Chapter Five - The New Friends

Chapter Five - The New Friends

Light penetrates the darkness, revealing new knowledge.

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The next time Brynn awoke, the headache she had dreaded the day before was, mercifully, absent. She exhaled a long, quiet breath and sat up, glancing around the room as if to remind herself where she was.

For a long moment, she just sat there, her hands limp in her lap, before swinging her legs over the edge of the bed and planting her feet firmly on the cold floor. She winced at the chill but welcomed it -- something real to focus on, something to anchor her.

Pushing herself upright, she made her way to the galley, hoping for something warm to drink -- and maybe a way to ease into the day.

She stood in front of the machine and hesitated, not because she didn't know what she wanted -- she did -- but because she didn't know how to ask for it. The words seemed caught somewhere between her throat and her mind, as though even forming them would take too much effort.

"Ophelia, could you--"

"Of course, Miss Phytrelia."

Seemingly reading her mind, the machine chimed softly as it produced a black mug, steam curling lazily from its rim.

Brynn wrapped her hands around the cup, savoring the heat against her chilled fingers. She brought it to her lips, inhaling deeply before taking a sip. A soft sigh escaped her as her eyes drifted closed.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel... a little better now."

She shuffled over to the table and slid into a seat, placing the cup on the surface before flopping back against the booth's cushioning. Her head thudded lightly against the backrest as she tilted her face up, staring blankly at the ceiling.

For a long moment, she said nothing, and then she leaned forward again, cradling the cup as though it might anchor her to something solid. She glanced sideways at Ophelia's projection on the table.

"What am I going to do, Ophelia?"

The AI's image tilted her head in that careful, curious way. "Do, Miss Phytrelia?"

Brynn let out a breath, nodding. "Yes. What am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to..." She trailed off, waving her hand vaguely. "Fill the days? There's all this empty time, and it feels like... nothing."

Her fingers tightened around the mug, her eyes darkening. "And all the while, he's out there. Probably in the hands of her..." Her voice twisted, low and sharp. "That... creature. The one who hurt me. The one who hurt him."

Silence fell between them for a long beat before Brynn took another sip, her hands trembling slightly. She looked back at Ophelia, her voice softer now, almost breaking. "So what am I supposed to do with myself?"

Ophelia blinked, her image still, then responded gently, "I wish I had an answer, Miss Phytrelia. But I fear this is something only you can resolve."

Brynn gave a faint, tired smile, leaning back once more. "Yeah. I thought as much."

Captain, there's a ship coming out of anti-space ahead of us."

Captain Johansen leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "Is it friendly?"

"Appears to be. They're hailing us."

She exhaled sharply through her nose, fingers drumming once against the armrest. "Open a channel."

"Aye, Ma'am."

"This is Captain Johansen of the battleship Avenger, please identify yourself."

A thickly-accented voice came over the channel. "Captain! This is Ulch Seeker Korran, in service to his eminence, Szen Seeker Xedrin of the Ulratian Defense. We have come to assist with one of your passengers."

Her brows lifted in surprise, irritation flickering in her eyes. "Oh? One of my passengers? What exactly do you mean by that?"

"It has reached us that you have a Gifted among you - recently manifested, and, as yet, is not spoken for. As you know, the agreement between our peoples provides for such individuals to be entrusted to us -- for care, for training, for their safety. I am here to allow you to turn her over to us, as agreed."

Captain Johansen seethed a little. "'Allow me?' How magnanimous of you. And you even made the trip yourself - I'm impressed!"

Her condescending, patronizing tone would have insulted another human officer, but Korran seemed to miss it.

She stood, jaw clenching, pacing a few steps as she considered her words. "And what if I don't have the slightest idea of what you are speaking of. Surely no member of my crew," she looked around, surveying the members of her bridge, "would have the gall to reach out to you without speaking to me first."

"Ah, Captain, I could not say. But please, do not trouble yourself. What matters is that we are here to help -- to ease her burden and ensure she has the support and guidance she deserves."

She bit the inside of her mouth, her jaw clenching, seething a little more. "I'm afraid we're a little busy, at the moment. Give me a few hours to look into this and I'll get back to you just as soon as I can."

He laughed at that. "Captain, you are gracious to ask for time. I will be departing with his eminence shortly. I believe all that is needed is that you provide us with the proper clearance when we arrive."

"You're coming now? No! That's unacceptable."

"Captain, truly, we will not linger. Shortly, you and your crew will be free to return to ordinary business. Until then, strength and honor be with you."

While Brynn was still working toward the bottom of the mug she had been nursing, something flickered in Ophelia's image. The projection turned to her.

"Miss Phytrelia, Avenger is reaching out to you."

Brynn blinked, surprised. "Me? Who is it?"

"They are from Commander Darren's staff. They said he is on his way here."

