Pheonix

Chapter 5

Morning light Shawn through the window and lunged the end of her twin-sided bed and floor before her. She could only get a few hours of sleep, so when the light came in, getting up was the only thing she could do. Smoothing the ends of the nightgown Lillianne gave her, Daniella slowly tip-toed around Lillianne, who was still sleeping and got out of the room."Morning," Daniella yawned, seeing Raynard was fully dressed in the kitchen. "How long have you been up?""Not long," he grumbles, scooping something into a bowl. "Oatmeal is ready. Help yourself." Walking away.Daniella follows suit. Finding a bowl, Daniella looked at the oatmeal with a sigh, and she missed the flavoured oatmeal with berries on top they made at home. Sweet and full of flavour, she begrudgingly scoops some into a bowl. This oatmeal left something to be desired. But who knows what normal was here in this world for breakfast?Sitting down at the small wooden table, " Sleep well?" Raynard asked, warranting a shocked look from Daniella. "What?" he asked again, raising a brow this time."Are you actually trying to have a conversation with me?" Bewildered at the stoic man in front of her."Might as well. You will be with us for a while. Might as well get used to it," Raynard said, spooning the oatmeal.She paused. Up to this point, she thought that Raynard did not like her. Which was understandable; this would be the normal reaction. But it did not seem like him to change suddenly. He was more practical than she had first thought. He knows when to step back and work with what he is given, which means he is dependable. She was grateful to learn something about him beyond the stares finally."So, um, I was wondering. Lillianne went to bed before showing me how to work the bathroom." Blushing profusely, shifting in her seat. She did not know how bathrooms work in this world. She wasn't sure how to bring it up, let alone where to go to the bathroom. "Also, on an unrelated note. Where is the armoury in this town? I should probably start quickly getting the stuff I need." Raynard raised a brow, and Daniella blushed more at her boldness"That is a weird question; I'm sure the plumbing worked when I used it this morning. Towels are in the trunk beside the bath," tilting his head like she was dumb."And as for the armoury, if you turn right at our building and take two lefts and a right, you'll just about make it to the square where the wholesale market is. Just above, there is Doug's armoury. Find stuff there so we can get started," replied Raynard. "I'll take care of the dishes." Daniella nods in thanks as she scurries to the bathroom. Thank goodness this world had some form of modern plumbing. Turning the right blue glass knobs, she was able to have her first bath in this world in peace. But she knew she couldn't let her hair down too. It would glow too much. With a sigh, she scrubbed quickly with the soap she found before getting out and getting dressed. Without a moment to spare, she grabs her money pouch out of her bag and walks out the door.The market was exactly where Raynard said it would be. Stalls were piled high with fruits, vegetables, and meats of various sizes and preparations. Men with aprons littered the area, bargaining for merchandise likely to be brought to restaurants, and women complained about prices. Not much was catching her eye."Hey, lass, you look like a possible adventurer. Come peruse my magic items," called a man, and she halted. Magic? He probably means some scam. Was she only thought as she decided it wouldn't hurt to look? Most books, scrolls and various jewels were on this seller's table. Some books were open to illustrations of pentagram circles and strange blocked text. She scanned them as she walked past."Oh, won't you look at that," the man said in awe. Daniella looked to where the man was gazing. It was another red stone, similar to the one in her dad's sword. And it was glowing bright orange. "Do you have a fire affinity, lass? I have never seen a magic stone shine so bright without someone touching it."Getting drawn to the stone, she hesitantly picks it up. The stone pulsed with warm heat, growing even brighter, just like her dad's sword. Magic, her dad's sword was some magic item, Daniella finally realized. This medium-sized red obelisk stone must be similar in make. Could she really be able to produce more fire with this stone as well; she shuttered."That stone must have been mined just for you, lass," the man began his sales pitch. "Just think of the fireballs you could cast while this stone was on you. Think of all the quests you could finish. I am currently selling it for 20 silvers." Daniella grabbed her money pouch. What was she doing, her mind wondered. Tempted by the small possibility of magic. She needs to work on her temptations."I don't have enough silvers on me. Could you break down a gold?" she asked."Sure!" the man exclaimed, digging out a box under his table. " That will be 30 silvers in change." Fifty silvers made one gold; she made note of that."Thank you," Daniella placing her money pouch back in her pocket. "Would you mind pointing me in the direction of Doug's Armory? I was supposed to buy swords and armour?" asked the man behind it."Of course, I can lass if you just go up this road and make a right and then a left. They have a mighty fine display in their windows. Can't miss it," he answers."Thank you," said Daniella, shaking the experience off and placing the red obelisk in her other pocket; she headed in that direction. The man was correct when in his directions as she found a store that had multiple swords and a suit of armour in the window. Crossing her fingers, she went in slowly."Welcome to my