[center][color=#BFFF00]"That will do, Beatrix. Take a moment to breathe."[/color]

 She fell to her knees without ceremony, a dull blade falling from her hands. Beatrix Ashworth had never held a true weapon, before, but with the strange change Caretaker Nirvu had elicited in her; it was like a familiar dream. Her body knew the movements, and despite her strength; Beatrix found practice to be exhausting. [color=FFB6C1][i]Maybe it's how [b]heavy[/b] this thing is.[/i][/color] Sweat dripped from her face, and she used the sleeve of her new garb to wipe it away. Despite that, rivulets still found their way from her brow to her chin. 

 [color=FFB6C1][i]I always liked working out...but this, this is entirely different.[/i][/color]

 At least she looked the part of a warrior. Now, instead of her casual attire, Beatrix wore loose slacks and a tunic; all the same drab color as that of the Caretakers. Still gasping, Beatrix lowered herself, one leg crossed beneath her while the other lay straight ahead. [color=FFB6C1]"Am I really cut out for this, Caretaker Nirvu? I...I know I agreed to help, b-but I'm not a warrior!"[/color] Caretaker Nirvu gave her a non-existent smile, waiting for the inevitable follow-up. She lifted her gaze from the dirt, eyes soft and imploring. [color=FFB6C1]"I don't think I can be what you want me to be! Please! I-I'm just...I'm just-"[/color]

[color=#BFFF00]"You are what you are meant to be. Nothing more or less."[/color] The Caretaker moved to sit beside her, carefully taking the blade as it did so. Beatrix could feel eyes on her. Not only the Caretaker's, but that of her 'opponent' as well. An Unfettered by the name of Srath. She was smaller than Beatrix, and quicker; but lacked the strength of the Lightbridge girl, something that seemed to surprise almost everyone...Beatrix included. [color=#BFFF00]"I know the burden I have asked of you is much, and you have my deepest thanks for taking it upon yourself."[/color] The Caretaker placed a hand on her shoulder. Beatrix flushed, and nodded, bringing her hand to the Blue Remembrance Leaf; wrapping two of her fingers lightly around the glass-like ornament. [color=#BFFF00]"It is my wish to see you safe, Beatrix Ashworth. If you are willing, there is a gift I would impart to you. Something,"[/color] Caretaker Nirvu's voice became soft, barely audible over her own thundering heart and heavy breathing, [color=#BFFF00]"that will ensure your safety in a way I cannot."[/color]

[color=FFB6C1][i]Is it sad?[/i][/color] Beatrix's eyes were away from the object of her thoughts, looking at Srath, [color=FFB6C1][i]It worries so much about me. I...I didn't do anything to deserve this kindness.[/i][/color] Srath was lithe and well toned, her midriff showing beneath tattered bits of mail and cloth. Her skin was like cracked obsidian, though it was clearly nothing like stone, her face narrow and her eyes small pits of gold lambency. [color=FFB6C1][i]I need to do my best! I need to...prepare.[/i][/color] Her fingers ended in sharp points, but managed to still be delicate. A tail swept at the dirt behind her, lined unevenly with small barbs. [color=FFB6C1][i]What did Caretaker Nirvu [b]mean[/b], though? Another gift? It already did that weird glowy thing! I...I don't know what else...[/i][/color] Srath hadn't spoken a word, since her arrival. Beatrix noticed that she was watching her, observing much in the same way.

[color=FFB6C1][i]She seems nice...I think...[/i][/color]

 They were no longer in the Crystalline Garden's confines. Caretaker Nirvu had told her, before the training began that Beatrix would be departing soon. [color=FFB6C1][i]Because the other Caretakers don't want me here.[/i][/color] It was a sad thought, but one she couldn't afford to nurse while she had held the blade. Instead, they were in a patch of rough earth and sparse grasses perhaps half a mile away. There were a few tall trees, and a few small shrubs. Beyond that there was nothing. [color=FFB6C1][i]Because I'm...different from them.[/i][/color] The hand that wasn't playing with the Remembrance Leaf lightly curled itself around her cloak; the heavy and tattered crimson cloth torn from King Vagorrez's own. [color=FFB6C1][i]He was nice, too. They've all been so [b]kind[/b] to me![/i][/color]

 Tears formed in her eyes, and Beatrix knew her face was scrunching up.[color=FFB6C1][i]Oh no, oh no! I shouldn't! N-not now![/i][/color] It was unavoidable, though. A sob escaped her, and Beatrix leaned forward. Her breath had been caught, and her heartbeat slowed, but the sound was ragged and unflattering. She felt the gentle squeeze turn into a light rub at her back. The tears flowed, mingling with the sweat of exertion. Beatrix Ashworth cried heartily, her body shaking with each new cry. [color=FFB6C1]"I don't-"[/color] the words were cut short, but she forced herself to stumble through, [color=FFB6C1]"I can't-"[/color] even if she couldn't finish the statement, Beatrix desperately wanted Caretaker Nirvu to know, [color=FFB6C1]"Please-!"[/color] Her hands left their place and found their way to her face, covering it. 

[color=D3D3D3]"Beatrix of Ashworth,"[/color] a shadow fell over her, and a swishing sound reached her ears, [color=D3D3D3]"you are strong of body. I'm impressed with your prowess. You're still a girl at heart, though."[/color] Srath had a voice like smoke, but her words were gentle. Through bleary eyes Beatrix could tell she was looking down on her with a faint frown. [color=FFB6C1][i]I'm sorry,[/i][/color] she wanted to say, though all that came out was a choked sob. [color=D3D3D3]"Caretaker Nirvu?"[/color] She didn't know what the question meant, but the Caretaker removed its hand from her back and likewise stood.

 [color=#BFFF00]"Yes, Srath. You may await her, here. She and I will say our goodbyes within the Garden's confines."[/color] Beatrix's chest tightened at the words. Any serious goodbyes always hurt her. It was simply part of her gentle nature. [color=#BFFF00]"I entrust her to you. Please, do not let harm befall her. You will part ways at the Long Walk. By then she should be accustomed to herself."[/color] Beatrix sputtered out something incoherent, even to herself, and struggled to her feet. Slowly, the tears were abating; though the empty pain in her chest continued. 

[color=#BFFF00]"Come, Beatrix."[/color][/center]