Gion Aldrich

[Children Of The Flame]

It had been nearly a year since Gion and Daemon had come to stay at the plantation, and it had been only a few weeks less since their trouble with Sheridan had been dealt with. Since then, life on the plantation had become peaceful, as Gion remembered it being during his childhood.

But that had been many years ago. He was far from being a child now, both physically and mentally, even if his size indicated otherwise.

He had spent much of his time this past year in the company of two people: Daemon, who was still trapped within his wife’s sword, the sword that Gion had found in the ruins of Old Tor Karad, and Nadya, who ran the plantation in Gion’s sister’s absence. He had had many long conversations with them both – especially Daemon, since mind speaking was so much easier than having to write out everything he wanted to say. On the other hand, the year had been more than sufficient time for Gion to teach Nadya sign language, and each day, conversation with her became easier.

And more pleasurable, he realized one night, lying awake in his bed. It had been happening for a while, but it was only now that he was realizing … every time she looked a certain way, or smiled a certain way, he felt a thrill run through him, and he found himself looking for ways to make her do those specific things.

There was one problem, he thought sourly, rolling over onto his side, with falling for that particular woman. And that problem was in her name itself. Nadya Na-Talath. Nadya of the trees. Nadya, who had taken on the name in order to tell others that she intended to remain as she was, single, for the rest of her immortal life.

Yes … that was a problem.  

[Children Of The Flame]

Things had been slowly changing for Gion over the course of the past year, and he was confused about much of it. For a long time, he had tried to reason through it all on his own, but over the past several years he had grown used to having Daemon's support, and so he found himself continually trying to convince himself to speak to his friend on the matter. Despite all this, it was a long time before he did so.

He decided to broach the subject one night as he lay in his bed, bringing the sword up onto the bed with him and laying it across his stomach so that the bond between them would be at its strongest. They could have the conversation through thought as they usually did, but Gion wanted to be able to physically see his friend, and so he created the dream world that they sometimes spoke in.

This time, he chose an ocean setting, where large rocks lined a sandy beach. It was night in the dream world, and a full moon reflected over the ocean waves. A light breeze blew through Gion's now-cut hair, and his loose white shirt billowed and rippled against his back. His legs were crossed, and he was seated on one of the wagon-sized rocks, facing the ocean.

From his left came the sound of bare feet on pebbles, and a British-looking man appeared out of the darkness, heading towards Gion. His black pants were rolled up to his knees, the sleeves of his unbuttoned white dress shirt rolled up to his elbows. Missing was his traditional vest. Spending three centuries in a sword meant that he was still physically young, and he could only imagine himself as he had appeared the last time he had looked into a mirror. The dream wind ruffled his already messy blond hair as he sat Indian-style next to Gion.

As he waited for Gion to bring up whatever it was he wanted to talk about, he removed his glasses and polished them with his shirt. It wasn’t that they were dirty: rather, it was a habit he had gained while still in possession of his body.

One of the reasons Gion liked to speak with Daemon in a dream world was that, there, he was able to use his voice. Still, it was several long moments before he used it, and he kept his gaze out over the water as he spoke.

"Daemon," he said slowly, in a deep, thoughtful voice, "I think ... I might have a problem."

"Really?" Daemon asked lightly from where he was polishing his specs. He lifted them and studied them for a moment before replacing them on his nose. He pushed them up slightly, wondering if Gion’s problem was a real one, or if it had anything to do with the face that the vision with which Daemon saw kept showing him – a certain young lady. Personally, Daemon wasn’t surprised. After all, she was the only lady Gion really interacted with, that he wasn’t related to. The height difference between them was no longer an issue, mentally or emotionally, and to be quite frank, she was a very nice young lady.

“I thought things were going swimmingly,” he said cheerfully.

"That’s the problem," Gion replied, passing his hands over his eyes. He sighed and scratched at the back of his neck. "I think I'm falling for her."

For a brief moment, an image of Nadya appeared, walking along the beach; but as soon as it appeared, it was gone again: a creation of Gion's mind that he fought to keep suppressed.

Daemon really didn’t need to ask what the problem was. He had been told about name meanings. For Gion, to fall for someone he could never have was problematic.

“To be fair, you spend a great deal of time with her,” Daemon replied thoughtfully as he turned to face the ocean. He still wasn’t fond of it, but it was only a dream. “And you are a young man, Gion, and she’s quite nice. It’s not all that surprising, I think.”

"You make it sound as if it's the most logical course of action in the world," Gion commented thoughtfully. "I suppose it might be ... perhaps. Though ... the problem lies in the fact that ... well, I'm sure you know. She has no intention of ever marrying, of loving anyone."

