I had not been in Amber long, only about two weeks. I found my feet had taken me toward the practice grounds (a place I can often be found). I watched as different people spared, trying to decided what I wanted to practice first, sword or fist. A bright flash of blue caught me eyes and I turned toward it. There I saw a soldier berating a young girl. She could not of been more than 12 summers old. From the weapons they both had, swords, it was obvious he had been teaching her something of warfare. Some words floated on the wind to my ears. Stupid, lazy, can't do anything right. These were the nicest ones I heard. Waves of anger washed over me. Without thought I found myself striding in their direction intent upon the soldier. He was so busy yelling at the girl, he did not hear my approach. Bad mistake. In one fluid motion I had a dagger at his throat. My voice was low and threatening as I spoke, "Leave her alone." I brought the dagger away and shoved him away from my body. Instead of attacking me he stuttered a simple yes and took off. I can only assume he had heard of me or else seen me on the field. Either that or my body language let him know that if he took me on he would be dead.
I can be quite imposing when I wish it. Point in case was when I looked at the girl. I think she believed I was going to hurt her. Yet she stood her ground and did not run away. Something I admired greatly. I let my body relax a little and tried not to look quite so dangerous. I inclined my head a little as I studied her, "Your name?" She was about 4 feet tall with blond hair and the bluest eyes I have ever seen. She mustered up her courage and without a stutter replied, "Sabrina." The girl had courage and quite strength, something I respected. I nodded my head at her answer, "I am Larissa. From now on I will teach you." I did not need to say in what because she knew I meant warfare. Soon a routine developed and I spent many an hour at the practice grounds. In only two months she learned quite a bit. Now we don't spend ever day practicing together. She has her own drills to do and I test her on them once a week. I've seen her around the castle though I don't know who she belongs to. It's not important. Her parents don't make her who she is, she does that herself. It is a lesson I learned well as a child. If a parent dictated who or what their child was to be....than I would be nothing more than a killing machine. I would like to think I am not.
However that is another story.