my absence; it seems the tribes are better at spying and collecting information than we are. They slip into our cities unnoticed, they live among the poor communities and migrant working camps, and travel freely throughout Spira. If we do not find some way to control and monitor their movements throughout our cities and regions, we will never be able to stem their banditry and raiding." Paine surmised.

"Understood, Commander. But let's tend to the matter at hand. This mission is not a punitive expedition, nor a conquest. We only wish for you to infiltrate the home of the Black Eagle tribe and disrupt their succession ritual, and prevent them from completing the coronation of a new queen. The Medusa of their tribe has incredible powers and magic that we cannot allow to stay in their hands. You must recover the eyes of the old queen, or the new one, and escape. That is all." Maester Reno said pointedly. Paine gazed emptily around the room. She knew it was unwise to refuse the Maesters; they held almost complete authority in the world of Yevon. However, among the council, Maester Reylan and Maester Amadhi Ronso were the wisest, yet often outnumbered by their peers in decision-making.

"So be it, Maester. I will depart whenever you wish it." Paine said.

"Take a few days to rest, Lady Paine, and I will send the orders to assemble a force for you, with as many soldiers as we can spare. We will give you as much as we can afford to give. Perhaps, Maester Amadhi Ronso, you could send summons for warriors from Mount Gagazet, to assist with this campaign?" Maester Reylan suggested.

"Of course, I will send word immediately. Kimahri has mighty young Ronso under his training and guidance. He will surely send several squads to our aid." The Ronso Maester agreed.

"Very well then. Remember, Lady Paine, that your mission is simply to recover the eyes of Medusa and return them to Bevelle, into our custody. Beyond that, you need not engage the enemy if it can be avoided, but use whatever means are necessary to obtain the eyes and keep them from the hands of the tribe. That is your mission prerogative. That is all for now, you may take your leave and rest until you are called for, but make sure that you can be easily reached by our messengers. Enjoy your time in the capitol, Lady Paine. I bid you good eve." Maester Reylan dismissed her cordially. Paine remained silent and bowed once more before she turned and left the chamber.

Paine made her way quickly out of the Yevon headquarters and down from the tower. Her only wish at that moment was to eat and drink, and then go back to sleep. She knew there would be no food in the barracks this time of night; it was already past sunset and the last pale sunrays in the sky were beginning to fade as the moon rose steadily higher. It was a full moon, and a fairly warm and gentle breeze came into the city from the sea. The gentle blue lights of the street lamps and dim lanterns illuminated the city. Paine went back to her room in the barracks only long enough to change out of her formal soldier's uniform and into civilian garb. She wore black trousers and a white tank-top, black boots and a dark leather belt with no weapons or gear. She was not entirely concerned with her appearance at this point, and she went out on the town alone. Paine walked along, limping slightly, until she came to a lantern-lit sign over the door of a small tavern by the docks. It was called Mermaid Cove, and a picture of a smiling mermaid sitting upon a sea rock was painted on the sign. Paine walked inside to find a smoky and dim atmosphere, with sailors at the bar and various ruff customers seated in booths along the wall or tables across the floor. A saber-fish was hung on the wall above the bar, and the bartender was a large, grisly man with a bandana around his head and scars on his bearded face.

"Can I help you, Miss?" He asked gruffly.

"Do you have anything to eat?" Paine asked.

"Stew, fried fish and greens. Lots of brews and ardent spirits. Will you be ordering a meal then?" He replied.

"Yes please, and some beer." Paine said. He nodded and went to work in the kitchen. Paine saw a few open booths, and she went to the one in the corner so that she could sit in the dim light by herself undisturbed. She wasn't in the mood for casual conversation. A few of the patrons shot suspicious or lascivious looks at her, but none approached and on the whole they ignored her. The bartender soon brought her a plate with salted fried fish and herbs, along with a bowl of meat and vegetable stew, and a tall glass of amber beer. Paine took a hearty quaff from the beer and then immediately set to devouring the meal with fork and spoon. The fish was well-seasoned and delicious, as was the buttery stew. After she had ravenously wolfed down the meal, she gulped down the beer in a rather un-ladylike fashion and the bartender brought her another, which she took her time on. She hadn't originally planned to get drunk, but she could already feel a buzz coming along and her muscles were relaxing, her stress was relieved, and her stomach appeased. She had just wanted to enjoy a good meal an cold drink. It was hard to justify stopping once she had begun, however, and she finished two more glasses of beer. She didn't drink regularly anymore, and so it took very little to get her drunk. She was experienced enough now, however, that she didn't get stupid or temperamental, just a little slow and slurry in her speech. She simply sat in silence, keeping to her own thoughts while she drank. She barely noticed that there was someone standing beside her booth, talking down at her.