Brynn sat up straighter. "Oh." She blinked again and looked down at the bottom of her mug, as if she might find an answer there. "Okay. Well... what should I do?"

"Shall I signal back that you will be expecting him?"

Brynn hesitated, caught off guard. "What? I mean... yes, I guess so. Sure."

Ophelia tilted her head slightly, as if puzzled by Brynn's hesitance. "He is on his way. Shall I lower the ramp for him when he arrives?"

Brynn stood abruptly, her legs bumping the table as she trapped herself between it and the seat. She took a few steps away before stopping, her mind spinning as if asked to solve a puzzle. "Yes... that sounds fine."

"Very well. Shall I let him know that you will be there to meet him?"

Brynn blinked rapidly, feeling scattered. "I... I don't know. Yes? I'll head over there now."

"Of course. Do you remember the way?"

Brynn shot Ophelia a brief look, her brow furrowed. "Of course I do." A pause. Then, more softly, "But can you show me anyway?"

"Of course, Miss Phytrelia."

Ophelia's image dissolved into soft drops of light and reappeared at the galley's threshold. "This way," she said gently.

Brynn followed her into the corridor, watching as Ophelia appeared and disappeared in short bursts along the way, each time guiding her further.

By the time Brynn rounded the final corner, the ramp was already lowering. Darren was halfway up, accompanied by another man she'd seen with him before, realizing he must have been the one who reached out.

As Darren reached the top, he took Brynn's hand and brushed his lips lightly over her knuckles, as he had done before.

Brynn raised an eyebrow, giving him a look of mild exasperation. "Thanks for that. At least I showered recently."

He chuckled, giving her a warm smile. "Well, you definitely look like your spirits are lifted. You seem to be handling Idris' abduction with more grace than anyone could ask."

Her smile faded a little at the mention of Idris, hitting deeper than she let on. She gave a small, polite nod but said nothing. "Thank you. I just wish I knew what to do with myself now."

Darren studied her for a moment, then perked up as if remembering something. "Actually, that's partly why I'm here. I think I may have an idea of what's next."

Brynn blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"

Darren grinned. "We've had some visitors show up."

Her eyes widened slightly in alarm. "Visitors?"

He raised both hands quickly, laughing a little. "Good ones. The kind we like--well, most of us. Not all." He gave a look as though to imply Johansen, but Brynn missed the reference.

"What do you mean?" she asked again, suspicion lingering.

Darren shrugged, smirking. "Let's just say Captain Johansen isn't thrilled. If she ever figures out who reached out to them, she'll probably have them shot."

Brynn snorted a soft laugh. "Oh? Did they hurt her feelings?"

Darren grinned, scratching the back of his neck. "Something like that. They tried to kill her--with kindness. She's furious. Thankfully, I don't think she'll figure out who called them."

Brynn tilted her head, curious. "Do you know who it was?"

He waved a hand dismissively. "Never mind. Anyway, have you ever met an Ulratian warrior?"

She pursed her lips. He knew who it was. Then her eyes squinted slightly, processing his question a little slower. "A what?"

"Ulratian," he repeated. "Never mind that now. They're here to rescue you."

Brynn blinked. "What do you mean? Rescue me?"

Darren chuckled. "Well, that's probably not the right word. But they're here to offer you something better than sitting here gathering dust."

Brynn hesitated, unsure. "Oh? Like what?"

He smiled at her knowingly, but just shrugged. "If you go with them, you'll probably find out."

She made a face like going anywhere was the last thing she wanted, then shook her head. "But... what about the ship?"

Darren wavered. "Not sure. Maybe they'll let you take it. Maybe not. But wherever you go, it'll be better than this."

Brynn frowned, her fingers fidgeting. "What if I don't want to go?"

He looked at her, genuinely surprised. "Why wouldn't you? You'd rather stay here, waiting?"

She paused, realizing she didn't like either option. "I... I just hadn't thought about it. I've been too busy thinking about what I should do. And... coming up empty."

Darren's smile softened. "Look, I'm telling you--go with them. You won't regret it. Trust me."

Brynn still looked uneasy. Trust him? She barely knew him, but... Idris seemed to trust him, and he'd had their back up until now. "Okay, but who exactly are they? I've never heard of them."

Darren gestured toward the ramp. "You'll see. They're on their way here now."

Her eyes widened. "Now? You couldn't give me more notice?"

He laughed. "Trust me, I didn't get much more notice than you. Captain Johansen's been stalling them--probably trying to make sure you don't get a say in any of this."

Brynn's mouth twisted into a grimace. "Typical."

Darren conveniently avoided agreeing with her. "Anyway, if you want to make a good first impression, now's the time to pull yourself together. They'll be here any second."

Brynn let out a slow breath, nodding. "Fine. What should I do, then?"

Darren shrugged. "Be yourself. You'll be fine."

