A/N: Thank you to all those who reviews, favourited and/or followed so far! The story continues to develop and there will be much more in the future.

A few months.

A few months she had spent in the Water Gardens.

A few months of resting, relaxing and recovering.

Her sword smashed against Oberyn's spear sending the man backwards.

It had been a difficult adjustment at first. But slowly, she did find a sense of normalcy to it all.

She did not let him gain distance, charging forwards to get in close.

When they had first sparred he had not known what to expect, and though he had been somewhat cautious after hearing of her exploits, he still expected a victory.

He learned very quickly that would never be the case.

Oberyn lashed out with his spear, thrusting from the bottom of the shaft, aiming for her head as he disengaged backwards. The move forced her to stop a moment to block allowing the spearman time to gain the key to his fighting style, space. This he used to attack in a flurry of thrusts and sweeps, the sheer volume of which kept Ash from advancing.

But it did not stop her.

She fought him as she would a Nobushi, by trying to lock his weapon and get past the blade. The moment she did the bout would end.

He did not make it easy though, fast and nimble as he was. But he did have his weaknesses.

He waved at them, watching from the sidelines.

Four girls waved back. Rhaenys, Obara, Nymeria and Tyene.

Ash surged.

Oberyn shift stance quickly, bringing his spear about to deliver a strike to her exposed abdomen.

She saw through the bait and with a twist of her wrists angled her blade so the strike glanced harmlessly to the side.

He tried to pedal back while reeling his spear in and while he managed to avoid the thrust by Ash' greatsword it left him unbalanced, enough for Ash close the distance even more.

"Ash! Ash! Ash!" Rhaenys cheered.

Oberyn put up an admirable defence considering his situation, using his spear like a staff to block and counterattack but Ash' strength was simply overpowering and eventually, when she hooked her crossguard over his neck, the bout was over.

"Ha!" Oberyn panted as he wiped sweat from his face "A good bout" he patted her shoulder and she nodded in reply before stumbling slightly as something jumped on her.

Looking down, Rhaenys' giggling face greeted her.

She chuckled, patting the little princes' hair. "Are you ready?"

She nodded enthusiastically, lifting up a sword of her own made of wood.

Ash looked over her, at the other girls who were currently ribbing their father on his loss. She saw some coins exchanged between them before Nymeria saw her and pulled her sisters over.

"Lady Ash" they bowed to her.

Oberyn complained from the back "I get insults and you get respect, from my own children no less…"

Ash snorted, motioning for the girls to get into position.

Rhaenys settled on a stance, sword held low in both hands and feet apart, angling her body sideways. The Sand Snakes settled into their own stances, with Tyne brandishing a wooden arming sword and an arming dagger, Nymeria stretching a lengths of silk with knots tied at intervals and Obara twirling her wooden staff.

The Warden planted her borrowed greatsword in the sands of the training ground and caught the wooden replica Oberyn threw at her. She gave it a twirl, testing the balance but mostly making a show, then planted it in front of her.

"Come then, let us see if you actually pay attention to what I say"

The sand snakes giggled but Rhaenys narrowed her eyes.

Ash smirked when she saw it.

Obara, fiery and impulsive, acted first. She closed the distance with a charge and lunged, trying to imitate her father's fighting style.

Ash deflected her blows easily, for as fierce and skilled as she liked to think herself to be, she was still twelve years old.

Obara though was not the main threat for behind her came her sisters, ten year old Nymeria and eight year old Tyne, each going for a different flank. Nymeria lashed with her silk cord trying to entangle the Wardens limbs but she only managed a distraction. Tyne on the other hand came the closest of the sisters to Ash herself, attacking from the side.

In response Ash wielded her weapon single handed, defending against Obara while the other arm tried to bat away Tyne's weapons and grab the girl. Tyne, after the third time trying to get past Ash's guard, growled and lunged, using her weapons and body to latch onto the Warden's left arm.

Ash simply carried Tyne one handed when the girl literally wrapped herself around her arm.

