Fir wiped the blood from her cheek. Killing was a messy thing. She found that out soon after Noah recruited her. Before it was just practice but now it was real to her. Her skill with the sword was more important to her now than ever before. It meant the difference between life and death. Fir knew death all too well.

For you, my mother.

Fir wiped her blade, sheathed it, and turned to meet up with the rest of the army. Not even two steps forward she heard the faint sound of leaves rustling. Panic gripped her as she turned reaching for her sword. Before she could grab it she saw his body hit the ground.

Her attacker was dead with an arrow protruding from his neck. She silently cursed. Once again she made a mistake that almost cost her life.

Shin appeared from behind the trees.

Fir flushed. Shin was very skilled and he had saved her more than once.

"I owe you again, Shin."

Shin walked over silently and pulled his arrow from the body.

Fir came closer.

"Is it ruined? I'm sorry."

Shin didn't look at her. He was always quiet and focused on battle. The only time he showed any emotion was when they talked about Dayan, his chief. Sue also knew how to bring him out of his shell.

"It looks fine."

Shin walked back to his horse and Fir followed.

"I'm glad. I didn't want you to lose an arrow over me."

Shin climbed up on his horse and gave her a hard look. It made Fir nervous because he looked as though he was trying to read her.

"Can I ask you something, Fir?"

Fir nodded not knowing what he was going to ask. It was hard to read Shin.

"Why do you follow the sword? Sacae women do not fight. If they must, they grab a bow."

Fir smiled. Everyone asks that question, if they are nice. Most just mocked her and told her to go back home.

"My mother was a swordswoman. The men in her family lived and died by the sword. My mother loved my uncle very much so she chose to pick up a sword. That was the only way he would notice her. She traveled the land becoming known for her skill, hoping to find him. She did and ultimately saved him. She died of an illness when I was very young. It is the only thing I have that connects us. My father doesn't understand it but when I hold this sword I can feel her. I don't want that to go away."

Shin smiled for the first time.

"You have beautiful eyes."

Fir looked away nervously. "Wh-what?"

"Your eyes are focused on such a pure dream. I pray that it will come true for you. Do you mind if I stay close from now on?"

Fir smiled.

"Thank you so much, Shin. Yes I would like for you to be near."

Shin held out his hand.

"It is a long walk back."

Fir put her hand in his and he swung her up on his horse. Her heart was thumping in her throat. First Noah and now Shin, what was happening to her?