"Pardon me?" Paine said, coming back from the haze of her drink.

"You're Paine, aren't you? The old leader of the Sisterhood of riders?" A feminine voice asked her, rather demanding in tone.

"Sure, I was for a little while. It didn't last long for me; I got too busy for the gangster lifestyle. Why do you ask?" Paine said nonchalantly.

"Because I'm a member of the Sea Wolves gang. And the docks is our territory." She said antagonistically. Paine glanced up at her then; she was tall and muscular with long legs and arms, covered in tattoos and wearing a blue jumpsuit without sleeves. She had smoky dark eyes and short dark hair.

"Ok. I'll keep that in mind from now on." Paine replied plainly, and then she took another drink from her beer and sat it down on the table. The gangster reached down her hand and swiped away Paine's cup, shattering it on the floor.

"You better leave now, or you'll be a lot less pretty when I'm done with you." She threatened. Paine didn't look at her, and only spoke in the same unexcited tone.

"At least I'll still be prettier than you. By the way, you owe me a beer now." Paine said. The gangster was seething, but suddenly the bartender spoke up from behind the bar.

"Take it outside, you two, or you'll both get bounced. There's not gonna be any trouble in my establishment." He said sternly. The gangster pointed a finger at him in rebuke.

"Stay out of this, old man, or you'll regret it!" She shouted. In that instant Paine stood up, grabbed her plate from the tabletop, and shattered it over the crown of the woman's head. The gangster fell on the floor reeling, dizzily trying to get back on her feet. Paine looked over to the bar and suddenly saw the bartender barreling toward her. He punched her in the stomach, and when she bent down he hammered her back with his elbow so that she was slammed to the floor. He then kicked the gangster in the ribs with a solid black boot and grabbed her by the back of the neck. He hauled her to the door and threw her out onto the street. Then he came back for Paine. He grabbed a handful of her hair and her upper right arm, with grip so tight that it bruised her skin. He started dragging her toward the door.

"Wait…" Paine said.

"Are you joking? What now?" He asked, with a grimacing face, burning into her with glaring blue eyes.

"I haven't paid my tab yet…" Paine said, gasping for breath.

"Are you going to pay up and leave quietly, or do I have worry about you going wild on me?" He asked sternly.

"I'm didn't come here for trouble, just let me leave in peace." Paine said.

"Then hand over the gil, and go. Don't come back, either." He said as he released her. Paine took some gil from her pocket and paid him, and then stumbled out of the tavern and onto the street. She vomited after three steps down the street, and after wiping her face she started off back toward the barracks. Before she could get far, a group of roughened female thugs appeared in front and behind her. They were all dressed in blue jumpsuits with bandanas and tattoos, and black hobnail boots. Their leader was a wiry but strong young woman with tawny brown skin and her black hair shaved on the sides, braided in a pony tail on top. She wore gloves with padded knuckles.

"You've got a lot of nerve coming out here alone, Paine." She said grimly.

"Is that Ruka?" Paine asked, thinking that she seemed familiar. During her stint as leader of the Sisterhood, several upstart gangs throughout Bevelle had risen to challenge them, and earned her ire. She never regretted making enemies of them; they were nasty types anyhow. At this moment however, she seemed to have more enemies than friends.

"Damn right, it's Ruka. You just assaulted my best lieutenant. Now you'll answer to me and my gang." Ruka said.

"Of course, because you certainly couldn't handle it without them. By the way, you got me banned from this place. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a good bar in this city?" Paine retorted unapologetically. At this mockery Ruka snapped her fingers and immediately her gang of footpads charged at Paine. Paine clenched her fists and steeled her resolve for the fight, but she was well outnumbered. The first one in her reach she pummeled in the face, breaking a nose with a spurt of blood, and then with a kick to the chest she sent the gangster flying back onto the pavement. Two more came at Paine simultaneously and she roundly kicked them both in the face. Finally three came at once, and she was tackled to the pavement.

