It wasn't until they had made it back to the complex that Elle remembered that she had offered to heal Caius' ribs. When he turned to leave with his customary bow, she grabbed his arm. "Wait, I apologize for being distracted. Let me heal you before you take off. It isn't my strong suit, but I should be able to do that much at least."
He frowned as he looked into her eyes. "You still look drained. Do not worry about me. It would not be the first time practice has gone awry."
She rolled her eyes at him before she smirked and pushed a cure his way anyway. His breath caught as the magic wrapped itself around his cracked ribs and started working to knit the bone back together. Once he caught his breath, he glared at her but did not move away. He should have expected as much from the stubborn woman. As soon as he was sure his ribs were healed enough that they would not be damaged further if he needed to fight, he covered her hand with his own. "That is enough."
Elle wasn't going to say it out loud, but she was glad it was. She had just about reached her limit. She hadn't realized how drained the fight had left her. It was likely to be the next day before she had enough spiritual energy to heal herself. Not that she planned on sharing that tidbit. She stepped away and nodded. "Thank you for today. I don't know if you want to do that more often, but I feel I learned a lot."
Caius gave her a slight bow and came up with a smirk. "It is I who should thank you. I have seen there is much I still have yet to learn. It would be best if we do not do this often, but I would also like to face you once again. It was exhilarating."
There was something in his eyes as he said those words that made Elle pause. The thought that he felt it was a challenge was enough to make her giddy, but that look said more than his words. She wasn't sure what it was saying exactly, but whatever it was, her body was responding. For the first time in a long time, she felt heat traveling up her limbs and across her torso. It seemed to be heading toward her middle.
They held the gaze longer than either had realized, but they both nearly jumped when a different voice broke into the silence. "Did I hear you correctly? Were the two of you sparring again? Was that what this was about? She hurt you, Caius?"
They both jerked around to face a scowling Praes and a slightly frowning Yeul. The Guardian looked to be getting more irritated the longer they went without answering him. Elle was grateful Caius managed to find his voice because hers was still caught back in that muddled haze his look had caused.
"Yes, Praes. We did spar. I asked the Emissary to face me as a l'cie. Plus, she has proven many times over now that she is a capable warrior. She continues to improve every day."
Praes looked like he was about to say something scathing, but Yeul stepped forward and tilted her head slightly as she looked at both of them. "As this was a mutual agreement, I see no harm. I only ask that you both remember that many eyes look to you for an example, whether you wish it or not. As warriors, you may teach our young the path to become the best. However, do not forget that they learn just as much from what you are not trying to teach them as what you are."
Elle felt her face heat slightly as she remembered her last exchange with Laer, but she didn't think that was what the Seeress was talking about. Still, it was a good reminder. Especially now that her 'official' title had been revealed to the city.
Caius bowed smoothly when she was done speaking. "I hear and will head your words, Seeress. I do not believe we have provided an ill example, but I will choose our paths forward with that in mind."
Elle rubbed the back of her head nervously. "Yeah, me too. I know I'm not part of your tribe, but I also know that you all put a lot of faith in Etro. As her representative, I wouldn't want to tarnish that."
Yeul smiled at them both. "Good. Now that we have that out of the way come and tell me of your spar. It must have been a sight to behold."
Elle looked at Caius in shock before she looked to the retreating back of the girl. He shrugged and turned to follow. Elle had no idea what that was about since she had never shown any interest in their spars before, but they were about to find out.
They were shocked to be led to a room that was not the fountain courtyard. Instead, the girl led them into a different place with several chairs and a table with beverages laid out. She waved her hand. "Please sit and refresh yourselves." She then turned to Praes. "You as well. I am sure there are things you have wanted to speak with the Emissary about. Most notably, her place within our city."
Praes frowned at being called out. He had tried to hide his mistrust from his charge as she had made no secret that she did not agree with him. Still, the most recent things he had learned made him wonder if he had judged the woman too harshly. Not that he intended to relax his guard around her, but perhaps there was a valid reason for her presence. He nodded and took one of the chairs as well.
When they all found a seat, the Guardian turned to their guest with a slight furrow between his brows. "I have no doubt that you are aware that I have been uncertain of your presence here." When Elle's only response was a lifted brow, he frowned and continued. "However, the things that have come to light recently made me wonder if there is more we should know. Were you truly a hunter of men?"
Elle wrinkled her nose at his question. It wasn't just that she didn't want to talk about it, because she didn't, but their wording just sounded so dirty. She shook her head. "Look, I didn't hunt men. I investigated homicides and gathered evidence so the perpetrators could be brought to justice. It was my job to provide our justice system with the means to make sure those people didn't have a chance to escape the consequences of what they did, as well as making sure we found the right person."
