Eclipsis: Water

Chapter 2

Monday training days were typically more work, as there was enough time between then and Sunday to heal any muscle-soreness. Ondine, in an attempt to escape her sister's annoyance as well as the instructor's they'd be having today, got ready much earlier than usual, and sat triumphantly in one of the basins of water. It was advised to make sure creatures set aside time to be submerged in water before training sessions, especially during evening ones, as their energy would've lessened naturally throughout the day.

"I'm ready." Ondine declared to Alara, who looked up from scraping algae off a rock.

"I can see. Did you want some?" Alara motioned to the algae.

"No, I'm fine."

"You sure? I don't want to hear you complaining about your stomach hurting during training."

Ondine opened her mouth to disagree, but knew it was pointless. She did always feel hungry during training, whether she ate before or not.

Alara handed her a rock so Ondine didn't have to get up, one that had a large amount of algae on it, and took her place in one of the other basins. There were four around a table, like chairs, so the sisters could place their rocks on the table without any algae dropping into the water with them.

After she'd finished eating, Alara left to change. They rinsed out their basins, replaced them with fresh water, and set off to the training centre once Alara was ready. Ondine felt a huge sense of relief at not being late, as even though a few creatures looked up once the doors were opened, they quickly went back to their conversations.

Alara scanned the crowd for the instructor they'd be having today, a water -horse named Dover, so they could mark their attendance. She couldn't find him, however, even when Ondine joined in to help. Alara was about to remark that it was strange that Dover wasn't here yet, when she caught sight of a bunyip making its way up to the podium, evidently trying its best to move quickly with its flippers.

Bunyips' appearance was that of both a dog's and a seal's. They were grey in colour, with smooth, short fur. Their heads were dog-like, complete with fangs, whereas their body was the same as a seal's. Overall, they were the size of a labrador retriever.

The bunyip, now facing the crowd, hit both its front flippers together in a sort of clapping sound to get people's attention, and then cleared its throat.

"I know some of you are wondering where Dover is today, but he has said that he is unable to teach due to sickness. Therefore, I have stepped in as a substitute. My name is Bardo, and I usually teach the group above yours. If anyone needs to sign in, please make your way over to me before I start the class."

Alara linked Ondine's arm to walk over to the bunyip.

"Hi, I'm Alara, this is Ondine." She knew to speak on behalf of her sister as Ondine was especially shy with strangers.

"Hello, nice to meet you," Bardo answered in his gruff voice, then took a second to try and find their names on the register. "Species, please? Just makes it easier for me to find the names."

"I'm a fairy, Ondine is a freshwater nymph." Alara answered.

When Bardo had found both their names, he used his powers to write two ticks next to them, and then asked the sisters to take their places for the class.

"Do you think he'll be nice?" Ondine whispered as they walked into the main hall, immediately heading for the back of the room.

"He might be. Dover is really nice." Alara responded.

"I hope Dover gets better soon, we haven't had him as an instructor in a while."

Once everyone had assembled in the main hall, Bardo went over what would happen in class. They would be using weapons, specifically knives, that would be thrown at targets set up around the room. The room was large enough to have only 3 creatures to a target, and thankfully the sisters were put with someone they were familiar with and that they both liked.