"Hold her down!" Ruka demanded, and soon Paine had one person sitting on each of her limbs and another holding down her head. Ruka took a step onto her stomach then. Ruka's boots were big and heavy, and the treads were almost like hobnails. She put a considerable amount of pressure on Paine's midriff. Paine grimaced but did not make a sound. Then Ruka took another step and stood on top of Paine's stomach and ribs. Paine gasped as the breath was crushed out of her.

"I always hated you most of all, Paine. You know why?" Ruka asked as she looked down upon Paine's twisted face.

"Because my Sisterhood helped the people, and made you all look bad." Paine said softly, almost unable to speak. Ruka took another step onto her chest and just beneath her throat.

"Well, partly because of that, but mostly because it made you a hypocrite. You were never better than us, Paine, and you never will be." Ruka said with an evil grin. Paine sucked in just enough breath to reply.

"There's no hypocrisy in following the heart… and I am better than you, scum." Paine said, forcing a smirk onto her tortured face, which was turning red.

"We'll see if you smirk after we sink you to the ocean floor, Paine." Ruka threatened, but then suddenly her expression changed to one of shock and fright. "No, wait!" Ruka exclaimed, but in the next instant she was swept off from Paine's chest and hurled onto the pavement by a flying trash can full of rubble and broken bricks.

"It's Brock!" One of the gangsters cried, and immediately they let go of Paine and fled down the street and into the darkness surrounding the bay. They did not even stop to pick up their fallen leader. Paine coughed and gasped for air as she rolled onto her side. Brock was by her then, and he took hold of her and propped her up. He was dressed in casual civilian clothes, but something about his aura gleamed, as if the light were shining upon him radiantly.

"Are you alright, Paine?" He asked her, with audible concern in his voice.

"I'll be fine." Paine said, still breathing heavily.

"What happened? Who were those punks?" Brock asked her.

"Old rivals of mine, from when I used to be a gang leader. It's been a while since I walked the streets of Bevelle. I hadn't realized so many people would still recognize me." She said.

"I'll call the city guard and have this one arrested, if she's still alive. Assaulting a commander of the knights of Yevon is a capital offense. She'll be in prison for a long time, unless they decide to give her capital punishment." Brock concluded.

"She certainly deserves it, and I bet no one would miss her." Paine said darkly.

"Let's get you to a healer while we're at it." Brock suggested.

"I'll be fine, Brock. Thank you." Paine said, as if to shrug off her battering.

"At least you should have someone check on you before we leave on mission." Brock insisted.

"Alright, Brock. I'll go to a healer in the morning. Right now I need to sleep." Paine conceded wearily.

"Fair enough. Let's get you back to the barracks." Brock said. He helped her to her feet and then summoned the local guardsmen to arrest Ruka. Then he walked across town with Paine, escorting her back to her room in the barracks beneath Yevon Tower.

"Thank you, Brock. I owe you my life for tonight. You know, you've always been a trustworthy friend to me. I've never repaid you for everything you've done." Paine said graciously. Brock shook his head and gazed at her placidly and with deep affection in his blue eyes.

"You owe me nothing, Paine. I've sworn that I will always protect you. I've never needed payment, but nonetheless I think we're even. You've never let me down in battle, or in negotiations, or in council. Sleep well, my Lady, and don't hesitate to call on me if you're in need. You are more than a friend to me." Brock said, and he saluted her before he turned and strode away to the knights quarters. Paine watched him in silence, contemplating his words before she went back to her own barracks.

Are we more than friends? I suppose we are… I was waiting for him to admit it once long ago. But now?

Paine went into her room and sank into her bed, contemplating Brock's words. She passed out soon, and did not stir until morning's glow lit her doorsill from the window in the barracks corridor. Paine rolled out of bed then and fell onto the floor. She groaned painfully and forced herself to stretch out. She flexed her back and straightened out all of her limbs, and then slowly got onto her knees and then onto her feet. She stumbled out of her room and limped down the corridor. The wound on her leg that she had acquired in the battle of the Calm Lands was now opened up again and bleeding through her trousers. Paine sighed in disdain and went out into the barracks courtyard and walked to the mess hall. She walked up to the counter and asked the chef for a meal.