Praes sat back and watched her for several seconds. His voice was low when he finally spoke. "What kind of place are you from? How could such a thing be so common to need people dedicated to that job? To have a system dedicated to their punishment?"
Elle sat back with a sigh and rubbed a hand over her eyes. It was a question she asked herself often. She finally shook her head. "I can't tell you why anyone would choose to kill another person. All I know is that history has shown me that humans have a tendency to do it all the time for the stupidest reasons. From war to greed and lust to just being sick in the head. I also believe, and this is just my opinion, that the easier life gets for humanity, the more people tend to try and find ways to stir shit up. If life isn't trying to drag them down, then they have to do so to each other. It's a shitty part of the human condition."
Yeul gave her a look of concern, but both of the men were frowning at her. Praes spoke up tentatively. "If you believe that humanity is so flawed, what makes you think that anything you do could possibly help?"
Elle pinned him with a glare. "Look, this isn't a job I volunteered for, but I'm not the type to just give up. It's not like I can walk away and go home, so I might as well do my best while I'm here. Just because I'm jaded doesn't mean I don't have hope. Even I have seen that there are a handful of individuals that can make a difference if they try. If I believed that hope was gone, do you really think I would bother trying to find justice?"
The Guardian shook his head at her vehement denial and finally smiled. "No, I doubt you would." He chuckled as he leaned back, and Elle looked at him like he had lost it. When he saw the look, he continued. "Pardon me. It's only that I wish we could have had this conversation earlier. You remind me of some of our hardened warriors. Those that have seen many battles and know to expect death with each one to come and yet find the will to laugh with their comrades and continue into the field each day."
Elle was shocked by his admission, but Caius grinned over at his mentor. "I am glad you can see it, Praes. This is why Laer and the others have no problem with her joining their training. Her skill is secondary, though still vital."
Yeul clapped her hands and interrupted at that point before the two men could keep going. The girl looked over at Elle. "While I am glad to see things cleared up somewhat, it pains me to know you carry this burden. Please do not feel that you must do so alone. I am always willing to listen."
Elle looked over with wide eyes. Caius had pretty much said the same thing, but this was weirder. Caius was her friend. They had become close over the last few months, but when she looked at Yeul, she couldn't see any artifice. Instead, it almost seemed as though the girl was hoping for her to offer more.
It suddenly struck her that although Yeul was surrounded by people all the time, they all saw her as their leader. It was unlikely that the girl was close to any of them. Which was a shame, because she was still practically a child. Elle felt bad that she hadn't noticed it any of the other times Yeul had reached out. She had been too consumed in her own troubles to notices anyone else's. Perhaps that should change
Elle finally nodded. "I don't like to talk about those things much, but perhaps we can chat more often in general."
Yeul gave her a small smile and nodded. "Perfect. For now, why don't the two of you tell us why it was necessary for you to heal our Apprentice."
Both Caius and Elle chuckled at the memory despite the pain but launched into the tale of what happened. It was more than an hour later that they finished, and both Praes and Yeul were done asking questions.
Once their curiosity was satisfied, Yeul sat back with a nod. "After yesterday, I had already been considering your previous requests. Even Caius had mentioned that he felt you were capable. I see no reason to continue to deny your wish to join the hunters. Perhaps this is what will be necessary to put you in place to fulfill your goal after all. You are certainly suited to the life of a warrior."
Elle raised a brow and gave her a grateful look. "Thank you. Don't think that I haven't considered how odd it might be, both since I am a woman and the representative of Etro, but until circumstances change, I can't help but feel I'm a mooch. This will give me something to do to help."
"A mooch?" Yeul was giving her a confused look at the unfamiliar word.
Elle laughed and shook her head. "It just means I felt like I was unfairly taking advantage of the city's hospitality."
"Ah, well, we do not consider it such. It is an honor to host Etro's champion. However, I do understand, and you are free to join the ranks of our warriors. Though I will ask that you remain with Caius. That should not be a problem?"
Caius saluted with his fist over his heart. "Until you change the order, it is my duty to guide the Emissary. It makes no difference if it within or without the city."
Yeul stood with a smile, and the others quickly followed her. "Good." She then turned to Elle. "I hope to hear more about your adventures in the days to come."
"I hope I have some worth sharing."
Once the Seeress and her guardian were gone, Elle turned to Caius. "Since we will actually be starting tomorrow, do I need to meet you somewhere?"
Caius was frowning slightly, but he shook his head. "No, it is still my duty to be by your side anywhere outside this complex. I will retrieve you, but we will be expected at the city entrance by half an hour after dawn."
