The next three days were also spent walking the streets of the city. Elle was amazed at some of the advances they had for a people that had yet to discover electricity. There were many ways they incorporated the local flora and fauna into everyday life to help ease their burdens and make life more comfortable. That didn't even include the advanced plumbing that ran throughout the city.
That was brought up when she asked about the fountains. It turned out that there were several underground springs in the surrounding plateaus where they could access fresh water. Aqueducts ran from them and then into the city. All in all, the more time she spent there, the more she began to think her first impression was true. Even with all the people, it was a bright and airy place. Most of the people matched it. They were friendly as a whole. Not that there weren't some that had been rude, but it never came to anything once they saw she was with Caius. Her guide was just as well known as she would expect for the man that was training to become the next guardian.
Once she had at least seen most of the city, Elle's questions expanded. Caius was both surprised and pleased when she asked about the economics of Paddra. Mostly in the form of questions about how they brought in enough food for everyone and the trading system. She had noticed that there was a standard coinage, but barter for trade was still the favored form of exchanges.
On the fourth day, Caius agreed to show her the farms. They didn't have room for them in the city, but they had cultivated land on top of the plateaus behind the valley. They were inaccessible unless you went through the valley, or you could fly. That was the reason guards were always posted up there. There were still monster attacks that had to be prevented.
Elle was excited to get out of the city, even though she had enjoyed it so far. It was more the prospect of getting to see more of this world firsthand. She quickly found that life here was harsh but beautiful.
Caius agreed to pick her up early since they had to climb the cliffside pass to get to the top. Elle was shocked when he handed her a pack and a small cloth-wrapped bundle as soon as the doors were closed. She gave him a questioning look. He grinned as he answered.
"I felt it would be prudent to bring food. If we are to get back in a reasonable amount of time, then we will not have time to stop. The pack holds supplies for the midday meal. The other is breakfast. I hope you do not mind eating while we walk."
Elle was pleasantly surprised by his thoughtfulness. "Thanks." She unwrapped the smaller bundle, and her stomach immediately started growling at the aroma that filled the air. She shot a glare to Caius when he chuckled but didn't say anything before she bit into the pastry. Her eyes widened as the flavor burst on her tongue. She had expected something with the fruit they seemed to have at every meal. Instead, the flaky crust was filled with a savory sauce filled with meat chunks and vegetables. She hadn't expected something like that for breakfast, but she wasn't going to complain. It was amazing.
She was nearly done before she noticed that he had not eaten with her. She gave him a worried look. "What about you?"
He shook his head and chuckled. "I ate before I came to you. Those are best when they are hot, and I didn't want it to get cold."
Elle wasn't sure what to think about that statement, but she had enjoyed it too much to complain now. "Well, I'm glad I don't have to share."
He smirked at her teasing, but he could tell that she had felt guilty at not thinking of it before. Such a little thing, but it pleased him to see. He was still unsure about her role in the Goddess' plan, but he was starting to see she was resilient. He wasn't sure he could acclimate so easily if he had been sent to a strange place. He had no doubts that her life had been drastically different before, given how many times she seemed unsure or even awed at many common things in the city. It also made him wonder where she was from, but that was a question he was not willing to ask. Not yet. He had a feeling it had much to do with the Seeress' actions, and he knew he might not get a straight answer anyway.
The rest of their walk was spent in companionable silence, except when Elle saw something she didn't recognize. She was insatiably curious, and there was a lot to get curious about. It was nearly an hour before they made it up the long and winding path to the top of the plateau.
Elle paused at the top and looked around. It was much busier than she had expected. It was also much larger. There were fields as far as she could see. Some of them held unrecognizable livestock, but the rest seemed to be crops.
They were greeted by a pair of guards at the top before Caius allowed her to take the lead. Elle wanted to get a closer look at the animals. She had never seen anything like them before.
As they walked, she started asking questions about property ownership and trade. Caius was slightly confused at the idea of the farms belonging to individuals since they provided food for all. Elle was equally shocked to find out that everything belonged to the city, and the people were paid to work the land. It seemed to be working, so she shrugged and moved on.