shop, missy. Here to buy something?" the brawny seller asks. A gleam in his eye told Daniella that the man did not believe a girl her size would be in buying something for herself."I'm looking for a new sword and some basic plate armour used by adventurers," asking with a hopeful smile."Oh, are you now," rubbing his beard, thinking. "Adventurers are getting younger and younger these days, aren't they? Well, I believe I have a breastplate in your size, elbow, shin, and knee cuffs. How about you look at the swords over there while I go round them up for you," the man says, walking to the back of his shop.Scanning the shop, Daniella walked over to the wall of long swords. They didn't have prices on them, she noticed. Yet each one gleamed as if newly polished. Of various lengths and widths, Daniella opted to try to pick up one of the smaller ones. It was heavy, to say the least. Heavier than her dad's sword, at least. She was able to move it up into a fighting stance, but she was going to need strength training on top of sword training to wield it. Maybe she would have to ask Raynard to train her up a bit after all. If only he were willing, all he really did was stare at her."Looks like you found a good one," the store owner gleamed; Daniella turned around. "Don't forget a sheath," he says, pointing at a display full of them. Daniella eventually finds one and brings it to the counter."Now a new set ain't gonna be cheap," the owner explains. "With taxes and lifetime warranty, I'll give you them for one gold."Daniella winced a bit. She hasn't seen anything worth anything but silver in this town. Slowly taking out her coin purse, she finds a gold one; luckily, a few are of high denominations, so she gives it to the shop owner for the sword and basic armour." Pleasure doing business with ya." He smiles, admiring the coin. "Now, let's put them on."Daniella was more than happy to be leaving the smithy shop, ecstatic even. The armour was a bit heavy, but she would get used to that. She was going to be an adventurer. So she must be strong enough to fight and make her way to the capital. With both swords strapped to her back, Daniella returned home to the flat."Well, well. Now that's better. You look more like an adventurer now, Daniella," said Felix as she walked in."Thanks. I hope it's enough," smiled Daniella."Sure it is. For beginners, you should be fine," Felix replied, spooning his oatmeal."Morning," called Lillianne, who sounded like she was n the bathroom. "I'm running a bit late, but I will start on my lesson plan right after this.""Don't be so sure; she takes forever in there," whispered Felix."I heard that," said Lillianne sternly."Okay, jeez," sighed Felix. " Raynard is waiting behind the building for your sword practice.""Oh, is he? Thanks, I'll go now," Daniella replied, leaving the way she came.Turning down the ally beside their building, Daniella found Raynard already sweating. Lunging at a wooden post and making skilled slashes at different angles. She found perfect contentment in just watching him parry. Years of serious practice have moulded him into a swordsman, just like the ones from movies. Of course, the actors in those movies cannot compare to the real thing or how many people rely on brute strength and a weapon. A sword was not like a gun, but it still could get the job done.And she was going to learn how to use one, which only a few could do at home, usually in Asian cultures. Maybe she could learn how to ride a horse next. Getting giddy with the thought, Daniella stepped forward into the ring."I'm here," Daniella proclaimed loud enough for Raynard to hear.Stopping mid-swing, Raynard lowers his sword to look lazily up at Daniella. " Nice gear. Let's get started." Motioning her to get into the ring."Let's start with basic sword strength. In order to swing a sword properly, the weight of the sword must not faze you, and your swing must be strong and firm. Stand there, and let's start with 50 slashes up from above your head down to the regular stance position. Then we will do 50 from each side, doing a side slash at mid-drift level. Then Repeat." Were his orders, and she just stood there shocked. She had to repeat that. Is he serious? The sword was a little awkward to handle, but she wanted to feel her arms tomorrow. Holding in a groan, she removed her father's sword and put it aside, then stood where he pointed and drew the sword, iron shining in the morning sunlight. Her decision was already made. She needed to get stronger and learn how to fight in order to get by in this world. Raising the sword awkwardly above her head, she brought the slash down as straight as possible. Raynard did not say anything as she went up and down repeatedly. Over and over until, by the 30th swing, her arms started to feel the strain. And she was supposed to do 120 more of these and repeat them on her first day. One after another, she believed it less and less. Sword-wielding looked way too easy in movies, and when Raynard did it, she realized. How much muscle did you need to be a sword fighter in reality? Sweat streamed down her forehead; wiping it, she finished her first 50."Now slash from up by your shoulder, then across," Raynard continued, and with a groan, she did it. "These exercises are ones to do intermittently between practices to improve reaction time and intensity. The sharper you can get with each slash, you are quicker in other attacks. You will get there eventually, but we must build your strength. Let us do a basic sparing, and that should be all for our start today." Picking his sword back up.She hadn't been doing this for long but was tired of practicing and did not want to admit it. She agreed to this torture to get stronger, but