User blog:Redknight910/The Red Order, When Swords are Drawn

(Introducing my OCs Alec Red and Thalia Rose)

This story is my own, and one I tell with some hesitation. It is both sweet and bitter to me. I lost a partner, and gained one you could say. So, before I go on a rampage of how this story’s good and bad, here it is.

First, about my partner, Thalia. She’s not a mage, and definitely wasn’t a fighter. But she’s an alchemical prodigy. I’ve heard a few of the others saying she’s got troll blood in her. It’s ridiculous of course, girl’s flat as a board and has the most delicate body I’ve ever seen. But still, she’s got talent that’s saved my hide more than once. She’s also blonde, has soft blue eyes, and a face that looks years younger than she is.

So, this story starts in a forest, with another pair of warriors waiting in ambush. The four of us were set up on either side of a road, waiting for an order supply cart meant to be lightly guarded, but heavily loaded.

Unfortunately, the cart was rather heavily guarded. Twenty soldiers guarded a single cart, and when we spotted it, we knew why. The thing was loaded with relics from some tomb or ruin. Urns, idols, weapons, it looked like they’d taken everything that wasn’t nailed down, then pried some more stuff out for good measure.

Knowing that three fighters and an alchemist weren’t going to be enough to take on twenty soldiers, we prepared to give the signal to call off the ambush, when the other pair charged in. We’re sitting there, dumbstruck, as a werewolf and her husband go up against an Order platoon apparently fresh out of a raid and in high spirits.

Understandably pissed, I looked at Thalia, and got a worried look back.

“I can’t just leave them.” I told her, before charging in to help the idiotic duo. Running to the road I noticed that the cart was still being pulled along, with a few guards keeping on it while their friends dealt with mine. I cursed the idiots and then myself, because I had to save their hides instead of going for the cart.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">I rushed in and rammed one of the men attacking, knocking him and the two next to him over. The rest diverged their attention between me and my friends. Three fighters, equipped for an ambush, against fifteen order soldiers fresh from victory and armed to the teeth. The odds explain themselves pretty well.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">We were holding our own, but stuck in a defensive cycle. We’d block one strike, then another was going for us before we could even consider a counter attack. So for several minutes we were fighting a losing battle, looking for a way out, when I caught a familiar scent.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">One of Tal’s concoctions, designed for swift knockouts. I took a moment as the pace of battle slowed to pull my mask up. Before long the soldiers were out cold. Our companions looked over to us, and I was scowling beneath my mask.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“What the hell were you thinking?!” I shouted at the other two.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Look, we can fight about this later, we need to catch that cart!” The werewolf replied, and both her and her husband took off after the cart. I groaned as I charged off after them, leaving Thalia to chase me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">We reached the cart and sure enough, the remaining guards were ready for us. If the armour condition was anything to go by, these ones were veterans. I left the four to the other couple, taking on the remaining soldier and the driver. Unfortunately, the driver turned out to be the captain of this particular squad.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Cursing my own poor choice, I didn’t really have many backup options. So, I did what I do, fought and hoped my friends dealt with their targets, or that Tal had more tricks with her. I was trying to keep both fighters in front of me, hoping to avoid getting stabbed in the back, when I hear a feminine cry. I couldn’t see who it was, and I was too focused on my opponents to check.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Then one of the men in front of me got stabbed through. Not bothering to check who or what did it, I just focused on taking out my last target. A flick of one blade and a slash of the other and it was over. One opponent is much simpler to deal with than two, particularly when their friend’s got a sword sticking out of his chest to distract them.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">I looked over to the others, and almost fell on my face. Tal, who nobody trusted to even hold a weapon, had carved through all the remaining soldiers. Our partners were even more stunned. I walked up behind her, she was breathing heavily, and she had a white knuckle grip on the blade in her hands.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Tal?” I asked, reaching for her. The way she spun around, sword up and ready to strike caught me by surprise.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Oh, Alec, just you…” She muttered the second part.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Who else would it be? You cut down all the soldiers.” She looked around, bewildered at the fact she had, indeed, cut down pretty much every soldier.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Could you… maybe put the sword down? You’re making us nervous.” The werewolf asked, eyeing her like a trap about to spring. Thalia looked at her hand, and seemed surprised she was still holding the sword.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Looking at it, it was black as night, with ruby’s running down the length of it. The cross guard resembled an open jaw, facing the handle. The handle itself was wrapped in leather and the pommel had a teardrop shaped ruby set into it. I reached out to take the blade, but Tal flinched back a bit.