Hunter of Midnight

Ch.9 Lessons with the Panther

I watch the snow outside my window every day, and by now the massive heaps covering the palace ground have turned to a thin blanket of sugar snow. Any week now, the last of this will melt. If Waveya is anything like Kavia, then farmers will dust off the cobwebs of their old tools and start prepping the soil for crops to be planted. I always liked watching it; the progression of it all.

To go from a barren and blank canvas, to a little seed in dark soils, a patch of green sprouts in the dark, all giving way to massive fields just bursting with life. I like it best in the weeks before the plants start to grow, when it's just a field of blossoms waiting to turn into something greater. The colors of anticipation.

"That's quite articulate," Simone chuckles, "especially coming from a male who spent most of his life sleeping in the darkness of a cave."

I hadn't realized I said any of that out loud. To be honest, I even forgot Simone was in my bedroom with me—as if we haven't been doing this for a month already. We both are sitting on the window seat, a blanket covering both of our legs while Simone keeps that old red and gold book in her hands.

Shrugging my shoulders, I try to shake off the embarrassment as I look back outside. "I mean, I'm not completely illiterate. Pete had taught me how to read and write a bit in my youth, and I practiced as much as I could so I wouldn't lose it. Bula's been letting me read with her, and I think I've picked it all back up again."

"Excellent," Simone cheers while clapping her hands. "That's fantastic! Perhaps now we can start reading together! It would be nice to speak to someone other than Tundra about it."

"None of the other blades read for fun?" Given what she's told me of the Blades of Envy and Greed, they both seem like they'd enjoy sitting down with a good book. Well, Greed more than Envy, at least how I picture the females.

"Not all of them have the time," Simone shrugs, looking back down at her own book. "Being able to enjoy reading requires a steady and vast imagination, as well as a grip on the inner child. Without any of that, reading would be quite the turn off."

I've been spending time with Simone for a little over a month, and I still have no clue as to what she's saying. At this point, I've learned to just take in what I can then smile and nod for the rest of it. Some part of me feels bad, but I never think Simone minds much. I know by now she can easily read my face, so I like to think she—if she sees it at all—enjoys my confusion.

"Anyway," Simone sighs, looking up from her book and over to me. "How do you feel about the training?"

Damn it, Simone. Right when I was able to forget about it, too. Now that I've gained weight, my body having healed, Queen Niara had made the decision to have me trained by Captain Alard herself. I know the queen has to be doing what she thinks is best, she only wants to help me; but to be stuck with Captain Alard...

"She frightens you, doesn't she mon ami?" Simone says empathetically, giving me a smile. When I nod, she sets her book to the side and wraps her arms around me. "Ari, there is no need to be frightened."

"That's easy for you to say," I blurt out—to Simone's surprise.

"Well," she drawls, eyes averted. At last, Simone shakes her head. "No," she sighs. "No, you're completely right; foolish of me for thinking I could combat it." Simone looks back to me, her soft smile returning. "If I were permitted to train you, then I would. For whatever it is worth to you, I will keep my hand outstretched. Anytime you need help or a little extra practice, do not be afraid to seek me out."

For whatever it's worth? I almost scoff. Instead I let my smile widen to match Simone's. "Thank you."

Simone nods, clearly proud of herself. "Of course, mon ami. Always for you."