Halfling (editing in process)

Chapter Forty-Two

"Damn it all to hell and back!" Aria hissed as her feet were knocked out from under her once again by Javen.

Payne and Maven were in the corner with the babies, watching as Javen attempted to teach Aria how to fight. So far it hadn't been very successful, but she was starting to pick it up. They had moved all the furniture to the corners of the living room, giving them all room to spar. They had been taking turns for most of the morning, the raw determination in Aria's eyes preventing any of them from questioning if she was alright or if she needed a break. There was a desperation and fury in Aria's movements, and they could only imagine what she was picturing in her head as she learned.

"Come on, on your feet Aria. You need to watch your opponent very carefully. If we were in a battle, you would have been off your feet with a blade buried in your stomach before you knew what happened to you. Watch your vital areas, and anticipate your opponent's moves. Now... Let's try again." Javen commented lightly.

Aria slowly rose to her feet, flipping her braid back behind her shoulder and facing Javen once more. They started by going hand to hand, Aria starting to pick up on how to block Javen's strikes. She moved quickly as he tried to sweep her feet out from under her again, her breath leaving her in a rush as he caught her in the side with his fist. She didn't take time to recoil and moved forward, beginning to strike him back. She doubled over when his elbow met her stomach, her breath rushing out of her, groaning in frustration as he swept her feet out from under her from the distraction.

Aria got to her feet quickly, a soft growl leaving her as she went at him again, ignoring the blows he managed to get, raw fury in her eyes as she swiped at him. He moved gracefully, dodging and blocking her with expert skill. Finally Aria made her move, Javen crying out as she grabbed him and flipped him over her shoulder, groaning quietly on the ground as hit the floor, hard.

Aria looked down at him with a satisfied smirk.

"I didn't teach you that." Javen groaned.

"I know." Aria commented sweetly. "I am not completely clueless Javen."

Aria helped him to his feet and looked up as Payne waved her over.

"Take a break for a few minutes Aria. Have something to drink and come feed Lilianna, she's getting fussy." Payne commented lightly. "Then Maven has some spells to teach you and we're going to have some lunch."

Aria nodded and moved over to sit down, a soft sigh leaving her as she was offered some water. She drank it hurriedly, accepting Lily from Pain's arms. Javen turned away as she let Lily eat, sitting down and running his fingers through his hair with a soft sigh.

They took turns training all day; Javen and Payne trained her in close range combat while Maven taught her spells. Payne had been good despite the lust glimmering in her eyes as they traded blows. By the time dinner rolled around Aria was exhausted.

"You made a lot of progress today; tomorrow we're getting out the training swords." Payne commented with a smile.

"I can't believe Maven turned that mouse inside out, which was horrific." Aria shuttered.

"Yes, but Marcus seemed to enjoy it. I bet he'd be quite happy to eat inside-out sex demons."

"That's...gross."

Payne laughed and took their bowls, returning to Aria and sighing quietly.

"This isn't going to be pretty, you know this correct? I have seen bloodshed, hell, I've caused wars and relished in the screams of the dying. You haven't. I know you are no stranger to death or killing, but this is war Aria. They are strong from their time on earth. Are you sure you want to be part of this?"

Aria looked to her, her eyes shutting a few moments before a soft sigh escaped from her lips.

"No." Aria said quietly. "I'm not sure. I am terrified of this. I've seen so many innocent people die from Lucien alone. What he did to Elizabeth... I-It's my fault. Lucien wants me. But now he has targeted so many more people, and I have to end this. I can't look into your eyes, or Lilianna's and know I am nothing but a coward and want to stay behind and hide. I'm done hiding, I'm done being afraid, this is my time to shine and I will end this. I've said it before, I've tried to get stronger and all that happened was me breaking down again, but this is different, it has to be different. We have Lilianna now."

Payne nodded after a moment and hugged her tightly.

"You will never be a coward. You are my brave little Halfling and always will be. I'm not going to keep you off that battlefield. I will fight alongside you. Maven has agreed to stay and watch the babies." She reached out and brushed her fingers over the scars on Aria's back. "It's a shame the labyrinth took your wings. I can imagine you flying into battle, tight leather hugging your body with a sword in your hand... It's actually quite hot."

Aria laughed and gently smacked her. "Stop that, I've already been teased by your friend about me in leather."

Payne grinned and pulled her to her feet. "Come, let's get some sleep, you must be exhausted."

They stopped by the nursery before they went to their room. Nicholas was gone, most likely snuggled up on Maven's chest. Lilianna was awake, looking up at them as she suckled on the tip of her tail. The sight melted Aria's heart. Both Payne and Aria kissed the baby goodnight, staying with her until she finally fell asleep. They retired to their room and slept, only needing to get up twice at the call of their baby.