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[[Cheshire Smirk x Yuuki]]

Y

yuuki

Super-Earth
Joined
Jan 15, 2009
The House of Ahn'kir was in shambles. With their leader and her consort lost by the hands of an assassin, the responsibility of leading was left with their eldest daughter who had just turned 19. Of course, her aunt, who was chosen as the ruling mother, was more than capable of taking care of the family but Selene knew that it was her responsibility. And among those responsibilities was finding out who hired the assassin responsible for tearing her family apart. It was hard, trying to find that answer with the assassin dead at the hands of Vallios who is supposedly her consort now.

Selene sat at the roof of the family home, watching as the day broke over the city. She pulled her jacket closer to her body, shivering slightly from the cold as the wind whipped her long black hair back. Sighing, she thought of all the things she had to do for the day. Lessons with her aunt were the first on the list. Lessons bored Selene and it made her feel like nobody was doing anything about her parents' deaths. Today, she planned on skipping lessons and going out into the city to find information on the assassin. Her aunt would be so angry once she found out where she was going to find her information.

Getting up from her seat, she went back into her room. She still hadn't moved into her parents' room like she was supposed to once they died. Taking a robe from her the top of her head, she put it on over her dress. Most of the people in the house were still asleep so it was easy for Selene to sneak out through the back door. The local pub would be full of drunk men. Drunk enough to leak some information to a beautiful woman. Of course, it would be quite foolish for her to go there alone but it was a risk that she was willing to take.
 
"You?! Weapons Master?"

The frustrated guard spat on the floor and pointed a finger at Vallios, a look of absolute indignation on his face. The man stomped his plated foot against the floor of the training hall and then reached for his spear. Vallios sighed quietly and turned to face the interloper, waving a hand dismissively at the gathered 30 trainees. Vallios merely smirked and shook his head, clearing away the waist length mane of raven hair from his face. When he spoke, he did so with an accent that echoed the frigid tones of the northern winds.

"If you think yourself more fit for the title...Pick any three weapons. I will use them to combat you. You may choose as many weapons as you wish." Vallios responded cooly.

Every weapon in the training room was an edgeless copy, perfect for maximum training with minimum lethality. The Ahn'kir chamber guard chuckled softly and began to rummage through the weapon racks, looking for the most unwieldy combination possible, along with the most outlandish weapons. From the gathered arms he picked a Kama, a heavy broad bladed falchion, and an eight foot long chain. He set them on the bench, and then retrieved a sturdy pike, a large tower shield, and a longsword.

"Have fun with that, Weapons Master."

The guard placed mocking emphasis on the title. Vallios just shook his head and swaggered over to the selected weapons. With practiced ease he wrapped the chain around his waist and upper legs, then he retrieved the kama and settled it in his off-hand. He picked up the falchion, swung it in circles a few times and then turned to face his opponent, assuming a ready and balanced stance.

"Whoa!"

"By the gods, how can he hold such a heavy weapon like that?"

Most of the gathered trainees were new recruits, who'd never seen what being a Weapons Master meant. Even the challenger was a bit taken aback at the ease which Vallios adapted to the situation. Nevertheless he struck his longsword against his shield once, twice, and three times...The traditional sign that he was ready.

Vallios danced forward, leading with his offhand. The challenger lunged and swung wide with his shield, hoping to knock Vallios from his feet. Vallios twisted his wrist and slammed the square pommel of the kama on the center of the oncoming shield, while kicking for his opponent's exposed knee.

The guard reacted in time to step away from the kick, surprised that Vallios had countered so readily. Once more he knocked blade against shield, taunting Vallios. Vallios took the bait willingly, coming in with an arcing slash from the falchion. The guard forced his shoulder forward and then thrust with his sword, going for Vallios' apparently exposed ribs.

But Vallios had his kama ready. Easily he caught the blade in the curved edge of the sickle-like weapon and forced the guard's main hand high. Vallios stepped inwards and caught his opponent with a vicious elbow to the ribs, followed by a fierce kick to the chest.

Vallios stepped forward, whipping his falchion up and then down in a rolling arcing slash that the staggered challenger barely managed to block. A loud clattering filled the hall as both falchion and kama hit the floor, it appeared as if Vallios had been disarmed... But that wasn't the case. It'd been a ruse, which became apparent as that chain was swiftly unwrapped from his waist.

