Warriors in the making

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Her father was gone. Cara was still trying to get her mind around that. The sharp suddenness of it had faded, and now there was only learning to live with the ache in her chest. She still cried for him sometimes at night. But she made sure to keep silent so the other orphans wouldn’t hear. Warriors didn’t cry. And more than anything Cara wanted to be a warrior. She wanted to make her father proud.

The best way to accomplish that was to do well in her training. Cara had thrown herself into it with a fresh determination, and for the most part she was doing quite well for her age, although her emotions did occasionally get the better of her. Nolia seemed to think it would pass in time with the grief. Until then Cara was holding on as best she knew how, keeping her chin up and her tears hidden.

Today Nolia opened training by telling her younger groups of students to pair off and practice while she taught the oldest groups. Cara looked around, trying to find a student her age with no partner yet. And then a male voice called her name. She turned to find herself looking up at Vero, the boy her father had always favored. He might only be three years older, but with their current ages that made the eleven-year-old look tall next to Cara’s smaller body. She squinted against the sunlight as she looked up at his face. “Me?” Surely he didn’t want to partner with her. There was no real rule against an older student pairing with a younger one, and in some cases it was even encouraged for an advanced student to work with a less skilled opponent. But most trainees tended to pick someone at their own level unless otherwise instructed. So what did he want with her?

@vero
(I had the muse, so here you go.)

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Tag: @cara

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

The recent passing of one of their trainers was felt among those who knew him. Vero was no exception. In fact, he had gotten to know the man fairly well. And with that respect, came one of promise. For the sake of his daughter. He knew who she was, though had not held extensive conversation with her. Their different levels of skills set them apart in groupings and training. But today, he knew he would have to reach out. An instinct within him, and as he previously acknowledged, a respect for her father. A way to honor him, where he was no longer in with then in this world. Vero had spoken to Nolia about this, and she was of course understanding. Even favored the idea, understanding the reason behind it.

So with that, when the others were grouped off, Vero called out to Cara, waiting for her ot turn around as if surprised that he was speaking to her. "Unless you know any other Cara present," he answered sarcastically, though meant in more humor than offense; a teasing remark. He looked over her, quickly assessing what he could of her judging on her current standing. What her strengths would be, but more importantly, what her weaknesses would be. "If you can, maybe you should show me what you've learned so far," he offered. His assessment of her would commence with seeing how she fought; or rather, her skills from training so far.

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The older boy’s quip drew a small smile to Cara’s face, some that had been rather rare lately. Some of the other children treated her like she was made of glass. Like she would burst into tears any moment. It was nice to have someone just be normal, even if that normal was a little rough around the edges. “Nope. Just me.” She pulled herself up a little straighter. Her father had always told her a warrior’s name meant something. It was their honor, their reputation. She was determined to make Cara a name to be proud of.

Vero made a request, and Cara quickly nodded. Attention from an older student was a good chance to improve her skills beyond those of her own age. She needed to make use of it. She lifted her practice sword and paused, deciding what to do. Finally she settled on a series of forms Nolia had recently taught some of her younger students. To Cara it felt almost like a dance. She moved her sword through the strikes and thrusts while moving her feet as instructed. Left, right, forward, back, and again. Sword swinging right, left, thrusting forward, and coming up to block an invisible blow. The movements were smooth and practiced. Speed and agility were definitely in Cara’s favor, qualities she would hopefully retain as she grew bigger. She was too young yet to have much strength in her blows or to notice that she left herself open a bit on her left and from below. But she was determined and gave the swing of her sword all she had.

After a few repetitions, Cara dew herself to a halt and looked up at Vero expectantly. “How was that?” She knew she wasn’t ready for a real fight yet. Most her age were still running drills to teach them technique. The various ways one could move with a weapon, the proper stance for a strike, how to avoid being skewered by a thrust. Improvisation was coming as they sparred, but it would take time. For now though, Cara was eager to soak up any lesson or advice Vero would give. Eleven seemed quite a wise age to an eight-year-old. And Vero was a talented student. Cara’s father had said so.

@vero