Welcoming the Young Phoenix

[Aaliyah Juno Ironia]

It had been an unexpected twist for the current Queen of Ironia. Having received her coronation at only sixteen, she had lived with great care and courtesy for the other kingdoms, something she did not share with her parents plans for the future. But this was long past, gone, a bloody chapter of history best left forgotten.
She sat upon the throne today, waiting upon the arrival of a Prince of Venius.
she had taken her medicine recently, she felt calm, poised.

She was dressed in a fine dark gown, a leather bustier supporting her back, laces criss-crossed on both the left and right sides. The ends of her sleeves were widened, exposing pale wrists, the area around her shoulders exposed and for once no collar, a silver necklace hanging in place.
Aaliyah had never worn the family crown since her coronation, leaving it in the treasury, instead she wore a silver circle that did not entirely encompass her head, the band meeting her temples but going no further.

The style of the throne had changed since her mother and father's demise. There was only one now, directly in front of it to the right side was a standing sheath that held her favoured sword, the one used by her former master, she had named it Brandish, however several more swords rested upon additional weapons stands on either side, different styles each, but they almost looked typical, not special, no embellishments, no gold or jewels.

Aaliyah's head raised somewhat as she stared at the far doors, she could feel a difference.. Something approaching, or some-one, they weren't close enough yet, but it was almost on cue that she stood from her throne, the great doors leading into the throne room opening wide at the behest of two guards.
Additional soldiers lined the walkway up tot he throne, only half a dozen, ebony armour their now favoured style, faces hidden by dark helms.
As the guests came forward each changed position, standing straight and adjusting their grip on giant glaives that they were holding, pinning it across from themselves before placing the hilt upon the ground on their side closest to the door.

[Deon Royal Orion]

Deon was not entirely sure how he felt about what was going on he had accepted going because he knew he had to, plus when his father came back from Camp Solace he would most likely be in a foul mood if he found out he had gone against his request of going to Ironia. Anyway it was not all bad considering how beautiful a place Ironia was and he had yet to actually meet the queen in person, but the thing was, was he really need for a meeting about bandits attacking the trade lines, while he most likely could add bits to the discussion he was sure they could sort things out amongst themselves.

Another bonus to this was that his youngest brother Colton was coming, so they would be able to have some fun together at least, such as trying to see i one could out race the other on their horses. He did hope though that there would be something for Colt to do at the castle other than the meeting, that's if they brought him into the meeting or not. Too be honest he was more worried about Colt than himself he knew that things were not going to get any better soon a little bird had assured him of that, and those dreams were in no way helping.

Surprisingly enough and you would think being the heir to the kingdom he would of by now, he had not actually met the Queen of Ironia but he knew what she looked like at least. He had heard something about her being an Empath which was interesting for Deon, it meant he might just be able to learn from someone who has it, not that he doubted the skills of the Famous Warlock Natori but well someone with Empathy seemed like a better choice in all honesty.

The City of Alydon was an amazing place a safe place and well hidden place. A part of Deon felt a sense of foreboding as if something was not about to go well. Maybe it was his sense playing up on him, nope there it was a boiling anger no maybe it was something else, it had gone as soon as it came through. He frowned to himself and shook his head, while also noticing Natori giving him a small look. he was not entirely sure what the Warlock was trying to do so he changed what he was looking at instantly and begun looking ahead instead.

Upon reaching the Ivy palace they all dismounted, some mainly his Colt's and Leon where taken to the stables. Deon while this happens topped to catch a glance at the majesty of the Ivy Palace . What he saw was just breath taking he had not been expecting it to be this well made, even though he had heard the story's, it was sculpted from the mountain perfectly. He briefly felt wonder from someone nearby but he tried to ignore it before they moved on into the Castle.

They walked silently into the throne room, Leon nodded to the man next to him who now picked up speed and walked ahead before bowing to the Queen. He spoke quickly if Deon had to guess the man was nervous, well he did have to guess considering he had no control of his empathy right now and he was being bombard with feelings left right and centre, almost sending him into a mental panic.
"You Royal Highness Aliyah of Ironia, may I introduce to you Leon, Dayna, Dazail High court advisor of Venius and Acting Steward, The Warlo..." Natori The Warlock deciding he needed not be mentioned at all stepped forward with a smile and spoke "It has been a long time since I stepped in these halls I see you have grown to be a fine Queen my lady," with that he kissed her hand and whispered something about a blessing before stepping back into the crowd.