Brynn gave him a look, then rolled her eyes. "Wow, thank you. That's very helpful. Thank you."

He winked at her and then backed away, down the ramp while still facing her. She half expected him to blow a kiss at her, but he just bowed a little, then turned to walk down the rest of the ramp.

He laughed. "Anytime."

As Darren disappeared down the ramp, Brynn took a steadying breath, bracing herself for whatever -- or whoever -- was about to show up at the bottom of the ramp.

She stood there long after Darren had left, her mind racing.

This was happening. Really happening. Up until now, her entire life had been about survival -- just staying alive. Now... someone, something, was coming for her. Before, that had always meant something bad. But this time... maybe not.

She had no idea what they wanted, but the reassurance Darren left her with wrestled quietly against the gnawing unease in her chest.

Brynn let out a shaky breath and folded her arms tightly across her body, glancing around the ship as though it might offer some clue, some comfort.

Whatever's next, it doesn't seem like something I can run away from.

Her gaze drifted toward the ramp, already bracing for the sound of heavy footfalls -- or whatever these Ulratians sounded like.

Alright. Here we go.

Brynn spotted the small entourage of people coming down the bulkhead between the ships. The sounds of their approach echoed down the narrow corridor, growing louder as the group drew closer. She shifted her weight, her fingers twitching at her sides as she tried to steady herself.

Captain Johansen was out in front, still wearing the same uniform she'd had when she rescued her and Idris from her sister. Her other sister, also wearing a different uniform, walked alongside her. Neither of them looked particularly excited. If anything, Brynn thought, they looked ready to punch holes in the bulkhead. The captain walked with the attitude of someone who was in charge of everything in sight.

Walking alongside them was a small cluster of officers and flight deck personnel trailing after them.

But it wasn't Johansen or the others that made Brynn's breath catch.

Behind them, walking in calm, measured steps, came multiple figures unlike anyone she had ever seen-massive even from a distance. As they drew closer, Brynn realized just how much taller they were than everyone else. Well over two meters, the humans seemed almost swallowed in their shadow, like children walking ahead of something ancient and dangerous.

The Ulratians moved with a quiet, unsettling grace, their long strides eating up the distance as though they had all the time in the world. Where the sounds of footfalls came from the humans around them, Brynn didn't hear a thing from their approach. Their bare feet seemed to pad along the bulkhead with the lightness of a feather.

Her chest tightened as she straightened her shoulders, willing herself not to shrink under their gaze as they approached. Whatever this was, whoever they were, they were here for her.

As they drew up in front of her, Brynn kept her expression as neutral as she could manage, though her heart thudded hard in her chest. Johansen spared a glance behind her, then looked straight at Brynn. She tried to smile, but it was the most forced smile Brynn had ever seen.

"Miss Phytrelia," she said, her voice cool and professional as always. "I've brought some visitors who appear to have come a long way to see you. I tried to assure them that you were not interested in being disturbed at the moment, but they were incredibly insistent."

She clenched her jaw, obviously trying for diplomacy in her explanation of how their conversation had gone. "This is-"

Before she could finish, one of the creatures stepped forward and reached out a hand toward Brynn, cutting off the captain's introduction rather abruptly.

"I am Ulch Seeker Korran, at your service. My leader, Szen Seeker Xedrin, and I have come for you."

Every instinct told Brynn to be afraid. Everything about them screamed power, danger, strength beyond anything she could match. And yet, when Korran-the one who had introduced himself-stepped forward and reached out a hand toward her, something in her chest shifted.

She stared at his hand, large enough to swallow her whole, and for a moment, her heart thundered against her ribs. But when she finally gathered the courage to reach out and take it, her fingers closing around his, a wave of calm washed over her. Warmth, steadiness-like the world had stopped spinning for just a moment.

Instead of fear, Brynn felt something she hadn't known in a long time-safe.

"Hello," she managed, her voice smaller than she wanted it to be.

The figure standing next to the one with the outstretched arm, a cloak clasped around his neck, let out a low chuckle at her response. She remembered herself and stretched out her hand again, allowing him to take it. She shook slowly, still trying to take them in.

Korran gave a slight incline of his head, still holding her hand gently as though waiting for her to find her footing. "You are taller than I expected," he said, his voice thoughtful, almost soft. "But I see strength in you."

Brynn blinked, unsure how to respond, and pulled her hand back, her fingers tingling from the strange calm that lingered.

"You must have many questions," Xedrin said, stepping forward now. His sharp gaze met hers, but there was no malice in it-only steady, patient watchfulness.

"Yeah..." Brynn breathed. "Starting with why you're here."

Korran's gaze didn't waver. "We are here for you."

Brynn's stomach twisted. "For me? Why? What did I do?"

"It is not what you think," Xedrin added quickly, a hint of warmth in his voice.