The sisters continued their assault though they were quickly tiring but, just as Ash thought to do more than to passively defend against Obara, Nymeria managed to wrap her silk around Ash's arm. Looking at the silk Ash saw a weight wrapped around that had not been there before. At the other end of the silk Nymeria stood smirking.

"Now!" Obara panted, striking at Ash's greatsword to knock it away.

Rhaenys pounced.

The girl, as old as Tyne and only slightly taller, struck with accuracy, hitting the Warden's hands to force her to drop her greatsword. Once done she closed in, thrusting into vitals against a defenseless Ash.

Until the Warden used Tyne, still hanging onto her left arm, as a shield.

"Ack! Rhaenys!" Tyne squealed when Rhaenys poked at her back.

Nymeria tried to pull Ash's arm away but no matter how well she grounded herself or how hard she pulled, the Warden was simply unmoving. After a few futile attempts, with a single tug, Ash pulled Nymeria off balance sending the girl to the sand.

Obara, seeing the situation deteriorate, mustered the last of her energy for a final attack.

Which ended with her spear caught by Ash's arm and her being lifted off the ground and tossed to the side.

The Warden shrugged Tyne off, the girl finally letting go and falling to the sand with a huff.

All that was left was Rhaenys.

She blew a raspberry "We had you!"

Ash laughed, then lunged and tackled the little princess into a hug and tickle-fest that left her squealing.

"That you did" Ash said after she put Rhaenys on the ground. She looked at all of the girls who were getting up and dusting themselves off "It was very well co-ordinated effort, and it worked. You performed admirably"

They cheered and Ash let them have their moment before quieting them down "But you have much to improve on as well"

She went around and lectured them, pointing out what they did well and what they could have improved. Obara, Rhaenys and Nymeria took the criticisms well but Tyne needed some cajoling by the others to accept her mistakes though she eventually, begrudgingly, did so.

A while later, as Ash was in the middle of giving instructions to Tyne on using a sword and dagger, the Warden felt someone coming from behind her. She smiled as she smelt the scent of peaches.

Hands covered her eyes. "Close your eyes" Elia said and she followed the instruction.

She heard something being moved around, the patter of feet on sand, the gasps of the girls and Rhaenys' excited squeal.

She felt hands on her face again "Open your eyes and look at me"

Ash was greeted to the sight of Elia's warm brown eyes and mischievous smile.

The Warden raised a brow, smile on her lips. "Yes?"

Elia pulled her into an embrace, the difference in their height making her bend down. "Do you remember what I said to you, when you first rescued me?"

Ash tried to remember but after fighting the Mountain, it was a bit of a blur. "No, I do not"

"That I owe you more than I can ever repay" Elia pulled back and gently guided her to her knees "Now though, now I make a start on my promise"

From behind her came Areo Hotah, the musclebound captain of Doran Martell's guard. In his arms was a greatsword which he presented upright.

It was beautiful, was Ash' first thought. Some six feet from point to pommel with a solid, shining, unfullered blade. The prongs of the solid steel guard were angled, forming a wide V. The hilt was steel wrapped in thick, black dyed leather with a bulbous pommel. If she did not know any better it looked like the sword was made entirely out of one piece of steel.

"You say you were never knighted, Lady Ash, due to the situations of your upbringing. Well, let me rectify that"

At a nod from Elia Areo lowered the sword so the point hovered near Ash's right shoulder. Elia pressed it there and kept her hand on it. Around them their witnesses, Oberyn, his children and Rhaenys watched with baited breath.

"Normally one would swear vows when they are knighted. To protect the weak, to uphold the law, to serve loyally. Such vows are wasted on you"

Elia looked directly in Ash's eyes "You have proven to be the best Knight of any age. You defended me and my children even when you did not know who we were, against a creature as formidable as the Mountain. You showed the resolve of the Warrior then." She pressed the tip of the blade onto Ash's shoulder, the lifted it to the other side.