Leave it to him to fall for someone like that.

"But I don't know how ... to act around her,” he sighed. “I can't pretend I feel nothing, I can't hide it ... and yet, I have to."

“You have to admit it,” Daemon corrected Gion softly. Then hastily, he added, “Not because of marriage or anything like that. It’s just … you can’t just not say anything about it. You know she won’t marry, but that doesn’t mean you can’t admit what you feel.”

He shrugged. The problem was, admitting something like that was probably the hardest thing in the world. He knew that.

“You’re not expecting anything out of it,” he went on. “I’m sure she knows that. But if you don’t get it out, you’ll drive yourself mad.”

"Better sooner than later, I suppose," Gion nodded slowly. "Before it gets too serious, right?"

The longer he waited, the harder it would be. He might not have any experience in the matter, but he was at least intelligent enough to know that much.

“Right,” Daemon nodded with great certainty. “It’s going to be the hardest words you’ll ever say, especially when you know her views on it.” He turned his head to look at Gion. “It’s hard when we don’t have control over how we feel.”

Gion finally turned his head to look at Daemon. His brown eyes were dim, lacking their usual luster. "Tomorrow then," he nodded. "I ..." He hesitated. "I hope you don't mind if ... if I leave you in the house, when I do?"

It wasn't anything personal, it was just ... a personal matter. Besides, Daemon would hear the result soon enough.

“Of course!” Daemon replied with a laugh. “You shouldn’t have someone eavesdropping on you, it would be like Long trying to put his ear to the door.” He chuckled, remembering that one time. It was amusing now, though it had caused him no end of embarrassment back then.

Gion smiled gratefully at his friend. "Thank you," he murmured, reaching out and putting a hand on Daemon's shoulder. "For everything."

But now he was ready to sleep - if he would be able to after this.

"Good night," he said, and prepared to dissipate the dream world.

"Sleep well," Daemon murmured. He did hope Gion would be okay.

The dream world faded, and Gion returned the sword to the floor beside his bed, then rolled onto his side and fell asleep.  

[Children Of The Flame]

The discussion of the night before was still ringing in Gion’s ears, as loudly as if it had been a truly real oral conversation. He knew what he had to do. He knew the consequences that would likely ensue. But none of that changed the fact that he had to do it.

Well, he mused as he headed outside to where he knew Nadya was picking apples in the orchard, at least he wouldn’t have to worry about losing his voice due to nervousness. Though he was going to have to make sure his hands didn’t shake too badly.

He had left Daemon on his bed, as he had told his friend that he would, and had dressed in a loose white spidersilk tunic and comfortable black pants. He ran his fingers through his shaggy black hair and found himself wondering if this was such a good idea after all. Maybe Daemon had been wrong – maybe it would have been easier just to keep it to himself and let things continue as they were.

He came around the corner of the carriage house and stopped, both physically and mentally, as he caught sight of Nadya, standing atop a short ladder, plucking apples from the bottom of one of the tall apple trees. He could see in his mind the same trees, barely half the size they were now, with Nadya again picking apples, but only a child then – the height that Gion was now. Then he blinked and the memory was gone, and he was watching her once again.

His eyes were drawn first to her hand, which was raised gracefully above her head, and his gaze followed the curve of her arm up to her shoulder … her neck … and then up to her pixie face. She hadn’t noticed him yet, he knew, and the only reason he wasn’t turning and running was because he was so entranced.

She turned her back to him and moved one step further up the ladder, basket braced against one hip. Gion was seriously considering leaving then, when she called out in a soft voice, but loud enough for him to hear, “Hello, Gion.”

Gion flushed and moved closer, no longer having a choice in the matter. He had forgotten … of course she would know he was nearby. He rubbed his throat and cleared it, trying to force down his nervousness. He couldn’t help but admire the way she seemed so calm – but then he realized that she had nothing to be nervous about.

She came down from the ladder and set her basket down, then turned to face Gion and smiled warmly, a smile that not only reached her eyes bit lit them up. “Good afternoon,” she said softly, tucking her hair back from her face. “What brings you out here at this time of day?”

Gion smiled. It was true, normally at this time of day he was out in the vineyards, checking things over – or mingling with the help, watching for more problems, making friends, getting to know people.

I was looking for you, he signed, his hands far steadier than he had dared hope they would be.

Nadya laughed, a light clear sound that sent Gion’s heart into his throat. He swallowed it down again.

“I know you were,” Nadya told him, her tone amused. “Otherwise you would not be out here.”

