Champions

Laurena was growing increasingly unhappy. She had grown to like Zaffre, despite her initial feelings, because she soon realized that the woman had no designs on the Champion. She was just a naturally joyful and charming person, and what the acolyte had initially seen as flirting was really just the woman being herself. The source of Laurena's displeasure was David's growing affection towards Sapphire. She had not believed the other woman to be a threat to her designs on the Champion. Yet, Laurena noticed how much she was enjoying his attention now.

Unknown to the trio, Zaffre could easily identify the feelings of all three. While she was not a very accomplished empath, it didn't exactly require magic to read their expressions and body language during the meal. She had suspected her daughter had burgeoning feelings for the soldier, and had chosen the stories she did for a reason. She wanted to give the man a different image of her daughter than the hardened exterior she normally displayed. If the increasing attention he had begun to show Sapphire was any indication, it seemed to have worked. Unfortunately, it appeared that there was more between David and Laurena than her daughter had first led her to believe. She spent most of the meal secretly observing him, and did not seem pleased by his attentiveness toward her daughter.

Long after the meal was finished, they remained seated around the table listening to Zaffre. But eventually the long day caught up with them. After David's third yawn she decided to call the night to a close.

"Well it is late, and it seems you could all use a good night's sleep. So I think we should call it a night," Zaffre said with a gentle smile. "Will you be leaving in the morning, or can I persuade all of you to stay an extra day? I so rarely get time with my daughter these days."

"David is in quite a hurry..." Sapphire started to say before David interrupted her.

"I think we can easily stay an extra day Zaffre. Sapphire tells me that you taught her everything she knows about magic; and I would like to spend some time discussing a few ideas I have, as well as trying out the ones you think might work," David interjected.

"David, Eros is waiting for your arrival. Do you really thing taking a day off is a good idea?" Sapphire inquired of him meaningfully.

He thought about it for a moment. He wasn't really a fan of this world. But this had been the nicest evening he'd had since his mom died. The entire time Zaffre was talking he had been absorbed in the stories. Even when talking to her of his world he had focused on all of the best parts, barely mentioning Afghanistan.

As odd as it seemed to him, this place didn't feel like a stranger's house in a different world. It was a nice place where he could actually relax. A place where he could learn more about actual magic (something he had always fantasized about as a kid). It was a place with a quiet room, a nice meal, and pleasant company; a place where he actually felt like someone genuinely wanted him to be there.

It felt like home.

*** Chapter 21: Research, and Developments ***

180800MAR13 DW

Sapphire's home, on the road to Exitibus (Day 5), Erosius

They decided to stay an extra day. Specifically, David decided to stay an extra day, and Sapphire and Laurena were unable to convince him otherwise. They certainly tried hard, but he was unmoved by their claims of how important their quest was. Sure Eros and Laurena wanted him to travel to the Field of Woe, and Sapphire wanted to get to Exitibus to begin her investigations, but David wanted a damned day off. So they each went to their beds that night, and got a restful night sleep. David had 'the dream' again, but his M9 was within easy reach so he just rolled back over and went back to sleep. He was used to it by now.

The next morning they all met Zaffre in the kitchen for an amazing breakfast, then David and Zaffre went to her workshop to discuss some of his ideas and craft a few that would work. Sapphire and Laurena remained behind to clean up and relax. Once they were finished Sapphire inquired of Laurena if there was anything she wished to do on their day of enforced leisure.

"I'd actually like to just sit and talk with you for a few moments if you're willing?" Laurena said to her.

"Okay," Sapphire replied, not certain what the two would possibly talk about, but determined to be a good host.

"What are your thoughts about David?" Laurena asked.

"He's not what I expected of a Champion," the Dracian began cautiously. "While he certainly possesses more than enough magical power - and he is quite capable of dealing with conflict - he has little respect for the beliefs that are the driving force of your god.

