During warmup exercises, ánadaí took a special liking to Lánn, often giving her extra exercises that would help Lánn keep track of her spatial awareness, help her be less clumsy, and more confident. Then it was on to team exercises and having all of us show our skills against dummies, or against the mentors themselves, where they would handicap us and force us to overcome or lose the game.


    After dinner we were encouraged to keep training and practicing by challenging ourselves to different kinds of games where we had to work with tools or people we normally wouldn’t. We also helped and sparred with each other. Since we were mainly practicing combat, Jael, Klintock, Sable and I became mentors in our own right, and showed the others proper form and technique.


    Sable and I wanted to show special attention to those that seemed least skilled. Lánn, William, Leola primarily, while Jael and Klintock worked with Flint and Céírde. Lánn had similar problems as me, a dislike for being seen, trying, and failing. We all watched her train, mimicking the method Zanataz had used on me. William lacked confidence, but after realizing that he really was a strong, capable fighter, his confidence began to return, with a measure of humility.


    On the fifth day at first break, something hit me and Céírde on the back before thumping to the floor. We looked down to see a pair of boots beside each of us.


    “They’re finally done!” Lánn shouted with her arms in the air.


    “Sorry it took so long. We''ve all been focused on training. We worked on them before bed. We can start on Keokin’s now, and the shoes for everybody else.” William added. I picked them up, the leather was softer than I thought it would be, sturdy but not stiff.


    “Thank you, both of you, for your hard work.” Céírde said with a bow of gratitude. The grace she displayed reminded me that she was involved, though somewhat remotely, in court affairs. They tossed a pair of socks to each of us. My smile displayed my excitement as I pulled the socks and boots on, they fit snugly on my feet and calves, but were loose around my ankle until I pulled a strap over and buckled it around the top of my ankle. Now I know why Sable and Klintock’s boots have the strap on them.


    “You guys are amazing. These are great.” I said, glancing up at them. William’s smile was small, but Lánn’s toothy grin displayed more than enough enthusiasm. I stood up and walked around the galley in them, noticing the distinct lack of the clicking Sable and Klintock’s boots made. I sat and observed the soles of the boots.


    “We modified them. And yours.” Lánn pulled out Sable and Klintock’s boots and tossed them over. “We didn’t want any of you alerting potential prey with that clicking.” As I moved my foot around, I noted a strange yet pleasing sensation against the front of my ankle. I liked the tight feel of the boot. These things are awesome. But I did notice that they weren’t as fascinating as Sable’s boots, or Céírde’s, which I noticed were slightly different compared to Sable’s, the heel seemed to be an inch taller, but Sable’s soles seemed thicker. Céírde noticed this too, as she stood.


    “Why are mine so tall?” She asked


    “Each pair is slightly different. Sable’s have thicker soles for better protection and durability. Klintock’s have thicker leather on the back of the calves. Croí’s are thicker on the front and on the arch. Céírde’s are taller because I saw a lady walking in tall shoes and it reminded me of you, and they have extra weight with thicker leather on the heel. There’s also a stud on the heel because we noticed you like to kick like that.” Lánn answered deftly. I was impressed with the amount of thought they’d put into this.


    “But look at her, she’s like, almost a head taller than me now.” Sable complained.


    “Next time.” Lánn said, smiling. “We’ll make a pair for both of us that make us taller than everyone else.” Sable smiled and hugged Lánn, then William.


    “Thank you both, seriously.” Sable said, backing away.


    “It’s our duty. Thank all of you for teaching us.” William replied.


    “Speaking of teaching, let’s eat and get back in there.” Keokin pumped his fists in the air like he was sparring with someone. It was strange adjusting to wearing the boots. I had grown used to being barefoot, unpleasant as it was for me. Now I had to get used to the new way of walking in the boots, trying to find out exactly how I needed to walk to produce the least amount of sound and getting used to the tightness of them.


    I finished my food before the rest of the group and sat back, watching them enjoy their food. I thought about what type of training would be best to help them. Then I wondered if Cairen or Lanaea missed teaching us. Lanaea! I should go visit her while I have some free time. I stood and walked towards the infirmary.


    “Where you headed Croí?” Keokin asked.


    “Visit with Lanaea. Knock on the door when we’re ready to start training and I’ll join you.”


    “Everything alright?”


