Josidia would turn quickly to watch Katherine “Right now? I am not even prepared! I am wearing just a robe!”
“In many cases you will be caught unprepared. You need to learn to defend yourself in any situation that may arise. So we train now” Katherine held up the blade that was still illuminating the room “You are a Radiant. Imbued with the power of the sun and light. One of the rarest and most potent of the Sword-Born. To be upfront with you there is a darkness in your power. There is power in pain and suffering should you ever give in your light goes from warm and radiant to the Scouring. Merciless as the desert sun. Deadly and lethal to all who behold it. That is why you need to train”
Josidia was stunned into silence as she watched the blade and how Katherine described her power “Did.. did I nearly become this Scouring while in the alley?” Her voice was soft again as she wanted to know.
“Yes, the power of your awakening combined with the attack, the blade that was summoned had elements of both your radiant blade and your scouring blade. It burned even me, but I was able to use it to great effect against the monster” Katherine responded. Moving then with the blade as she went through different forms of martial skill. Where the blade passed left an afterglow of light and warmth that persisted for a few seconds.
As the minutes turned to hours she watched Katherine move. Practicing those movements over and over, trying to commit them to memory so they could be used when needed. These techniques were also teaching Josidia much needed control of the radiance of her mark and the power that she wielded on her own. As the hours wore on the practice began to pay off.
Katherine was a good and thorough teacher. As the others past she found that Josidia was witty and funny. Unsure if it was the bond between them that had forced this upon them or if she had genuinely come to like the other woman on her own.
“You need to learn the basics of magical combat. Your own inner reserve of magical energy can fuel your spellcraft. The solar mark and the radiance as well are sources of power. You can become quite powerful with time and the proper training. But I don’t think that fate will give us the time needed to see that you are properly trained.”
Josidia was exhausted and bruised from the training under Katherine. Breathing heavily as they came to a halt with Katherine speaking. Listening to what the other woman was saying she felt herself drawn to her voice. Having only just met the woman she was unsure if it was actual attraction or if she was bound by the influence of their marks. Josidia felt rather uncertain about the situation, but still she listened.
“You said there are monsters and others out there, correct?” Stretching some to try to relieve the tension in her body “Why are they going to come after me?”
“Because of your radiance. You stand out to the divine and the monster. Your soul burns bright and hot now. To those who can perceive such things they will be drawn to you for good or ill. You have the very basics after a few hours. Enough that you aren’t an immediate danger to those around you. We will rest for the night and continue in the morning.”
Hours turned to days as Josidia trained. Becoming better at controlling the radiance within her. Better at using the simplest of spells to defend herself and see what was hidden from view. During this time she was becoming quick friends with Katherine. They were connected on a deeper level than many could ever imagine and both were hesitant about their budding friendship. Unsure if it was from the bond or if they were doing it from their own free will.
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“You have made great strides so far in your training. I trust you in that you will not hurt anyone accidentally anymore. You can use your radiance to defend yourself and to attack with if absolutely necessary. And we are making progress on the blade that we share together. Able to take a more coherent form. The one thing I cannot help you with are your hymns. We will need to find you a teacher if possible so your power can grow in that respect as well” Katherine spoke to her as they sat together eating in the interior garden of the home.
Josidia would smile at those words “Thank you. I have been trying really hard to succeed. I do not want to accidentally hurt anyone close to me, especially my friends that I have” Keeping her attention on Katherine as they spoke.
“Yes you have, and it shows. You are making much better progress than I had hoped you would. We should be able to return to your home at the beginning of the week so that you can resume your normal life as best as you can now that you’ve awakened to your power. But you must remain forever vigilant. If the evil cannot get to you, they may go after your friends. Always be mindful of where you are and what you are doing.”
“I will do my best. This is all new to me, but with your help I feel that I would be able to handle it. I want to experience a normal life for as long as I can before I need to move on. If what you say is true and my lifespan is extended I will outlive nearly everyone I know. I will only have their memories with me. I need the time to build those memories with those I am close to so that I can remember them” Josidia was resolute. She would do this. She would live her life unafraid of what was to come and when it came time to move on she would handle it at that point.
After their break was finished they returned to training. Josidia pushed herself as hard as she could in the safety of the house. There would come a time when she wouldn’t be able to practice and what she learned would be the difference between a life or death moment.
A heavy knock on the door echoed throughout the house. It carried the sensation of great importance. Josidia turned her attention to the door. A ring around her eyes began to glow making her eyes look like a solar eclipse. Katherine called her enchanted blade to her hand as she walked towards the door. Angling her body so that the blade was concealed but she could still use it if needed. Opening the heavy oak door.
Just beyond the wards that protected the house from unwanted intrusion stood a finely dressed man. He wore a fitted suit. His skin was naturally tan. He kept his black hair short and neatly trimmed with no facial hair. Those sparkling emerald eyes watching Katherine as she opened the door. In his left hand her carried a heavy looking walking staff that was intricately carved with strange and fanciful looking animals.
“I apologize for the intrusion. My name is Maxwell and I need your help” His voice was proper as he inclined his head into a bow to her.
Josidia gasped as she came up behind Katherine. His disguise was perfect to all others, but to her new sight she saw him clearly. He looked mostly the same as before except for his eyes were ever shifting patterns and colors. From his back were beautiful wings of what looked like a butterfly. His feet didn’t touch the ground it seemed, floating just above it.
“I represent the local fae waystation. I am here because we need your help.”
“I welcome you into our home. Come in peace and no harm will come to you while you are here” Katherine’s response was ritualistic.
“Thank you. I accept your welcome and I come in peace” His response was also ritualistic. Stepping beyond the wards when Katherine stepped to the side. The heavy door closed behind him as he cleared the door.