Shadowsworn

Chapter Eighteen - Preparations

As the sun dawned, the crystal clear waters of the pale glittered. The beams slowly danced across the rippling surface, seemingly leaving a path of diamonds in it's wake. The birds singing their joy of the new day; the freedom and abundance of the bountiful valley.

The human inhabitants careful to never encroach too much on the natural surroundings, always giving back what they took, safe in the knowledge that this paradise would sustain them. The noise echoing against the stone walls, were the echoes and grunts of vigourous exercise. The clashing of word on wood, metal on metal.

Aria stalked between the various partners and groups bouting, her eagle-eyed awareness on everything movement, every twitch of muscle and drip of sweat. Over seeing the training had become a simple pleasure to her, one that she also honoured as the youngest everything assassin to reach levels and still befitting a master. She was duty bound to continue the tradition of extreme and through training required of every assassin, old and new.

A slip of an arm, not quite striding right, caught her attention. Aria immediately strong over to the offending fighter.

"Novice", her strict tone quickly gaining the young mans attention. He bowed in silence, awaiting instruction.
"You keep dropping your right shoulder before you extend. A perilous tell to your enemy. If you intend to keep breathing, ratify it. Twenty laps, followed by an hour on the posts before you can continue."

"Damn Ria, harsh. Even for you", a voice barked behind her.
"Well actually, not really."

She scoffed, "Fancy doing fifty Max? I do have authority over you."

He held his hands up in mock surrender as she faced him, "Just wanted to suggest the possibility you may like a nice swim in the lake. Nice little cool down, doll."

A small smkle crept upon her face despite herself, "The lake is forbidden. Even a fool such as yourself knows that."

"Makes it all the more exhilarating though", he whispered conspiratorially as they walked away from the training field. They stood at the base of the temple, a clear overview of the training field in sight.

"Now I know why the Supreme is always sending you away", Aria mused.

Max smirked and nudged her with his elbows, "Same as you then?"

"I am delightful company. And whilst I may be trouble, I am not mischief like you Maxi. Besides, he sends me just to keep you alive", she paused as her thoughts wandered, "And I honestly do worry for you, doing this mission, whatever it is, alone."

"I was born for it. That's how they built us at least", he chuckled, before noting Aria's stiff posture. "Relax little Ria. I won't be far, and the job is easy enough."

"Perhaps. But you are my partner Maxi. Being split from you, it's all a bit peculiar. Then again, this whole corruption business is."

She sighed, turning her attention back to watch the fighting ranks. Max glanced down at her, watching the red colour swirling in her eyes become more dominant, the fires stoking as a slight fury built within her. He laid a hand on her bare shoulder, already unconsciously pulling a cooling wind around her.

"Sure you don't fancy a swim?"

"Best ignore him if you know what's good for you. Or disown him. Before the Supreme disowns you", Gabe's voice of reason cut in. He strode down the ancient yet steadfast stairs, to stand beside the pair, giving the slightest of nod towards the seasoned recruits still training. "Not bad."

Aria gave him a grim smile, "Nothing to write home about though. We shall if the survive the final upcoming regime."

Gabe nodded again, solemnly. "Speaking of which, it is the duty of you and myself to review those who are currently enduring the pit."

Maxi grimaced, remembering the enveloping darkness and gnawing hunger of his own time spent in the pit.
"Pair of you drew the short straw then."

She exhaled a calming breathe, "It's a necessity Max, you know that as well as I. Only the strongest can survive."

She quickly scanned the field, "Right, that means you actually have to do some work today. You're in charge."

His jaw dropped as Gabe bellowed out in laughter, "But I'll miss breakfast Ria!"

"You could do with missing a meal, you are starting to fill out in all the wrong ways", she retorted.

Maxi huffed before sighing dramatically, waving his hand at her dismissively.

"Come on then Gabe. Let's take a stroll down memory lane, and a step into hell."

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