Immortal Dragon ON HOLD

Chapter I

Two years had passed since the Mikaelson family arrived in the new village, and life there had begun to flourish. Crops grew strong in the fields, the villagers had built sturdy homes, and the longships rested safely along the shore.

For the first time since leaving their old homeland, there was peace.

Rhaella Mikaelson was now seven years old, and she moved quickly through the village with a very important goal in mind.

She needed to find her father. After several minutes of searching, she spotted him near the training field where the warriors often practiced.

Her face lit up instantly. "Father?" she called.

Mikael turned at the sound of her voice, his stern expression softening the moment he saw her. "Yes, my little dragon?"

Rhaella clasped her hands behind her back and gave him the most innocent look she could possibly manage.

"Father," she said sweetly, "I wish to learn to wield a sword."

Mikael crouched down in front of her, resting his hands on his knees. "Now, my little dragon," he said gently, "wielding a sword is not meant for women... or children."

Rhaella's bottom lip pushed outward in an exaggerated pout. She knew very well that this expression worked on her father most of the time. "But Father," she said, her voice pleading, "if I learn how to wield a sword, I can be just like you when I grow older."

Mikael sighed. He rarely denied Rhaella anything.

"Very well," he finally said. "I will teach you."

Her entire face lit up.

"But," he added quickly, raising a finger, "we will begin with wooden swords. You must learn properly before you ever touch a real blade."

Rhaella threw her arms around his waist in a tight hug.

"Thank you, Father!"

Mikael chuckled softly and rested a hand on her head.

"Of course, little dragon. When I am finished with you, you will be the fiercest young warrior in the village."

He stood and retrieved a wooden training sword from a nearby rack.

"First, I will teach you the basics."

Rhaella took the wooden sword eagerly.

Mikael gestured for her to hold it out in front of her.

"Good," he said approvingly. "Now remember this above all else: the pointy end goes into your opponent in a real fight."

Rhaella nodded seriously. "Yes, Father."

"Your enemies will not go easy on you simply because you are a girl," Mikael continued. "You must always be aware of your surroundings. If you can use your environment to your advantage, you are far more likely to survive."

Rhaella listened carefully. "What's next?" she asked eagerly.

Mikael couldn't help smiling.

"The correct way to hold a sword is with both hands," he explained. "Your right hand near the top of the grip, and your other hand near the bottom, close to the pommel. This gives you far better control."

Rhaella adjusted her grip exactly as he instructed.

Mikael nodded approvingly. "Very good."

He demonstrated the next step.

"You must also learn the ready position. Always keep your sword upright in front of you. This allows you to move quickly to block or strike."

Rhaella copied the stance perfectly.