Gemini- Part Two

Raucous laughter greeted Gemini as he entered the Seven Sisters Inn. Sighing, he ignored the drunk men and women as they eyed the newcomer, and raised a hand in the air to signal the innkeeper.

Fortunately, the innkeeper seemed to be another of the no-nonsense types that Gemini could actually respect, unlike the last ten or so inns he had stayed in on the way here.

To think I would end up so far away from home, he thought, and still living to tell the tale.

It had been roughly four months since he had first run from his home, the reason still somewhat hidden in the shadows of the night and refusing to come out where he could see it. He knew that it was because of the strange, two-Aura that radiated around him whenever he called it out- or someone else did, since that happened far more often- but why he had that Aura, what it meant, was still unknown. Shaking his head once, he returned his attention to the innkeeper, a man named Kitros.

"We've got plenty space for those who can pay," he was saying. "It costs an Onar for the room and meal."

"Onar?" Gemini asked, incredulous. "A whole ten Arivs for a room and meal? I shall be broke by the end of the week with that price."

"No other inn around here costs so low and generously for wandering boys," Kitros pointed out.

Gemini winced- the man spoke true. Just that day he'd been in two other inns that had paid more than an Onar, or a silver. Once it had even been a Solra, a gold coin. Gemini had left that man without bothering to haggle for a lower price- it hadn't been worth it, since the inn had been filthy anyway. Looking around now, he decided that hygiene agreed with this place, and an Onar would be worth it compared to anywhere else. At least for tonight.

"Alright, as long as I get a bath with my meal and room," Gemini said.

"Do you think we can spoil you with such a mere coin as an Onar?" the innkeeper asked.

Gemini smiled. "My good man, you said yourself that you were the most generous inn around."

Kitros frowned, then after a moment nodded his consent. "Very well, boy. An Onar for a meal, bath, and room. Pay in advance, please." He held out a hand to receive the silver coin desired.

Gemini pulled out his purse, frowned at what remained in it- he had very little now- and handed the man an Onar. He glanced at what was left- merely a handful of Arivs- and decided he would have to do something about getting some money when the opportunity arrived. And, he hoped, that opportunity would come soon.

"Why don't you sit down, sir, and we can get you something to eat," a serving girl said at his left. Turning, Gemini smiled and let himself be led to a table. "Now, what would you like?"

"What does this inn have in late June?" Gemini asked.

"Oh, the innkeeper's son just killed a deer today, he did! Would you like some of that?"

"Please. And if you have it, I'd like some kind of vegetable on the side, or cheese and bread if that's all."

"And a drink, sir?"

"Just water tonight."

"Alright." She smiled. "Leastwise you're not taking too much advantage of that Onar already given."

He just shrugged and returned to his thoughts. As the serving girl walked away he wondered how everyone was doing back home.

It's been so long, and to think Mar said I couldn't come back unless someone sent for me. Since I'm halfway across Carinae itself, I'm not gonna get back until much later, he thought, and accepted the water he was giving by the girl. Sipping from the mug, Gemini continued his reasoning. At least Mia won't have to worry about marrying me, at least for a few more years. Heavens, did I just say years? No one would recognize me if and when I got back home in a 'few years'!

Then, something else intruded on his thoughts. A young woman roughly his age came into the common room of the Seven Sisters, looking around with a mix of curiosity, fear, and determination in her gaze. They locked eyes, and Gemini nodded to the empty seat beside him. After a moment of watching him like a wary prey watching a predator, she walked over to where his table was and sat across from him.

The young woman had blonde hair that fell to her shoulders, let free unlike most girls with that length of hair or longer. Her eyes were a soft blue-green that seemed to easily show her emotions, though what she was thinking wasn't all that clear right then. She wore the usual riding dress and boots, and she was resting her hand on a staff by her side. An unusual traveler, he observed.

They had one thing in common already.

"You look like you traveled miles, miss," he said politely.

"I have." She eyed him. "But you seem to have traveled farther."

"From the southwest end of Carinae," he admitted.

Her eyes widened. "That far? You seem to like wandering."

"I would if I didn't have to do it."

"Ah."

There was silence a while, then the serving girl from before walked over and placed a platter of steaming meat onto the table before Gemini. "Here's your dinner, sir, enjoy," she said, and walked away.

