The Unity of Spellbound Threads

20

_-_Lilith's POV_-_

My eyes are narrow, I know I look like a stuck up jerk but I can't not my gaze piercing as  processes the revelation. "So, I'm the queen," I say, my voice is laced with a mix of emotions. "And the Darkness is after me because of my parents' power and legacy."

Rick nods, probably relieved that I finally understand. "Yes, Lilith. That's why we've been trying to protect you."

"And you expect me to just abandon three of my people?" "Lilith that's not what I meant-" "no that's exactly what you meant to say. You want me to just forget about this? NO! I'm not going to just walk away!"

Sperantia steps forward and grabs my arms, her soft compassionate eyes focused on me. "Lilith, I know this is a lot to take in. But we need to keep moving. We can't risk you, the shadows grow stronger everyday. And we can't just storm in there to save them just yet." Sperantia said looking at me with caring eyes.

"None of us are prepared for a fight, we only have a few daggers and a sword that only one of us can use."Rick added in. "What do you mean only one of can use a sword?" Andy asked looking at Rick. "I can use a sword and I know that Sperantia can't use one and I highly doubt that you and Lilith can use one." Rick finishes and looks at me and Sperantia for confirmation and I nod. "I can use one. Don't you remember Protect the Other from when we were younger?" Andy says fidgeting with his hands. "Andy Protect the Other is a child game. It won't carry over to a real battle." Oh my gosh. He really thought that a child game would- "Oh. Sorry." "It's alright you're trying your hardest." Rick finishes his conversation with Andy and looks back over to us. "Is he thought? He just offered up a child's game as fighting experience."

"Lilith, it's not like he had his life handed to him on a silver platter," Rick shot back, his voice firm but laced with a hint of frustration. "So give him a break and leave him alone."

Andy looked down at the ground, his eyes cast in shame, while my own eyes blazed with fury. How dare Rick assume my life was easy? The memories of my past came flooding back - the endless scrutiny, the suffocating expectations, the constant need to prove myself. It was a heavy burden to carry, and Rick's words only added to the weight.

"I would rather die than go through it again," I said, my voice low and fierce. "It wasn't fun being the only heir to a kingdom that's falling apart. You don't get a moment of rest or fun. And you're shown off in the most despicable ways to the most despicable people. I had to work harder for a small amount of respect than you had to work for a piece of generosity from a kind soul."

"Lilith, enough!" Rick snapped, his voice harsh and commanding, his eyes blazing with intensity. "Andy's trying his best, and you're not helping with your constant criticism!"

Andy looked down, his eyes cast in shame, his face reddening as he fidgeted with his dagger. I felt a surge of anger, my own eyes flashing with defiance. Who was Rick to lecture me? But before I could respond, Rick continued, his voice firm but urgent.

"Listen up, all of you. We don't have time for bickering. We need to learn to fight, and fast. Here's a quick lesson: stance, grip, strike. Remember it, and remember it well. Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Grip your dagger firmly, but not too tightly. And strike with precision, aim for the heart or neck. Got it?"

He demonstrated each move swiftly and efficiently, his sword slicing through the air with deadly precision. I watched, my anger simmering just below the surface, as he turned to us expectantly.

Rick turns to me. "Lilith." "Yes?" "Show me your stance." Rick says getting mad at me once again. "You cant just except us to understand it and be able to do it all in one go do you? We haven't been able to practice yet!" I'm getting railed up and it's going to go down if someone doesn't stop me. Lucky Sperantia understands that I need some help. "Lilith just try your best."

I hesitated for a moment, then assumed the position, trying to mimic Rick's movements. He nodded curtly, his eyes scanning my form.

"Move your feet apart more, actually bend your knees, and if you keep gripping the dagger like that it'll fly out of your hands. Now, Andy, show me your grip."

Andy held up his dagger, his hand shaking slightly as he tried to demonstrate the correct grip. Rick's expression turned stern, his voice firm but encouraging.

"Good try, Andy. Keep practicing, you'll get it. Sperantia, show them your strike."

Sperantia stepped forward, her movements fluid and graceful as she demonstrated a swift and deadly strike. Rick nodded, his eyes approving.

"Good. Now, let's move out. We have a long journey ahead of us." He turns around to go away from the fortress. "Wait." "What could you possibly need to know Lilith!"

With that, he turned and strode off, leaving us to follow in his wake. Sperantia shot me a worried glance, her eyes trying to convey a message of caution and unity. But I just shook my head, my anger and frustration still simmering just below the surface. This wasn't over, not by a long shot.
Rick's expression turned stern, his eyes flashing with a mix of anger and understanding. "Enough talking," he said, his voice firm and resolute. "It's time to put our words into action. Let's get back to training. Sperantia I want you to work with Lilith. Just make her good enough to survive, just know it's going to take a while though." Sperantia walks over to me with a weak smile.

I nod, feeling a surge of determination. If Rick thinks that I'm horrible I'm going to prove him wrong. But as we begin to spar, it's clear that I have no clue what we're doing. My daggers clash awkwardly with Sperantia's and we stumble and stagger around the courtyard. On the other hand Rick and Andy wield their sword and daggers with ease, Rick's movements swift and deadly.

"Lilith, you're holding your dagger like a toy," Rick says, his voice firm and frustrated. "You're swinging yours like a wildcat. And Sperantia, you're.. better than Lilith.'

Sperantia and I look at each other, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration. We're not natural fighters, and it shows.

Rick tries to correct our stances, our grips, our movements. But no matter how hard we try, we just can't seem to get it right. Our daggers clash, and we stumble and fall.

As we continue to train, I can feel my muscles aching and my breathing labored. We're not getting any better, and the Darkness is closing in.

Rick's expression is grim. "We don't have much time, guys. We need to get this right, and fast."

But as we look at each other, we know that we're in trouble. We're not fighters, and we're not ready for the Darkness. We're just not enough for his standards.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Hello all! Nothing to say except that its summer!!! So more writing time!

Be kind
Be considerate
Be thoughtful
Be loving
Be a good person!

Byeeee
-Rose out!

Word count: 1234