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Tal, just give me the sword, okay?” She nodded, holding it out for me to take.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“R-right. Right, take it.” I went to grab it before the other man shouted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Stop!” Turning to him he was pale. “I-I think it’s cursed.” My eyes practically popped out of my head when he said it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Cursed? As in ‘cursed sword’ cursed?” I asked, looking frantically between him and the blade.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I think so. It’s putting out trace amounts of energy…” I grabbed a bag and grabbed the sword with that, and then held just the bag.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Tal, did this have a sheath?” She thought for a moment, then nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Y-yeah, yeah, there was one in the cart.” She wandered over to it, but I stopped her from touching anything.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I’d rather not risk exposing you to anything else, yeah?” She slowly nodded, looking over the objects in the cart. I looked to the mage. “Think you can check this stuff? See if anything else needs to be thrown into the vault.” He nodded, approaching the cart with a small stone in hand. Every time something started glowing he threw it into the bag. I grabbed the sheath, carefully putting the sword into it, before returning it to the bag.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Maybe you two should get back, we’ll handle the rest of this stuff.” The mage suggested. I nodded and together I and Thalia decided to leave.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">When we were well out of ear shot I turned to Thalia. Looking at her was enough to tell me she wasn’t well.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“You still want that sword, don’t you?” I asked her. She looked at me, horrified.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Of course not.” I kept looking at her for a few moments longer and she broke. “Okay, fine. Yes. When I held it, it just felt… right. Like I was meant to use it.” I gave her a sceptical look.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“How many times have we said you were never meant to use a sword? Or a broom?” I laughed, but she looked down, clearly upset.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Exactly why it felt so good…” Thalia muttered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Tal… you don’t need some stupid sword to…” She cut me off with a glare.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“It’s not stupid!” She yelled, then her eyes widen as she realised what she just did. “I… I’m sorry, I just… I don’t know what came over me…” She pulled her hood up and her cloak tighter around herself. “I’m already losing to it, and I don’t even have it in my hands…” She whispered, and I put a hand around her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“It’s okay Tal. We’ll pull through this. Remember when you saved me from those ogres? This’ll be way easier than that.” She chuckled at the memory, but I could tell her heart wasn’t in it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">The trip home was quieter than I’d like, normally Tal doesn’t stop talking my ear off, but this time getting her to talk was like pulling teeth. Any attempt to make her laugh was met with half-hearted chuckles and there was no light behind her smile. When we got back home the next night it was nice to see her really smile, but I knew it was temporary.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">We got to our bunks and collapsed. “It’s good to be home.” I said as I laid next to her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Yeah.” She rolled over and curled up. I sighed and rolled over, wrapping my arms around her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“It’ll be okay.” I whispered into her ear. She wriggled deeper into my embrace as she tried to sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I hope you’re right…” She whimpered. I didn’t sleep that night, couldn’t do it when she just kept trembling. The next morning our partners arrived with the cart, and the sword. We were to report to the council, and Thalia was worse.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">She was trembling like an addict, and I knew the only thing that could be the source. Once we were done with our report, I was going to need to get that sword.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">We entered the keep, our friends behind us, and made our way to the council chambers. Once there we looked upon the Crimson Council.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">As we entered the room whatever conversation they were having died off. The Council and their partners looked at us from their table.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Well? Out with it.” Daeva says. Tyrone chuckled at her, before straightening his own posture.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Report. How did the ambush go?” I step forward, not about to let the idiots who caused the mess the satisfaction of telling the tale.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Whoever said this was a small supply convoy needs their eyes checked. When we spotted the convoy it was a single cart, guarded by twenty five men.” I looked at the werewolf and her partner. “We were about to call the ambush off when these two gave the attack signal.