    “Yeah. Just a friendly visit for once.” Keokin nodded and returned to his conversation. I thought about what we should talk about. Figuring she would likely want to talk about my unpleasant business. I heard the door to the infirmary close and looked up to see ánadaí, the area around her eyes was slightly red.


    “Croí, didn’t see you there.” She wiped her eyes. I was concerned. Why is she crying? Do I ask her?


    “Good evening ánadaí. How’s your night been?” I asked.


    “Oh, fine. Just a little sea spray in the eyes. You know how it is.” She smiled. Sea spray? I mean it’s possible. But we’re on the ocean. Wait. That’s what Edorin said before. I get it, its code, saying they’ve been crying but don’t want to admit it or talk about it.


    “Right, yeah must be all that salt. We were going to do our nightly extra training if you wanted to join in.” I said. She chuckled, wiping her eye again with a slight sniffle.


    “I appreciate the offer Croí, but I think I’m going to get some rest.” She moved past me. “Keep up the good work though.” I waved after her.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    “Thanks.” Then slightly quieter. “You too.” Still feeling a little worried, but not knowing what to do. I said a small prayer to Aebhsean, asking for a blessing of luck to help her out. A little of Aebhsean’s blessing never hurt anyone.


    I knocked gently on the infirmary door and opened it as I called in. “Lanaea? You in here?” She was sitting by the bed with her back to me. I heard a sniffle as she slightly turned. She wiped her eyes as she spoke.


    “Croí. How are you? Everything going well?” I nodded as she turned around, I focused on her face. Just like ánadaí. What’s going on?


    “Did I come at a bad time?” I asked.


    “Gods no. Anytime is good for a visit from you Croí. Well, except when I’m elbows deep in somebody’s stomach or something like that.” She replied with a small smile. I recoiled.


    “Does that actually happen?”


    “From time to time.” She laughed. “So, is there something I can help you with? Or did you just come for a chat? Nice boots by the way.” I smiled as I looked down at them, picking one foot up slightly and putting it back down.


    “Thanks, Lánn and William just finished some for Céírde and me. I just came to visit with you before we started training again. I told them to come and knock when it was time to start.” She rubbed her eyes for a moment, then motioned towards a chair.


    “Sit then and let’s chat.” She crossed her legs as I sat down. My eyes locked onto her boots, becoming aware of my apparent fascination with them. Hers were a darker black than the rest of ours, with red soles, and laces that ran up from the ankle to just below her knees where the boot stopped. “Croí? Should I start?” I shook my head lightly.


    “Uh. Are you sure it’s an ok time for you?” I blurted out. She smiled and bobbed her head.


    “Just fine. But, how about you? What was that pause just now?” I stammered, thinking about what to say. This is Lanaea though. She knows things about me that nobody else knows, I hope. If anyone understands she does.


    “Well, I got uh… distracted.”


    “Oh? By what?” She asked.


    “Those.” I pointed at her boots.


    “In what way?” She asked.


    “Ever since Sable got hers, I’ve noticed this weird fascination with them, but it’s not there with Edorin’s, Zanataz’s, Klintock’s, or mine. Just you, Céírde, and Sable. I don’t really understand it. It’s not like with the pants. Well, it is, but it isn’t. It’s really confusing.”


    “Oh dear. Sounds like puberty’s really doing a number on you, isn’t it?” She asked. I smiled. It felt nice talking with Lanaea. I missed her. I felt like I could ask her anything and get an honest answer. Though I still felt guilt or shame when she mentioned certain words.


    “Yeah, I guess so. Still don’t really understand it all that much. Does everyone go through it? Did you?” She chuckled.


    “Yes, everybody does, it’s a natural part of growing up. Some earlier than others, some later. And it affects everybody in different ways.” She explained.


    “What happened to you during puberty? Did it make you like boots and pants too?” She breathed in, furrowing her brow, and let out a slightly awkward chuckle.


    “Well, I will say that’s not a question you want to go around asking people, so keep that in mind. For me. I mean, I think boots and pants are cute, but they don’t arouse me. Not everybody is aroused by the same things.”


    “Lucky.” I interjected. She chuckled before continuing.


    “But I did notice a distinct interest in many things I hadn’t noticed before.”


    “Like what?”


    “Well. Like…” She paused for a second. “Like an interest in being physically intimate with many different types of people.”


