Beyond The Walls

Chapter 39. Supper

Alew (n)

(Obsolete, rare) a cry of despair

Cherie's POV

I've been training for a few days now. We started practicing at night instead of the day because it's cooler outside. Zuko thinks it's even better to train at night since it's dark out. "If you can fight in the dark, you can fight in the light," he'd tell me.

The festival of fertility is still around. Men and women are doing it just about anywhere. Bakkhos said it'll end in about three more days.

My body aches every day since I've started training. The muscles remain taut and inflamed. I'm so blessed that so many people care about me though, the whole group offers to help me in any way they can. Last night, Levi gave me a wonderful massage.

Levi is so nice to be around. He doesn't speak much, but that just makes the pressure to have a conversation nonexistent. We don't have to talk all the time. We can just enjoy each others presence in silence.

Rabiah and Keely have been a little more distant lately but I think I know what that means. I highly doubt two women could conceive a child, but I do believe they are celebrating the festival of fertility despite that. At least I still have Mavis for some female company until the festival is over.

The guys have taught me how to block and dodge so far! Not going to lie, throwing myself to the ground is hard. It's like my brain forbids me to do it but I rather throw myself to the ground than be pierced by the King's swordsmen. I know they keep their blades sharp. My father would sharpen his regularly. Dodging on the other hand is quite fun. My reflexes have improved and I'm getting faster by the day. It's exciting seeing my progress. I also love how I get rewarded for doing so well.

The rewards come in many different packages. Sometimes it's a hug, a special meal made just because I like it, cuddles, games, just about anything good.

Right now, the guys are out hunting. We are feasting tonight for a weeks good of hard work from all of us. Rabiah and Keely are joining us! I feel like it's been so long since I've seen them and it's only been about five days.

The sun is barely up but the birds are already tweeting, singing their morning tune. I love it.

"Waking up this early should be a crime," Mavis comments, rubbing sleep out of her eyes.

I chuckle at her messy hair that is lazily tied out of her face, "you don't find it peaceful?"

Her silver eyes widen with shock written all over her iris', "no, not at all. I find it exhausting."

I laugh and pull out a dress to wear for today. Luckily, everyone is taking a break from training. Bakkhos said we all deserve a rest day. I was definitely not going to disagree with that!

Mavis departs from my sight, probably going to prepare for supper tonight. She usually hums or sings while busy, I love it. With a voice so angelic, she sure can be scary though. I've seen her spar with Levi and Zuko. She's good, scary good. Very similar to Rabiah.

I finish dressing myself and get ready for the day ahead of me. I spot the black makeup the locals wear sitting on the wooden dresser that is filled with clothes that are mine and Zuko's.

What would I look like if I used it? I think to myself.

A sharp looking object lays on the wood next to the black paint pot looking thing. I cautiously reach for it until I'm holding it crookedly in my hand. It's a stick with what looks like coarse hairs on the end. It could surely poke an eye out if you aren't careful with it.