"He is no stranger to violence, and has a noticeable disregard for the laws and customs of this land. He sees many of the things your religion values as either naïve or ridiculous, and has no difficulty voicing his opinions on those issues. Also, his sense of right and wrong is constantly at odds with yours. While this is most noticeable in his ability to assess and sometimes disregard the value of a person's life, it is also noticeable in his feelings about the sexual nature of some of your god's practices.

"Yet, he also has many of the qualities often associated with past Champions. He is intelligent and sociable. He is capable of working effectively as both an individual, and in a team. He is a leader. He is also attractive and charming in his own way."

While Laurena agreed with everything Sapphire had said, her last statement was the only part that she cared about at the moment.

"Are you attracted to him?" she asked, trying to mask her own feelings.

Sapphire hesitated before answering. She was aware there was conflict between Laurena and David, but she had initially thought it was because of her role in enforcing his penance. But the way that the woman had asked that last question had her re-evaluating her assumptions. Was she attracted to him? Yes, but she didn't want to discuss it with the acolyte.

Laurena did not like the Sapphire's hesitancy on the matter. She still had plans for David, and while they had almost been derailed in Wolfsvale, Astinus had assured her that the Champion had feelings for her. She wanted him to join her for Eros' Blessing, because he was a Champion of her god and would soon be in a position of great importance. But she also wanted him because he was attractive. Unlike some of the men that attended services at The Great Temple - who tried so hard to look perfect - he did not care how others viewed him. He was handsome, but it was in a rugged, effortless way. He would spend nearly an hour every morning inspecting his bag, weapons, and mount, but only a few minutes checking his face and hair in his small hand mirror, and most of that was spent shaving. And he was absolutely self-assured; his belief in himself and his ability to take charge of a situation was sexy as hell.

"Not really," Sapphire lied carefully. "I enjoy his company, and he is an engaging student, but I really have no interest in a relationship at the moment."

Laurena was unsure how much of that to believe, but she figured there was an easy way to dig further.

"Then will you help me with him?" she asked. "I could tell he liked me when we first met, but he did not react well to seeing me participate in the Blessings of Eros. He has had more than a few harsh words for me since, but he has been nicer to me lately. I think if I can regain his attentions I will have a better chance of reaching him. Astinus is worried that David's anger will be his undoing, and the priest feels that if the Champion can learn to embrace the love of Eros it would help to resolve his anger."

Sapphire didn't like that idea, for a multitude of reasons. David had a right to his anger, just as she had a right to her own. It was neither Astinus' nor Laurena's place to try to 'fix' either of them. Also, she had learned over the last few days how much the Champion valued his current religion. She had no desire to set aside her beliefs, so why should she help this woman convince David to set aside his? Finally, she did not like the idea of the acolyte playing with the man's affections. She liked him. He was a good man, and deserved to be with someone that would cherish his many wonderful qualities.

Unfortunately, she also understood her relationship with Laurena could rapidly deteriorate if she refused this request. They still had nearly two weeks on the road together before she could deliver them to their destination.

"What exactly did you have in mind?" Sapphire finally asked her cautiously.

***

David and Zaffre worked in her shop the entire day, into the late evening. He learned a variety of important lessons. First, he learned that enchanting was a very complex process, that required writing the words of the enchantment on an item, then imbuing the item with the magic to power it over a long period of time. Pushing too much magic into an item too quickly could cause it to become unstable, and be destroyed. If he needed results quickly he could simply cast a spell on the item, but the spell would be powered by the magic within him, not the item.

He also learned that enchantments of this nature were often weaker than something he could cast outright, since the enchantment was permanent rather than temporary. However, this could be overcome by continuously pushing magic into the enchantment over weeks and years (depending on the complexity and amount of power needed) until it reached the desired power. The saddle bags that Sapphire carried had taken Zaffre nearly a year to craft, and she had continued to power them every few week for almost twenty years before they reached their current strength.

Next, David learned the best wording and phrase selection for protective enchantments, as well as those to create sharper and more durable tools, which he used to create a new fighting knife. Conjuring the knife and enchanting it was a challenge, but after a few failed attempts he was able to produce something he liked and could start to imbue with enough magic to power the enchantments he selected, which were increased durability and sharpness. If it worked he would craft something he had always wanted since he was a child.