When they passed several sets of guards patrolling the area, Elle finally asked what had been on her mind. "I've noticed there are guards all over up here. I mean, there are a few in the city as well, but this seems to be well protected."
Caius nodded and gestured to the land. "Gran Pulse is a wild land. There are constant threats to any that would live on her surface, but it is nothing we cannot combat with preparedness. Especially up here. The amphisbaena are always a problem, among other things."
Elle looked thoughtful for a moment but gave him a curious look. "So, how does hunting fit into this?
"All our warriors work in shifts. They take time to hunt when they aren't guarding. It helps keep the monsters near the city down and gives a wider variety for the peoples of Paddra. It also helps with trade between cities. There are things that are only found near here that are valuable to others."
Elle nodded. "That makes sense. Training such a large group would take time and space, though. I don't remember seeing anything like that."
Caius pointed to a building in the distance that was larger than the huts some of the workers used for housing while they were assigned to the fields. "The training grounds are there. It gives us ample space as well as allowing the youngest to work with a mentor until they are ready to work alone."
Elle's eyes lit up. "Can we go there? I haven't had practice since I've been here."
Caius gave her a curious look. "I don't see why not. I have been told the whole city is to be opened to you. Though you would be the first woman to do so."
Elle frowned. She had noticed that although the gender divide didn't seem to be out of disrespect, it was still evident. She had not seen any female guards, and now she knew why. She cocked her brow before she looked to Caius. "Why is that? Are women not allowed, or do they just not want to."
Caius had to fight not to frown. He had a feeling he was not going to like where this conversation was headed. "No woman has ever asked that I am aware of. The beasts that roam Gran Pulse have been known to terrify even the hardiest warrior. I would not blame any that would not want to face that. There are many males that prefer to become traders to the possibility of facing death."
Elle clenched her teeth to keep from saying something in anger. At least it wasn't 'women need to be protected' or something equally asinine. Perhaps she would feel the same if she had grown up around monsters that could eat you in a single gulp. Still, she wasn't one to not try. She finally managed to bring her rage to a manageable level so she could speak. "And what if they wanted to? Would you tell them no? Who has that authority, by the way?"
Caius was positive now that he was not going to like where this conversation ended up. He had a gut feeling what her next response was going to be, and he knew he couldn't stop her, though he hoped he was wrong. "Praes is considered to be the leader of our warriors, though his duty often means that the responsibility falls to me."
Elle raised a brow. They had spent so much time together in the last few days that she was surprised she hadn't seen anything like it. Though she did have to admit that his assignment was from the Seeress, so there was a probability Praes was handling it all for the moment. At least she knew she was asking the right person when she spoke again.
"So, does that mean if I ask to go take a look and maybe participate, then you would be the one to talk to?"
Caius bit back on a sigh. He hated being right. Still, he could not deny her. Perhaps she would be satisfied with a look, though he knew he was deluding himself. He gestured to the building. "Would you like to go now?"
Elle's eyes lit up. "You bet! Let's see how training is done here."
Caius bit back another sigh as he led her across the fields and to the large building. The area around it was fenced into separate grounds, and each one had a few men walking among the boys giving them tips and adjusting where needed. There was an area for bows, one for swords, and another that seemed to be hand-to-hand. Elle went to that one first.
She leaned against the fence and was watching with rapt attention. Most of the instruction was familiar to her, though the style was not. It looked to be a mix of different types of martial arts. She had a feeling she wasn't getting the full effect since most of the boys seemed to still be struggling. She had a feeling it would be different if she were watching the men.
After several moments, a few of the boys caught sight of Caius and Elle and stumbled. When the closest instructor went to reprimand them, he also turned to see what had distracted them. It was at that point the man called a halt to the practice and approached Caius with a bow.
"Apprentice, we were not expecting you today. Has something come up?"
Caius was wearing a blank face as he gestured to Elle. "Not at all. I have been assigned to escort the Emissary, and she noticed your training. She has been insatiably curious about all aspects of life in Paddra and wanted to see."
The man then turned to Elle with a smirk. "It is usually frowned upon for women to come up here to watch. It is a distraction."
Elle kept a straight face at his attitude, but she raised a brow when she spoke. "What about a woman that would like to practice as well? I haven't been able to in days, and I don't want to get rusty."