"You're a bit late, Commander Paine, but I had this set aside for you. Sir Brock requested it." The portly, balding old man informed her.

"Thank you." Paine said softly. He slid a tray full of food across the counter, and she took it as she walked to the corner of the mess hall to sit by herself. There were a few stragglers left in the hall, but most of the soldiers had already eaten and gone. Paine sat alone and ate bread, soup and meat, and sipped at a cup of cool mineral water. She paid no attention to her surroundings until a slender figure in red and green robes slipped onto the bench across from her. Paine lifted her gaze to find a strikingly bright smile, smiting like the sunshine, falling upon her. It was the Yevonite priestess, Sari. Her youth and beauty were overwhelming, she wore little makeup but much jingling jewelry, and the bright patterns of her robes contrasted vividly against her pale, pristine skin.

"Good morning, Lady Paine! Brock told me to look for you here. He said you would have need of my talents, and I can see he was right!" She said in a cheerful, mellifluous voice. It was so saccharine that it made Paine cringe. Her mood was too sour to absorb it. Sensing her apparent disdain, Sari flinched. The bruised look on her innocent face was too potent, and Paine's resolve cracked.

"I am sorry my Lady, if I offended you. I will leave you to your business." She said softly. She started to get up.

"Wait…" Paine said with a sigh.

"Yes my Lady?" Sari replied.

"Do you have anything for my leg? I'll need something to disinfect it, and keep it clean." Paine asked.

"Of course, my Lady. I can treat your wounds if you would come with me to my parlor. I have everything you need there." Sari invited her graciously. Paine hesitated for an instant, but she nodded silently in approval. Sari's eyes glowed with delight.

"Follow me, my Lady. I have a carriage waiting for us." Sari said, and Paine simply stood and followed her out the door and through the courtyard to the barracks entrance, where a chocobo driver waited to take them in a small covered cart built for two people to lounge facing each other. Sari sat in silence across from her, but she watched her incessantly with a placid smile and warm eyes.

"Are you comfortable, my Lady?" She asked gently. Paine nodded. She kept talking for the rest of the ride. "Sir Brock told me about how cruelly you were attacked last night. It is truly shameful that someone like you, who risks her life every day for Yevon and Bevelle, cannot even be safe in the city limits. I just wanted to say that I appreciate you and everything you do for us." She said fervidly. Again, Paine only nodded.

"I don't know what it's like to do what you do, my Lady, but I would like to help you in every way that I can. I know it's difficult for strong people to ask for help, but if you let me I will give you all the relief that I can. I don't want to seem assuming or improper, but I respect you and I want to comfort you." Sari told her passionately. Paine said nothing, but simply sat back with her arms crossed.

"Is there anything I can say to gain your trust, my Lady?" Sari asked her.

"I trust you Sari. You're a good person. You don't have to go out of your way for me; I've grown accustomed to suffering and discomfort. But if you want to do something for me then by all means show me what you've got. I have a mission coming soon and I'm in no shape for it, in fact I might not come back. I'm glad that you appreciate my efforts. I was hoping that someone would by now." Paine spoke solemnly. Sari quickly took hold of her hand with gentle, delicate fingers.

"You will make it through, my Lady. I believe in you. Please promise me, that you won't lose hope!" Sari urged her. Paine looked upon her innocent face, full of care and compassion, and she grinned faintly with contentment.

"I don't need hope anymore. I have acceptance." Paine said to her calmly. Sari's eyes were touched by sorrow then.

"My Lady, don't you feel the desire for life anymore?" She asked, quivering.

"No, I don't." Paine replied honestly.

"Why? Why would you say such things?" Sari asked in dismay.

"I have to be honest, Sari. At this point, my integrity is all that I have left. For ten years now I've been through constant fighting, always on missions or deployments, or occupations. I don't have anything in life like what other people have. I'm not complaining, and I'm not saying I want to give up or quit, but… I simply don't have anything to lose now." Paine admitted.

"What would you rather be doing, my Lady? Surely there is still a chance for you to change now. To find a home for yourself, meet someone and start a family…" Sari began, but Paine shook her head and interrupted.

"I don't want to talk about that. Please, let's just ride quietly for now. I don't have anything else to say. I'm sorry." Paine urged her.