Vallios' stance changed abruptly, from the heavy centered focus of before to a more fluid and mobile step. The chain arced and cut through the air, quickly working itself into a dizzying curtain of certain death. Working both ends Vallios struck, hands spinning and twisting in the large circular links that served as handholds for the exotic weapon. Now Vallios had the severe advantage of the reach.

The challenger realized that and took several rapid steps back, retrieving his pike. The guardsman continued to step back and around, waiting for Vallios' advance. And so Vallios began to strike, displaying astounding proficiency as he hurled the chain out to it's full eight foot length and then snapped it back in vicious slashes. Steel slammed against wood floor, and the metal links howled a shrill song, every strike seeming to hold the fury of a condensed storm.

And somehow, through the onslaught Vallios did not tire. With every strike he worked closer, the chain shortening as both ends began to work. Eventually, the desperate guard found himself overwhelmed and he began to thrust with abandon, hoping to strike a decisive blow.

But, no such luck. One end of the chain wrapped around the pike and with a wicked tug Vallios ripped the weapon free from his opponents grasp, and then released a flurry of blows from both ends of the chain. It was fortunate that the weapon was barbless, otherwise the challenger would have been literally torn to bits.

When the beaten man crumpled to his knees Vallios stopped the assault and stepped back, his breathing measured and calm. He cleared his throat and turned to address the class, acting as if it had been nothing more than a demonstration.

"Weapons are not but an extension of the will; The will to kill, and the will to survive. You must adapt to every weapon you hold, allow it to become your arms, it's blade, it's weight your fingers. Allow it's limits to become your own, and then overcome them."
 
Selene, on her way to the pub, had passed by the training hall. Normally, she would have simply passed by, deciding not to step foot in her father's second home until she was ready. Today, however, she could hear voices from inside and her curiosity got the better of. Deciding that she would have to face the ghost of her parents' death sooner or later, Selene slowly entered the training hall. As a child, she had often come to the hall to watch her father as he trained many men who came from all places, hoping to become the next Weapons Master. She had grown accustomed to a favorite hiding place and contented herself to watching Vallios as he fought with one of the guards. Some were unhappy about him being chosen as a Weapons Master but Selene could see that her father had taught him well.

She stayed until the very end of the little duel between Vallios and the guard. Indeed, her father had taught him well but she still blamed him for the unanswered questions that the assassin's death has left. Her parents had not know their enemy and they died because of it. Selene vowed to herself that she would not fall from the same mistake. Slowly, she got up from hiding place and exited the training hall. The pub was not too far away and she entered it, catching the attention of most of the men inside.

"Well... what do we have here?" One of the patrons said, loudly. "Have you come to entertain us, woman?"

"No," Selene spoke, arching an aristocratic eyebrow at the drunken man. She moved closer to him, however, settling on the bar stool next to him. "I come here, seeking information about a certain man by the name of Tavish. I'm willing to part with a certain amount of money to get the information I need."

"I'm afraid, missy." He spoke, placing his filthy hand on top of her knee and sliding upwards, "That type of information is highly classified. Money, I can easily steal from people in this city. I would be willing to trade for non-monetary terms."

Selene sneered and pushed the man's hand away from her thigh. "Do not dare touch me again with those filthy hands of yours."
 
A few moments later the pub door swung open and in walked Vallios, dressed in his normal manner. A pair of tanned fur leggings and a savage black leather harness, with a black traveling cloak lined with white fur. Most of the Ahn'kir sector of the city had grown used to Vallios' outlandish clothing...Though some still found it odd. After all, it wasn't every day you saw someone dressed in the primal manner of the northern tribes.

Vallios yawned quietly as he walked up behind Selene, taking a silent stand by her side. He stared down at the man who was harassing her, fixing him with his withering gaze. Vallios had a surprisingly handsome face, his skin a flawless ivory tone, lips thin and supple, with a strong but not over-imposing jaw. However, one flaw marred his otherwise perfect visage. A jagged scar ran from the center of his right eyebrow all the way down to the bottom of his cheek. It had been ritualistically treated so that it had turned a dark ominous black. Like most tribes, Vallios' people had seen scars as badges of honor, and as such they were to be properly preserved.

A fusion of noble culture and savage fury, Vallios was a walking paradox. He reached out and wrapped his arm around Selene, pulling her into a gentle but protective one armed embrace. Right now, there was nothing sexual to the touch. Vallios saw himself as Selene's protector, nothing more, and nothing less.
 