The man had not expected that response. Caius wasn't sure if he was more aggravated or amused at the interaction. She was definitely unexpected. It was nice not being the one shocked by her for once. Still, when the man laughed, he spoke up to keep things from devolving. "Laer, I would not object."
The man suddenly shut his mouth with a snap and gave Caius a hard look. "I thought you were supposed to be protecting her? That is what Praes told us."
Caius looked down and then back over. "I am, but I have also been told to allow her to see the city for herself. If this is her decision, I will not stop her."
Elle was tired of being talked over and let it be known. "Look, if he says it's not a problem, then I am all for it. Like I said, I need to practice."
Both men gave her doubtful looks, but Laer stepped back and motioned for her to climb over. "Fine. Don't blame me if you get hurt."
Elle grinned as she didn't hesitate to clamber up and over into the training area. She ignored the looks she was getting from the others as Caius followed suit. The trainer gestured to one of the boys. When he drew even with them, he looked at Elle. "This here is Grian. He should be able to stand on par with you."
Elle shook her head and tried to be reasonable. The boy had to be the smallest one out of all the ones she could see. He was even shorter than she was. She took a deep breath to keep from being mean. "I understand what you are trying to do, but I meant it when I said I wanted to practice." She looked at the boy then. "Look, I know you are destined to be a mighty warrior, but unless you have been training since you could walk, this isn't a good idea."
The boy puffed up his chest and answered with a glower. "I am the best in my age group. I do not like the idea of fighting a girl, but I will not dishonor my name or my Seeress by backing down."
Elle raised a brow at his bravado. "Fine, I'll give you one last warning. Unless you are prepared to be humiliated and bloodied because you were beaten senseless by 'a girl,' then I would recommend you walk away. I'd rather not practice at all if none of you take me seriously. I'll find another way."
The boy looked shocked, and Laer was frowning. Before either could respond, Caius stepped forward. "I will spar with you."
All eyes but Elle's turned to him in shock. The Apprentice had not sparred with the trainees for more than two years. It would have been a treat if it were not for his sparring partner. Elle, on the other hand, turned to him with a grin. "Really? That sounds great. I owe you one anyway."
Caius frowned slightly. "I thought we have agreed to put that behind us?"
Her grin widened. "Of course, but I'm not going to pass up this opportunity either."
He did sigh at that point. "No weapons?"
Elle nodded. "No weapons. We are sparring, not trying to kill one another."
He nodded and started to unstrap the weapon belt he was wearing. When she saw him taking them off, she realized it was a show for her sake that he meant what he said. She grinned again and decided to follow suit. She looked at Laer. "You look reliable enough."
He frowned at her until she pulled a sheathed knife from where it had been hidden in her waistband. His eyes widened when she handed it to him. "Just make sure I get them back." He looked confused when she said them until she reached into her boot and pulled out another one. His eyes widened further when she pulled another one from the other boot. He was staring open-mouthed when she handed them over.
When she turned around, she saw several of the other men staring at her with surprise. Grian looked paler than he had as well. She turned to Caius and saw him shake his head. She chuckled at the sight of it. Her voice was taunting when she spoke. "As frustrating as it is to always be underestimated because of my lack of junk, that look right there makes it bearable." She gestured to the center of the field. "After you."
Caius moved to the center of a circle that had formed around them, and Elle followed. When they got to the middle, Caius turned to her and nodded. She grinned at him again. "All I ask is that you don't treat me like I'm glass. If you think you can get away without fighting back, you might get hurt."
Caius almost laughed at her bravado. None of the men in the field were good enough to best him. There was a reason he was the apprentice, after all. Still, he would try to assuage her ego without hurting her too badly. Hopefully, she would get this out of her system and be willing to move on to less irritating pastimes. Like perhaps figuring out her goal while she was there.
He nodded before he crouched into position. He was slightly shocked when her response was to drop into a guarded stance with her fists in front of her face. Slight murmuring broke out around them as she started to circle him. Caius watched her with interest and began to wonder if there was more to her claim of being underestimated than he thought.