"Alright. If that's what you want. I apologize if I made you uncomfortable." Sari said remorsefully, and she sat in silence, yet she kept a wondrous and sympathetic gaze upon Paine for the rest of the ride. When they arrived at Sari's parlor they stepped out of the coach and went in through the dim, musky doorway into a main chamber full of blooming flowers and ornate tapestries hanging on the walls. Sari guided Paine down a long hallway and took her into a large private room. She looked over Paine for a moment and then spoke.

"You'll have to wash off before I can do anything for you, but it looks like your wound should be kept dry. I'll have to wash you by hand, my Lady. Come with me."

Sari then led Paine into the bath chamber of her quarters, stripped off her tattered and dirty clothes, and took her to the wash basin. She rubbed fragrant soap over Paine's body with generous measure and a gentle but thorough touch, and washed her with a cloth towel soaked in warm water. Paine had not been touched by anyone in such a delicate and intimate manner for a very long time. It felt as though there was electricity flowing through the girl's fingertips, and her sharp finger nails edged gently over Paine's white skin, tracing along her many scars.

"You have a lot of old wounds." Sari remarked with astonishment.

"Yes… I've been through a lot." Paine replied shyly. Sari grabbed hold of Paine's muscles and flesh, caressing with firm but soothing grip. She worked her hand from Paine's shoulders to the sides of her back and waist, and onto her hips.

"You should come into my bed chamber and lay down, so I can treat your wound and relieve your body's tension." Sari directed her. Paine merely nodded and followed the girl into the next room. Sari took her into a lavish chamber with a large and plush bed. A short dresser with a broad table-top on it was covered with vials and potion bottles. Sari took a few of them and blended them together into a cup.

"Drink this tonic. It will help you relax." Sari said, offering her a petite ceramic cup with pink flowers patterned upon it, over a sleek black finish. Paine took the little cup from the girl and lifted it slowly to her lips, sipping until it was gone. The taste was mildly sour, but it seemed to inculcate a pleasant warmth once it was drunk. Sari took hold of Paine's upper arms then and guided her to the bedside, and laid her down on her back. Paine gazed up at the ceiling upon a painting of Yevon iconography of the Farplane and the Saints who dwelt there. Meanwhile Sari took out her tools and examined the wound on Paine's leg. She pried quickly but expertly, opening up the torn flesh and retrieving a small splinter of bloodied, rusty iron. She dropped it into the metal basin with a clinking sound. The water turned a strange, faint green.

"It was a poisoned blade that struck you. It prevented your wound from sealing up and healing. Now that it has been removed you should be able to recover, with my medicine of course." Sari told her in a soft voice.

"Thank you." Paine said graciously, and she sighed with relief. Sari bandaged her wounds and wrapped her leg in white silk. Sari then pushed her gently until Paine rolled onto her stomach and the girl began to massage her temples and neck, then her shoulders and back, her waist and buttocks, and her legs. Ordinarily Paine would never allow herself to be touched this way, but she was almost too exhausted to resist and it was too pleasing to protest. Sari pressed and soothed Paine's muscles and joints with perfect skill, and they began to feel as if she had never been into battle at all. For a long time Paine was adrift in a lake of bliss. When she returned to her senses she could feel Sari's fingernails sliding intimately across her skin.

"You have a beautiful body… most women would kill for such a figure." Sari whispered. Paine tensed up a bit then.

"You sound jealous, but I don't see any need for you to be. You're still young and very attractive yourself." Paine complimented her.

"I am, but I've not lived like you, and I wouldn't be fit for it." Sari admitted.

"The lifestyle of a homeless warrior keeps a person lean and fit. But it's not for everyone, of course." Paine agreed.

"Surely you're not homeless, my Lady." Sari said with sympathy.

"I have been for all intents and purposes for the past ten years, in fact longer than that. I can't remember the last time I had something that felt like a home… something stable and permanent." Paine replied earnestly.

"What if you resigned from the service of Bevelle and found a home?" Sari suggested.

"I've always been waiting for an opportunity to resign… but the need for warriors has never ceased. I've always felt… that it would be irresponsible for me to leave Bevelle in her hour of need. Too many lives are at stake." Paine rationalized.

"What about your own life? Haven't you done enough? There will always be more warriors needed for new wars. It's not like a river that can be dammed up. Even if it could, eventually it would overflow." Sari reasoned. Paine turned her head and looked up at the girl with a nod.

