Oh Fudge it all. I am struggling with my next chapter of WSSIT, so why not:
Milo had been born into a world that was for the most part hidden from humans. He was the third of five Dhampir children born to his human mother and Moroi father. His mother, Marzina Belikova was one of three blood whores to his father. She had been a beautiful woman before the years of monthly visits from Mirko Ramazanov had taken their tolls.
Milo Belikov spent his early childhood training at the village sparring grounds when he was free from his mother's schooling and had finished his chores.
He hoped that he would be noticed and accepted by a more prestigious training camp. The mentors traveled every other year to the smaller villages and would choose a promising looking male and female that was at least sixteen years of age. Milo was only twelve, but he had four more years to train and learn. He had to succeed if he ever wanted to escape the village.
If he was chosen in his sixteenth year, then hopefully he could become a desirable Guardian. The pay wasn't very much, but it would be plenty. Guardians were given free housing and food. Other than what he had to use for new uniforms and other personal needs, the rest of his pay could be sent home. Hopefully his mother could use it get his brothers and sisters extra training lessons.
Although rare, he did not want for either of his sisters to grow to follow his mother's footsteps. Dhampir were meant to be protectors. He had already seen a Dhampir woman disgrace herself by becoming a blood whore and he did not want his sisters to get the same idea.
Mirna was nine and had just begun her training. Little Branka had just turned three and if he was chosen by a mentor, he would be leaving before she started training.
Milo was happy when his younger brothers grew old enough to help with chores. It allowed him extra hours to spar and train. By the time he was fifteen he was able to defeat all but two of the other boys in his village. He spent the next year improving until he was the best.
Three weeks after his sixteenth year began; the mentors came to the village. They spent four days watching the boys and girls spar. On the fifth day one chose him. Milo was nervously excited as he kissed his family goodbye and followed Guardian Bazanov off to an official Guardian.
He spent the next two years training under Bazanov's guidance. After receiving his promise mark upon completing his training, was assigned to guard Tihomir Markin, a young Moroi just one year his senior. Tihomir was an easy charge. He stayed close to home, caring for his mother and younger brother, Jaromir.
Milo had been with Tihomir for eight years when he received a letter from home. Seventeen year old Branka was slacking in her training and had been caught in the company of a Moroi Lord. Though nothing could be proved, his family feared the action would lead to her disgrace.
Tihomir's near guard was going to retire soon and Milo asked if he could take on mentoring Branka. The Guardian accepted and a month later, she joined Milo at the Bazanov's residence.
He watched from his new role as a near guard as Branka's skill improved. The year of her eighteenth year, Tihomir's son, Vladimir turned five and would begin school. Tihomir hired Branka as a Guardian for the young boy.
Milo had thought Branka's wild days were over, but at Christmas that same year, she proved everyone wrong. Branka ran off with twenty eight year old Jaromir, abandoning her charge in the name of love.
Milo tried to hide the shame she had brought to both of the families. He never imagined that in just over a years' time, his youngest sister would push a little girl into his arms and disappear once again.
Walking into the house, he called to Tihomir and his family to let them know it was safe to come out from hiding. "Branka, she said there's a note." He told Tihomir in a weak voice and handed over the tiny infant.
Tihomir pulled back the blanket and removed the sheet of parchment from within. He handed the baby to his wife and read the letter aloud.
Tihomir,
I am so very sorry for the pain I have caused upon your family. I am afraid I only deliver more terrible news.
Jaromir and I married just days after leaving your home. We settled into a small human village just a day's ride from you. Two months ago, we welcomed our baby Anna into the world. That would be the last happiness that would grace us.
Tihomir, I beg you to care for her. I know you are angry with Jaromir and I, but please keep Anna safe.
A month past, our village was attacked by a band of Strigoi. I had taken Anna to see a doctor and was unable to protect them. Jaromir was turned Strigoi. I am deeply sorry to deliver the news of such a terrible fate.
I am giving Anna over to your care, as I am going to search Jaromir out and release his soul. It is the last comfort I can bestow upon our families. I do not have any intention of surviving.
Please let Anna grow knowing that her parents loved her and because of that love, had to go away to keep her safe.
Deepest Regards,
Branka