Gion flushed, embarrassed, and he cleared his throat again. I wanted to talk with you, he signed, forcing himself not to turn his eyes away. He would get through this if it killed him.

“What is it?” she asked, tilting her head curiously. Gion tried not to stare, though he couldn’t help but notice how the movement accentuated the curve of her neck.

His instinct was to rub the back of his neck, but he couldn’t speak that way. Instead, he forced his hands to stay right in front of him, where he could sign easily.

I know you took a second name for yourself, he began slowly, lowering his eyes self-consciously, and I know why. So I want you to know … that I don’t expect anything. But I have to say this.

He took a deep breath, not allowing himself to look at Nadya, and continued. I love you, he signed, his fingers flickering quickly, anxious to get this over with. I don’t know when it started, or even why. I know you don’t return my feelings, but I had to tell you. I love you.

There were several moments of silence, and finally Gion forced himself to look up into Nadya’s kind face.

“I know,” she murmured quietly once he made eye contact with her. “I know.”

She reached out with one hand and placed it on his shoulder, right up close to his neck. He flushed, his face turning red right to the tips of his pointed ears. He averted his eyes, but Nadya moved her hand to beneath his chin and lifted it so that he was forced to look at her again.

“Gion,” she said softly, kneeling to one knee to get closer to his height – though now she was looking up at him – “You have to realize … when I took a second name for myself, it wasn’t because I planned to live my life out on my own, alone for ever … it was to dissuade men like Sheridan from bothering me.”

Gion blinked, wondering if he was understanding her correctly, and his heart raced even faster in his chest.

“You’ve grown into a fine young man, Gion,” Nadya continued, her smile returning as warm as it had been. “Many in your place would have become corrupted, as I know some of your brothers have been. Many in your position would have taken advantage of it, would have taken advantage of your sister’s position on this plantation, and of your position here because of it.”

She slipped one hand into Gion’s and gave it a squeeze. “You’re the most decent man I have ever known, Gion Aldrich,” she murmured, “and I am honoured that you look upon me so.”

Gion swallowed again, waiting for the “but”.

It never came.

“And so I must also admit,” Nadya finished, rising to her feet once more, her eyes never leaving Gion’s, “that I do indeed return your feelings.”

Gion was elated, and his heart raced as Nadya spoke yet once more.

“I also love you.”  

[Children Of The Flame]

Gion nearly floated back to the house. He had remained outside with Nadya for a few more hours, until her returning to work became inevitable, and now he was heading inside to find Daemon once again, eager to share the news, yet wondering just how to do it. He was still downstairs when he reached his mind out to his friend, the physical distance between them no longer meaning anything.

Daemon ...

Gion! Good to hear you. Daemon paused a bit. Gion was still far, but there were wisps of feeling there. Feel better?

Gion surged up the stairs, his brown eyes shining, his grin so wide it nearly hurt his face. Much, he replied to Daemon. Sorry I left you for so long ... we were talking ...

Well you do need to talk at times, I don't mind, Daemon replied happily, after all it was the nature of people to need to chat sometimes and without someone listening in. He was just glad that Gion was able to do so, it meant good things.

Gion opened the door to his room and slipped inside, then picked up the sword off his bed and strapped it onto his back. You're not even going to ask how it went? he asked, somewhat surprised. Then again, Daemon was in his head - he probably already knew.

And sound like a hen clucking for gossip? Daemon inquired back with a bit of humour. Only if you want to say something about it.

Gion chuckled inwardly. He hadn't heard that phrase before, but he could imagine its meaning. After all, he saw the chickens out in the barn nearly every day: he knew how they acted. Apparently no chance at all is more than enough, he told his friend elatedly. She loves me ...

Daemon was quite pleased to hear that. It wasn’t that he had been scrying, it was just that he liked it that Gion was finding his place in the world. Nadya would be good for him and the other way around. That's wonderful! For both of you.

Gion was still grinning, though his thoughts were running amok on him. Are you up for another trip soon? he asked. Not yet, but in a week or so? Just a short one, and we'll be coming back here almost right away. There are just some things I need to do in the city.

Sure, Daemon replied. If it's not as long as you say then it should not be problem. He was sort of curious as to what Gion had in mind, especially since they hadn't set foot in the city for quite a long while. What are you doing?

Just picking up some things, Gion replied. I think I'm going to be living out here permanently, so I just need to get some stuff. Though there was nothing he could name at the moment, despite having a few things in mind.

True... good point. Daemon hadn't thought of that, but of course Gion would probably want to live here at least for longer periods of time.