"Maybe you're right. I suppose I don't know where to go, or what to do. I suppose it would be too lonely, and too quiet for me." Paine confessed.

"Don't you have someone to share the road with you?" Sari asked. Paine hesitated for a moment in silent reflection.

Are we more than friends? I know that we are… I think Brock knows it too. But what can we do about it now?

"I might, I think." She said softly. Sari grinned cheerfully with a mellifluous giggle. She laid on the bed close to Paine, face to face.

"Who?" She asked eagerly. Paine blushed and smiled at the sight of her exuberance.

"Maybe… Sir Brock." Paine finally surrendered. Sari smiled widely with white teeth, and she wriggled in excitement.

"I knew the rumors were true! I heard once that the two of you were a couple! No one could prove it, of course, but a few people had suggested it…" Sari said gleefully.

"You've heard of this? From who?" Paine asked.

"A few random knights and other clients, some simple townsfolk at the market, but no one specific, really. It was all just speculation, I thought. But now I know they were right all along!" Sari cheered.

"Was it really that obvious?" Paine muttered despondently.

"What's wrong, my Lady?" Sari asked her, with a bruised expression.

"He's never told me that he has feelings for me… not in any straightforward way, but I've had little suspicions here and there."

"You mean the two of you aren't really together? How long have you known each other?" Sari asked incredulously.

"Almost ten years now, off and on. We've been assigned missions together for three years or so." Paine said, reflecting on all the time that had passed.

"That's a long time. I'm surprised neither one of you has made moves on the other." Sari said in bewilderment.

"It's a hard life, and there's not much time for romance or friendly company. I guess neither of us thought it would seem proper; we're both supposed to be professional warriors. We have to stay tough." Paine said, making excuses.

"Is that worth more than love and family?" Sari asked, as if shaken. "I've never had a family of my own. I lost my parents when I was just a child. Since then I've had no one. I don't know how anyone could live that way for so long. I don't think I can stand it any longer." She said longingly.

"And do you have someone special?" Paine asked her, directing the conversation away from herself.

"I don't know… probably not." Sari said gloomily.

"What do you think of Clasko? You talked with him all the way back from the Calm Lands." Paine inquired.

"He's cute, and kind, and I think he would be very gentle… but something tells me that there is a lot of darkness in his life. I don't know if I can handle having to sort out anyone else's past, along with my own. I don't think I could be happy as a soldier's wife." Sari said doubtfully.

"These are dark times. Most people in Spira have had hardship in their lives. Is that a bad thing? If anything, I think it has made him into a man. I knew him before and he was a very timid boy. Now he seems like a new person entirely. I don't think he'll keep following orders forever." Paine said.

"I like him, but I can't chase after him. I've lost too much in life. If he comes for me, then I'll go with him. But I think he is still shy in some ways… I don't think he'll pursue me." Sari surmised in a bitter tone.

"I suppose time will tell. But I want to warn you; don't make my mistakes. Don't choose the life I did, always working for others and living alone. It's not worth it in the end. Find someone who makes you happy, and find a place where you can live comfortably together. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that… but you're right. I should have known better." Paine advised her sulkily.

"It's not too late for you, Paine. You're not old yet." Sari comforted her with a hand on her cheek.

"Maybe… I hope not at least. But when you're older like me, you'll see that most of the good men are gone. They took wives and settled down somewhere hidden, or they died in battle, or they went off adventuring and never came back. Good men are rare, and the world uses them up quickly. The only one I know is Brock." Paine said, reflecting on her life and faces and memories that were now gone forever.

"For both our sakes, I'll pray to the Saints. May we both escape to better lives, and soon." Sari said compassionately. Paine nodded in agreement.

"I'm feeling much better now. I think I should go." Paine said, and she raised herself from the bed and stood towering in full glory, and she gazed with fiery eyes across the chamber, looking for her clothes. "Where are my things?" She asked.

"They were practically rags. I had new ones brought for you." Sari said, her youthful face marked by anticipation. She gave Paine a box, and when she opened it there was a little black dress and a sash, both of them embroidered with fabulous pink rose petals and a silvery blue crescent moon on the front. Paine looked upon it with dismay.

"You bought this for me?" She asked, distraught.

"Yes. I'm sorry if it upsets you." Sari apologized timidly. Paine hesitated as she looked upon the finery offered to her.