Gemini began to help himself as the young woman watched him with a wistful look on her face. "That looks good," she said.

"It is. Have you money?"

She gave him another wary look.

"I only ask because it costs an Onar here to have a meal and a room," he explained.

"Oh. Well, no, I only have a handful of Ariv now," she said.

"Same here," he admitted. "I'm going to have to find some sort of job soon or I won't get into any inn anywhere."

She nodded. "I will too."

After a moment, Gemini eyed his plate, then carefully cut the meat in half. He pushed it to one side of the plate, ate his share, then offered it to her. "You look hungry, and I am not. Want it?"

"I am not a beggar!"

"No, but you are hungry and with money that has to last a while. Do you want it?"

She looked down at the plate, then took it and yelled, "I need utensils!" The serving girl hurried over, much to the dismay of a drunk man who had been talking to her, and handed her a clean knife and fork, taking Gemini's with her as she left.

When the young woman finished, she let out a muffled, "Thank you."

"Mmm," was his reply.

"Are you staying here for the night?"

"I am."

"I see. Then I hope you manage to find money of a sort before an inn kicks you out." The young woman stood, and headed back to the door. However, before she was out the door, she paled and walked back in towards her abandoned seat. "I think I'll stay here a while," she explained, eyeing the door uneasily.

"Alright," Gemini said, and watched the door for whatever it was that kept her from leaving with his hand on the hilt of his sword- somehow, he had managed to go through fight after fight without ever actually using it. Instead, he would always 'black out' and use some sort of force to call lightning.

And those dream meetings with the man- who's name he STILL didn't know- were not really helping in those matters. Normally, it was just enter, have one question answered, and leave whether he wanted to or not. That was the part he hated- having only a vague answer to a question and leaving without being able to get a better answer out of the man. A lot of times he would have cheerfully strangled him, if he hadn't been the only clue he had to what his purpose in life was.

After a few moments, a few soldiers poked their heads into the door of the inn, eyeing everyone carefully. They had been born as Strategists, or Warriors who had a bit more brains than they did brawn. These were the ones who almost always ended up as a general, after a few years of guarding one city or another from the usual criminals.

The young woman beside him stiffened, her hand on her staff tightening. Gemini found himself doing the same to his sword hilt, his grip so tight that his knuckles were becoming white with the strain. Forcing himself to calm down, he forced himself to appear casual- after all, they couldn't be after him since he hadn't done anything in this place- and drank what was left of the water in his mug. It was now warm, causing Gemini to make a face at the taste and cough.

Finally, the soldiers spotted their table and walked over. "Well, if it isn't that girl we was looking for," one said, leaning against the table. "Why don't you come with us, now, before you get into any more trouble."

The young woman said, "I... don't know what you're talking about, sirs."

"Of course not. That's why we always have to announce the arrest," the second said, and cleared his throat. "Ahem. You are under arrest for taking the life of a soldier on duty. If you come quietly, your penalty will not be as serious."

She looked from one to the other, a helpless look coming onto her face, then she whipped her staff out from herself, thrusting it into the stomach of the first soldier, then sweeping the second down to the floor. Standing, she assumed a fighting stance with the staff, readying for them to attack.

Gemini stood with her, and grabbed her by the arm. "Let's go!" he said, and dragged her out of the room, knocking the last soldier over with a punch. She obediently followed him as the first two began to stand.

~*~

Gemini sighed as they reached the wooded area just outside the city, and sat down by a tree. "That was a close call, and I didn't even get to sleep there," he said aloud. Then he shrugged. "Oh well, I am used to sleeping outside."

"I am as well," the young woman agreed, sitting down near him. "Ah... thank you for getting me out of there, but why did you do so?"

"You were just standing there, and if anyone caught you with three knocked out soldiers they'd assume the worst and arrest you for that." He paused. "Did you really kill a soldier?"

She looked away. "I'd rather not talk about it."

"Fine, that's fine," he assured her. "Just curious, miss...?"

The young woman looked surprised. "Oh, I haven't said my name yet! I'm Tari," she said.

"Gemini."

The two clasped hands briefly.

"Well, guess neither of us will be able to find a job in that city," Gemini said with a laugh.

"Guess not."