"What, in heaven's name, are you doing here?" Selene frowned at him but didn't struggle against the arm that he kept around her. The man she had been talking to did not show any signs of fear. He probably would under normal circumstances but he was so drunk that his common sense had gone down the drain. He, and several of his drunken companions, stood up, leering at the two of them.

"Now, now... don't be such a spoilsport. The little lady only wants to get information on everyone's favorite assassin. And we can give it to her. Of course, this information is highly classified and I'm sure she wouldn't want to know who is after her family but we're willing to part with that information for a price of course. It's a win-win for her really. She gets the information she needs and I get to teach her the sins of the flesh." His barking laughter was echoed by his companions as he reached for her face, her delicate features unmarred unlike Vallios'. "You can even have her when we're done."

Selene didn't hesitate and she slapped the man's away. This infuriated the drunken man and he brought up his fist to strike Selene. Annoyed, Selene kicked at his knee. Her father had told her that it was one of the most sensitive parts of the body and she had seen Vallios use it earlier in his class. Of course, she wasn't as strong as Vallios so all she did was anger the man further. His companions came closer, forming a tight circle around them and for the first time, Selene felt fear as they were easily outnumbered. She leaned against Vallios, resting her hand against his arm as she got as close to his as she possibly could.
 
"Citizens, I give you one chance to stand down. I am Vallios Vladric Xiloscient, Weapons Master of House Ahn'kir. You've attempted to accost the heir to the throne, and are further threatening her. Stand down, or I will end your lives."

At those words the entire pub turned to face the brewing conflict. The minstrel that was playing the pub began to strike up a fast chord, seizing advantage of the situation. Vallios threw his cloak down and drew his notched ax from it's holster on his right hip. Next he pulled off the corded leather belt wrapped around his waist, which revealed itself to actually be a barbed triple lashed whip.

Vallios cracked the whip once and spun the ax in his right hand, making sure it's weight settled properly in his grip. He stood in front of and around Selene, keeping her within his protective grasp. He could move any direction, strike at anything at a second's notice. Like a scorpion he waited, prepared for the attack.
 
The men were not so smart. Or perhaps, they were but their drunkenness impaired their ability to think. One of the men who stood behind them made a grab for Selene but she was able to fend him off while the one she had talked to earlier, drew his weapon and raised it, looking at Vallios. "I do not care who you are. But now that I know who she is, I do care about who she is." He sneered. "The master would pay a handsome price for her head. Oh... the joy on the master's face to see the House of Ahn'kir's head captured by none other but myself. The master would pay well for the demise of the House of Ahn'kir and I will be more than happy to oblige. Now, step aside and let the lady come with us if you want to get out of this pub alive."

Selene was huddled as close to Vallios as she could. She didn't want to put her hands on him, knowing it would be easier for him to fight the men off if she wasn't holding him down. The man who was talking rushed forward, trying to distract Vallios as two other made another attempt to grab Selene. She shrieked as the men touched her and she tried to push them away from her, scratching at their hands in the process.
 
Vallios cracked the whip across the oncoming man's face, while gripping Selene's waist and stepping to the side. He tore her free of their grasp and charged away, moving to a defensible corner. Vallios stood in front of Selene, ax and whip waiting for his assailants to try again. Hopefully the first man would be blinded by the vicious barbs that had raked over his face, and hopefully across his eyes.

Low growls rumbled out of Vallios' throat as he stood in front of Selene, a look of ferocious determination on his face. He was certainly good at the whole guard dog job. He cracked the whip twice and made a beckoning motion with the ax, taunting his attackers.


Vallios' heart thundered in his chest as adrenaline surged through his veins. A sinister smirk had curved his lips, Vallios loved the thrill of battle. He was drinking in the energy, the frenzy, and doing his best to stop himself from being swept away by the tide. Doing this had taken years of practice, years of mental exercise to keep himself from flying into blood-crazed frenzy like his kin had taught him.
 
The man was screaming in pain and Selene winced at the sound. She believed that he thoroughly deserved it but she really did not want to see the man, cowering with his hand over his blood-filled face. His men hesitated and did not immediately go after Vallios and Selene until their head ordered them to do so. "What the hell are you waiting for? Go get them!" He growled.

The men rushed forward, thinking that it would not be possible for one man to defeat 5 men at the same time. The first tried to grab the whip from Vallios and the second did the same for the axe. The third and fourth one tried to punch and kick Vallios while the last waited for his opening to grab the girl who stood behind him.