"It's very pretty, but it's too much. I can't repay you for it now." Paine said.

"It's a gift. I hope it brings you luck tonight." Sari said, and she winked at Paine with a clever grin.

"You did this for me?" Paine asked, exasperated.

"The way I see it, everyone in Bevelle owes you something. Please take it on behalf of us all." Sari urged her.

"I'll have to wear my boots with it…" Paine said with some reservations.

"That's alright… otherwise no one would recognize you! But it will look cute anyway, and it will be truer to your spirit. But we should work on your hair and a little bit of makeup before you go." Sari offered. Paine looked upon her with fervid warmth and nodded gratefully. She put on the dress and her tall black boots, fastening up their laces and polishing them off. Sari put the sash around Paine's waist and tied it in a tidy bow. She braided Paine's hair into a neat ponytail, since it had grown longer over the months she was away, and was now white gold in color. Sari brushed Paine's spiky bangs and combed them neatly to the sides, over her temples. She then had Paine sit in front of her mirror and opened a seashell full of mascara, and took a capsule of lipstick and applied them both skillfully. On Paine's fair skin there was no need for rouge or any blemishes to cover, and so Sari merely preened her lashes out delicately and trimmed her fingernails, polished and painted them an exquisite pink color to match the petals on her dress.

"And now… you're ready!" Sari said as she finished a last few touches. Paine stood up in front of the tall mirror and gazed upon her reflection with pleasure. She did look wondrous to behold.

"I've never looked so good, at least not in this style of dress… I'm not sure what will happen if I go back to the barracks like this. The soldiers will never shut up about it." Paine said grimly.

"You should go to meet Brock and never mind the others. That's the plan after all, isn't it?" Sari presumed.

"Yes!" Paine decided with cheer. They left the room in giddy hurry, and at the door of the parlor Paine turned back and patted Sari's blond hair, and kissed her forehead.

"Thank you for everything, Sari. I won't forget this!" Paine assured the girl priestess.

"Good luck tonight! Don't worry about anything else! Just go after what matters!" Sari said, and they waved farewell as Paine stepped out the door. She left the parlor and emerged onto the city streets, and swiftly marched back to the barracks with the eyes of everyone in the town upon her, drinking up her exquisite beauty and clearly visible passion. (Paine's theme: Misty Eyed)

When Paine reached the barracks and walked confidently through the front gate, all of the knights and soldiers stood spellbound by the sight of her. She walked across the courtyard to the knight's dormitories, and she went to Brock's room. It was a simple place, and small for such a big man. Brock was sitting in his cushioned seat, reading a tome recording the lives and exploits of the Yevon saints. He saw her appear in his doorway and he immediately dropped the tome onto his bed. He looked upon her with utter bewilderment.

"Paine?" He stammered dryly. She grinned at him in amusement; it was cute to see a man like him so startled.

"Let's go for a stroll, Brock. I want to talk to you." Paine said unabashedly.

"Well… sure. Just let me… put on something a little less drab." Brock said as he gazed mesmerized upon her. Paine smiled and stepped out of his room, while Brock put on a clean pair of trousers and pulled his blue knight's tunic over his powerful body. He came out of his room to join her in the hall, and all of the men in the barracks quickly ducked back into their rooms.

"Shall we, my Lady?" Brock said, offering his hand. Paine placed her delicate hand in his grasp, and they walked together out of the barracks.

"Where shall we go, my Lady?" Brock asked her good-naturedly.

"Let's go across the Highbridge and walk by the shore. I want to see the water and the city." Paine answered.

"Good idea." Brock said with a nod, and they went hand-in-hand across the plaza and down the length of the bridge, greeting all passersby with warm smiles. Many of the knights and soldiers came out of the barracks and stood at the end of the bridge, watching the two stroll together out of the city. Murmurs and hushed talk were racing through the whole town. Paine and Brock did not even notice as they walked immersed in each other's company. Paine felt that Brock's hands were beginning to sweat, and his gait was a bit awkward. So strange it was, for a veteran of many battles like Brock, a man without fear of any kind.

"So, what's on your mind, Lady Paine." He asked her nonchalantly, trying to seem indifferent.

"I'd like to ask you the same thing, Brock. I want to know what you're thinking now." Paine redirected the question.

