Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters and places; (except for the ones I made up and the plot – all mine) they belong to Tamora Pierce.
A/N – hey everyone! I think I mentioned that I might do a story about Ilane's time at Shang, so here it is: The Shang Life. (Very original title, I know! Please tell me if you think of a better one) Please review!
The Shang Life: 1. Impressions
Every part of Ilane's four-year-old body screamed. It just hurt, everywhere. But her aching, tired head barely registered the fact. Only one thought penetrated: she had to keep going. The ground under her bare, blistered feet was uneven and kept making her stumble, tree roots kept trying to trip her and bushes and branches were clawing at her from every angle. But she could not let the boys, or even the other girls beat her like they would if she gave up. One little boy had already sat down crying, and an instructor had picked him up and was carrying him the rest of the way. But Ilane was going to be the best, and she could not start failing now. Every inch of her four-year-old body was determined despite the pain. And she knew they would be there soon, even if she was not totally sure where there was. It was somewhere in the middle of this big, dark forest.
It was her first day of Shang training. Or, rather, her first day of Shang training when she would be at the much heard of Compound. Because her training had started the moment she had left home with the Shang Panther to begin the journey here. Earlier yesterday evening they had met up with many other prospective trainees, and now they were all journeying into the forest. They would camp for a few hours somewhere in the middle before continuing on the Compound early tomorrow.
Ilane wasn't used to so much rigorous physical exercise. She was positive, and quite resolute, that she would become used to it in time and complete a walk like this with ease, but she was not there yet and in the mean time it hurt. Her little head started to complain, and wonder whether it was worth her while to stick with Shang training. It wasn't the best of first impressions.
But the stubborn part of her that had begged her parents and the visiting Shang master to let her come stomped down on the doubt, and marched resolutely on through the night.
Please review!