The Man continued
"Verian, Jay, Jiana the High prophet of All the Kingdoms, and The Prince’s Deon and Colton Orion." Deon made sure to bow as the others had.


(Sorry about it's length Verian's the because he's the High Prophet and Royal guard, technically he's not supposed to be loyal to any kingdom.)

[Boo]

The youngest prince had been forced to go along with his older brother and a whole other group of people to travel to the kingdom of Ironia. Well no one forced him to go but he never wanted to get onto fathers bad side. The only good thing was that his brother was there suffering with him and he picked up a small field mouse who he had chatted with while they travelled. He really didn’t mind what the guards thought or what the warlock thought. Well really the warlock was kind of creeping Colton out with some sideways glances.

Once they reached the Palaces Colt thought it would be best if he let the mouse go instead of taking it inside with him. He watched it scurry off and out of site, the small mouse had somehow comforted the young prince in the new land. Now that it had gone he felt suddenly very small and unimportant compared to the castle they were now entering. He sighed thought set back his shoulders, tilting his head up in flase confidence and walked beside his brother to the throne room. Part of Colton wanted to slip his hand into his older brothers, he didn’t like it here. It was going to be boring most likely, dealing with whatever matter they were there for before leaving.

He shifted from foot to foot in the silence after he came to halt slightly behind his brother. He had a hard time keeping a smile off his face. The man was speaking in a very fast and high pitched voice introducing everyone. He raised an eyebrow as the Warlock went up and gave his introduction personally, he glanced sideways at his brother raising an eyebrow. Do you know what’s up with him? His eyes and face said to him. He copied his brother and everyone else’s bow.

[Aaliyah Juno Ironia]

The queen barely reacted when the Warlock kissed her hand. She had part the instinct to snatch it away, but at the same time decided against it, instead walking down the several steps to the platform upon which her throne sat. She met each of those introduced in turn with a polite bow of her own at first before she came to Deon and Colton.
Her eyes stared at the two with a certain intensity as she focused on them both, but found herself looking at the youngest first, he was uncomfortable, which was already clearly evident. But he was young and she didn't blame him, this wasn't something children enjoyed doing.

Without looking at anyone else but these tow boys she simply stated,
"You are all free to leave, those of you staying here at the castle will be escorted to your guest rooms." However she pointed towards Deon and Colton, using her pointer and smallest finger on the left hand to regard the both of them,
"You two stay." She added quite calmly. placing her hands behind her as she looked over at the Warlock,
"As a matter of remembrance, I have few events of you in my mind, forgive me if I do not recall you on a personal level, Warlock."

She stared around as the others filed away, she could see the confusion on their faces, and disappointment, some probably wanted to spend at least a little time with the Queen of Swords. They were probably also dejected that she only wanted to talk to the children of Venius.
Once they'd finally left she shifted her position, holding one arm across her body, supporting the elbow of her other arm, its hand upon her chin as she slowly stepped around Deon, eyes half squinting as if to focus on him a little better,
"Do you know why you are here, in Ironia?" The woman asked with a slight smirk before she stopped directly in front of Colton, lowering herself to a knee so she could be on more of a level with him,
"Although I did not expect your presence.. I'm sure we can find something more interesting than boring meetings for you to do." She paused briefly, then smiled, "In fact.. It might be a blessing that you are here."

Again she stood straight, lightly brushing her dress once before she crossed her arms, head turning to stare at Deon again with an odd, knowing smile, as if there really was something that she did know, while most would think they were merely here for the tournament, there were other intentions at play..

[Deon Royal Orion]

The Warlock smirked at what Aaliyah said, and he gave a quick reply of his own showing no surprise that she wanted to talk to the princes. “That is of no surprise you were young when you last saw me," with that he walked over to one of the Divinity in the court of Ironia and looked back “Be careful My Lady something is wrong this day," with that he and the other man vanished and no not in a puff of smoke. Not even walking out with any of the others and leaving a few questions on the lips of some. Though there were a few unsurprised faces in the hall.

Deon was one such person was not at all surprised with how the Warlock was acting, he always had a sense of mysteriousness about him and a little directness maybe it was something to do with his age. Catching his younger brothers eyes and look he decided to give him his no I don't look before returning his attention back to the scene. Thinking of Colt though he should of argued for them not to bring him, he hated stuff like this imagine how colt felt at Ten no less, he could tell he had been getting small snippets of how his brother had been feeling all the way so he knew how bored he was.