"I think it's a lovely day for a walk. I'm glad you suggested this." He replied innocently. They walked a little further and passed the entrance to the Highbridge, and walked along the hills overlooking the shore. They came to a stop soon, upon a hilltop overlooking the city and the sea.

"Is that all you're thinking?" Paine asked him once more.

"No, certainly not. I have a lot of things on my mind at the moment. But I don't suppose I should impose them on you." Brock said.

"Indulge me, for now." Paine urged him. Brock looked upon her with a faint grin.

"I think you look lovely. I think… that every red-blooded man in Bevelle is jealous of me right now." Brock told her. Paine smiled and looked away. She couldn't help but blush.

"Am I just now? What took you so long to say it?" Paine asked.

"Well, you've always been beautiful, but I never wanted to spoil you by saying it openly." He said with an ornery grin, and Paine giggled. "Really, it was just that I knew you were devoted to the cause and to Yevon. I knew that you were already carrying a lot of sadness and heavy responsibilities. I didn't want to make life more difficult for you… more complicated, that is." He explained.

"Don't you think that love would have lightened the burdens on us?" Paine asked.

"It already has, for me. I never found it difficult to watch your back, or tend to your wounds, or to carry you off the battlefield. Of course, I understand if the latter may have been more difficult for you than it was for me… but I would hope that you felt the same way." Brock said warmly. Again Paine chuckled. Her heart was happy, now to have found his love there after all, and to see the sweetness of his affection.

"I did feel it… but I buried it mostly. It was because of doubt; I didn't know your true feelings for me." She admitted remorsefully.

"I understand. I don't blame you for it. It's very hard for a person to make themselves vulnerable in another's eyes, no matter how strong they may be otherwise." He said. Paine looked into his calm blue eyes then, and a beam of intimate tenderness shot between the two of them.

"Yes… it's true…" Paine whispered with a gasp of breath, but just then Brock took hold of her face and her neck, and he leaned down to kiss her. Their lips met, and the warmth of their auras intermingled. They almost seemed to be glowing, as if a magic haze surrounded them, cast by the shifting willows and forest sprites wafting over them on the gentle breeze. Paine felt his big, powerful presence over her, and she cuddled into his broad chest. Brock wrapped his muscular arms around her firmly, and held her tight while they kissed. When they parted she was breathing heavily and her heart was pounding so hard he could feel it. Brock held her close and pressed his face against hers, kissing her cheek and neck. Paine felt as if she was floating in his arms, barely able to stand on her own. When he loosened his embrace on her, she stumbled, and so Brock lowered her gently and then sat on the grassy hilltop beside her, hugging her to him.

"I love you…" Paine said softly, as she gazed up into the sky and the white clouds overhead.

"I love you too." Brock answered her. For a long moment they sat together, and then laid down in each others arms on the soft grass. Brock held her hand in his, and with the other he caressed her face with his fingers. They said nothing for nearly an hour, and then finally Paine spoke.

"What will we do now?" She asked.

"We can do anything you wish. But we do still have obligations." Brock said.

"I know." Paine said. For the first time, she now found it difficult to follow through with what she had planned and sworn to do. She could not insult his honor by suggesting to Brock that they should leave their duties unfulfilled. But she volunteered the first suggestion.

"I would gladly resign from the Bevelle guard, and give up my office and all my benefits. If I can have a life with you, I'll leave the rest behind." She offered. Brock nodded solemnly.

"In that case I would do the same, and relinquish my knighthood. But I don't think I can do it until I have completed the mission that the council assigned to us. Too many of the soldiers would be discouraged and disappointed, if I abandoned them now. Besides, they will need my help." Brock said decisively.

"I don't want you to go into Sin's Wake without me…" Paine said.

"I know. I wouldn't want to either. Besides, you inspire the men. You inspire me. We need your spirit with us." Brock admitted.

"Then we'll finish the task together, and secure Yevon's blessing and the safety of Bevelle. Afterward, they shouldn't fault us for leaving." Paine surmised.

"So be it. After the mission, we'll both resign and leave Bevelle together, and find a new home." Brock agreed.

"Then we're sworn to it!" Paine said jubilantly.

"Yes, I promise it." Brock said with a smile.

The two of them kissed and played with each other in the grass, and laughed and talked for the rest of the evening.

That day was the happiest day I had in years. Maybe, in my life.