"When I had fallen ill, you took care of me and my children, even my Aegon. You had shown the tender care beloved by the Mother." She repeated the motion of lifting the sword and touching it to the Warden's shoulder each time she spoke.

"Your strength is beyond ken and you have shown stalwart adherence to duty, to protect me and my children, a duty you were not bound to do and did so out of the kindness of your heart. The Smith smiles upon such dedication."

Elia looked at the children gathered and smiled "You share your wisdom with the young ones and you guide them as the Crone would.

I know you hold the virtues of all that makes men good and noble, and in that the Maiden would bless you"

There was a sudden steel in Elia's eyes when she spoke next "When injustice was done upon me, you were swift in its punishment. The Father smiles upon such actions"

Her face softened "And finally, the Stranger. You may not know this Ash but the Stranger is not a deity usually prayed to. His realm is death and the unknown. Yet, I do not believe such things bother you. No, in fact, you are it's very personification"

Ash was too stunned to react, a cocktail of strange new emotions running through her, overwhelming in their intensity. It took her a moment to even remember to breath.

Elia wiped a tear she had not know was there "So, in my power as a Princess of Dorne and the Seven Kingdoms I name thee Knight" She kissed Ash's forehead "Rise a Knight, Ser Ash"

She was pulled to stand by Elia and the sword was presented to her, though it took her a while to even register it was there. Once she got hold of it Ash choked back a surprise sob.

"I...I dont know...what...What is happening?"

Elia hugged her tightly "You are a Knight now, in name and deed. You will have your own colours, your words and your House too if you wish it."

All Ash could do was reciprocate the embrace.

"Congratulations, Ser Ash" Elia kissed her cheek "And thank you"

Rhaenys giggled happily as she synched the mail skirt up. "Tight enough?" She asked Lady Ash, or rather, Ser Ash.

The woman tugged at the skirt, jingling the rings slightly, then nodded. She picked up a mail shirt next and slipped into that. Rhaenys quickly set about tying the laces at the back.

"A Knight! Im squirting to a Knight!" Then little Princess couldn't help but blurt out.

Ash let out a small laugh "I dont remember taking you as a squire"

Rhaenys blew a raspberry "You were!"

The Warden simply laughed again and waited for Rhaenys to tie up the final knot. Once secured the woman sat down and began slipping into her new set of sabatons. The plate boots were well polished and finely decorated with gold bands, a common theme in the Warden's new set of steel plate armour.

Rhaenys admired the armour, set on a stand next to them, brushing her hand on the breastplate and feeling the thick steel. After Ser Ash was knighted and presented with her new sword the Warden, who Rhaenys saw for the first time in a state of shock, was lead to her room where her new armour awaited her.

Mother had given Ser Ash some privacy to change after which she called for some help to don her armour.

Rhaenys had buzzed in and shut the door.

Now here she was, acting as Ser Ash's squire.

The Warden put on the greaves next, which Rhaenys helped with.

"Rhaenys"

"Hm?" she looked up to her Knight.

Dark, forest green eyes looked down at her. A shade so intense that Rhaenys had never seen in any other person.

A hand brushed her cheek "What does being a Knight mean?"

She blinked, stumped by the question. "Uhm…" then she perked up "You!"

Ser Ash raised brow at her "Hm?"

Rhaenys poked her nose "You! You are the best Knight ever! Like Mama said, you don't need vows, your great already!"

Ser Ash smiled. Rhaenys thought she looked good with a smile, no matter the scars on her lips. "Am I?"

Rhaenys nodded. Of course she was! "Yes, you saved me and Mama and Aegon and you beat Ser Arthur! People said he was the best knight but they didn't know you were there" She finished tying up the greaves and they moved to the cuisses.

"Besides" she continued "You are the strongest person I know, and the nicest. You're never angry and you are the best teacher and...and"

"And?"

She paused for a moment, looking at the laces she was tying, then up at Ser Ash who gave her an inquisitive look.