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“We moved in to try and support them, and if it wasn’t for Tal’s alchemical skill we likely wouldn’t be here right now to give this report.” The council was listening intently, and Lyra was writing as she did when something of note happened. “Once the main force was dealt with we engaged a veteran guard. They took on four soldiers, and I engaged the remaining two.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Again, without the aid of Tal we would not have survived to bring this report. However, in this instance it was not her alchemical talents which saved us…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“She held a cursed weapon?” Syrah asked. I nodded, and she looked around at her fellow councillors.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Yes. She wielded a cursed sword to save us. And after seeing what’s happened to her… I request she be allowed to take the blade as her own.” The other soldier shouted at the idea.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Are you kidding me?” He looked at me, eyes wide. “I know she’s having a rough time, but really? She’ll fall on it within the week, I guarantee it!” I glared at him as he ranted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I wasn’t asking you, Will. If you were smart you’d shut your trap.” He looked at me for a moment, before growling at me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Was that a threat?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“It was a warning.” He took a step towards me, but I made an even bigger stride to stand practically nose to nose with him. “I wouldn’t even be making this request if YOU hadn’t charged in like an idiot!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Al, please.” Tal whispered, her voice shaking. I turned to look at her, and my anger dried up. She was shaking even worse, her skin pallid and her eyes dim. I looked up at the council, who seemed to be in agreement.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Will, Nora. Go fetch the blade. Now.” Tyrone added that last word as Will tried to argue the point. He ran off, Nora on his heels, and the others all turned to me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“How is she Lyra? Syrah?” The two took a long look at Thalia, then shook their heads.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“She’s already losing spirit energy. Even without the sword, she’ll most likely be monsterised within the week.” Syrah said.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“The sword has already chosen her as its host. It won’t help anyone to take it from her. Though we may need to keep her separated from everyone for a few days, until the blade has a chance to fuse with her.” I nodded, and Will returned with the blade. He walked up to Thalia and opened the bag, revealing the dark hilt and scabbard.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">The moment Thalia’s eyes set on it her hand was reaching out for it. She had it in her hand and drawn faster than I thought possible. Then she just sat there, looking at it. When Tyrone cleared his throat she looked at him, almost as if in a daze.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“You have the blade, now how are you going to use it?” He asked. She knew the question, she was asked a similar one when she was declared a knight. And she knew the response off by heart.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“As a knight of the order, I will bathe our foes in the fire of my fury. As a knight of the order, I will write our name in the blood of our foes. As a knight of the order, I will show myself in scarlet, that all may know where I stand. As a knight of the order. The order of Red.” The council nodded in unison.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“As the military commander, I have called you ready.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“As the mystic leader, I have witnessed your skill.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“As the head scholar, I will record your works.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“As the ruling nobles, we name you worthy.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“As the Crimson Council, we declare you knight.” It’s like she’s being re-cast, getting her knightly rights all over again. I suppose she is, since her original rights denied her the ability to so much as hold a weapon.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">She bows to the council, as do I. They return the gesture, and look at me. “She will have difficulty restraining herself after a time. I trust you can keep her from harming innocents?” I nod.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I will do everything in my power to keep her from harming the innocent.” They nodded and told us to leave. As we left, she leaned on my shoulder, acting as though she’d gone days without sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Thank you.” She mutterd. “I know you don’t want this to happen, but I just… it feels right to me.” I nodded, putting an arm around her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“That’s all the reason I need. I’m worried about how you’ll change, but anything is better than how you were today.” She smiled, and kissed me on the cheek.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I think a nap would be really good right now. I didn’t really sleep last night.” I laughed and nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Neither did I.” I admitted, directing us towards the barracks. We slept for the whole day, waking as the others were returning from drills.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“What the hell? Were you two sleeping?” One of them growled, stalking over to us.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Yeah, sorry. We were just a bit exhausted after the ambush assignment.” He was right in front of us, glaring.