Then again, Gion mused, We've been here for a year already - it's the longest we've been in one place ... ever. Not that that was a bad thing. We'll leave tomorrow, he decided. After breakfast.

Has it been that long already? Daemon was surprised at times how quickly the years passed, especially since now he was fully aware of the passing of time... well with Gion's help anyhow.

Gion laughed inwardly. You have no idea how long it took me to admit how I felt about Nadya. I have yet to speak with her parents, but I know it will be fine for me to live her permanently. After all, my sister owns the plantation - though I know it's not only for that reason that they wouldn't mind me staying. Nadya says she'll speak with them tonight, I don't know whether she wants me there for that or not ... I'll see.

He paused to think about it. Likely.

It would perhaps be the best course of action, both of you talking to her parents. Though Daemon thought it should turn out well, seeing as her parents did already know Gion and his family. Which he knew was the biggest worry, thankfully he didn't have to worry about that with his eldest but he worried about his youngest in that regard.

Yes, Gion agreed. After dinner. You're welcome to be there with us, listen in, offer opinions. He chuckled inwardly.

I would be happy to offer opinions if needed, though you'll be the only one to hear as usual, Daemon replied thoughtfully. He didn't mind, though he was sort of worried that there might be a cultural difference he might not know of yet.

No matter, Gion replied with a grin. That's all I need.  

[Children Of The Flame]

When dinner was over and Gion signed to Lex and Laer that he wanted to speak with them, glancing significantly at Nadya, the two were completely mystified as to what this might be about. To be fair, they were rarely in the house at all, let alone together with Nadya and Gion. Indeed, much of the time they weren’t even at the plantation: it was they who went on deliveries, and they spent most of their time traveling because of it.

While this may not seem to matter much, it was important in one aspect: it meant that they had not learned sign language as their daughter had, and so while Gion would be able to speak with them, it would be difficult because Nadya would have to act as his interpreter for most of it.

Well, he reasoned, that just might be the way things would have to be in the future anyways. Might as well get used to it.

Nadya’s parents led them all into the living room, where Lex and Laer took a seat together on the couch, leaving the two chairs open for Nadya and Gion. The two sat with the chessboard between them, but turned their chairs to face the others. Gion’s eyes flickered to Nadya’s face anxiously as he sat, nervous about the conversation that was about to follow. She, however, seemed as calm as ever, though her eyes were more focused than usual – and brighter.

Now, Gion mused. How to breach the subject at hand.

Start with the words, Nadya and I have something to tell you might be a good start, Daemon offered, knowing how this went. Dear deities above and below he had nearly had a heart attack facing Yumi’s grandmother for the first time. At least Gion didn’t have to face a plucky old woman who just happened to be clan head. No point beating around the bush, otherwise explaining will take forever.

Gion agreed silently and brought up his hands and began to sign – to Nadya, of course, since she was the only one present who would be able to understand him.

The corners of Nadya’s lips turned up in a faint smile, and she nodded slowly to him before turning to face her parents.

“Mother,” she murmured in that soft, smooth voice Gion loved to listen to, “Papa … Gion and I would like to tell you something.”

Lex and Laer exchanged a glance, not quite sure what to expect. More trouble, perhaps, since their daughter’s tone of voice was rather ominous.

Gion wished briefly that he could dispel their doubts. He recognized the look they shared. But voiceless, he could do nothing. Only with Daemon could he speak using his mind.

Nadya, however, was quick to relieve them. “Nothing is wrong,” she said quickly, smiling warmly. “There’s nothing to fear. I only wished to tell you – and have Gion here with me so that we might both tell you – that I love him, and he me. I know you have oft been gone and would likely not know what others may have observed … and so we wished to tell you … together.”

Gion looked at Lex and Laer to see their reactions, half-afraid of what he might see there. But they appeared pleased – if not surprised.

“Then the name you have taken for yourself,” Lex said hesitantly, looking at his daughter with confused eyes, “you … meant nothing by it?”

Nadya laughed, a light clear sound. “Papa,” she smiled, appearing amused, “I took it that I not be targeted by those who work here, who pass through. And for the most part it worked: save the trouble with Sheridan last year, I have remained free from harassment. I did not mean by it that I would remain alone my whole life through. Indeed, I don’t know how anyone could be alone for immortality. I wanted the choice to love whom I would. And I did – I do. I have chosen.”

Laer gazed at Gion, trying to hide her emotions. He could tell, though, from her aura and his instincts, what her thoughts were, and he brought up his hands to sign his defense immediately.

