Anything But That

The following morning, Noble led her protectors down a narrow set of stairs. 

"Are you sure we will not anger Her Majesty by being here?" Counsel looked around warily.

The empty chamber looked like it had remained unchanged for ages.

Below the palace, a large area had been dug out of the stone foundation. While Noble couldn't prove it, the smooth walls seemed to have some sort of enchantment that protected the place from being damaged by those battling within. 

Small rings lined the wall to be used for either target practice or to hold ancient weapons. It was in good shape. Only a couple of the rings were missing. 

This was a training ground of the ancient kings. 

Taking her lamp, Noble touched it to a divot on the wall. The small flame lit a runnel of oil that encircled the room at eye level. The arena was instantly bathed in a warm glow. 

Noble nodded approvingly.

"My aunt said I could use any space to practice as long as I did not leave the palace. I didn't leave the palace to come here, so it should be fine." Noble was relatively sure this was true. 

Wouldn't Emira prefer that she train here than in some part of the palace that couldn't be destroyed by the two Awakened? 

"Shall we?" Noble descended the last of the stone steps and floated over the marbled floor. 

It was impressive how big the cavern was. Part of it felt natural, while the rest was clearly manmade.

'Is this a single cavern or a series of caves?' 

It didn't matter. Noble was content to leave that musing for another day. 

"I wonder who built this?" Counsel marveled at the craftsmanship. "How did you even know this was down here?"

Indeed, the path to get to the training room was difficult and winding. It was not a place one simply stumbled upon. 

"I asked one of the servant boys where would be the best place to settle an argument where no one would see. After giving him a couple of sweets, he admitted that he and the other boys come down here to settle disputes once in a while. Or at least they did. One of them heard something last time they were here and got spooked." Noble couldn't help but smirk. 

No matter what world she was in, children were quick to believe in ghost stories.

"Well, if there is anything down here, we can get some real battling in and not just practice," Counsel chuckled. 

"My thoughts as well. Although I think Kosi will be aware of any visitors before we will." Noble looked at the golden Symncus. 

The elegant creature stared at them both for a moment then released a huge yawn. He had no concern that anything might harm them. 

Rather than watch the humans, he found a corner, curled up, and began cleaning himself of the dust from the stairs. 

They were clear to proceed. 

Noble adjusted her Queen Bee armor. There was no reason to wear her [Fradulent Facade] so she had called forth the helmet that went with the armor instead. 

Placing it on her head, Noble tucked in her hair that Pen had carefully braided that morning. 

'No reason to lose any hair today. I would have to wait for it to grow back!'

Her fingers ran across [The Other's Voice] behind her ear. Since it had not been destroyed, Noble believed the other half was still in the waking world. That was why she had yet to dismiss it.

Perhaps Captain Styss had somehow gotten the other piece back to her family. If Fort had the other half, then he would know she was alive. Dismissing the Memory so she could retrieve the other half might mean ripping hope from her family's grasp.

It wasn't a thought she could bear. 

'If only you could hear me!' She tried. Of course, there was no answer.

Noble finished tucking her hair and securely fastened the helmet with the purple plume. It was a touch too flamboyant even for the Dreamscape, but it would work to protect her precious head. 

After checking the strap, she moved her arms and legs in small stretches. It never hurt to loosen up. Her arm brushed up against her weapon. 

Before leaving her room, Noble had summoned the [Unlikely End.] It rested sheathed at her side, ready for action as soon as its mistress bid it to come. 

Noble touched the hilt lightly as she rolled her shoulders. "Are you ready?" 

"Where would you like to start?" Counsel tried to appear more at ease than he felt. 

'He must never have sparred with Brenna.' 

"What if we do a warm-up?" Noble drew the Unlikely End and held it up playfully.

She struck quickly at the man, and he blocked with a shocked expression. His sword barely raised in time to meet hers.

"I know you are faster than that!" Noble taunted. "Those reflexes would have gotten you killed long ago." 

Resisting the urge to put a little essence into her blade, Noble tried again to coax her partner into engaging. 

Twice more Counsel dodged or blocked. "That was a good one, Lady Brenna! You nearly got me."

Kosi raised his head and scoffed in disdain. Noble did not need a translator to know he disapproved of the sparring.

Noble's smile faded. With every hit, she felt the man's emotions waver. "What's wrong?" 

"I...I am a little concerned about hurting you," Counsel winced. "I would not forgive myself if I wounded you..." 

"You saw me fighting against the Nightmare Creatures," the lady protested. "They had no such hesitation, and I ripped them to shreds." 

"They were mostly mindless. Couldn't even communicate properly..." Counsel pursed his lips. 

Noble wondered what kind of communication they could make and how much of it the man could understand. Counsel had not tried to speak back to any of them, so he must not have thought it worth the effort.

"You can communicate with me. I will tell you if it is too much. I hope you would do me the courtesy of doing the same," Noble offered.

She did not think the man could really do anything to hurt her, but she also felt an immense amount of power radiating from him. Much like she had from the Queen. It was curious to be around people who looked her age but were so much older. 

Maybe this had also been the case in her first nightmare, but now that she was an Awakened, she felt the difference between them much more keenly. 

Counsel must have felt the difference too. He looked intensely uncomfortable. 

"How about we start with something else then? Something that doesn't involve us fighting one another." Noble sheathed her sword and was hit with a wave of relief from her potential opponent. "There was a particular skill I wanted you to teach me." 

"Anything you ask, My Lady, and I will oblige." Counsel bowed deeply. 

"Anything, hm?" Noble placed her hands on her hips. "Don't make promises you cannot keep."

"I would never!" Counsel's emotions went wild momentarily, a mix of indignation and hesitation. 

"Good. Are you certain?" Noble's smile widened. 

Counsel puffed out his chest. His honor was being called into question. "Anything at all!" 

Noble nodded. "I want you to teach me how to master Names." 

The man blanched. "Anything but that."