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“If I tried to use that excuse after an assignment, the captain would have my hide.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Back off.” Thalia growled, getting stunned looks from most of the barracks. Thalia was never one to talk back, even to someone below her rank.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“When did you get so mouthy, Knifoot.” It was an old nickname, one she’d never really lived off. But I feared she was about to prove otherwise. She rose out of bed, cursed sword still at her hip, and everyone took several steps back for fear they’d be caught up in the coming clumsiness. The one rebuking us laughed when he saw it.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Now how in pandemonium did you get them to give you that?” His laughter was quickly cut off, as she drew the blade and pointed it at his throat, an act that a day ago would have had her hospitalised. Now though, witnessing the calm, collected motion, the other soldier froze. He looked down at me, sitting on the bed, ready to diffuse the situation if needed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“When did she…” He start’s, but a tight pressing cut’s him off.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“When did I what?” Thalia asks. “When did I learn to use a sword without cutting my own hand? When did I get an ancient relic of death? When did I become cursed?” This last question is more to herself, and I see the blade drop slightly. I reach up and put a hand on her shoulder, she lets out a heaving sigh at my touch and sheathes the blade.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“My apologies. I held this cursed sword once, and now it seems to be affecting me.” That’s more like the Tal I know. I stand and embrace her, whispering soothing words in her ears.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Thanks. I just… I don’t know what came over me.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“It’s fine.” I look at her eyes, they’re still soft, still worried. “Don’t worry about what’s going to happen. I’ll be here, by your side for the whole trip.” She looked up and smiled, before we were interrupted by more whistles and cheers than we could stand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Alright, alright. Everybody calm down.” The quartermaster walked into the barracks, throwing glares around like they were going to catch fire. When his gaze fell on us he stopped in his tracks. “Um… who gave her a blade?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“The captain, sir.” I told him before Tal had another outburst. “She used it to save me and our partners on the ambush assignment. It’s cursed, sir.” His attitude shifted once he heard that, and he eyed her with caution.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Am I going to need to make special arrangements for the two of you?” I shook my head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“No sir. Not yet at least.” He nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Just remember, if she does anything threatening, you’re both going into solitary.” I nodded. After everything had calmed down, the two of us went back to sleep, our dreams far more peaceful that night.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">The next morning things went back to normal. Training started after breakfast, continued until lunch, then assignments were given out. Me and Thalia were given leave from duty for the rest of the week. We spent the morning sitting around and enjoying each other’s company, until Tal started getting restless. It was strange, to have her being the one who got restless.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Why don’t we go somewhere familiar?” I asked her, and she looked at me like I was talking nonsense.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“What do you mean? We’re familiar with the entire area.” I just smiled and reached for her hand.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Don’t worry about it, just follow me.” She didn’t hesitate to do just that. I took her out of town, down to an abandoned cottage near the border. As we approached she stiffened, clearly recalling the area.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Wha… Why are we here?” She asked nervously. The last time we were here she almost killed herself when I tried to help her learn how to use a sword. It all clicked when I drew my swords. “No… No, we’re not doing this. Not here…” I gave her a look, walked up to her and kissed her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“You’re my partner. I want to see what you and that sword can do.” Her face dropped for a moment, and as I struggled to figure out why, she nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Right. Let’s see what this sword can do.” I realised my mistake then, but it was too late to correct it. I walked back to the other side of the clearing, and raised my swords. As I took up position, so did she, getting into a stance that seemed natural for her. I saw a flash of red in her eyes before she charged me.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">I wasn’t prepared for the ferocity of her attack, and almost took it straight to the side. I rolled at the last moment before countering, swinging across her with both blades. She blocked one and slipped away from the other, her own counter coming down on my neck. I pulled back and her foot caught mine, tripping me over as she went for a stab.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">I rolled out of the way, her blade digging deep into the grass. Back on my feet we both backed away for a moment, before returning to the skirmish. I blocked her swing, then tried to stab her in the side. She pushed forward, striking me in the shoulder as she got under my guard. I tried to step back, but then felt a blade dig into me. Out of instinct I struck back, running her through with the silvered sword.