Selene's heart thundered for another reason, much different from Vallios. She was frightened as she watched the 5 men come towards them, some holding swords and others looked strong enough to break her into pieces with their own hands. She realized now that she was foolish in coming there alone but she insisted that it was the only thing she could do to find out who killed her parents. At least she got one thing from this all, there was someone, a certain master, who wanted her dead so the House Ahn'kir would be no more.
 
Vallios crossed his arms defensively, thrusting his studded leather bracers forward. The armor did it's work deflecting the sword. This action caused the man that had attempted to grab the whip to grab razor sharp barb instead. Vallios jerked his left hand, the whip hand forward, raking the barbs over the man's arm. From a sheath above his right elbow Vallios retrieved a slender dagger. He stepped forward and slashed, cutting the sword bearing man's throat wide. In that same arcing slash he twisted his wrist and hurled the dagger at the man in the back of the rushing group, still holding that whip in his hand.

Vallios took one step forward and swung out wide with his ax, it's vicious blade slicing through the air towards the foolish man that had previously attempted to grab the ax. Meanwhile, that whip bearing hand stayed ready to react...

All those complex actions executed in one smooth movement; Close the stance, cross the arms, One step for power, open the right, strike, open the left, strike. Vallios kept his guard up as he waited, wondering how many of the attackers would have the constitution to press on after their initial rush had been so gracefully halted. Vallios pressed his back against Selene, giving her some physical reassurance of his presence.
 
With 4 of the men seriously injured, the assailants stepped back, raising their hands in surrender. With all his weapons with him, Vallios would be a difficult opponent to defeat. Conceding for this round would be the most prudent thing for them to do. They stepped back and cleared the way for them to exit. "Do not think this is over, Weapons Master." One of the men spoke then he looked at Selene who now held onto Vallios' arm, tugging lightly wanting to leave. "The master will know that you've been asking questions. The master will not rest until the house of Ahn'kir falls."

"Vallios..." Selene murmured, tugging on his arm again and moving towards the door. She couldn't let him kill them. If they knew something about her parents' death, she'd still have to question them but there may be another way for that to happen. "Let's go." She was both angry and pleased that Vallios had followed her there. Angry because he should have told her that he would follow her and pleased because he did. If he hadn't, she didn't know if she would have been captured, killed or worse raped.
 
The Weapons Master nodded at Selene, but before he obliged he pulled her into an embrace long enough to take their first kiss; a victory kiss. This was a show of triumph, and a mark of claim. Vallios kept his focus trained on the retreating attackers as he gave Selene a small taste of the passion that burned somewhere, deep inside of him. When he released her he began to lead her out of the pub, keeping one arm curled defensively around her waist.

"It is fortunate that I noticed your direction and demeanor...Please, be more vocal next time you decide to take a traipse into such despicable conditions." Vallios said softly when they'd left the pub.

Vallios wasn't usually much of a talker. He was the silent type that acted suddenly and decisively, utterly finishing whatever had been started. If Selene was the observant type, she'd be able to feel the way Vallios was still tense, he was still ready for combat. Vallios' gaze danced from corner to corner as he watched for any possible attacks from rooftops or windows. If the House's enemies had the bravado to attack them in a tavern, they would certainly be willing to accost them in the street as well.
 
Selene was surprised as Vallios turned around to kiss her. She struggled for a tiny bit then melted into the kiss, kissing him back for a moment. Her eyes closing as she seemed to forget where they were and the situation they were in. She nearly moaned in protest as he pulled away but remained quiet as she saw their assailants staring at them. She looked back at them and they sneered at her as they walked out of the pub and back into safety. It seemed like hours had passed instead of just a few minutes since the whole city was bustling now.

"I wouldn't have had to if you hadn't killed that assassin." Selene hadn't meant to be short with him but she didn't like when she was being told to do something. She had inherited that from her mother... a certain stubbornness that her father teased her endlessly about. Sighing, Selene looked around them and did not see any danger. "I don't think anyone would attack us now after what you did back there. But if it would make you feel better, we could go back to the training hall and talk there."

Selene did not wait for an answer. She knew that Vallios would follow her nonetheless. She headed straight for the training hall, glad to find it empty. She stopped at the training area, not wanting to enter her father's office. "I will not stand by and wait for someone to openly attack my family. I know most of you think I'm not ready for this because I am too young. But our enemies are not waiting for me to come of age so why should we?"
 
