The New Apprentice

Chapter Three: Let the Training Begin!

Pic is a recurve bow   ------------------------------> 

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 I wake up an hour before dawn, getting ready for training.

When I get up, I get dressed in an outfit next to my bed that I hadn't noticed before since I was so tired. It's a standard mottled gray-green outfit and cloak just like Halt wears, except with a mouth cover.

So I put it on, and although I thought the cowl of the cloak would block my vision, it's actually very comfortable, and hey, the mask is warming up my nose, so I'm all for it.

About half an hour has passed after I finish struggling with the sleeves, and then it's so hot that I lower the cowl but keep the mask on since it's too much of a hassle to put it back on. But then I remember that I need to eat, so I end up taking it off anyway.

As I make my way over to the kitchen, I get the sudden urge to talk to Will, and something tells me he's awake. I silently make my way over to his room, completely forgetting this get-up that I'm in. So when Will starts at the sight of me, he looks at me and yet doesn't realize that this is me.

"Wh-who are you?" He stutters.

I sigh lightly. "Will, it's Amaris," I say quietly.

"Amaris? But- !" And he looks like he's about to laugh!

"I swear, if you laugh, I'll slit your throat!" I hiss at him, but at the same time, the laugh in my own voice shines out.

"In that outfit, I almost believe you would," he grins.                       
"Your own is by your bed, be quiet! And Halt's asleep, you probably woke him up!" I whisper. 

So we both flinch when the voice next door bellows, "Damn right, you did!"

After a pause, I reply, "Yes, damn right, I did."

Will looks at me frantically, persuading me it would be wise to shut up, and when Halt mutters, "This is what I get for having two apprentices," I decide to take Will's advice.                     

We're both silent after that for a few moments. I notice that Will's outfit doesn't have the mouth piece. From the foot of the bed, I whisper to him, "D'you want some breakfast?"

He nods eagerly, and I take my leave.

Amazing how well you can know a kitchen if you're observant after making simple stew. At least, that's what Halt told me when I asked him where to find the butter. It's about seven in the morning, but (unfortunately) Halt couldn't sleep after being woken up by us. 

"You'd have thought they were speaking through a blizzard." 

Those are his words, too.

Eventually, I brought up the topic of my gender.

Am I going to have to lie about my gender? How long? And to whom?

He told me it was my decision, and I've decided to pass a man instead. There are too many complications and added dangers when those around you, especially in a hostile environment, know there is a woman among them.

Who will I have to lie to? People that will be my friends? People that I will come to trust with my life? Or even worse, people that will be trusting me with their lives and as their friend?

But Day One of training has begun, and there is no time for thoughts of the future, only of now. 

"Come outside," Halt says, "Time to see what you two can do."                       
Will casts me a nervous look, but I give him a reassuring grin.