There was silence for a few minutes as each considered what to do, then Tari turned to Gemini. "Can I travel with you a while, Gemini? We could pool our Ariv together to make enough money to stay at another inn next chance we get."

"An inn?" Gemini looked up at the sky, which was beginning to show the stars. "I don't know about that, but for supplies I would be happy to share. I haven't talked to many for a while, but... I think we can travel, Tari."

She smiled. "I'm glad. I haven't talked to that many folk in a while, either. We can relearn to talk together."

Gemini smiled back, and turned to the skies again. "Heavens, I will be glad to not talk like an idiot before someone else," he said aloud. Within, he thought of other things.

This will be like traveling with Thomas was, he thought, except that Tari is a woman, and not a merchant. Well, she doesn't look it anyway. I'd guess she was a Druid... Heavens! We didn't have to say our Aura! He glanced at her. Well, she does look a bit younger than me, perhaps she does not have her Aura yet. With that thought comfortably in his mind, he decided that travelling with someone else would not be a problem.

At least, until the subject of cooking came up.

~*~

"What do you mean I have to cook?" Tari fumed while Gemini cleaned a fish he had caught.

"Travelling with a partner is a fifty-fifty kind of deal," he explained patiently. "I make camp, catch and clean dinner, and take one watch. You clean up camp, cook, and take the other watch. It's that simple."

"But, I.. I cannot cook! What do you expect me to do with this fish?!" she demanded.

"Well, you hold it over the fire a while until it looks done, then check it, then keep doing that until it is done. Then eat it."

"If it's so simple, YOU do it."

"Well, I would but you'd have to take two watches or make the next camp."

Her face fell. "Come on, Gemini, I cannot cook at all!" she begged.

Just like I couldn't watch a pair of energetic horses while Thomas slept, he thought, and chuckled at the memory.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing. Look, I'll watch you and keep you from burning the food. It's not too hard."

Grumbling, Tari took the fish and set it up the way Gemini instructed. Then, she watched and waited as the fish cooked slowly. Gemini also waited, checking his swords for signs of wear and rubbing at some spots with a rag irritably. After a while, he glanced over and hollered for Tari to take the fish away from the fire and she did so as fast as possible. Gemini walked over and checked the fish to find it a bit burned, but still edible. He told Tari so as he ate his part and had to duck when she aimed a mock- punch at his head.

"Well, what do we do now?" Tari asked as they finished.

"You can do what you wish," Gemini said, "but I will be practicing my sword." With that, he took up his weapon and walked a bit away from the camp, then began to do the forms that Mar had taught him ever since he was a young boy. Rising Sun, Lazy Man Unbuttons Coat, Placid River... Gemini went on with the forms, going from one to the other and back again until he was drenched in sweat and unable to move without a muscle protesting.

Tari watched him as he walked back to his place at camp. "You are a good swordsman," she commented.

"Thanks."

"I recognized a couple of your forms, like the Lazy Man Buttons Coat-"

"No, it's Unbuttons Coat, not buttons."

"Really? My teacher called it that name with 'buttons.'"

"Oh well." Gemini shrugged as he sat down. "Names change slightly when one goes from a place to another."

"True," she agreed. "Well, Gemini, I am going to sleep now. Wake me for my watch."

"I will," Gemini said.

~*~

:You've done it,: the man said when Gemini came in later that night.

:Did what?:

:Two things, Gemini, you did two things- one, you actually managed to come on time. Now we have more time to talk. Two, you managed to meet someone without chasing them off with your Aura. That's a good thing, since you'll need her later on.:

:Need her for what?:

:For what you are meant to do.:

:And what would that be?:

:I admit, you are getting better at making me answer questions. But that is not for me to tell you.:

:Is it for Tari to tell?:

:Hmm? Partially, along with others you will meet.:

:What will they have to do with what I need to do?:

:They will have to do the same thing.:

:And what would that be?:

:Ha!: The man started laughing. :You ARE getting good at pushing me into a corner, aren't you? Don't fear, you'll find out as soon as everyone comes together.:

:How many?:

:I can't tell you that, it would ruin the fun.:

Gemini growled, but the man just shrugged it off. :You are enjoying yourself aren't you?:

:Yes and no. When the time comes where you can have a good time, never pass it up or you may regret it. Remember that, Gemini. I forgot it years ago, and I regret that decision now.: The mirth on the man's face faded as he thought back to whatever had happened then. :But.. that is a story for later on.: He turned and began to glare at the fire, which hadn't much improved since the first meeting. :Damn it, why is it so COLD here?! This is getting ridiculous, it's supposed to be real nice and warm this time of year and I get a load of snow- SNOW!- on my doorstep instead of sun!:

Gemini started. :Where are you?:

:On the last continent you'd think of, Gemini.:

:Please, I don't want to guess. Can you just tell me?:

:Gemini, I can't tell you a lot of things because then things would play out differently and the ending may not be for the best for all of us. I know it's hard on you, but you have to live with it.:

:Well, I have to learn something!:

:True. Trust me, Gemini, when we meet in person I can teach you then. This I promise you.:

:Teach me?:

:Your powers. Don't tell me you have forgotten about them. It's been a while since you last used them, but there will come a time when desperation will not be enough to draw it out.:

:Why can't you teach me now?:

:It's a matter of timing, and a matter of place. Dreams can be VERY complicated, Gemini. In fact, though I think you are hearing every word I say you might, in fact, be hearing something else that you would want to hear instead of what I have to tell you. The same for me, since I am in a trance state myself.:

:Then... tell me how to communicate through dreams?: Gemini asked. It was the first edge he had- he had reason to want to learn it, after all. He wanted so badly to talk to his family, to Mar, to Thomas...

:Hmm... I suppose I could,: the man said. :But then... like I said, Gemini, things will not be taught entirely properly, since you will only hear what you want to.:

:Like I wanted to hear you wouldn't teach me?: Gemini asked.

The man sighed. :Allow me to put it this way,: he said. :The dream lets me send you every word, but not in the way I said it originally. You see, you hear me emphasize more on the things you WANT to hear, and the rest sort of fades into the background.:

:Oh. I see.: Then Gemini smiled. :Guess what? You just gave me a lesson.:

The man turned to look at Gemini for a moment, then smiled back. :So I did. Good for you, you'll do just fine when we begin training in person. Our time is up, though, so I'll speak with you later on.: He waved a hand, and Gemini let himself fall into what he had come to call 'real sleep'.

~*~

Tari shook Gemini awake the next day, murmuring, "Gemini, wake up! It's dawn, we should get moving!"

Gemini sat up, rubbing his eyes and yawning. "I'm up, I'm up," he replied.

"I'm glad. It only took you five minutes, after all," she chuckled. Then she peered at him. "You must have had the most interesting dream, too, since you were tossing and mumbling all night like you were talking to someone."

"Oh. Well, I don't remember it."

"Mine are like that sometimes. Though I wish I could remember them," she sighed. "Oh well. If you do not remember them, it is only more likely that it will occur again."

"Hmm."

The two took off walking, and around midday they reached the village of Tomoe. It was larger than Cygni, that was for sure, but it was still too small to be called a city. There were two inns at least, but neither of the wanderers were looking at those just yet- they were out of options for money. They had to get some sort of temporary job.

But, they had no luck at that time- there were no jobs in the village that could be done for 'just a while'. The ones that could were already taken by older, more experienced men and women who sneered at them as they left, or just gave them sympathetic looks- it all depended upon who had the job.

They gave up for the day and Gemini managed to pool his money with Tari for a good meal at the cheaper of the inns called the Golden Hold. Why it was called such was a mystery to both of them- they were fortunate that the food was good, since everything else was terrible. The service took a lot longer than it should have, the other people there were filthy, and the thought of what the rooms may look like was enough to make Gemini shudder. But, he told himself, at least we were planning to sleep outside the village.

Then, when they had finished their meal and Tari was about to announce that it was time to go, a woman walked into the inn looking around expectantly. Glancing at each other, Gemini and Tari nodded once- a merchant, by her clothing and the air of indifference around her. And she was looking for someone.

It turned out that she was looking for them- she spotted the two wanderers and rushed over to sit with them before either of them could stand and leave. "You are mercenaries?" she asked.

"We are wanderers," Gemini replied. "Why do you ask?"

"Oh," the woman said. Feigning indifference, she began playing with her nails. "I was wondering because of the way you wear your sword, hoping you were a Warrior or Strategist mercenary I could pay to help me..."