"The house has spies. We have ways to gather information that don't require you risking your life."

They were just outside the training hall, and fortunately away from the windows. He stepped forward, placing both of his arms on Selene's shoulders. He pushed her gently up against the wall, holding her in place as he held her in his solemn gaze. He reached for her chin, gently taking a hold of it. He pulled her chin up so that she had to look him in the eyes.

"By tradition, and apparently destiny you and I are to become consorts as your people put it...Mates, as my tribe would say. I refuse to allow any harm to befall you. Even if I have to take a thousand arrows, I'll keep you safe."

And with that Vallios released Selene, heading back to the training hall. His blood was still pumping, he needed to work out his stress and frustration or else he'd be liable to break somebody in half. Immediately Vallios made his way to the weights, first working on his chest.
 
Selene was trapped. He was much larger than her and obviously, stronger. She looked up at him indignant. "You know as well as I do that those spies may not be trusted. I can only trust myself to find out who did this to them. And apparently, I'd have to trust you as well." She sighed softly as she looked at him. "If you are to be my consort, I want you to help me. I need you to help me find out who did this. This is the only way I know that you can truly protect me and this entire family."

Letting him go, she watched for a moment as he began working out. She moved towards the door then called back to Vallios, "Breakfast will be served in the house shortly. You should come by and have something to eat after you're done with your exercises." Selene left and walked the short distance back to the house where her aunt and her younger sisters were getting ready to eat breakfast. She went back up to her room and changed to her usual dresses then made her way to the library where she sat, contemplating her next step.
 
When Vallios finished with his training he made his way to the bathhouse. He bathed quickly but thoroughly, donning the garments he'd brought with him. Vallios knew the ruling mother pro-temp would throw a fit if she caught the "esteemed Weapons Master" wandering around in the "rags of a savage". And so Vallios slipped in the crimson silk pants and white silk longsleeved shirt, both of which were adorned with black slashes to honor his mark as weapons master. The Ahn'kir family crest was stitched into the back, with two swords crossed over it's surface to signify his rank.

Slowly Vallios made his way to the dining hall. He peered inside, noting that it was empty. Vallios sighed and began to wander the halls, glad that the days classes were over. He was almost looking for Selene...Wishing to get to know the woman he was now paired with for life. Supposedly, the ceremony of their "binding" was to commence next week.

Frustration stirred in Vallios' heart as he stopped before a mirror, taking the time to look himself straight in the eyes. Was this the life he wanted? Was the Weapons Master not but a glorified slave, not but a decorated guard dog? He'd be paraded around as the fist of House Ahn'kir, bound to the will of the house...

Was this what he wanted?
 
A servant came by, telling Selene that breakfast was served and that Vallios was somewhere in the house. Thanking the woman, Selene followed soon after her, walking down the halls as she searched for Vallios first. "Breakfast is ready." She told him as she stood by the entrance of the hallway, leaning on the wall. "You clean up nicely."

She pushed off the wall and walked towards him, "Have you thought about what I said?"

In the history of all Weapons Masters, they truly were like as Vallios thought they were. But there was one man who was different. Selene's mother had truly loved her father and he had loved her. Selene knew that things may be different between her and Vallios. But right now, she wanted to believe that he would do the same. After all, her father had protected her mother until the very end and he died doing it. She looked at him like a partner like her mother had done to her father.

"Will you help me?"
 
"Only if you'll show some tact and strategy. Either we gather information together, or you send the house spies."

Vallios turned to face Selene, letting her get a good look at him. His face, so handsome...Marred by that long jagged scar. A mark of honor, a mark of war. Perhaps some day Selene would ask him how he got such an ugly mark, and then she'd learn a little about her consort's past. Still somewhat young by the standards of veteran soldiers, Vallios seemed to have a wisdom beyond his years. He held himself with the savage pride of his ancestors, and even in such dignified clothing his heritage could be clearly seen.


And, frustration could also be seen etched into his features. He walked over to Selene and raised a hand, moving to cup her cheek. He peered into her eyes for a second, thinking of words that could get her to understand what she was involved in. This wasn't a play, it wasn't a story. They wouldn't survive just because they were the 'good guys'. It was life, and she was dealing with a caliber of people she'd only heard about in whispers.