"Ever since I was kid, I have always wanted a matched pair of swords, which will never rust, never break or chip, never lose their edge, and can cut through anything," he had confessed to Zaffre as they worked on the knife.

"I do not know if these enchantments will be strong enough to do that, but they are the only ones that I know of which are close," Zaffre had responded.

He also learned that it is much easier to recreate something that to conjure it from his imagination. Aware of his ammunition limitations he had tried to conjure a bullet for his side arm. After the fifth failed attempt he eventually pulled a round out of the M9's magazine, pulled it apart with some tools, and conjured each of the separate components individually. Unfortunately, he had no way to reassemble the individually conjured components into a working round. It took him nearly three hours to 'teach' his magic how to conjure a fully assembled and functioning 9mm round. Thankfully, it worked.

As David walked with Zaffre back to the main house at the end of a very productive day, he lamented that with as much trouble as he had conjuring a simple 9mm round, there was no way he would be able to craft a lightsaber.

***

At dinner that evening David was less than pleased with the atmosphere. Laurena and Sapphire appeared to have had some kind of talk during the day, and David was not entirely sure he liked the end result. Laurena seemed rather pleased with herself, and was being more forward with him again; while Sapphire was acting reserved once more.

He didn't mind Laurena's attempts to draw him into conversation during the meal. He had begun to resolve his anger toward her, and found that he could stand her company well enough if they didn't discuss Erosian religion. But Sapphire's new mood was disheartening.

Laurena eventually convinced David to tell them all stories of his world. It took a bit of effort, but he eventually agreed after seeing the look of enthusiasm on Sapphire's face. At that moment, he would do anything to make her happy.

He decided to explain the concept of movies, and then regaled them with some of his favorites. He chose to stick with storylines that they would understand, so he told them about the Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae (aka 300), Spartacus (Kirk Douglas version), Gladiator, and his all time favorite in that category Clash of the Titans (the original not that unwanted abortion of a remake). He thought about telling them J.R.R. Tolkien's works, but he hadn't read the books in a while and he refused to violate them by getting even a single detail wrong...the movies had already done enough damage. The women appreciated his storytelling abilities, and he soon realized that in their society he was essentially their version of television.

Well, if I can't get out of here maybe I can make money as a Bard, he thought to himself.

David soon realized that he was more tired than he should have been, and after apologizing for his fifth yawn Zaffre explained that he had expended a great deal of magical energy that day, so it was natural for his body to be tired. Nodding in agreement, and filing that information away for later, David bid the ladies good night and went to bed early.

After his departure Zaffre turned to the two younger women and spoke. "Well, it is rather obvious that he was the topic of your discussion today. Care to share your juicy gossip with an old lady?" she teased them.

Laurena was disinclined to discuss the matter with the woman, but her daughter had no such issues. "We talked about David, mother," Sapphire told her. She explained everything that Laurena had told her, to include Astinus' theory on why David felt the way he did, and then informed her of the acolyte's plan. "She wants me to work at explaining her actions in the context of her religion. I agreed to try to present what happened in a context he may be more receptive to. That is essentially my penance after all."

Zaffre nodded in agreement with her daughter's assessment. Unfortunately, she knew her daughter far better than anyone else, and could see that this plan for David did not appeal to the younger Dracian.

"What do you think of the idea?" Laurena inquired of her warily.

"I believe it would be good for David to gain better control of his anger," Zaffre began, "but I am unsure if this plan will produce the results you desire. My advice is to be honest with him. David seems to be a thoughtful and intelligent young man, and he responds well to open and honest dialog. Try to avoid 'convincing' him and instead talk to him in a rationally. It would appear that he responds rather poorly to manipulation," she finished, with a significant look at Laurena.

The young acolyte had the good sense to be embarrassed by that statement. It did not change her plans at all, but she was becoming more conscious of the cost of failure.