At the word 'pay', Tari's head shot up. "Well, we may be able to help," she cut in.

"What are you looking for mercenaries for?" Gemini asked.

"I am travelling into Bolshoi and I need protection- they say the beasts on the borderline between Carinae and Bolshoi are very active this time of year. I needed mercenaries to watch my back and my packs." She eyed the two of them. "How about it? I could pay you both two Onars a week you are with me, and it should take at least three weeks to get to the city in Bolshoi I want to go."

Gemini's heart skipped a beat. Heavens, that meant at LEAST six Onars EACH, and that added up to TWELVE of the precious silver coins, which meant they could be living wealthy in the best inns for at least a month! "It seems like a fair bargain," he said, also feigning indifference.

Tari, however, would have none of the indifference act. "We'll take it!" she announced. "Thank you, we needed a job, and this is the ticket, besides we both would like to see a place out of this country..."

"In that case," the woman said, "My name is Kasha. Meet me at dawn at the entrance to this village and we shall be off. I will pay you when we get to Olnar in Bolshoi." She spat into her palm and held it out to Gemini.

Realizing this was a way of sealing a bargain, he did the same and they clasped hands. "Deal," he replied.

Tari added her own hand on top of both of theirs. "Deal!"

~*~

The next few days went fairly well, after Kasha had decided that Gemini would cook, hunt and clean and Tari would do most of the guarding. Both of them would take a watch during the night, and would report anything strange to her at once. Not that they needed that order to know that...

However, a week into the travel, the wanderers and merchant came across trouble in the midst of nighttime, while Gemini was asleep and Tari on her watch...

~*~

:Is Kasha one of the ones I need in my group?: Gemini asked as he entered.

The man looked up. :What?:

:Kasha, will she stay traveling with me?: Gemini asked again.

:Oh, not too long. I think she will leave as soon as you all get to Olnar.:

Gemini started. :How... did you know?:

The man chuckled. :You think I have stopped checking up on your status in the world? Heading to Bolshoi... I think you will find it interesting there. Very interesting. Your father originated from there. Load of hotheads and idiots there, but your father fortunately never filled your head with such ridiculous notions like 'one country involved, all country involved'.:

:All countries?:

:Yes. That's partially why the War of Heroes was so big. It merely began in Dubhe, then Bolshoi realized something was going on and began to chase out the Living Dead and Lifeless into the seas. Into Zenith and Carinae, too, who weren't too pleased about that. They began a war with Bolshoi, which killed off the remaining Living Dead and Lifeless soon enough, along with many of the men and women with the more... rare Auras.:

:They did? Wow, that's amazing.:

:Truly.: Then the man looked up and around, jerking his head about himself as if searching for something, or listening for something.

:What is it?:

:Gemini, wake up! Your camp is under attack!:

~*~

"GEMINI!" Tari yelled, and the young man woke with a start. "We're under attack!" She was fending off a bandit with a huge sword.

"I noticed," he said in a groggy voice, then woke up all the way as a sword appeared at his neck with a leering bandit. Gemini glared up at him.

"Sorry, boy, you're going to have to go now," the bandit said, and Gemini glanced around for his sword. It was in its sheath, only a few inches away. "Oh, don't bother. I can have my sword in and out of you faster than you can blink."

Gemini smirked. "Really?" With lightning speed, he snatched up his sword with one hand and threw dust into the bandit's eyes with the other. As the bandit stumbled for a moment, cursing, Gemini knocked him out and pulled his sword out of his sheath. Hmm, that was the first time I really had to use that sword... Then he glanced around. "Where's Kasha?!"

"With her wagon and horses!" Tari shouted, and ducked under another bandit to make him hurtle into a nearby tree. "She's in the wagon! We must hurry and help her, or she may get robbed... or worse!"

"Right! I'm already there," Gemini said, and raced towards the wagon, where the horses were rearing up on their hind feet and neighing. The first thing he did was cut the horses free, so they would stop rocking the entire wagon and, possibly, toss it over onto one side. They reared again, then bolted into the woods. Gemini ignored them- they could always search for the horses later- and raced over to the door of the wagon, where Kasha stood with a dagger glaring at a bandit.

"Stay away from me!" Kasha threatened, waving the dagger. Unfortunately, it was obvious she had no idea how to use it.