Brynn's eyes darted to Johansen, who still stood stiffly, arms crossed, jaw set tight. She looked like she wanted to argue but knew better-at least for now.

"Your gift has manifested, and we are here to help you," Korran continued, softer now. "There are those among you who have manifested but have been spoken for. The captain's sister, for example."

Johansen stiffened. "You leave my sister out of this, you-"

Korran cut her off, speaking as though he hadn't heard her. "We do not come for them. But you... we need you."

She looked between them, obviously confused. "Need me? For what? For..." She swallowed, hesitating. "For some kind of... experiment or something?"

Korran smiled, but Xedrin's laugh seemed to come from much deeper than before. "Play with humans?" he said, clearly finding the idea ridiculous. "Certainly not. No. Your gift has come to you naturally. We simply want to help you-the same way we would help any weapon. Like sharpening a blade before you plunge it into your opponent."

Brynn wasn't sure how she felt about that comparison. "Right. But my ability was taken. I didn't even know that I had anything left before... the incident." She paled a little, obviously still embarrassed about what had happened.

Xedrin and Korran immediately exchanged a glance before Xedrin spoke up. "You have been defiled by an agent of Delethire?"

Johansen scoffed. "Nonsense. Delethire is a myth, made up by that buffoon, Chariton, to explain his mistakes."

Korran spun to look at her. Before she knew it, Captain Johansen was lifted off the deck, her feet hanging as Korran clutched the front of her uniform. He brought his face centimeters from hers, deceptively calm.

"Are you to imply that Szen Seeker Xedrin... is a liar?"

Captain Johansen held up her hands, obviously afraid. The soldiers around them instinctively drew their weapons and pointed them at Korran. He didn't seem to notice. She shook her head, trembling. "No. It's just... it's not real. It's part of that story that idiot captain made up after my sister died."

Xedrin reached forward and put a hand on Korran's shoulder. "Brother, she meant no offense. Let her go."

Korran scowled into Johansen's face, clearly disgusted, but released her. She dropped to the deck, falling to her knees before standing again. "Stand down," she commanded, and the weapons were holstered.

Brynn wrinkled her forehead. "Defiled? No... She just... After she captured us, she hurt Idris, and then... she did something to me. My fire manifested in a way that I'd never been able to conjure in all the experience I've had with it, and then it was gone. Idris said she stole it from me. But then there was that incident in the flag bridge. I still don't even really know what happened."

Korran and Xedrin exchanged another look. Xedrin nodded, and Korran looked back to her.

"Sometimes there are many facets to how it manifests. Perhaps there are some that are unexplored in you."

"Unexplored? What do you mean?"

"In time," Xedrin said. "If you come with us, all will be revealed. With patience and training, we will rectify this transgression that has been cast upon you."

She frowned, her hands clenching at her sides, but before she could speak again, Korran stepped closer, his tone softening. "You were not meant to carry this alone."

She looked down, swallowing hard. "Why do you care? Why me?"

Korran's voice gentled, and there was something almost reverent in the way he answered. "Because such precious potential deserves the most profound attention. You will not find that training here among the other humans. This is why the agreement exists."

His words hit harder than she expected, and Brynn felt her throat tighten.

She looked back up, her hands trembling slightly. "You think you can fix this?"

Xedrin's lips twitched into something like a smile-calm, but with a fierce edge beneath. "No," he said, surprising her. "We can't fix you. But we can show you how to fix yourself."

Brynn let out a slow breath, her gaze flicking to Johansen-still glaring, still silent-and then back to the Ulratians.

"Alright," she said again, stronger this time. "But... what about Atalanta? What about Idris? They took him!"

Brynn's heart was thudding against her ribs, but she found herself standing a little straighter, watching Korran with new eyes.

"We have had... limited encounters with Gifted who have been tainted by an agent of Delethire," Xedrin said carefully, as though measuring each word. "Those touched by them do not emerge unscathed. Their gifts-your gift-have been defiled. Perhaps buried deep inside you."

Brynn felt her stomach twist at the word, but Xedrin met her gaze with a gentleness that softened the blow.

"We have endeavored to meet this new enemy in righteous combat, but our efforts have borne no fruit. They elude us like some dark demon. They are afraid. Your captain-if he was taken by them-could lead us to the victory we seek. Come with us. Bring your ship. We will hone you into the deadliest of warriors and bring you with us into the heat of battle. Should you choose, of course."

"It is our duty to help you," he continued.

She frowned, her hands clenching at her sides, but before she could speak again, Korran touched her shoulder, gently soothing. "We would not take you without your will. But we ask-come with us. Let us help you. Let us get you back what was stolen."

Brynn swallowed hard, her voice small. "And my ship? My captain?"

The question hung in the air like a challenge, and for the first time since Korran had confronted Johansen, everyone turned to look at her.

Johansen's jaw was tight, her eyes dark with unspoken words.

