All for the Wing, Right?

I Volunteer

I was in the sparring gym kicking some riders' asses to try and get my mind off what I was supposed to be doing today. Mom definitely threw a wrench in that plan. It had only been a month and I was given a year to grieve. Mentally I was ignoring the emotions over her loss. She sort of checked out after my dad died. She even told me once that I reminded her too much of him.

I did a backflip to avoid a sword to my side. I smirked as the rider in front of me was shocked he missed. I used my sword to disarm him quickly. I then gave him a forceful kick to the chest, and he fell like a tree. I had been making routine trips to different outposts to be trained by different riders. That was General Sorrengail's idea as to enhance my combat skills, as well as my knowledge of the outposts. The only stop I had made was a two day trip to clean out the old house my mother stayed in. Now I had just returned to the war college two days ago. Even though I had hardly left the gym.

"Highbrooke, I need you now!"

"Get in line Mira! Your mom has me on a full rotation until I leave next week."

"It's Violet."

I grab the idiot, red head beside me and fling him over me. I disarm him quickly and step off the mat.

"What did she do now? I know your mom doesn't like her being all scribey and all, but could she leave her alone before she takes the entrance exam."

"She won't get to take the entrance exam. That is what I'm trying to tell you."

I turn quickly to look at her as she continues.

"My mom is forcing her into the rider's quadrant today."

"Violet hasn't trained a day in her life, and that would be a death sentence for her."

"I know, why do you think I'm here?"

I furrow my eyebrows as I grab my satchel.

"Walk and talk."

As we make it up to my room for me to change Mira explains everything. How their mom had forced Violet to start training six months ago. Which is when she started sending me all over the kingdom. That is most likely because I would try to intervene with this plan.

"What do you want me to do Mira?"

"You should cross the parapet with her."

"Your mom wouldn't allow it. I'm on grievance remember. I'm apparently the only one who needs to grieve around here."

"That's just it, she loves you. If you told her that you were ready, and that you were fully confident her outstanding training she would probably let you."

I lifted one of my eyebrows slightly.

" You want me to kiss her ass and hope to the gods that she'll allow it."

"Talon you are my last hope."

"You don't have to convince me. Violet is my best friend, I wouldn't never let her do this on her own. You totally owe me though. I had a hot date tonight."

For the first time since she walked in that gym did she appear to be herself. I went into the bathing room with the door open and turned on the shower. I quickly cleaned off and asked Mira to braid my mid length hair.

" You sure you don't want me to cut it? Last chance you know."

"I already cut it shorter. If you come near me with a single blade to cut it I will kill you."

"Violet wouldn't cut hers either."

I scoffed as I laced up my rider's boot. Once I finished packing my satchel and weapon sheaths we stepped out of my room. Mira made me wait downstairs for her to "make a scene." She told me to count to 200 before I came. I blasted up the staircase and made my way down the hall to General Sorrengail's office. I see Mira bursting out the door enraged. I popped my knuckles and took a deep breathe before continuing forward past her. I knock as I hear her lecturing Violet. The voices halting behind the door, and quickly the door opens. I see Violet staring at me as she walks out the door.