The bandit smirked, and brandished his sword. "Say goodbye, my dear." With a roar, he leaped up to slash her down.

Realizing he was still too far away, Gemini gave a helpless shout of anguish.

Time slowed.

Without realizing what he was doing, he raised a hand as he shouted, automatically calling upon a power that was getting more familiar. A whisper in the air answered him, then the bandit shrieked as a bolt of lightning came from the skies to hit him square in the chest. After a moment, the bandit was nothing but a pile of ashes. Ironically enough, his sword was left intact.

Time returned to normal.

Gemini took a deep breath, then slid into a sitting position as he stared at the pile of ashes. The remaining bandits were too, and apparently didn't fancy the idea of sharing their comrade's fate. With shrieks of fear, they turned and fled into the woods.

"Gemini...?" Tari asked uncertainly, staring. Her eyes were wide.

Kasha swallowed, then asked, "How... did... you... do that?"

He stood slowly, with his eyes still on the pile of ash, then walked towards it. :It happened again.:

:But of course, and it will keep happening. You're very good at your aiming.:

Gemini stopped. :You're the man from my dream!:

:Of course I am. Who else would be speaking to you?:

:No. I'm going mad. This can't be happening. I can understand you appearing in my dreams, but in real life?:

There was a chuckle as Gemini reached the ash and knelt, touching the sword. :I just haven't contacted you in the 'real world' before now. You will get used to it. Besides, even though I cannot show you anything while you are awake, at least I know my lessons are going through without you filtering out the things you don't want to hear.:

Gemini stroked the blade of the bandit's sword, and it shimmered. Startled, he jerked his hand back. :What was that?!:

:That was one power responding to another. I suggest you take that sword and use it, Gemini. It responds to you better than the one at your waist right now.:

He slowly nodded, then lifted the blade. It shimmered in the moonlight once again. Then he realized that Tari and Kasha were still staring at him.

"You're..." Tari swallowed. "Of the Black too?"

"What do you mean 'too'?" Gemini asked back. "You mean you are...?"

"Yes." She brought up her Aura.

Gemini stared. Closest to her skin was the Blue, a Druid's Aura coloring. But... He frowned and looked more closely. To his surprise, he realized that on the outside of her Blue Aura was a Black! Just like his!

"What on earth is going on?!" Kasha demanded.

"..." Both of them looked at each other helplessly, looking for a way to explain. Then, Gemini asked, "Have you dreamt of the man too?"

"The man? Oh, yes of course. He claims he cannot teach me a thing until I get to wherever he is now, though. And he keeps it a secret!" Her nostrils flared. "What about you?"

"I managed to sneak one little lesson about the 'dream world' from him, but that is it," Gemini replied.

:He was lucky that time,: the man said.

Both started, then glanced at each other. "You heard that too, did you not?" Tari asked.

"I did."

"Oh!" Tari rushed over and embraced Gemini. "I'm so happy, I thought I was the only one in the world with this strange Black Aura. Now we can travel together and watch each other's backs!"

Kasha tapped her foot. "I'm still waiting for an explanation."

Gemini turned to look at her apologetically. "I'm sorry, but I don't have an explanation for this. Only that we've got something that no one else has had for a while."

:A very long while,: the man agreed in their minds. :Roughly four hundred years ago, every one of you were wiped out. I can explain what happened later. For now, continue on to Olnar.:

"Right," Gemini agreed. He pulled out his old sword and discarded it, then placed his new one in his scabbard. The blade slid in without a problem, as though it was made for that sheath. Then he looked at Kasha. "Well, I suppose we might as well get going." He glanced around. "It looks close to dawn anyhow."

"Very well. You're the one who knows what's going on. Let's head on to Olnar in Bolshoi and I can pay you two."

~*~

Olnar was a small village on the edge of the border of Bolshoi near Carinae. But there was something strange about the village that puzzled Gemini. He sniffed the air a few times, then realized that the air smelled cleaner than in the other villages in Carinae.

Noticing his expression, Kasha said, "There are Warriors, Hunters and Healers here, Gemini. Everyone gets into fights quite often. Do you really think the Healers would approve of treating ailments in an unsanitary village?"

"No, I suppose not," he agreed. "But I didn't expect it to smell clean."