Elle groaned at that news, but she nodded. "Fine, I'll be ready in the courtyard before dawn."
At her confirmation, Caius gave her a subdued smile and turned to leave. Elle was left with a lot on her mind. Between their conversation, her realizations about Yeul, and that look from Caius that she still couldn't get off her mind when it wasn't otherwise occupied, she had plenty to keep her thoughts whirling. It was just too bad her bath barely helped the growing bruise on her stomach. She hoped she had a chance to heal it in the morning before they had to do a lot of climbing, or she was going to be in a world of hurt.
The next morning found Elle standing in the courtyard with bleary eyes and curses. She had barely managed to push her sore ass out of bed, but she once she was up, she had enough energy to heal herself to the point that she could move without cringing. She almost wished her healing skills were better, but she knew she couldn't have it all. She was built for battle, and she would count herself lucky to have the basic cure, at least.
It wasn't long before Caius showed up, and the two trekked silently through the waking city. When they arrived at the entrance, Elle was shocked to see two familiar faces, though neither of them looked shocked to see her. The rest of the small group did, but they were ignored as the twins stepped forward with a salute. It was Ingens that spoke for them.
"Welcome back, Apprentice. It was good to hear that you would be joining patrols again." He then turned to Elle while still holding the salute. "And you as well, Emissary. We have only fought by your side once, but it was enough. You will be a welcome addition to our team."
Caius nodded his acknowledgment. "What path is set for today?"
After that, the talk turned to the current patrol, with introductions for the other two that Elle had not met. They did not take long before they headed out. Much to Elle's chagrin, they quickly turned from the canyons and climbed one of the walls. She was gratified to see it must be a path they often took as the hand and footholds were worn and well-used, which made them easy to identify. At least her stomach was only slightly sore. She was somewhat mollified by the sight of Caius pulling back from a long reach with a grimace. At least she wasn't the only one paying for their overexuberance the day before.
When they got to the top, Elle stopped and stared. She had thought her first view of Paddra was gorgeous, but this was breathtaking. There seemed to be fields of giant daffodil-like flowers and grasses that stretched as far as she could see. They were only broken by occasional fissures that Elle knew had to be more canyons. The area around Paddra was riddled with them, and it was one of the reasons the city was kept safe from intrusion. It was naturally isolated.
Her attention was drawn when the group started off away from where she assumed the city to be, and she fell into step behind them, making sure to follow their footsteps as carefully as possible. There were no monsters yet, but she didn't want to be the reason they drew any in.
Despite her gaze being drawn to the landscape, including an unexpected pool of crystal clear water not long after they started, Elle knew there was much more she needed to focus on.
She made her way to the front of the group as quietly as she was able and only stopped her rush when the noise she made drew the frowns of three of the males around her. She gave them an uncomfortable shrug and kept her voice low.
"I know. You don't have to tell me. That is actually why I came up here."
Caius looked like he was about to speak, but Mirus did first. "I have not heard you before, why are you so careless now?"
She almost chuckled as she shook her head. "You haven't heard me because I made a point to watch and step where you all stepped. I'm not familiar with stealth in nature, though, so I wanted to ask if you could show me. I don't want to be a liability."
Caius sighed, and Ingens frowned, but Mirus merely gave her a long look before he nodded. "At least you knew enough to be observant. It is the first skill in stealth. You are not as incompetent as you believe."
Elle was shocked to hear that he wasn't angry, even if his brother looked ready to knock her out. She ignored the other Ballad and listened as Mirus gave her instructions on what to look for as they continued on.
The day was long and not without trouble, as that was the point after all. They ran into many monsters, but none that took the small group long to dispatch. The problem was more that they were each charged with carrying back what they could as well that made the day more difficult for Elle as it drew closer to night.
She was both surprised and relieved when they finally made their way down a different wall, and she knew where they were. Somehow they had made their way around in a circle and were not far from where they had started. She was glad to realize that it would not be long before she could lay down her burden and find her bed.
As they made their way into a city that was winding down for the day, Elle was glad to note that the rest of her group did not seem to pay her any more mind than any of the others. The day may have started with odd looks, but now, they had all fought the same battles, walked the same path, carried the same burdens. Even though it was only her first day, she knew it would be one of many and she felt satisfaction for the first time in months. She felt like she was finally doing something and not just waiting for the fates to throw her a bone.
A/N: I have noticed that this story may be a bit shorter than some of my others, so we are actually close to the halfway point. I think. I hate to try and predict because I'm awful at it, but that's what it looks like so far. Anyway, I hope you are all enjoying. Let me know what you think! Thanks for reading!