Darkling

Test

Cassandra and Enda followed so closely behind me on our way into the hall I thought they might trip over me. I found a space to seat us and settled, pointedly ignoring everyone staring. I had been the only one of my kind when I had arrived and was used to being the oddity. I was sure the Chiropterans were having the reverse problem, being unused to having any other than their own kind around.

Pangur showed Zora and Rhiannon in soon after and they drifted towards us to sit. Hugo and Paisley came over to sit as well, introducing themselves and beginning benign conversation. I noted Ashtoreth, Deimos and Mithra had decided to leave us to ourselves, and wasn't sure that was really necessary. Ashtoreth just smiled at me when I caught her eye across the room and raised a brow at her.

But it wasn't worth making a big deal over so I let it go.

Ashtoreth slipped over when the Chiropteran's had finished eating and sat down, asking them about any skills they might have or places they thought they might fit comfortably in the clan. Enda's place was a given and I told him he could come with me when I went to training and patrols. He swallowed, staring at me with something nervous in his expression, but he didn't protest.

Zora offered to help Mama in the kitchen. Cassandra floundered, unsure of what she wanted to help with and smiling gratefully when Hugo assured her he was still looking too. Rhiannon surprised all of us when she said she wanted to train with the warriors, and her mother blanched.

"Rhiannon," Zora murmured, "surely women aren't allowed fighting and weapons and such."

Rhiannon held my gaze, firm in her decision. I gave her a half smile. "If that's what you want to do. I'll warn you now though, the Nyxians will test you to your limits and beyond."

Ashtoreth's hand on my shoulder squeezed a little, comforting. Encouraging. Supportive. "Best get Rhiannon and Enda to the pitch then. Deimos and Rhain were plotting to make any late-comers very sorry for tardiness."

I chuckled, getting to my feet. Kissing Ashtoreth and beckoning Rhiannon and Enda to follow me. "That remedial training Deimos was talking about, no doubt. See you at the morning meal Ash."

The three of us hurried through the village and were some of the first to arrive. Rhain gave me a quiet nod of satisfaction as he approached. "Names?"

"This is Enda, and my half sister Rhiannon."

"Any prior training?"

Enda swallowed, his wings trembling a bit as he took in Rhain's battle scars. "Guard duty mostly, sir. Some hand to hand."

Rhiannon quietly shook her head. Rhain shrugged, gaze flicking over to Deimos when he started roaring, irritation on his face, most likely aimed at the young warrior Deimos was scolding. "Well, hopefully you keep watch better than some of these others."

I grimaced as the young warrior slunk away, wings held tight and tail low. A simmering anger on their face. Deimos had a scowl firmly in place and his arms crossed over his chest.

"You're turning warriors away?"

Rhain sighed. "Yes. Cleaning house, as it were. Keep your ears open." He turned to meet my eye and smirked a little. I cocked my head, curious, but Rhain was turning to Rhiannon. "We'll get you trained up right in no time, if you've got the dedication for it." He nodded in satisfaction when Rhiannon offered up an immediate 'yes sir' and backed away as Deimos started barking orders to fall in.

I noticed our numbers were down by almost half as I fell into rank and file with everyone else. Enda was obviously no stranger to such orders and Rhiannon caught on quickly enough. Deimos paced up and down in front of us while Rhain looked on, absently collecting his spear and testing the edge on it.