On one hand he was happy at the Queen having sent everyone away because it meant there was a less conflict of feelings from all the people in his mind, he felt calmer in that respect his mind was no longer screaming at him. On the other hand he felt a little neverous because it was just him his brother and The Queen, well Technically his Personal Guard/ Best Friend/High Prophet Verian was there but he was out of earshot. He smiled inwardly at the brief respite from the hundreds of feelings but he still had the feelings of the others.

He noted that the Queen was watching him and he decided to watch her trying to get a better look at her than earlier, she was a much better looking than he had been told not that it mattered for him. Her Sky Blue cold eyes were the most eye catching of her features, they seemed to be saying something what he was not sure.

Listening to her speak he almost smiled. Of course he knew the reasons he was here, the main reason being his father wanting to make him a better heir, this reason was the one he hated the most. Part of him was a little glad he came though because he found the situation with the bandits on the supply line interesting and his father thought he might be useful for this or so he had heard. Deciding to let her explain to him instead of saying he knew he decided was a better idea for now as she may be a lot better informed.

"Your Grace I am not entirely sure why, though I do have some ideas." He said in a calmer voice than usual as if he was tasting every word on his lips seeing if anything about it tasted Foul. He waited to see what she would say he stood their patiently. He watched her carefully and his nervous rose a bit when she talked to Colt he did not believe anything would happen but if anything did happen to Colt whoever did it would regret it. His last word left him inquisitive and he raised any eyebrow over at Colt and The Queen.

[Boo]

Colton’s eyes shifted from the Queen who was looking at him to his brother and then around the room. He didn’t like the feel of her gaze on him but stood it none the less. His only problem with it was his thoughts that she should be focusing on the older prince more than the bored younger one. Still he watched the scene go down with the queen and warlock. Personally the younger prince just thought the warlock was over dramatic and very powerful. He wasn’t really found of him but would never say so for multiple reasons. One being his power, two it wasn’t his place to think so, and lastly just respect in general for someone older than himself.

So it was safe to say Colt felt a little better when he left and now that he didn’t have the eyes of so many others on him. With all the people leaving he was sure Deon was feeling better and this made him like the Queen a bit more. He turned his head slightly to watch all departing people. Then he turned back to the Queen and listened to what she had to say. He kept looking forward as the Queen circled the Princes making him a bit nervous. He found his eyebrows pulling together in confusion to her first question. That was an odd question to ask the Prince why wouldn’t he?

Out of the corner of his eyes he looked to Deon for his answer. Hm so he was playing that game was he? That was an interesting question and he wondered how this Queen would reply. When it was his turn he felt his back straighten slight out of surprise that she was mentioning him like that. He looked at her now that she was his level and smiled sweetly. So Dad didn’t tell anyone else I was coming… doesn’t surprise me… He thought before replying, “Thank you for your consideration but I’ll be fine. It’s my duty as a prince no matter what my age.” At her next comment his head tilted slightly. “Whatever do you mean? If you don’t mind my asking Your Majesty.” Once again he flashed her a sweet and small grin.

[Aaliyah Juno Ironia]

"Nonsense," The queen replied to both of them, it was a sharp response, but not as harsh as one would expect, her attention turning to the younger brother first, "You're a boy, a child, no-one should expect you to sit through the formalities as though you enjoy them, I know at your age I certainly disliked them." Aaliyah replied, that knowing smile still on her face as she looked at Deon then,
"As for you, your father was very clear that he wanted you partaking in the tournament. Of course if he wasn't so prideful I would have accepted what he really wanted to say.." She stated this, again, in a way that suggested she really did know more eyes looking about, there really wasn't anyone else hereto hear it, except maybe that Warlock, but she really didn't care about him,
"So then, I tell you this now and you would do well to believe every word, I have no time for naysayers or disbelief," She leaned closer, raising her hand, pointer finger extended, "You will win this tournament." The Queen declared, each word said one-by-one so it was very clear. And she meant it.

However she stood straight, shrugging to herself and sighing,
"Though I wish he would have given me more time.. We have to do this the short and difficult way." The Queen turned on her heel, extending her arm to her side, her head shifted to look over her shoulder at the boys, finger motioning for them to follow,
"Come with me, I will need you both,"
Aaliyah folded her arms and began to walk away from them, though would check only once to see if they were following before she proceeded further, past the throne and down one of the side hallways, she had to take Deon to the training room she had prepared, if she had any hope of making her boast less of a bluff or a joke, they needed to start as soon as possible.