Korran turned to her slowly, with a look that said he wasn't about to argue or ask permission. "She will come with us. And the ship will go with her."

Johansen's lips thinned. "I don't-"

Xedrin cut in smoothly, though his gaze was sharp. "Your agreement with us stands, Captain. Gifted are ours to protect. Those unspoken for, of course."

Johansen's hands twitched, but she said nothing, her silence loud enough to fill the space.

Korran looked back at Brynn, softer now. "Come with us, and we will help you. And when you are ready-we will help you find him. Find Idris. And together, we will bring the fight to those who harmed you both."

Brynn stared at them, her heart pounding. She thought of Idris, alone-or worse-and something inside her finally stopped running.

She took a slow, steadying breath. "Alright," she said again, her voice rough. "I'll go.."

Korran gave a faint nod, and for the first time, something like approval flickered in his dark eyes.

As the weight of her decision settled on her shoulders, Brynn glanced up the ramp and then back out to look at the rows of fighter craft lined up around her.

She exhaled slowly, feeling the eyes of everyone on her as she gathered herself.

Whatever comes next... she thought, at least I'm not facing it alone.

Korran stepped to her side. "When you are ready."

Brynn squared her shoulders. She wasn't ready-not yet-but she stepped forward anyway.

Brynn watched as various hues of green and blue glittered beyond the ship's viewing pane.

Irelis, the Ulratian Glaive Ship, had high ceilings and wide corridors, designed for people much larger than regular humans. Though it held a kind of emptiness--even more so than Avenger--it was not without its comforts.

She still found herself retreating to Atalanta from time to time, when she felt like there was too much empty space around her, but she'd been given semi-permanent living quarters aboard Irelis.

Her gaze dropped to her hands, where thin straps looped around her index and ring fingers to secure a small, smooth plate resting in her palm. They hadn't told her how it was intended to work, but she assumed she'd learn in time.

The clothing they had fitted her for training clung tightly to her body, wrapping around her arms, abdomen, and legs, even her feet. It flowed high around her neck like a second skin. At first, it had been suffocating, the silk-like fabric cool and foreign against her skin. It still bunched awkwardly under her chin when she moved a certain way, but she had to admit, it felt fantastic otherwise.

The aperture-shaped door spun open behind her, closing again as Korran crossed into the room.

"I see that Delianna finished fitting your combat suit," he said. "How is it?"

She didn't look away from the window as she replied, her voice neutral. "I'm adjusting to it. It's not what I would have picked to wear every day. And I still feel like I need to lose a few kilos before it looks the way I want."

Korran laughed, watching her reflection in the transparent surface. "I'm sure any man would be honored to see you wearing that in battle, even if the battle is with them."

She turned toward him at that, a little surprised. Had he just paid her a compliment about her appearance? She forced herself to look back at the window, her expression regaining its neutrality. "Perhaps. I just hope I'm ready."

He chuckled heartily. "If anyone can prepare you, Master Thelleron will."

She shifted. "I haven't met him yet. What's he like?"

Korran laughed much harder this time. "Well, Auro Phytrelia, she is a cunning warrior. Even Szen Seeker Xedrin takes care to honor her when he has occasion to spar with her."

Brynn blushed. "Oh. I see. I'm not sure why I assumed--"

"I know human women are often bred with bodies lacking the physical strength and force of their men," Korran said in a sober tone, rescuing her from the end of the statement, "but Ulratian women are simply smaller than our men. However, they are shaped differently. Their fangs and claws, for example, are thinner than ours, and thus more likely to slice like a razor's edge than my claws might."

Brynn looked at him again, a little worried. "Claws? You... you don't wear gloves?"

"They are trained early on to master the use of their claws in battle," Korran said, as though it were obvious. "But more importantly, how to keep them out of an opponent when they're practicing."

"Oh. Well..." She turned back to face the window. "That's good. I feel better already."

Korran laughed softly again. "I am sure you will be fine. Tenacious as she is, she is also a very skilled educator. Trust the process."

She shifted uncomfortably, then nodded. "Okay. I will."

He bowed to her a little, then left the room again.

Brynn stood there in the silence, for what felt like hours, watching her reflection in the glass. The suit felt tight across her shoulders, the dark fabric catching the light in sharp lines along her arms. She tugged at the collar unconsciously, her fingers brushing the smooth material. Though it might not have been what she would have decided to wear, ever, she also considered that they had dressed her this way for a purpose.

The door behind her spun open again.

A tall figure, shorter than Korran, but still a few heads taller than Brynn, strode into the room. Brynn turned away from the glass, watching her come closer. "Auro Phytrelia?"

Brynn was silent for a long moment, until the other person leaned their head towards her, signaling for a response. "Oh! Yes. Yes, that's me." She raised her right hand, then felt ridiculous at her reaction.