    “What do you mean by different types of people?” She thought for a second.


    “I mean I get aroused by men, women, and a couple things that aren’t really Cianían, we’ll say.”


    “Not Cianíans? So, like, creatures?”


    “No. Gods no. Just… well other humanoid races.” For the first time during these discussions her cheeks got mildly red.


    “Ok. So, you get aroused by everyone?”


    “No, not really.” She thought about it for a second. “Kind of like how you get aroused by Leola, Céírde, and Sable, but only at certain times, and not Lánn or Jael, or me really. You get aroused by women, generally speaking. Make sense?”


    “Yeah.”


    “And for me it’s like that, but it’s men and women. Has breathing helped you?” She asked.


    “Yeah, it’s helped a lot. Except for certain times.” I admitted. There was a knock on the door as she was opening her mouth to speak. Keokin’s muffled voice came through the door.


    “Croí, we’re about to start.”


    “Ok. Thank you.” I yelled back.


    “No problem.” We listened to his footsteps recede.


    “That’s great Croí. But I don’t want you to be afraid of it happening, or ashamed of it. It’s a natural thing. I agree it’s not great to have it happen in public, or in front of someone, but try not to see it as an enemy, or something to be afraid of, ok?”


    “I’ll try to keep it in mind.” I said.


    “Great. Thank you for visiting Croí. A pleasure, as always.” She said. I nodded with a smile.


    “It’s fun to talk with you. I don’t feel as scared around you as I am with others.” I confessed. She seemed to pull in her lips for a moment as a look of sadness flashed before being overtaken by a smile. What was that? Is she?... No, not a mask. She just got sad for a second, then happy.


    “That’s good to hear Croí. Thank you. I needed that.”


    “You’re welcome.” I left the room and returned to train with the others, feeling happy and energized by the visit. If a little confused.


    I got used to attacking and moving with the new footwear, finding that in many ways, it was easier, my grip seemed more consistent, unless I put the boots at a certain angle, then I would slide. As a group we decided to buckle down and get more dedicated with our training, only taking necessary breaks and distractions for the rest of the week.


    When the day of the tournament finally came, we felt sore, but as prepared as we could be. Lánn, Leola, and William had made large improvements over the last week. Lánn and William were mostly doing what I had done, holding themselves back with their nerves and fears. Leola just needed training in precision and technique.


    I was surprised it had only been a week. It made me think about why we were doing this in the first place. To strengthen our minds. I couldn’t understand that before, but I was starting to see it now in the improvements of my friends. We left our boots down in the training area, and we all took a moment to calm ourselves. As we walked up the stairs, I held my pendant, saying a small prayer to Fomhár and Aebhsean.


    Aebhsean, my thanks to you for the blessing of fortune and luck. And to Fomhár, I give thanks for the harvest that is my skills and newfound confidence. Please bless my friends, that they may also be blessed with luck and fortune, as well as a bountiful harvest of skill from their training.


    Light hit my eyelids as I stepped above deck. The crew was already assembled, cheering us on as we walked to the middle of the circle. We waited for Edorin to speak.


    “Crew. This will be the last little bout of the journey, and the most difficult for our Agers. All of you will be facing crewmen, chosen by me. All Aged. I don’t expect any of you to win these bouts, but I do expect you to try your hardest. These Aged will be showing you just what it is you’re working towards.”


    We’re all gonna lose? I mean, it makes sense. It took all of us with weapons to be able to beat Sacae, even then we almost died. “Agers, line up.” We lined up in the middle. We looked around at the rugged crew as they smiled. Orae and Cairen emerged first. Orae lined up with Jael, Cairen with William. Then Lanaea stood in front of Leola, Danith with Klintock, Knuckles with Flint, Gathaen with Sable, Céírde with ánadaí. Zanataz stood in front of me. Finally, Edorin himself stood in front of Keokin.


    I looked up at Zanataz. All the time sparring with him, I’d only been able to hit him a handful of times. I grazed him a bit more often, but I wanted more hits. I didn’t want to lose until I’d at least hit him one more time. “We’ll start on the left end with Croí and Zanataz and move on from there. Aebhsean’s blessing on you all.” The circle was reformed, and it was just me and Zanataz. I bounced on my toes a few times, taking several deep breaths and assuming a combat stance against my mentor. “Go.”