[Deon Royal Orion]

Deon's eyes were almost glued to his brother, there was annoyance within them and if anyone noticed it would be rather plain. He was in no way happy with what his younger brother had said about being his Duty to be there. Yes it was Duty but he was 10 that was just silly. He did smile though as too be honest he was glad his brother was taking this seriously but he was all on duty there which Deon would not be surprised if it was their fathers work. Their father had been trying to hammer home that they must do their duty no matter the cost. He had seemed rather intent on getting driven into their minds at every moment and to all of them. Himself he could understand being the heir and all but the others yeah they were princes and the promised ones but they were much younger than him. Deon was glad when The Queen replied that what his brother said was basiclly nonsense.
Thank the gods that should shut him up about duty he thought to himself while to trying not to smirk.

Deon frowned confused at what she said to I'm, but he still took the meaning that there were still some eyes in the court, he gave her a small nodded then decided to focus he felt another something but it confused him and he thought nothing more of it. If he had focused some more he might of felt some malice floating about.

Her words though shocked him, and his eyes widened a little it was almost a if he had been blown over board on a ship by a ferocious unforgiving wind. This was something he had not expected, okay take part in the tournament, but win? His father knew how useless with a sword he could be, what was the point in this? A bet between the King and Queen by the looks of things, he could tell this would not end well. He was not happy why did they have to do this and not leave him to doing tactics and stuff it was much better than the actual fight in his opinion.

He would of replied but she was already on to something else, when she motioned for them to follow he looked at Colt for a moment smiled and nodded, as she turned and walked on Deon let Colt go first but whispered something him.
"what do you think?" He asked hoping Colt at least would get what he meant

[Boo]

Surprise was the first feeling the young prince felt. He wasn’t supposed to sit through meetings? But as a Prince he had been always told that he had too and at least seem like he’s respectful and paying attention and in his mind that meant pretending to enjoy it somewhat. And then as she kept going a smile formed on his face for a moment. He always heard that out of Deon’s mouth that he should have the same responsibilities as him. But he never expected it to come out of an adult’s mouth much less the Queen of Ironia’s. It made it even better once she said she too didn’t enjoy them. Trying to think of what to say he felt the gaze of his brother on him no doubt in annoyance. Ignoring him he continued to look at the Queen, “Thank you for that but the only way for my involvement in meetings to change would be my father’s choice.”

As she focused back on his eldest brother he couldn’t help but breathe a little easier. He didn’t enjoy that little segment of conversation but he was sure he was going to hear about it later. Colton was aware that their father wanted Deon in the tournament as well as Colton but more so the first born. His eyes shifted from the lovely Queen to his brother a grin creeping on the young boy’s face as he guessed what was coming. And his brother’s reaction was well worth coming here. It wasn’t a secret that Deon couldn’t use a sword extremely well and winning the tournament never crossed his mind for sure. It was rather funny though because he was amazing with tactics. And he really only needed to apply that to the fight. Find the weakness in the attacker and use that to your advantage just like in a huge battle. Use your surroundings to your advantage and play your strengths. Rather clear in the small boy’s mind.

This Queen seemed to like keeping the boy’s in half shadows with their mind wondering at least that was how it was for Colton as she began to speak again. None the less he looked at Deon an eyebrow raised in question. Once he nodded and smiled he started after the queen but keeping close to his brother. What could she need the both of them for? Short and difficult way? More time? None of what she had said made any sense to the young prince. So he would just have to find out along the way. At his brothers words he shrugged. “She seems right so far and with you winning the tournament… well you would have a great shot if you listened to some people…” He trailed off and nudged his brother’s side with his elbow smiling all the way. Speaking up as he turned a hallway after the Queen he asked, “Are you going to train Deon?” He just wanted to make sure he was thinking right because he just couldn’t be sure with this woman.

[Aaliyah Juno Ironia]

"I can hear your feelings of doubt a mile away," The Queen added suddenly, raising her hand and tapping softly at the side of her head, "It's all right in here," She added, looking over her shoulder with a smirk as her arm lowered and she placed her hands on her hips, "Your father didn't say it out loud, but he wanted you trained properly and to my knowledge your training so far has been harsh, straight forward and brutish. It is far too expectant to simply tell you to get better with a sword." She sighed, shaking her head, while she held no ill will for their family their methods were too steeped in a dull, old age, she chuckled a moment, looking back to Colt with a smirk, a mischievous kind,
"Yes, I will train Deon, depending on certain circumstances.. Also take note; your father is not here. You're in my castle now, the only meetings you should concern yourself with are that of food meeting your belly," Aaliyah joked mildly, turning her head forward again.