"Of course." She looked her over, like a breeder examining a specimen before they chose whether to use it in their herd. "You will come with me."

Brynn stood there, waiting for her to say something else, but then she turned her back on Brynn and walked to the door. Brynn caught on, after a moment, and hurried to catch up to her.

She led Brynn down a long corridor, her pace slow and deliberate--at least by Ulratian standards. Brynn, on the other hand, had to focus on keeping up without outright running. As they walked, Brynn noticed large, rounded windows on either side of them, spaced evenly, with two individuals behind each window, always sparing in the middle of the room, always with seven concentric circles, the center circle always black, and then interchanging white to black to white again to the outside.

After they had passed four or five of these sets of windows, Brynn realized they had reached the end of the corridor. She looked at her guide, and hesitated, but managed to get out the words. "Excuse, but I did not get your name."

"I know."

Brynn blinked and then straightened before rocking on her heels a little. "Oh. Sorry..."

She spun around to face Brynn now, a stern expression on her face, her purely white eyes gazing down at her as she seemed to consider her again. "I am called Lianna. I live to serve Master Thelleron. I have been in her service for in excess of ten of your years, and I have seen many come and go through these halls in that time. Ulratian and..." She seemed to be working herself up to saying the word, clearly unhappy with having to say it. "... Human alike."

Brynn watched her, feeling herself wincing at the disdain in her tone. "Humans... like me?"

Lianna looked her over again and pursed her lips in a scowl. "No. None as small as you, but humans nonetheless."

Brynn felt herself instinctively looking to the floor, as if Lianna was chiding her. "Oh."

Lianna sighed, her massive lungs filling with air, before she let it slowly out the two lines above her mouth Brynn assumed was her nose. Her hand, impossibly steady, caught Brynn's chin, lifting it just enough to force her gaze upward. Their eyes met, and for a long, stretching moment, something in Lianna's expression softened... as if against her will. A long, silent moment growing between them before she said, "However, based on what my mate has told me, you are here on your own merits, and so I promise I will endeavor to set aside my emotions in an effort to support you."

Brynn felt her tension relax a little, and she managed a small smile. "Thank you. I am glad to have made at least one friend on this ship."

Lianna rolled her eyes in exasperation, her face looking towards the ceiling for a moment before looking down at her again. She sighed again, and then bowed her head at her a little. "Fine. Friends. I hope that you will not make a fool of my Korran in your time here."

Brynn's eyebrows felt like they were going to fly off her face, her eyes widening. "K-Korran? Korran is your mate?" She blushed as she stuttered, but she couldn't help it.

"Yes. Korran is my mate. And not a single creature in the universe is more diplomatic or compassionate as he is, no matter how much his optimism with people often seems only to frustrate me." She sighed again, the words obviously working her up a little. "But no one else makes me as happy as he does nor can anyone softened my otherwise unbridled rage, or lust for blood and honor even a little as much as he can. And that is why I am here."

Brynn titled her head in curiosity, obviously not understanding. "Why you are here?"

Lianna shifted and clenched her jaw. "Yes."

Brynn shook her head slowly, fishing for more.

"Korran has laid a challenge to me that I will not be able to contain my temper with you, that my... confidence in my superior abilities will end with me losing my patience during the course of your training."

Brynn's head leaned away from her, her face paling. "Oh. Um... I see."

Lianna made a long-suffering face at Brynn, and shook her head. "No, child, I assure you, you do not."

Brynn shrugged, her head hunkering down into her shoulders.

Lianna closed her eyes a long moment, the lids only vaguely lighter than the blueness of her skin that seemed so dark it was almost black. She turned away from Brynn and led her through the large door as it spun open in front of them, spinning shut again as Brynn entered the room, standing behind Lianna.

Lianna bowed deeper than she had seen any Ulratian bow, and then moved off to the side. "Auro Phytrelia, my master."

The Ulratian at the other side of the room turned around to face them. Her skin was the lightest she'd seen on this ship, with the exception of her own. The deep amethyst hues, her eyes that were only white, and the long, dark hair that flowed down her back in a long, tight braid. She wore the same form-fitting one-piece that Brynn had on, those hers was much larger. But hers did not cover her feet. The straight, white claws on each of her eight toes didn't touch the floor when she walked. She had a dark strap around her forehead, the length of which was braided into her hair. Where Brynn's hands only held two straps for her ring and index finger, hers had one for each of the five long fingers on her hand.

She crossed the room to Brynn quickly, but without a single sound. She gazed down at Brynn for a long moment and then looked at Lianna. Lianna bowed her head, but not as far as before. "Master."

Lianna walked past Brynn and left the room without another sound. When Master Thelleron spoke, Brynn noticed that her voice was distinctly different from Lianna's, or any other Ulratian she had met on the ship. Was it age?