Then she jumped up and hugged the Warden. "And..and you give us hope"

She felt the Warden's rush of breath on her head "It was really scary getting here, but with you with us it was not as scary. It was fun sometimes actually. That's what I like best about you Ser Ash" She hugged her tighter, trying to convey her feelings through the mail "With you, impossible things aren't so hard anymore"

They sat like that in silence for a long moment, simply embracing each other.

"Thank you" Rhaenys felt a kiss on her forehead and she beamed.

Soon enough they went back to putting on the armour. On went the breastplate and faulds, the rerebraces to protect her upper arms, the vambraces her lower arms. Pauldrons were fitted to her shoulders and she put gauntlets on her hands. Finally her helmet came on, a conical design similar to the one she had previously but this one had the addition of swept back wings on either side.

Ser Ash had a slight chuckle at that, saying something about a 'daubeny', whatever that was.

With each piece donned Ser Ash became more and more like the Knights of the tales, encased in gilded steel and possessing an aura of sheer heroism. The light from the open window shined on her, reflecting off of the polished steel and making it shine all the more.

In that moment, Rhaenys knew she was in the presence of a legend.

She giggled, making Ser Ash look at her with a raised brow.

She jumped and hugged her again.

"Dragonstone has surrendered"

The news did not surprise Elia. It was inevitable. That Robert had been building a fleet to assault the island fortress was well known and now it seemed he had made his move.

She nodded to Doran who was reading a collection of messages, both raven and courier borne. "Stannis Baratheon was the one to carry out the attack, though it seems a storm had complicated matters. Still, the end result is Rhaella Targaryen and assumedly Viserys are dead" He placed the letter to the side and ate a sweet date from a bowl nearby.

"The plan goes ahead then" she said.

Doran nodded "Yes, the final arrangements have been made"

Elia gave a resigned sigh "I had been enjoying myself here. Nearly fooled myself into thinking all that has happened the last year was a dream"

Doran put a hand over hers "Come now dear sister. We all have made the most of your presence here. Many memories made and all will be cherished"

"Doran I will be walking into exile for as long as my children will have a claim to that throne" she said plainly "And they will not be losing that any time soon"

Doran sighed, features weary "I know Elia. This is why I cherished every moment I have had with you the past few months. Besides, it will hardly be the end." His eyes gleamed suddenly "We Martells remain unbowed and I will not accept this...usurper on the throne so long as you and your children are in danger"

Elia looked at her brother with a leveled gaze "Do you think Dorne will be capable of striking at the throne?"

He sat back against his chair, folding the letter in his hands "In time"

The door to the airy office opened and Oberyn came in, bringing with him a pitcher and wine glasses. "T'is time for a break from the plotting no?"

With a smile Elia took a glass and poured for herself and her brothers.

"Have you heard the recent news on the docks?" Oberyn asked as he took a sip. At the shakes of their heads he elaborated "Apparently more pirates have been sailing in the Narrow Sea, getting bolder and bolder by the day. Slaves are in high demand, well, higher than usual" He held up a hand before they spoke "Worry not, I have already hired two ships to escort our transport"

Elia still looked concerned, a look shared by Doran. "Are you sure that is enough?" she asked.

Oberyn considered "To have more will risk drawing attention with the cover we have. People will start to look at who this Ser Ash is to be hiring so many ships for a 'trading venture'"

She nodded "Very well, I suppose if that is the case"

Doran nodded as well "Let us pray they are not needed"

They drew a fair number of looks, to be sure, but thankfully none of those looks turned to stares as they walked down the road to the docks, arm in arm and hand in hand. She was armed and fully armoured, the gilding glinting in the sun while Elia and Rhaenys were dressed in what was apparently an 'Astaporian' style which covered them from head to toe in black silk robes, with only a thin lace mesh covering their eyes.

"Take a left" Elia instructed with a whisper and she followed, turning and going through a small crowded street. Stalls lined the side and buyers grouped here and there, looking through the merchants' wares. Though Elia told her the crowd was smaller than usual due to the war Ash couldn't help but feel that there were still too many people for what seemed like such a small area.