she was never the athletic type. The side slashes did remind her of baseball practice in gym class, so she had experience there, but that was it. Daniella knew she would be scraped off the ground many more times after today if Raynard had any say in it."First, we shall begin with a basic stance," he spreads his legs, holding up his sword. "Feet shoulder width apart and sword at this angle." Daniella trudged into the position shakily. "Now I am going to hit you on one side of the sword; try to show some force as the swords meet, and then we switch sides. You following me?" he asks. Daniella nods with more determination than ever. She could do this. All she had to do was try. Raynard quickly went into the exercise, slashing back and forth, she could tell he was holding back, but she tried to quicken the pace. Back and forth, back and forth, again and again, her adrenaline pumped. With her second wind, Daniella kept going. Confidence growing higher, she urged her aching muscles forward, and Raynard matched her speed. On and on, but why couldn't they change it up a bit? It's been a few hours, and she wanted to see what else they could do.Moving her left leg back, she thrust with all her might meeting Raynard's sword upward, shocking him. Raynard quickly changed his stance as well but instead took his foot and swiped it at hers, knocking her to the ground."Ow," Daniella grunted, face-first in the dirt."You were getting cocky," he said bluntly. "Your confidence was biting off more than you could chew. This is enough for today.""What am I supposed to do with my clothes then? They're all dirty now," Daniella sighed, slowly getting up and wiping off the dirt."We'll get Lillianne to wash you and your clothes off with water magic. She is probably ready for your reading lesson soon too.It was Daniella's turn to be shocked, "She can use water magic?""Yes, Of course, she can; she's a healer, remembers?" raising a brow at her."Oh, yeah, of course," Daniella automatically agreed, blushing. She hated that her knowledge of this world still lacked to the point she could be seen as strange. She mustn't show her emotion, not anymore. Picking up both her swords, and being that being composed is her new friend, she trudged behind him.***"Wow, you look terrible," Felix said bluntly as they both walked back into the flat."Thanks. I was tripped." Glaring at Raynard, she puts her father's sword by the wall."You were getting too confident. You need to learn how to control it. Lillianne, do you mind washing her off," Raynard asks.Lillianne looks up at him from what she was working on, "Sure," she responds, getting up. Walking back into her room, she came out with a blue obelisk stone similar to Daniella's red one."Stand still." Daniella complied as Lillianne closed her eyes."Spirit of water, I call upon thee. Mist wash," Lillianne chants and the blue obelisk shines brightly.Shimmering droplets of water cascade around Daniella, seeping into her clothes and skin. But in moments, the wetness vanishes along with the dirt."Thank you," said Daniella."You're welcome; ready to start your reading lesson?" Lillianne asks, putting the stone down."As I'll ever be," sitting at the last chair at the table."I wrote the alphabet down on this piece of parchment. And on this one, I tried to write common words and pictures using as many letters as possible." Handing over the pages for Daniella to see.She recognized a few animals illustrated on the page and pictures resembling the elements and basic daily necessities."This is a dog, cat, mouse, rabbit, water, earth, shirt, pants, tavern, fire, wind, song, our names," Lillianne continued, but Daniella instantly noticed a pattern with the letters. Taking the piece of parchment with the alphabet on it and the charcoal pencil Lillianne was using, she matched the letters with English ones as she compared each word."Do you mind if I keep this page with me?" Daniella asked, pointing at the parchment."Of course, now I want you to write the words multiple times while memorizing the pictures. I will try and test you on it later, and as we go, feel free to ask what a word says. We can add it to the list later," Said Lillianne with a smile, and Daniella folded the piece of parchment and put it in her other pocket.Staring at the piece of parchment, she began to write on the blank piece that Lillianne gave her. Slowly writing each new letter repeatedly, she started to get into a rhythm. Each word became repetitive as letters started to repeat themselves in different words."Wow, you're actually better than I thought," said Lillianne."Thanks," Daniella responds, smiling wide at her accomplishment."If you're so good at your new writing. I want to see your new sword skills," Felix said, butting in."But I just started this morning," Daniella protested. This was moving way too fast for her now."Well, you should be able to slash a small animal down," added Raynard from behind; she turned to him with shock."We could go now; let me just clean up here," added Lillianne, grabbing at the pieces of parchment. "How about it, Daniella?"Yep, I'm ready to go. Where do we start," said Daniella, lifting her feet from heel to toe and back in anticipation. If they thought she was ready for some action, she was ready. Excited over the continuing of new things, she stood up immediately."Well, we need to collect more game from the forest today since we couldn't find any wolves yesterday. We need it for our patron who owns a restaurant north of town. How about it? Are you up for it," Felix asks.With a deep breath, " That sounds like a plan to me," Daniella nervously smiles, meeting Raynard's stern gaze."That settles it. Let's head out," said Raynard, and they all followed.