"Auro Phytrelia. As you no doubt have surmised, I am Master Thelleron. It is my responsibility, as a leader on this ship, to train you. You will find my methods harsh at times, compassionate at others, but know that it is my goal to forge you in the deadliest of killers your kind can be. Not a killer without emotion, mind you, but one of passion. When I am done with you, you will run into danger. You will crave the tempest of combat. You will face the very maw of death and feel the need to tempt it into battle."

The color in Brynn's face seem to fade with each word. "I... me?"

Thelleron's face changed into one of anger. "Silence."

Brynn's mouth shut in a way that her teeth clicked. Thelleron began to pace in front of her, hands clasped behind her back. "You will speak only when I say so. You will do nothing without my instruction. It will work this way not because I own you, because I have power over you, but because the fires you I will forge you in require absolute obedience and focus from you."

Brynn nodded hesitantly and Thelleron stopped to face her. "Do you understand?"

"Yes." She tried to make her response sound confident, but she almost mumbled.

Thelleron took a step towards her. "When I speak to you, you will answer me, always, with 'Yes, Master Thelleron,' or 'No, Master Thelleron.'"

Brynn nodded once, and then braced herself, her voice a little louder this time. "Yes, Master Thelleron."

"Again. Louder, human!"

Brynn made herself shout this time. "Yes, Master Thelleron."

She nodded curtly at Brynn and then started pacing again.

"Szen Seeker has informed me that you have been defiled, tainted by an agent of Delethire, your powers buried deep within you, though lost."

"Yes, Master Thelleron."

"Few I have trained have come face to face with what has defiled you. I cannot promise you redemption, only the path toward it. Whether you break its hold is a battle only you can fight." She turned to face Brynn again, and Brynn straightened again.

"Yes, Master Thelleron."

"Good. Now, to the ring with you." She motioned off to the side, pointing at another set of concentric circles.

Brynn hesitated for only a heartbeat. Her predecessors had been here for months--some for years. For just a moment, she wondered how long her stay would be, and whether any of this would work. She straightened her shoulders again. "Yes, Master Thelleron."

In the beginning, Brynn thought she'd never be able to stay on her feet long enough to do anything but kiss the ground.

The days blurred together, a cycle of aching muscles, bruises, and exhaustion so deep she thought she might collapse in the middle of the training floor. She lost track of the number of times she was knocked to the ground.

In time, she learned instinct, developed through ruthless repetition. Neither Lianna nor Master Thelleron had any tells, no signals to clue Brynn in on what they'd do next, when they would strike. Brynn was forced to learn how to react fast enough that when she saw them coming, she could ride the power of their strike, lean with the momentum, and use it not just to stay on her feet, but to earn the opportunity to retaliate.

Each day, Master Thelleron would touch her on the shoulder when they were finished, her gaze stern. But there was some kind of approval, some acknowledgement of her efforts. It wasn't a doting praise, but neither was it absent of encouragement.

Lianna made it all the way to the fifth week before she snapped. Brynn had managed to move out of the way just in time, and then follow up with a quick spin, turning to strike her from behind. Lianna didn't fall, but she stumbled. Brynn thought she saw her life flash before her eyes when Lianna turned to face her again, her face filled with rage. She had released a bestial roar that Brynn thought she saw the walls trembling.

She had crossed the distance between them so fast that all Brynn remembered was leaving the mat, flying through the air, and falling hard on the floor. The impact had blown the air out of her lungs, and she'd gasped the gasp of the waking dead.

Graciously, Lianna had appeared standing beside her prone form, her long arm reaching down to help lift her from the floor. She ran her fingers over the sides of her head before turning to Brynn. "I apologize, Auro Phytrelia. I promise if you say nothing to Korran about this, it will never happen again."

Brynn had chuckled a little. "Okay, but only if you tell me what the terms were."

Her head jerked to look at her. "Terms? What do you mean?"

Brynn sighed, patiently responding with, "You told me that you and Korran had a wager. If you lost, what was at stake?"

Lianna seemed instantly uncomfortable, and Brynn had to cover her mouth. Lianna looked downright bashful, and Brynn couldn't believe it. When she had composed herself, Brynn said, "Oh dear, that sounds ominously serious. Very well, if you will not tell me, then you leave me no choice but to ask him myself."

When Brynn turned her back on Lianna, Lianna moved in a blur, vaulting over her with effortless speed. Her feet landed firmly in Brynn's path, her arm outstretched across the space between them. Brynn lurched backward, her balance teetering on the edge before she managed to steady herself. "No. Wait." She looked toward the ceiling, muttering something in a language Brynn didn't understand. She sighed, her shoulders rising and falling as she did so. "Ulch Seeker Korran said that if I was not able to rein in my emotions during your training that I would be forced to..." Lianna's mouth was open, but her voice seemed to leave her. She shut her mouth and turned away from Brynn. "... To wear a dress. He had a human style gown made, like your women wear, and he'd made it to fit my superior size. I tried to burn it when I thought he wasn't looking, but somehow, he caught me."