Eventually they navigated their way through the crowd and came upon a spot where they overlooked the city's port. A number of ships moored in the harbour and Elia pointed to the one that would take them east, to a different continent.

In more ways than one in her case.

It was slightly wide, made of a dark wood, single masted with square fore and aft castles. The sail was striped white and red bearing the image of a crab.

"The Hardy Claw. Not an elegant name but it fits the ship" Elia commented, gently pulling her and Rhaenys along.

Along the way she noted more of the place of Elia's birth.

It was a mix of a small harbour city and a citadel. Though she hadn't exactly been sightseeing in King's Landing she felt that Sunspear was significantly smaller, though it was no less well fortified with a three layer ring of walls dwarfing most of the buildings they protected. The "Shadow City" as it was apparently called, a place of winding streets, maze-like alleys and only one main road that lead straight into the heart of the settlement.

The two enormous towers, the centrepieces of the city. The Spear Tower, an enormous sandstone structure that seemed to touch the very sky. It had been named well as, sat atop the structure, was gilded steel spear thirty feet high that thrust into the heavens and glimmered in the sun.

The other tower, the Tower of the Sun, though smaller in height was no less grand in its magnificence. It was a palatial complex, the administrative center of the entire Dornish realm. Wide at the base it was built up in layers with each layer getting progressively smaller until it tapered into a tower that was so high it was above the clouds, capped with a golden dome. The main road in the Shadow City lead directly to it.

They name things well, the Dornish she thought as she craned her neck to look up at the just visible peak.

"I would have loved to have taken you there" Elia said, catching where she was looking "It is an amazing place. The paintings, the sculpture, the history" she spoke with some awe in her tone "The Tower of the Sun holds many treasures of Dorne worth seeing"

Ash nodded "You miss it?"

Elia chuckled mournfully "Yes, yes I do" she took a deep breath and shook her head, tugging them along. "But now is not the time for regrets"

Rhaenys was so entranced by the Tower of the Sun that she stumbled a little when her mother tugged her. "It's beautiful mama" she said, still looking at it as they walked.

"I know my darling, I know. You will see the inside of it some day" Elia looked back at them "You both will"

Ash accepted the cup and drank the tea inside with an appreciative groan.

"It will only be a short trip, a week at most" Elia patted her shoulder reassuringly.

She grumbled, holding her head in her hand.

"Ive got to go back on deck, Rhaenys is having a little too much fun running around"

"Mhhmm..."

Elia patted her shoulder again and left the cabin.

She did not know how long she was sat there, nursing her rebelling stomach, until she heard a noise that made her perk up.

One of the chests started to shake.

She took her sword, walked over and struck the lock then kicked it open.

Three faces looked sheepishly up at her.

"What are you doing here?" She asked the Sand sisters as they struggled to get of the chest they had somehow stuffed themselves in.

Some shouting, biting and tussling later, the three girls were sat on their knees in front of her.

"Well?"

They looked between each other, each unwilling to speak first.

She tapped her foot.

Obara shoved Nymeria out in front.

"Agh! You...!" The girl made to slap at her sister but then remembered where she was, turning to face the Warden. "Uhm..well, we uhm…"

Ash cleared her throat.

"We wanted to come with you!" she blurted out.

The Warden paused. "What?"

She scratched her head sheepishly "Well, we heard our father talking about sending you, Rhaenys and Princess Elia away just yesterday. We couldn't believe it at first but then we saw you leave the Gardens!"

"Yeah!" Tyne spoke up "Why are you leaving? Rhaenys was like a sister to us and you are a better teacher than any father has gotten. Princess Elia was..was.." The girl suddenly couldn't find it in her to speak, clamming up and looking down at the floor.

"Was like a mother to us" Obara finished, putting her hand on Tyne's shoulder.

Ash sighed and sat back, relaxing her posture "I will have to tell the ship to sail back, thankfully we are only a few days out of port-"

"No!" All three shouted at once.

