"You did really well," Zana murmured softly to the Guardswoman who - despite limping - was grinning ear to ear as Zana walked her to one of the fortresses four entrances. This one was the quickest way to the healers. They came to a stop in the threshold and the woman - Lola, Lola who had been one of the first guards she had ever asked the name of, Lola who had fought at her side in the Revolution and lost an eye because of Zana's hesitancy to kill a Dreadlord from her own House - gave her a smart salute before walking on alone. Zana wouldn't wound her pride by escorting her there herself. The Archon watched her go until she turned the corner then let out a sigh and rubbed the heel of her palm over her heart.
Would there come a day she would not have to ask people to risk their lives?
Zana walked back to the centre of the training square and turned the sand over with her boot to hide Lola's blood. She'd asked for use of this fortress for the specific reason its training arena was a sandpit instead of hard rock or ground that might churn up after prolonged use and harsh weather. Fort Astaerix was - had - been one of Luana's strongholds in the Eastern territories. Jiya had given it over to her without question when she had asked. That had hurt too. She didn't deserve the admiration or the loyalty shown to her when she had turned this world upside down. But she would earn it. She would earn it from each and every one of those in the Taskforce.
A low growl from Grey who lounged in the sun told her her next student for the day was approaching and so she pushed the self pity and worthless feelings aside, squared her shoulders and met the gaze of the next Taskforce member with an easy smile as they came into view.
"Thank you for coming," because none of them had to. They had a choice every day. "How are you this morning?"
Would there come a day she would not have to ask people to risk their lives?
Zana walked back to the centre of the training square and turned the sand over with her boot to hide Lola's blood. She'd asked for use of this fortress for the specific reason its training arena was a sandpit instead of hard rock or ground that might churn up after prolonged use and harsh weather. Fort Astaerix was - had - been one of Luana's strongholds in the Eastern territories. Jiya had given it over to her without question when she had asked. That had hurt too. She didn't deserve the admiration or the loyalty shown to her when she had turned this world upside down. But she would earn it. She would earn it from each and every one of those in the Taskforce.
A low growl from Grey who lounged in the sun told her her next student for the day was approaching and so she pushed the self pity and worthless feelings aside, squared her shoulders and met the gaze of the next Taskforce member with an easy smile as they came into view.
"Thank you for coming," because none of them had to. They had a choice every day. "How are you this morning?"