He followed her around, watching as she tried to assess his weak points. His eyes widened when she lunged for him. He brought his arms down to block the blow she seemed to be aiming for his abdomen. He was further shocked when she proved the move to be a feint and then proceeded to roll to the side and kicked at his knee. He was barely able to move in time for her blow to only glance across the back of his leg, and he realized he needed to stop thinking of her as a woman instead of a valid opponent. Had her blow connected, he would have been knocked down.
Silence settled over the group as they all watched in surprise as the tiny woman managed to dart around Caius. She used her legs often, and more than once succeeded in connecting, though he was fast enough to keep from being knocked down. It wasn't until she rolled behind him and kicked for one of his kidneys that he realized she hadn't been exaggerating when she had told Grian to walk away. She took this spar as seriously as any of the warriors on the field.
When she rolled past him again and tried to buckle his knee once more, he finally dropped so he could grab her leg. He yanked on her foot and threw her off balance. She landed with a hard thud that knocked the breath out of her, but she jumped right back up.
When her response was to grin at him, the talk around them grew in volume. It was evident that Caius was not attacking, but even so, they were all shocked at the fact that she had hit him more than once.
After that point, Caius realized she was not going to give up unless she was defeated. He clenched his jaw and decided to try and knock her down without hitting her, though he wasn't sure he could. She was fast.
After that stunt, she didn't give him as much of a chance to grab her. She learned from her mistake and changed to darting punches. A gasp sounded when she managed to feint and strike him in the side. Caius grunted. He could tell he would be bruised, but it was not a severe hit. When she came closer again, he managed to grab her wrist and used her own momentum to flip her over. This time, she was slower in getting back up, and he didn't miss her grimace, but she still dropped back into a fighting stance.
He frowned at her determined look. "You will get hurt if you continue."
Her eyes flashed. "I will kick myself if I give up. That isn't part of my vocabulary."
Caius shook his head at the set of her jaw. This was turning out to be more than he expected. Still, he knew he couldn't let it go on. He had no doubt that he could beat her, but his concern was whether he could beat her without hurting her. He found himself in an awkward position when she attacked again.
As much as he did not want to, he knew this would go on until she dropped from exhaustion if he didn't act. When she darted toward him again, he feinted to the side and managed to clip her on the back of the head as she passed. He cringed at the sound she made when she fell, but she didn't get back up.
He sighed and knelt beside her with the intention to roll her over and check on her. He didn't get to touch her before she shakily pushed herself up and onto her knees. She looked over at him with a pained smile. "I suppose I deserved that."
He only gave her a shocked look before he helped her to her feet. She was grinning at him by that point. "Thank you for the spar." When she held out her hand, he took it with a little trepidation. He wasn't sure what to think.
When she shook and then let go, he let out a relieved breath. She continued to astonish him. He had never known a woman that could stand against him. Had she faced one of the others, it would have been worse. She had talent and a strategic mindset. Any other partner and they both would have ended up injured. He could already tell that he would have bruises as it was.
He smiled at her thanks. "If you feel the need to spar again, let me know. I think it would be best."
She gave him a lopsided grin. "That sounds great. Going up against you, I would definitely be pushed to get better."
He shook his head at her immediate approval of the idea and her reasoning. He realized he was going to have to quit trying to categorize her like any other female he knew, or he was likely to end up being thrown off guard continually.
When they both turned to leave, they were stopped by Laer. He held out his hand to Elle. She accepted the gesture with a raised brow. She had to try not to grin when he spoke. "If you would like to train with us again, I would be happy to spar with you."
She gave him a nod. "Thanks. I'll definitely take you up on that offer some time." She was at least glad that the man wasn't the kind to get pissy when his attitude was proven incorrect.
Caius frowned at the exchange. He had hoped she would refrain from coming back, as it could be a distraction. He could see it was a futile wish. When he noticed some of the awed looks she was receiving, he realized it wasn't just her either. It was plain to see that she was trained and experienced even if she had not been able to beat him, she was skilled enough that she would be placed in the advanced classes.
He pushed the thoughts aside as they both retrieved their weapons. Elle thanked them all again before she followed Caius around to the gate and back out again. Despite her pounding head, she was in a much better mood than she had been in days. At least she was sure she now had an outlet when the situation became frustrating.