Ash raised a brow "Why wouldn't I do that?"

"Because we want to come with you! Wherever you are going, we want to be with you as well" Obara spoke with her usual passion.

"Do you even know where we are going? Why we are leaving? What about your father, what will he think of this?"

That seemed to have deflated her somewhat but it clear from the look on her face she was thinking up something to say.

"Well, at least tell us why you're going away…" Tyne grumbled out.

Ash sighed once more "It is for the Princess' safety"

Their eyes widened "What?!"

"If you wish to truly know more, you will have to ask Elia. Just know that this was done to keep them safe"

"But from who?!" Obara clenched her hands into fists "Who would hurt our sister!?"

Ash was about to reply when a call came from outside the cabin "PIRATES!"

Instantly she was up on her feet, greatsword in hand. "Stay here" she told the Sand sisters as she left the cabin.

There were two ships approaching on opposing sides, seemingly heading for their escorts. Both were of a design similar to The Hardy Claw though their sails looked like they were made from an assortment of colours.

"Saan Pirates!" The man on the crows watch called out "Thirty archers on both front castles!"

Their own ships weren't idle as men scurried along the deck and archers and crewmen, along with a handful of dedicated marines, took their positions for battle.

"Ser Ash" Elia came up next to her, Rhaenys firmly in hand "We're going to our cabin, are you going to be alright up here?"

Could she fight on the ship? Was the unspoken question.

Ash nodded. "I will"

She had to.

"Very well, good luck" Elia hesitated a moment, a moment which Rhaenys used to hug her.

Ash patted her head "Go on"

Elia nodded to her and left, worry still in her eyes.

Ash focused on the pirate ships as she went to stand by the captain of the Hardy Claw, a man named Opi.

"What are we facing?" she asked

He grumbled through his thick, black beard "Saan's boys. Bit better sorted than most pirate scum. I reckon there'd be 'bout fifty men in each ship"

She noted the concern in his expression "What is it?"

Opi shook his head "It aint right. They wouldn't attack without an advantage" he peered at the island ahead of them, squinting his eyes to slits "...too obvious…" he muttered.

"CLOSING IN!" The man in the crows nest shouted.

The two pirate ships with their colorful sails drew ever closer, one propelled faster by advantageous wind.

She steadied her breathing and tried to ignore the churning in her stomach.

A sharp noise drew her attention to one of the pirate ships, where an archer had fired off a whistling arrow only metres before they closed with their target.

"That's a signal" Captain Opi grumbled out, then cursed a storm as, emerging from behind the island, were two galleys rowing straight for them.

Her sword was in her hands by instinct.

"Care for 'em, Ironborn those are. Bunch 'a vicious cunts"

"Captain, orders!" The bosun called out.

Captain Opi did a quick survey of the battlefield once more "Imma lead my men, yer pardon yer lordship"

Ash nodded and waited form the enemy to come.

What had been a sunny day had gradually turned to cloudy skies though thankfully the waters remained calm. Still though, she had to use her sword to keep herself steady on the deck.

They have asked for death. Deliver it to them.

She ignored the voice in her head, focusing on the galleys rowing ever closer.

The crew of the Hardy Claw prepared themselves, listening to the deep grumble of their captain. The archers on the forecastles strung their bows and readied their arrows and the handful of marines, men with armour, swords and shields, grouped up at the center of the deck, stretching their arms and checking their weapons.

The galleys rowed closer. They brought drumbeats with them, louder and louder until it started to sound like thunder in synch with their rowing.

"Archers!" Captain Opis bellowed out.

The archers notched their arrows and drew their bows.

The galleys came well within range.

"Loose!" came the order.

A volley of arrows sailed through the sky into the galleys but they were prepared, having raised their shields to block most of the shots. More volleys followed, the thrum of strings audible as they loosed their projectiles. Some hit, with at least one pirate falling over and into the ocean but soon enough the Ironborn closed the distance.

