View source for Kalyrra (prime)/2021-09-14 A More Difficult Task

''"Welcome to the crew!"''

''As the trainees were dismissed for the day, the youngest girl among the group approached the teen who led their training and asked, "Is there anything else I can do to help? Besides what we already have to do as runners, I mean."''

''The older boy smiled and thought for a moment. "Ah, I think I know just the thing, but it will require quite a bit of extra training. If you are willing--."''

''"YES!" The girl eagerly responded. "I am willing to train as much as needed."''

''The teen nodded approvingly. "Alright, then. Let's see just how sneaky you are..."''


[Ceiluir Glade, Garden]

Quiet giggles...happy chatter...

Glancing down at the young boy tugging on her cloak, Kalyrra realized she had been lost in her head again. This was far too common lately. She quickly gathered herself and forced a grin, pushing down the worry to be dealt with later. Thankful this group already knew what to do, the rogue called for their attention. It was time to play a game.

A modified version of hide-and-seek, the game was intended to teach basic stealth techniques. Initially, the goal for those hiding would be to stay as still as possible in a field of tall grasses so as not to give away their positions. Over time, new challenges would be added, such as moving quietly through the grasses and avoiding various obstacles. Considering how well they were doing in only their second week, the level of difficulty would need to be increased sooner than expected.

While the little ones played, several older children began gathering near the garden entrance to wait for their first day of training. As she continued to watch the younger ones, Kalyrra kept an ear turned to the whispers she could hear from the new arrivals.

"Why should we have to play a dumb game for little kids?"

"That's what she's gonna teach us? More useless lessons."

"Yeah, hide-and-seek is too easy. She should teach us something harder."

As the little ones finished up and were sent on their way, Kalyrra introduced herself to the older group and proceeded to explain the game. When she was finished, she asked if there were any questions and smiled to herself as she waited.

Quickly glancing at a few others in the group, one of the bolder children spoke up. "We don't wanna play a dumb game. Teach us something harder...something actually useful!"

With practiced ease, Kalyrra allowed herself to appear surprised. "Oh? Not interested in hide-and-seek, then?" Several other children nodded and voiced their agreement.

"Hmm...a compromise, then. You each have a choice. For anyone interested in hide-and-seek as it was just played, we will complete two rounds. I plan to use the game to teach the basics you will need as we progress. This is the easier option. When we are finished, you may choose to leave or stay for a second lesson as well." Following a brief pause, she continued. "After hide-and-seek, I will teach something more difficult. You will still learn the basics this way, but the task is more difficult and will require much more practice."

A quiet voice spoke up. "So...we get to decide what we want to do?"

Kalyrra grinned at the thin boy at the back of the group. "Yes, you do. Each of you will choose for yourselves. It's an important decision, so take a few minutes to think it over." Another round of whispers rippled through the group. After a few minutes, she called all who chose the first option to join her. The majority gathered around her, leaving only a handful behind.

Once both games of hide-and-seek had come to an end, she allowed those who had participated the opportunity to leave. All but one did. "Staying for the second lesson as well, Medijine?" The girl nodded, a fierce determination evident in her hardened expression. The intense anger that seemed to motivate the girl was both concerning and familiar. Kalyrra resolved to keep an eye on her. She would need help learning how to channel her emotions.

Clearing her throat, Kalyrra turned to face the rest of the children who had been waiting. "What I am about to teach you will be difficult, and does not come without risk. It will require much practice, but it can also be fun." She grinned slyly as she thought back to the notes she'd slipped to Etaenia the jeweler, Raisonne the baker, and other shop owners around town that morning. When it was clear there were no further questions, she continued.

"Alright, then. Let's see just how sneaky you are..."