Zaffre then chose to change the subject, but resolved to discuss the issue with Sapphire in private later.

***

Hearing a light knock on her door, Sapphire opened it to see her mother standing outside her bedroom.

"Can we talk a few moments daughter?"

"Certainly," she replied, opening the door fully and stepping out of the way.

Zaffre moved into the room and sat on her bed, patting the space on the comforter next to her and giving Sapphire a significant look.

Some things never change, Sapphire thought to herself as she closed the door and sat beside her mother.

"I can clearly see that something is bothering you dear," Zaffre began the conversation.

Looking at her mother Sapphire realized it was pointless to argue. Her mother had always been able to read her moods, and the younger woman had no desire to debate the issue anyway. "Yes mother," she replied, "I don't like Laurena's plotting regarding David. Her reasons for what she is doing ring false, and he is a good man that deserves better than that."

"I see, and who is this better person that he does deserve?" her mother asked her slyly.

"I didn't mean he deserves someone better mother, I meant he deserves to be treated better," Sapphire responded with an exasperated sigh. "He is far too good of a person, and noble of character to be manipulated by someone that has ulterior motives."

"And how do you know she has ulterior motives?"

"It's obvious!" Sapphire exclaimed in annoyance.

"Really? He does not seem to notice it," Zaffre commented.

"He is oblivious," her daughter snapped. "I could probably stand naked in front of him and he would ask me if I needed to borrow a shirt."

"I see. And how often to you dream of standing naked in front of him?" her mother teased her.

"I don't, and that wasn't my point," she said defensively.

"No my dear, but that is my point," Zaffre explained. "You like him, and it is pretty obvious to me. I can also tell that he likes you as well, and Laurena knows it. The question is what are you going to do about it?"

Sapphire realized she didn't know, and that was the issue. She was fond of the man, but she had never had any interest in pursuing a relationship before. She wasn't even sure she wanted one now. She just didn't want to see David with Laurena. The very idea of it made her blood boil.

"I don't know," she finally admitted. "I don't want to fall in love with a man just to watch him die. Worse, I don't want to lose him knowing I will also have to watch my own children die a few years later." She paused when she realized she had just told her mother her biggest fear was living the same life of pain that she did. "I'm sorry mom," she said horrified at her blunder, "I didn't mean to say that."

Smiling at her kindly, Zaffre reached over and hugged her daughter, "Dear, it is okay. I ran from your father at first too. Why do you think I chose to leave Dracian lands and move to the middle of nowhere? I hated the idea that I was stuck either choosing another half-Dracian as my mate, watching a human mate wither and die along with my children and my grandchildren, or forcing a full Dracian to endure the same. If it wasn't for your father's persistence I would still be living here like a hermit."

"Then why did you marry him?" Sapphire asked her, pained by the knowledge that one day her mother would have to watch her die.

"Because I loved him," she replied simply. "It was one of the hardest decisions I ever made, and the day we wed was the second happiest day of my life."

"Second?" Sapphire inquired.

"Yes. The happiest was the day you were born," her mother replied with a wistful smile. "That day I realized a very important thing. As long as you lived, I would get to keep a part of your father with me. Marcus may have been gone these last two years, but long as I have you, I have a part of him."

"But someday I will be gone too. Then what?"

"Then I cherish the happiest memories of my life with the both of you, and share them with my grandchildren whenever I can," Zaffre said.

"But what if I don't want children? What if I never marry?" Sapphire pressed the issue.

"Then you are an idiot, and not the daughter I raised you to be," she replied gently.

Shocked by her response, Sapphire simply stared at her mother.

"What? Did you expect me to say something different?" Zaffre said kindly. "You and your father have been the best part of my 137 winters, and the idea that you would refuse to have that kind of joy in your life simply because you are afraid to lose it is idiotic. You are allowing fear to steal the best part of living from you, and you are letting it go without a fight. Besides, he is a Champion of Eros. He could easily out live me," she added.