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13, Determination is Detrimental

For the rest of the week Britta was paired with the same man and she detested him, though she tried not to show it. Each time she lost, though she began to fit in more attacks. It further frustrated her that Ed had managed to win all but once and even Diana had managed her fear enough to succeed in her archery, even at a height. She became even more mortified when Micah came to watch their sessions as he did every week. Her training sessions with The Fox began to teach her more things and eventually he began to spar with her as well. Wondering how much of the battering she could keep up with Britta got into bed that Sunday feeling incredibly tiered.

Taking most of her clothing down to the river the next morning she examined her battered body as she washed herself and her clothes. Gathering up more soap root she scrubbed herself perfectly clean, sighing when she realised it couldn't last. Putting her clean clothes on while the rest of them dried she washed her sisters clothes while Diana had a swim. The two of them were happy just to sit in the sun while their clothing dried, Britta enjoying the rest she got.

"I'm going to ask Ed to help me train." She told her sister as she turned her head away from the blaring sun.

She felt Diana's annoyance spark through her. "Must you ask Ed?" She asked, sounding surprisingly impatient.

"He's my best friend who wields a dagger." Said Britta, a little hurt.

Diana shrugged. "I suppose that makes sense." She admitted, still not entirely happy.

They decided not to go into town that day. Britta worked up the courage to admit she needed it, asked Ed to help her train. He refused to do her morning sessions with her, saying they were much too early to be bothered with. Britta rolled her eyes and agreed instead to do it that afternoon. She was surprised to find that fighting with Ed was much easier and she beat him without nearly as much difficulty.

"I don't know how you're losing to the Jenkins guy then." Said Ed, shrugging at the end of it, unconcerned that he was beaten. Britta had worried that he might resent her for it, but he was a good friend and didn't seem to mind.

That night Britta was left wondering the same thing. She managed to talk to The Fox Monday afternoon and asked him why she couldn't beat Jenkins.

"You're learning." The Fox said calmly. "And definitely getting better. Remember Bren, there is no point learning something you already know and I have a feeling you would beat some of the people here without too much difficulty."

With new determination the next day Britta was once again standing in front of Jenkins, watching carefully for him to move. He never seemed to start off the same way, but the flick of his eyes in one direction gave her the clue she needed and, watching him closely, instead of dodging, she came forwards as well, contacting with the blunt dagger at his midriff. He was not accustomed to her making this move and it took a moment for him to find her again, this time Britta was running at him from behind. He was not slow by any means, but Britta was putting everything she had learned to use, determined to beat him this time around. When he swung at her with the fast strike she had trouble blocking, she caught his dagger at the hilt and managed to twist it out of his grip. Weapon less her was no less dangerous and he didn't make a move to retrieve his dagger. Quickly he swung his fist, catching Britta on the collar bone. She twisted around as she landed and was back on her feet almost at once. She ducked his next punch, expecting it this time. She remembered the training The Fox had given her on hand to hand. They hadn't been taught as much of that yet but it gave her an advantage now. Remembering a weak point she aimed a jab at his thigh, sending him to the ground. With practiced movements she drew out her dagger and had it aimed for his throat.