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">We both stood there for a moment, panting, before fainting. When I woke I was lying in the bed with her next to me, still sleeping. I took one look and realised just how far overdone we were.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">A single strip of black hair ran into a glossy black material that ran from her hair down her face, over her left eye and under her chin, where it joined a host of others around her chest. Several spine-like growths were sticking out of her robes, the shoulder shredded so that the sleeve was barely attached. And down the sleeve, where her arm had once been, was a blade, black veined and crimson plated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">When her eyes opened one was still red, glowing softly. She smiled at me, her sword arm moving for a moment, before she realised what it was. She looked at it, and her eyes went wide, before she started to freak out. Her breathing became shallow and fast as she started waving the blade like she could throw it off.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“No, no, not yet! I can’t be one of them yet…” I put a hand on her arm, calming her down, then ran my hand down her arm, causing a shiver to run through her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Don’t worry. You’re okay. You’re still you, right?” She slowly nodded. “What’s the result of Maneleaf and glow dust?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“A soft blue glow to whatever it’s rubbed on.” She muttered.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“See? You’re still here. I don’t care about this.” I rubbed the blade again, getting a gasp. “I care about this, and this.” I ran a finger from her heart to her chin, earning a smile.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Right… right.” She reached for me again, and this time I watched as the twisted veins of black metal receded, the heavy looking metal arm twisting and warping into a normal, fleshy arm, until it reached her hand. There the tip of the blade formed into a gauntlet, black with red, and viciously clawed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">She stroked a strand of hair out of my face, those claws somehow not harming me. She then grabbed the back of my head and pulled me into a passionate kiss. She then rolled on top of me, a lavicious grin plastered across her face.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I guess we’re getting right into monster life then?” She grinned and started grinding against me. An hour of rough sex later and we walked out of the little cottage, Tal leaning on my arm with a content smile.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I can’t believe how this feels. It’s nothing like I expected.” I laugh at her.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“And how exactly does it feel?” She pulled away, twirling around.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Amazing!” She giggled. “I feel completely and utterly amazing. Like my reflexes are a hundred times faster, my senses are sharper, everything feels better.” She then knelt by a plant, cutting it with one of those claw-like fingers. She lifted it with her human hand, smelling the flower. “Dors Mantle. Good for paralytics. Normally I’d have to worry about getting the sap on my skin, but this… blade covers me. It might be even more impressive than I thought.” I smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“I’m glad you’re getting used to this so quickly. I’m even happier that you’re still you.” She looked at me, and smiled even brighter. As we returned to the city there were dozens of eyes on us, mostly on Thalia, watching the pair of us go through the streets.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">At first, she shrunk from their gazes, but as we went she grew more comfortable, then she began to smile, indulging in the looks people gave her. She met several looks of fear with a fierce smile, and a clawed wave.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">When we got to the castle people were waiting for us. Among them was the commander. He looked at the two of us with mild disapproval.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“What, was the change taking too long for your liking?” He asked, and the both of us ducked our heads.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Sir. It was my fault. I wanted to see Tal’s skill with the blade, and the sparring… intensified.” Tal nodded, agreeing. The commander sighed, and nodded too.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Very well. You two should run along. Enjoy your leave while you have it.” We nodded, and headed for the gardens. There Tal indulged herself in harvesting what the gardens had to offer and then taking the gathered plants to her lab.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">It wasn’t the first time I’d watched Thalia work, but something was different this time. Her focus seemed sharper, more intense, and the more I watched the more she seemed to be drawn in to her work.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">When she finally finished everything she could, she stepped back and looked over what ingredient’s she hadn’t used. Not one leaf had been lost, not one drop wasted. She looked at me and grinned.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">“Everything’s sharper, my senses, my thoughts, even here, I’m picking up on things I never noticed before.” He embraced me, and I returned it. We were going to be just fine. And we still are now.