A javelin speared an archer through his chest and the man went down with a gurgle. All across the bow iron hooks attached themselves as the ironborn clambered up the ship.

She sprung into action, cleaving a head in half as as it crested the railing. She struck the hook sending the men attached to it crashing back to their ships.

A javelin was thrown at her as she looked over, sailing by her head with a whoosh of air.

The pirates were starting to get on the decks and it was clear they had sent their best fighters first. Heavily armed with axes and swords, and armoured in chainmail, helmets and shields they pushed the initial crew back before being stopped by the equally equipped marines.

Made to assist the marines but she couldn't find her footing fast enough before a pirate surged from below and forced her back.

He was tall, muscled and armed with two axes. He yelled a challenge at her and charged.

She blocked his first overhead blow but she was forced back even further. She tried to counterattack, lunging from a near static position which struck him in the chest but there was little power behind the blow, only scratching his mail.

He laughed "Ah hah! Little tin cunt haven't found its sea legs?"

She roared and charged him, swinging her sword in a wide arc "TE SECABO!"

The pirate suddenly found himself on the defensive and it was only his better footwork that saved his arm from being severed. Instead he jumped back, the Warden's blade scraping along his chest. Ash followed up, stepping forward with another swing and forcing the man back further.

Frustration welled up inside her that she tried her hardest to suppress. She couldn't move without having to think about where she put her feet, she couldn't advance without the fear of slipping.

Her blade was also not carving into her enemy which was the main contributor to her anger.

STRIKE HIM!

She tried nonetheless though.

The pirate maneuvered to the side to give himself more space and then jumped in for another double overhead swing which she blocked, this time with her feet planted. In the single moment when the pirate just realised she wasn't forced back and his feet just hit the floor she reached out and grabbed him.

Her hand secured his thick beard and she threw him onto the floor. Before he could roll away her sword struck his head, cracking his skull and splitting his face in two.

Her victory was short lived however as more pirates boarded the ship. The second galley had grappled on and the crew were slowly starting to be outnumbered. Arrows and javelins flew through the air in every direction and dead men's blood made the deck a slippery arena to fight in.

So she used her sword as a crutch, planting it in the wood and moving forward until she reached her target, a group of pirates that were flanking the marines.

She took out one with a wide swing but it unbalanced her, enough for the group to turn and attack her instead.

She tried to keep the distance, striking another down but they rushed past her guard. Her only defence was her armour, their blows raining down but failing to pierce the hardened steel. In turn she grappled those foolish enough to get within reach but she could not finish them, only send them out of the fight temporarily with a throw or a punch to the throat.

She was still surrounded though, and increasingly losing her footing.

As well as her temper.

Kill them! Kill them! Kill them!

"IM TRYING!" She yelled and swung wide striking two down with one blow, clearing space in front of her for another swing which cut off a man's arm, and his shoulder too.

The pirates facing her paused a little at that display.

It was enough for her to continue her attack, killing another, then another before the pirates changed tack and formed a shieldwall.

All three of them.

Her blade, her new, gifted blade, swung through the air.

Then through iron, skin, muscle and bone.

The headless formation stood still for a moment, then collapsed.

The Warden looked around at the chaos before her.

What are you waiting for? KILL THEM ALL!

She growled, then yelled and screamed as she ploughed into a group of pirates, sword first.

A/N: Well, that is that.

Ash is knighted in a proper ceremony and receiving new equipment. The style I had in my mind that suited her was along the lines of 'simple, elegant and practical'. Maybe the helmet and gilding was a bit stylish but i'll chalk that up to Elia wanting to get the best money can buy.

The sword I actually made in For Honor. It is the Aleister Blade, Gardakan Hilt and Rogan Guard.

I also try and portray her having developed a sense of personality during her stay, meeting and teaching the Sand Snakes and Rhaenys and just generally trying to live a 'normal' life.

But such development is not without consequences, as we may or may not find out.

Anyway, thank you for reading! If you have any feedback please feel free to review!