The Prince of Ilios

Thirty-Six

It had been so long since Ellora had worn any kind of combat gear. She found the ones in Ilios to be very similar to those from the Southern Isles. Like a second skin, made of extremely tough material. She had been informed by the others that it was currently being made in the metal province, Malmur. It was coated with a special sort of epoxy made by the earth province, Zemlya. It was supposed to be almost indestructible, unless heated to melting, or hit by the same material. She stared down at her blackened arms and legs, covering her every curve, but not with much bulk. It was flexible, lightweight and easy to move around in and covered her from toe to fingertip. Ellora smiled to herself.

They met in the courtyard to go over some tactical skills near the castle walls. Then they would continue on straight to self defense. A few of the other girls seemed self-conscious about the fit, but a few of them had gotten used to it already. Nissa's fiery red hair was pinned back into a messy bun, a few stray hairs framing her face. Janel stretched agilely, her dark hair pulled into a severe pony tail. Each province had a different streak glowing across their shoulders and clavical. Ellora's was of course blue.

River stood next her her, adjusting her gloved fingertips, "It is too tight."

Ellora chuckled, "You wear a corset all day, but you complain about a suit that was made to fit you perfectly? It's stretchy and moveable."

"I just don't like how clingy it is." River grimaced.

"I don't understand why we need to wear them anyway." Ava chimed in, she pulled at the armor around her legs.

"Trust me, when you start fighting, you will appreciate being able to move without billowy skirts blocking your path." Ellora shook her head. She crossed her arm over her chest to stretch it out before they began. They looked like they didn't believe her, but she had no more time to explain. Nicola and Alyn were at the front of the group. Her eyes widened, shocked to see her brother standing there with Nicola. And then she smiled to him as he waved. Their armor was the same style with a streak across the chest. Nicola's yellow, and Alyn's the same blue.

"You will find that your element is within your suit if you search for it. It has been woven into the mail, so make sure you make use of it today." Nicola looked like he was in his niche, talking to cadets and ready to do some military training. Ellora couldn't help, but smile a little bit. She was excited to get moving too. It felt like ages since she had done anything physical.

"We will start with a little game called 'Capture the Flag.'"Alyn stated.

"The rules are simple. Get the enemy team's flag, any way you can. If you get caught, you will be thrown in prison and unable to get out until someone rescues you. I will lead one team, " He smiled at Alyn, "Alyn will lead the other. We will start twenty minutes after the last team member is chosen. I will choose first because it is my game..." A smile slid across his face, looking more at Alyn than at the person he was calling, wanting to see the grimace form when he said, "Ellora." And he was rewarded.

"Splitting us up, were you worried that we would win that badly?" Alyn shook his head.

"This is all about tactics, I am playing to my strengths." Nicola chuckled.

Ellora walked over and stood by Nicola. All of the girls glaring at her. She could feel heat rising in her cheeks, until Alyn called the next girl, "You, with the white streak and dark hair."

"Janel." Janel moved to stand beside him, stoic as ever.

Nicola went next, "Nissa."

"River." Alyn called.

"Kendall."

"The one with the yellow streak and black hair."

"Minerva." She sauntered over. Her dark eyes stared down Ellora, trying to intimidate her, but she would not be taken in. Ellora was in a good mood and would try to maintain it.