Journey for Espers - Chapter 4
#4 of Espers
Authors Notes/Disclaimer: Again, don't own Final Fantasy or any of the world it is set in. No yiff here yet, and not for a few more chapters till things actually get fair yiffy. Thank you everyone who as read and stayed with this story. I really appreciate it and hope you enjoy this next chapter.
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Chapter Four - A Name
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Kelly walked into the landing of the inn and was caught in a throng of people, each chattering loudly at him but wanting to know the same thing. Had he healed the stranger he had carried in and did he have the time to tend to their wounds. He couldn't help but smile a little and nod to each one of them in turn. "Yes yes. I will do what I can for each of you."
More happy cries from the people gathered as he walked to over to a table and sat down. A stout blue bangaa, came over and set down a bottle of wine and a glass for him claming it a token of the patrons thanks. One by one each person had their minor aches, pains and wounds cured, some Kelly would really rather like to forget. He finally had a moment to himself when the bangaa approached again.
"Can I get you anything sssir?" He said with a not well hidden hiss.
"If you could," Kelly said waving a hand slightly tiredly, "a sandwich would be nice, just don't make it too dry. And some juice please. Oh yes. A bowel and spoon, and a container of soup so I can feed my guest."
The bangaa gave a small bow and scurried off to the kitchens, looking quiet eager to please. Seeing the bangaa leave, the man who had checked him in shuffled over leaning on a cane for support. "Sorry bou' them. Ya know how they can be when they see a mage."
"It's alright," the fox retorted, taking a deep drink of the wine for before. "I don't mind helping those people. It's part of my duty."
The elderly man nodded. "Nice to see a young'un with a sense of responsibility. Can I do anything to make yer stay a little better?"
"If it's not too much trouble, I could use some extra towels and some spare robes if you have them. I am afraid my companions clothing might be a lost cause for the moment. If I had some fabric, I could patch them."
"No trouble, no trouble." The old man said wobbling dangerously as he waved his cane. "I'll send some to your room while you eat. My wife might have some spare materials you could use as well. She'll be back come morn, so ask then."
"Thank you kindly." Kelly said, pulling 10 gil from his purse and slipping it to the man. "One more thing, is the hot spring open at night?"
"Not normally," The elder said, peering at him through wizened eyes. "Owever, I will make an exception. The key to the basement is hangin behind the desk in the reception area. Just make sure ya put it back." He said as he shuffled back over to his post. The bangaa came back over carrying a tray and a pitcher of juice, placed it on the table, and back away quickly.
Kelly ate the sandwich, which turned out to on reasonably fresh bread and slightly smoky tasting. It was definitely enjoyable and the juice was nice and crisp. He checked the soup and noted it was mostly broth, which would be good because he didn't know how strong the young man's stomach would be. He left a small tip on the table and took the tray with soup, bowl, silver ware and the rest of the pitcher of juice with him, stopping by the kitchen for a clean glass, as he continued to his room.
He was greeted with a pair of striking golden eyes following his movement as he entered the room, the male pushed up a bit on his pillows to prop himself up. "Umm. Hello," he said softly.
Kelly smiled gently at him, as he walked over to him. "Hello there. Awake now are you?" He sat down the trey on his lap, revealing the soup and juice. He watched the young man's eyes widen with hunger and he set to eating the soup quickly.
It didn't take the man long at all to finish it and drink down a good potion of juice. He looked slightly embarrassed as he found the fox watching him bolt down his food. He replaced the bowel to the tray and placed it on the bedside table. "Thank you. I was starving."
"I am glad to see you have an appetite. You weren't in the best of shape when I found you. It is quiet lucky you weren't Malboro food." Kelly said, examining him curiously.
"They ambushed me." The man said. "I was sneaking up on the Hare, preparing to steal of a bit of it's wool for profit, when the two of them hit me from behind with their Bad Breath. It was an amateur mistake. I should have done better."
Kelly patted his arm softly. "Don't go beating yourself up. Everyone makes a mistake here and there. The important thing is you are alive. And you seem to be healing nicely. Your arm will still need a little time before it is fully mended."
"Thank you." He said leaning back a bit more, eyes half closing again. "I owe you much."
"Consider your debt paid if you tell me your name." Kelly said, pulling the sheets back up over him.
"Benjamin," he said, softly being lulled back to sleep. "But people call me Phynix."
"Benjamin." Kelly mused. "Phynix. Sleep tight. I'll be here when you wake again. Let me know if you need anything."
"Thank you," Phynix said as his eyes closed and he fell asleep with a small snore.