One day, it was a pressing longing, a desire to protect herself and others by the strength of steel, the strength of a sowrd. Another day, a while later, it was practice, observation, and training. It was Hak teaching Yona how to use a dagger, how to anticipate moves, how to pay attention, how to fight back.
It was endless practices even by herself; tired arms and feet. It was the same motions over and over again, trying to trigger muscle memory. Some days, her fingers ached from her grip, her arms felt like loose straw, and her feet wanted to forget fighting stances.
But practice Yona did anyway. Hours handling a blade, learning a new way to fight.
She didn't expect to have to use it for real so soon though.
But Yona had a sword on her and not a bow; Lili's behind her, and Yona refuses to let her new friend be hurt. She attacks, recalls Hak's advice, countless training sessions, and throws herself into the fray, refusing to let Lili be harmed or killed this day.
And she fights, until she can't anymore. A slash down her back sends her to the ground and back up finally arrives.
Lili, though, is still safe! Yona's grateful with every inch of her skin and beyond.