"Well, it does. The Healers are quite strict about littering in Bolshoi. That's what half of the fights are about, actually, where a Healer and a Warrior get into an argument and a group of other Warriors who happen to be around with nothing better to do jump in. I suggest you watch where you go here, you two- there are a number of hotheads here."

"Yes." :That is what Thomas said before we parted,: Gemini thought. :I wonder how he's doing...:

"I thank you for your services on the road," Kasha said, breaking off his line of thought. She pulled out a bag and started to count out a number of silver coins. "I believe I owe you twelve Onars in total. Here." She handed all of them to Gemini and nodded her head. "Now I must get on to my business here. I hope you both get where you want to get going." With a nod of her head and a flick of the reins, she and her horses walked off.

"Well, that's over with now," Gemini said. "I don't think I'll want to take orders from anyone again." He glanced at Tari, who was looking around nervously. "What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing." But the look in her eyes told otherwise as she took Gemini by the arm and started to lead him farther into town. "Come on, let's get to an inn and have something to eat."

After a while of wandering around the village, they found an old inn known as the Blue Skies. Entering, Gemini noted that the place was much older than it even looked on the outside- the wood was creaking every time he took a step on it unless it was on a carpet, and he didn't think he wanted to sleep upstairs in this inn. He sat down with Tari and ordered whatever the inn had to eat, then leaned back in his seat.

Almost impulsively, he reached out with his mind and asked, :Are you there?:

There was a long silence, then a voice answered, :Am I where, Gemini?:

:So I DID hear you back there, at the camp.:

:But of course you did. I have every ability and right to speak to you out of your dreams, Gemini. Did you think I couldn't?:

:It was surprising, and you didn't tell me before.:

:You never asked,: the man said glibly. :Now was there something important you wanted to ask me about or were you looking for some social chitchat?:

:It's Tari. She's one who stays with me, isn't she?:

:Bravo. You just noticed. What a bright young man.:

:I wish you wouldn't be so sarcastic, sir. And I also wished you'd tell me who you were so I could put a name to a face.:

"And I wish you two wouldn't keep talking without me involved in it," Tari said irritably. "What, is this a male bonding time?"

"You could tune in on what I was saying to him?" Gemini asked, amazed. "But how?"

Tari looked surprised. "You mean you didn't know, Gemini? It's simple. It's the same way you reached out for the old man's mind to talk with him."

:I don't think I appreciate being called an old man,: he said reprovingly.

"We wouldn't if we knew who you were," Tari said sweetly.

There was a long silence, then a laugh. :Then you can call me Pernai.:

"We can CALL you that? Then it's still not your real name?" Tari demanded. "Whatever is wrong with telling us your name?"

"Tari," Gemini warned softly, glancing around. "There ARE other people here. They may get suspicious if it looks like you are talking to the air. If we speak to Pernai, why don't we use our minds so they won't know?"

:Better yet, how about you two leave me to my devices?: Pernai asked, then was gone.

"Well, that went well," Tari observed. She looked up and thanked the serving boy who gave them their wine, and took a sip. "I wish he'd stop hiding who he was. I've been pushing at him for so long."

"I have too," Gemini agreed. "He just doesn't wish to give himself away, I think."

"How long have you had your Aura, Gemini?"

Gemini glanced around in case someone was close by, then answered, "Only about a half year. I got it and then I had to flee my old home." :Home,: he thought. :I wonder how everyone is doing back in my old village...:

~*~

Nevaii sat in his usual chair with his face in his hands, sitting perfectly still even as his wife walked past with some tea in her hands. Lyrae, noting his posture, shook her head.

"He still hasn't returned," Nevaii said in a low voice. "Neither my son or my old friend Mar."

"Nevaii, worry not. I'm sure they are alright," Lyrae said in a soft tone.

"Then why hasn't my son come home?" Nevaii burst. "It's been a half year since his birthday, the very day he disappeared, Lyrae! How do we know he's alright?"

"When has Mar lied to you?"

Nevaii stopped, then shook his head. "My son... my only son... I wish he would come back..."

Lyrae placed the tea on the table, and wrapped her arms gently around her husband for comfort. The Warrior shook his head, then returned to his silent thoughts. She looked up at the ceiling and sighed. "Oh Gemini, where ARE you?"

~*~