Nadya translated for him. “When Gion confessed his love to me,” she told her parents, her eyes fixed on Gion’s hands, “he expected nothing more than to be rejected. He thought as you did: that I meant never to love, never to marry. But he had to let me know what he was feeling.”

She lifted her eyes to her parents as Gion lowered his hands to his lap. “He exercised no force,” she assured them. “He made no mention of his station. He made no presumptions, no claims, and even told me that he was fully expecting to be laughed at. Mother, his heart is true.”

Gion didn’t know whether it was because he still looked so young to them, or if it was because Nadya’s taking a second name for herself had left them completely unprepared for anything like this, but for some reason, he knew, they were having trouble accepting what was happening.

Lex seemed fine. His expression was still curious, still surprised, but also pleased. However Laer, despite Nadya’s reassurances, appeared unconvinced. Gion wondered briefly what he could do to convince her of his sincerity. How could he make her believe the truth?

Nadya rose from her seat abruptly, ending the conversation then and there. “Believe what you will,” she said softly to her mother, “but don’t forget. I see more than anyone else. I know more than most will ever learn in their lifetime. It is impossible to fool me – I can always tell when someone is lying. Whether you believe us or not, he loves me, and I him.”

She reached down and took Gion’s hand, tugging him gently to his feet. Gion blinked, surprised by the sudden action, but did as she bid him silently.

“In time,” she murmured, still looking at her mother, “you will come to see the truth. You will cease to be afraid.”

And with that, she touched one hand to the small of Gion’s back and led him towards the stairs.  

[Children Of The Flame]

It had been years since Gion had been in the city at all, let alone seen his friend Aranhil. Sadly, it wasn’t a social visit that brought him to finally see his friend – but that wasn’t to say that he wasn’t going to take advantage of the situation and get a good visit in anyways.

The city was pretty much the same as it had been when he had left all those years ago. The difference was, now he was looking at it through the experienced eyes of a traveler, one who knew what it was to take a life – several, in fact – one who had lost all his childish innocence. What he once viewed as the white marble walls that adorned the city with their luster he now viewed as being quite possibly not strong enough to hold out the horrors of the real world. The people that traveled the streets, he had once seen as possible friends – now he saw them as potential threats, a reason to be wary.

He hated the way things had changed.

But the matter of the fact was, he no longer felt safe in the city, where there were so many people, where an attack could come, undetected, at any time, any place. His only consolation was that Daemon was with him, and well able – and likely – to warn of any impending attack. Not that it was likely. He was just paranoid, and he knew it. Then again, he hadn’t been bestowed with the name “Hadorên” for no reason.

He was greeted with a cheerful “Hello!” when he entered, and he smiled and gave the shop a cursory glance to make sure there were no threats waiting for him. Aranhil was the only person in the shop, his aura a pale blue, and Gion relaxed and waited for his friend to join him.

“Prince Gion,” Aranhil smiled warmly, making his way over to him. Time, kind to most immortals, had taken a toll on the man. Though not weatherworn as some elves became, usually through years of travel, his eyes were nevertheless haunted in a way that almost scared Gion, who knew what the man had been like before. “How can I help you?”

Gion smiled easily, hiding his shock, and brought up his hands to sign, I need a ring – a proposal ring.

Aranhil stopped in his tracks and blinked, more shocked at the news than Gion had been at his appearance. “You’re getting married?” he gasped, brown eyes wide. “To who?”

Gion grinned proudly then, though he felt his face flushing at the same time. Nadya, he replied happily. If she’ll have me. She loves me, and I her – I know that much. It won’t be for a while yet, but hopefully someday … He trailed off pointedly.

Aranhil smiled warmly, and his eyes sparkled with newfound life. “That’s great,” he told his friend happily. “I’m glad for you! Is there anything in particular that you have in mind?” He gestured towards the display of items to the far side of the front window, where his best works were displayed.

Gion ignored his outstretched hand. I’d like something custom designed, if that’s all right, he signed seriously. Would that be all right?

Aranhil was amazed. He knew that Gion had basically disowned his family after they had banished Elnara all those years ago, but wouldn’t that have meant leaving his fortune behind as well? Where would he get the gold to pay for a custom work from Aranhil? They were the most expensive in the Four Lands – as well as the most beautiful.

Gion read his thoughts by the expression on his face. I can pay, he assured his old friend quickly, then reached for his bag. I’ve spent the last several years … saving.

Well, collecting from the men who tried to kill him, but Aranhil was neither traveler nor fighter – he wouldn’t care to hear the details.

Aranhil smiled, relieved that he wouldn’t have to turn his friend down.

“All right then,” he said warmly. “What did you have in mind?”