Brynn's eyes were the size of planets. "A... a dress? You?!"

Lianna turned to look at her, her hand covering part of her face. "Yes. A human dress! And, worse, I would have to leave our quarters in it... and attend dinner with the ship."

Brynn could not restrain herself, laughing uncontrollably. Lianna only sighed and closed her eyes. "By the stars..."

Brynn eventually caught herself and quickly pressed her lips together, biting down to suppress her laughter. Then she nodded. "I... I see. Well, that's a... I could see how you might not find the appeal in that arrangement."

Lianna's expression fell into an irritated stare. "Hardly."

Brynn titled her head again. "Wait, so what do you get if you win?"

Lianna's face immediately lit up like Brynn had never seen. "Oh, that's simple: if I win, then Ulch Seeker Korran would be forced to confront Szen Seeker Xedrin, in the general hall, and tell him that he thinks he is a decrepit, tactless relic, a bull who tramples over wisdom and reasons like a stone."

Brynn's eyes grew wide again. "Oh. Wow."

Lianna nodded slowly. "Exactly. The silly, stuffy diplomat would have to do something to trigger real rage in someone, in front of enough people for word of it to spread through the ship."

Brynn shook her head, laughing. "You two are out of your minds, and you're perfect for each other."

Lianna straightened. "Well, of course we are."

Brynn laughed again, wiping a stray tear from her eye. "I still can't believe Korran would actually agree to that."

Lianna shrugged, smirking. "He's proud. He thinks he'll win."

Brynn snorted. "You're both insane."

Lianna grinned but then noticed a chronometer on the wall and frowned, "It's getting too late, Auro," she said, tone returning to something closer to instructor mode before she looked at her. "You will need rest."

Brynn blinked. "What? I'm fine."

"Yes, you will be... after you sleep. I don't want you dragging your feet in the morning, and then claiming it's because we stayed out too late."

Brynn raised a brow. "So now I'm going to drag my feet?"

Lianna crossed her arms, mock-serious. "I'm saying I don't want Thelleron thinking I wore you out with gossip instead of sparring."

"Right, right," Brynn said, pushing to her feet. "I'm going."

Lianna gave her a little shove toward the exit. "And don't focus too hard on anything tonight, little Auro. Just get some sleep."

Brynn turned for a step, saluting lazily as she seen the others do, pounding her fist against the right side of her chest, before turning to continue to her quarters.

The walk down the corridor felt a little longer this time, but eventually the aperture to her room dilated open and then contracted closed behind her again.

Brynn let out a long breath. The lights dimmed automatically as she sat on the edge of the bed, leaving the space softly lit in blues and grays.

She slowly stripped out of the that days' training gear, groaning a little as she felt an unexpected pain caused by the days activity. Then she lied on her back, staring at the ceiling, waiting for sleep to take her.

**********

Her eyes opened slowly. The first thing she saw was... sky.

Or the space where the sky should have been. But there were no clouds and no sun. Though somehow, the light around her was as ambient as a bright cloudy day. Just a dull, pale emptiness above her, like the idea of a sky that had never been finished.

On either side, vines reached upward, disappearing into that blankness, the tops fading like into a haze that she couldn't see. The stalks of the vines swayed ever so slightly, as if touched by a wind she couldn't feel.

Her gaze continued down where she saw stone at the base, cracked and weathered. Covered in moss and creeping green. The walls on either side of her were ancient. They looked like unbroken stretches of fitted stonework, tall and irregular, swallowed by time.

And she was lying between them on the ground. As she moved to sit up, she noticed it was some kind of path, like a stone and mortared walkway. Her palms felt the small pebbles and sands between the stones.

She sat up slowly, her palms scraping against the rough path.

It was quiet, but still she heard the subtle sounds of a forest. Vague noises like birds or other animals wandering on the other side of the wall.

She turned her head, scanning the path in both directions. It stretched endlessly, disappearing into the horizon she couldn't see. The same stonework repeated again and again with identical seams and patterns. Each vine curled at the exact same angle. It didn't look grown or placed, it looked made, like someone had built it in a hurry.

She pushed herself up off the path with her hands and looked around once she'd stood.

Then she heard it.

A voice.

"Help..."

It was soft and weak. It Echoed faintly between the stone walls.

Brynn's head snapped toward the sound, but there was nothing there.

"Help me..."

Now from the opposite direction.

She turned again, pulse quickening.

Nothing.

Then, the third time:

"HELP ME."

It didn't echo, it filled her mind.

She gasped and shot upright in her bed.

She was back in her quarters, covered in sweat. Her sheets were twisted around her legs.

The room was dark and still. But the silence didn't feel like rest.

It felt like a warning.