Toska

Xenia

"So you really think they can handle a challenge?" I ask Aedan as we finish eating a simple breakfast. "Most times when you ask for my help, the poor kids don't know what they were getting themselves into." I laugh as I go to pull my hair back into my usual ponytail.

"How come I barely see you with your hair down?" Aedan asks me out of the blue, his gold eyes watching me intently.

"Because, when it's down it only gets in my way. It's not practical for my line of work." I tell him simply, and he nods. "Now, answer my question. Do you think they're ready for me?"

"Not by a long shot, which makes it so important that you come help." He replies with a smile as he puts on his armor. "They need to learn early that magic won't get them nearly as far as quick reactions and a level head."

"Yet it took you years to finally get that through your thick head." I tease him as we walk outside. The city outside is just starting to wake up, and people shuffle along rubbing the sleep from their eyes.

"But I was a lot younger than they were." He tries to defend himself. It doesn't work as he planned, so he drops the subject. We head towards the richer part of the town, and come to the open space reserved for the guard's training. Aedan's posture changes as he assumes command over the scrawny teenagers. I watch him intently from a couple yards away. I've rarely seen him in his element, but it's clear that he was born to lead. A moment later, the recruits look at each other unsure of what's happening as Aedan calls me over.

Whispers ripple through the group as they notice my bland features. I catch one of them staring at me in awe and turning to his friend. "I think she's a gan draíochta."

"No, she can't be. They're just myths." The friend says looking at me in disgust.

"I assure you, I'm not a myth." I tell the second one with a sly smile. "It's true, I am a gan draíochta, which is why I'm here." The pair look at each other, even more confused than before. "You, follow me." I direct the second one, nearly laughing when his expression becomes sheer panic. "This is going to be fun." I whisper to Aedan, who looks thoroughly amused.

"What's going on?" The boy asks.

"What's your name?"

"Gaen."

"Well, Gaen. You're about to find out." I pause as I slip off my jacket. I turn back to him to notice him staring at my tattoos. "I suggest you stop staring at these and focus on picking your weapon." He looks disconcerted for a moment as he walks over to the display of weapons and grabs a long wooden staff, perfect for sparring. I grab a similar one, and wait as the rest of the recruits and Aedan form a large circle around the two of us. "Whenever you're ready." I tell him as I adjust my hold on the staff.

Gaen wastes no time to start throwing spells at me. I chuckle at the static feeling that he seems to think will hinder me from his attack. I side-step it without a thought, striking him in the shoulder. "If I were your enemy, you would have just gotten yourself killed." I tell him, and he looks at me with anger burning in his ember eyes.

"Why doesn't it affect you?" He asks me through gritted teeth. I smile shaking my head at him. He's not focusing, and he definitely isn't asking the right kind of question.

"I'll make a deal with you." I smile at him mockingly. "I'll answer one question for every time one of you or your friends gets the best of me." He nods and extends his hand. I ignore it and take a step back. He sets himself up for the next round, firmly planting his feet. 

I take the initiative and make the first move, feigning one way and striking the other. He catches my bluff and smirks at the small accomplishment. It quickly fades from his face when I use my staff to catch his knees and sweep his feet out from under him. I use the end of my staff to pin him to the ground. "Here's something to remember. Never let your pride cloud your judgement. You never know what your opponent is capable of." I turn to the group, who watches me with wide eyes. "I suggest you all remember that. Magic can't do everything for you. Sometimes, you're opponent is more skilled or powerful than yourself, or you'll find yourself unfortunate enough to face someone like me. The chances of it are rare, but preparation is the key to survival."