laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

Wood chips flew in all directions as the blade cut furiously into the practise dummy, attacking in a whirl of anger and frustration as Aaliyah vented. Sweat dripped down the smooth, tanned face, some following the course of long strands of black hair as her mind recounted the losses at the hand of the red haired bitch. Kailee had not only taken her lover's mother but, had delivered Enestius' killer's to his doorstep; not to mention had also been responsible for his father's death.

She would avenge them.

Hands aching from exertion, she yanked the sword's blade from the tortured wood. Panting from the workout, she let the longsword's tip drop into the dark earth near her feet.

"Impressive form, sister," one of the onlookers commented. "Though, such passion can also be the end of you in combat."

"I'm well aware of that, thank you," she glared at the young acolyte as she sheathed the weapon and turned to notice another of the witches holding out a towel. "Thank you." Taking it, she wiped off her face and neck.

"Will you be avenging someone, a lover perhaps," the brunette inquired.

"As well as his parents."

Her excitement melted at the mention of his gender. "Then you'll need some help."

"I can take care of this myself, thanks," she stated flatly as she headed back towards the billeting dorm.

"I didn't mean myself, madam. I meant in other ways."

Aaliyah turned as she strode, "I don't have time for games".

"No, I've been taught how to etch runes as well as other things that could give you an edge in battle."

Attention fully aware, she slowed her pace. "Show me."

* * *

Fully rested, she packed her things as the golden sun poured over distant treetops and verdant mountains the following morning. She had a long trip ahead of her, best to get started.

From behind, the familiar voice of the elder witch interrupted her thoughts. "I wish you all the best but, you know you're going to certain death. She's surrounded by an army of faithful people who've known nothing but war for centuries."

"I'm well aware of who she is and where to find the murderer," she returned, disdain dripping from each word as she turned to eye the sage. "I thank you again for all you've done," she eased as Aaliyah shouldered her pack and started for the open doorway.

Jenica nodded, serious eyes watched as she passed. "I'll make an offering for you. Good fortunes."

Aaliyah smiled, then headed downstairs realizing how large the task she had set for herself and it's possible outcome. Nothing had been easy for her for many years and had created the fighting mage she had become; all those roads leading to this one moment. Would she fail miserably or be victorious? Time would tell.