"You don't understand how the slums and the syndicates within them work. You know...Nothing of that filthy world. You're as vulnerable as a newborn babe around their kind. I will help you, if you yield impulse to strategy."

It was ironic to think of someone from the north speaking of strategy over impulse. But, the words were true. Vallios sighed and looked away, moving to one of the estate's windows. He peered almost longingly at the mountains that separated the frigid northern tundra from the rest of the world. While it seemed like a short distance, it was actually over 1,000 miles to those vast spires of rock.


When Vallios' back was turned the tattoo on the back of his neck could be seen, that of two black fangs pushed through the shaft of a red feathered arrow. He reached up and ran his fingers over the mark, sighing quietly as he did so. Slowly, ever so slowly he turned back to Selene.

"There is still so much you don't understand...You ask me to help you. I'll help you, if you will work with me, rather than over me."
 
Selene's hand nearly reached out and touched the mark on his neck but she pulled back and linked her hands behind her back as she looked up at him. "Fine." She nodded her head. If Selene learned a lesson this morning, it would be that gathering information on her own would only lead to trouble. Grown men didn't give information away to young girls if they didn't get anything in return or if they weren't threatened. "The spies can go and see if they can find any leads. If they do find anything worth exploring, they come to us and we investigate for ourselves."

"If we head out to follow a lead, we will talk about if first and if one of us believes that it is unsafe to go, we would not go. I will work with you every step of the way but I expect you not to think of me as a naive little girl. I'm not a child. I know that there are bad people out there and they can and will hurt me if I am not careful." With that Selene held out her hand and smiled at him, "They're expecting us at the dining area any minute now."

Just as she said that, her aunt walked down the stairs. "Oh... good... you're here. We must discuss the binding ceremony."

Selene rolled her eyes as her aunt passed. She was not one for ceremonies, finding them boring and useless. The binding ceremony was, like their supposed relationship, part of tradition. One that she intended to change once she truly became the head of the House of Ahn'kir. They followed her aunt in the dining area where they were seated next to each other and served eggs, sausages and some bread.
 
Vallios ate slowly, taking his meal time as his time to think. Most people were raised to tables full of conversing and possibly laughter, Vallios was accustomed to silent meal times. On the frigid tundras there was hardly a time for thought, the rigors of survival meant you worked most of the day. However, eating slowly definitely did not mean eating small portions. Vallios was steadily working his way through one, two, and then three plates of food. All the while he was silent, his eyes usually cast down on the hard wood of the table.


His thoughts were of the future. Selene was much more strong willed than Vallios was accustomed to in a woman. She was passionate and self-righteous, headstrong and determined. Hopefully she had the proper grit to be a leader and diplomat as well... As Vallios looked over at Selene he thought of the possibility of her being assassinated, and felt his heart began to thunder with rage. He'd train the guards, and double train them. She would not die as her mother had, she would not die because the guards had failed.


When he finished his final plate he waited silently for Selene to indicate that she was done eating as well. There was a 4 hour lull between now and the next class, a gap which Vallios intended to spend getting to know Selene a little better. After all, he had to train her. And training meant learning her temperament, and how to make her learn.
 
Selene remained similarly silent throughout the meal but unlike Vallios, she ate only one plate as she listened to her aunt make plans for her while her sisters whispered among themselves, trying to figure out what they were going to wear for the ceremony. At times, Selene envied them. She had many responsibilities as the eldest daughter and they lived long full lives. They'd leave, find husbands and have children. She would do the same but being the head of the entire house entailed responsibilities that a young girl like her did not think she could do. She finished eating just around the same time Vallios finished his last plate.

"Aunt Merr," Selene interrupted the woman's words. She was somewhere between discussing Selene's dress and the invitation list when Selene spoke up. "If you don't mind, there are some things I would like to discuss with Vallios. I'm sure you can think up a wonderful ceremony and I promise I will let you fill me in with the details later on."

"Very well, dear," Merr spoke and waved her hand so that the servants would help Selene out of her chair. Her sisters looked at her briefly then glanced at Vallios. She knew that Merr nor her sisters did not approve of Vallios as a Weapons Master. But their father had chosen him and they had to respect his decision. At first, Selene had the same views that she had but after this morning, she began to doubt that her first impression was correct. He most definitely had the skill but he also had the determination that she saw in her father whenever he had to defend her mother.

Selene walked towards the library, hoping Vallios would follow her.
 
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