However there were rumours about Deon and his gifts, something that made the Queen ever curious to test something as they turned down the hall, then into a large room. It looked like a cross between a training hall and an armoury. There were dozens of swords lining the walls on racks and held up like treasures, but most prominently a circle of swords on single stands, lined up almost perfectly by size and weight from smallest to biggest, the two meeting at one side.

She eventually came to a stop, turning to look at Deon again, however this time very differently. The woman had been summoning an old pain from within her heart, the memory of her parents and their plans to cause war. The rage she had felt then and the monstrous intent to kill. She filled her thoughts with that same feeling, directing it at Deon, as though her very intent was to kill him,a venomous hatred so deep that if he really did have the gift there would be no mistaking it.

If he reacted to it and she assumed defensively, likely to protect his younger brother, then she would know the rumours were right and then this training would become a whole lot easier. It really was a blessing that Colt was here, even if she was using his presence to gather information on Deon. There were many intents upon forcing him to feel something like this, but she would start happily with just knowing what he was capable of and how far he would go.

[Deon Royal Orion]

Her words about his feelings stopped Deon's thoughts in their tracks like a bear caught in a trap. He gave her a captivated look of interest, he had not know that the Queen of Ironia had Empathy, then again they had been more or less taught the History of countries and diplomacy, oh yes and ruling a country, though he had infuriated is father plenty of times when they go on that subject. his Father and tutors had not really gone in depth about the rulers yet and other famous peoples of the world. Though he himself did like to learn about the current rulers and had actually been doing so between lessons, but he had yet to come across this. If there was this he did not know what other stuff was their, well finding out would be very fun.

This was perfect if she had it it meant she might be able to teach him how better to use it , okay the warlock had it but he had been quite cryptic with things, only sending warnings into his mind when it started getting too much. The Warlock though had yet to actually do anything though. Maybe Aaliyah would teach him how to use the power better before it got out of hand, after all it was still developing. The only problem was trying to ask her, her presence command such authority that he was not entirely sure what would happen if he actually asked, though at the moment she seemed kind enough

It was then he noticed he had been staring and he was not sure for how long, he glanced away at his brother instead while quickly wiping a bit of hair from out of his eye. He gave a quick glance around the room while placing his hands behind his back to keep himself in a calm state of mind. He returned his attention back her just in time to catch what she said next. When she finished he took a time to register what she had said. By the sounds of it she was going to train him in a different fashion than he had been, but would it worked. When it came to learning things he was okay but picking up on something he was learning when it came to sword work he just utterly sucked. Though he decided not to say this so she did not think him utterly useless or just overly whiny. he responded though as there was something he was interested in.
"Your grace in what way are you going to teach me? he asked her his curiosity sparked, he hoped it was a useful way and not one that just did not agree with him, he would rather not humiliate him in front of The Queen and his brother like he had in front of his father and the other members of court when he was some what younger.

He looked away with a smirk at his brother when the Queen responded the way she did, she was right their father was not here, he had not control over them. Deon had found out the reality of things like this years ago and reveled in it. he quickly spoke to Colt
"Don't worry father wont ever know not from at least," he said with a grin and a small thumbs up. As they walked on he kept close to Colt just as Colt made sure to keep close to him. He listened to his brothers response to his question, he agreed with some of it but the last bit made him stop and frown at him.
"What do you mean?" he asked confused, his tone sounding annoyed
"I do listen I just don't understand half the time, unless its father then I don't listen at all," he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes, with that he sped up to try make sure he did not fall behind, his arms swinging in turn as he went.

They soon found themselves in what looked like the training hall, the sight of the room mad his stop abruptly it was amazing the whole room seemed very well preserved compared to the one back home, the swords themselves looked as if they had been polished to perfection almost everyday. He could live in this room but then it would most likely spoil the atmosphere, it was large enough to fit almost two whole units of men in their. They stopped and he felt it again that odd feeling jealousy by the feel of it but where on earth was it coming, words formed on his lips but stopped dead in his tracks. He looked at the queen who was just staring at him, this made him nervous as he tried to understand what was going on.

Then it came almost like a wave anger no, no it was.... hatred almost pure hatred, it seemed to be coming from..... not it was coming from the queen. She was directing it at them no him, no at his brother no no. He was confused why who was she actually directing it at, his mind was a bundle of confusion with the feeling of hatred he could feel it was giving him a headache. Trying not to grimace he did the first thing that came to his mind which was fly at his brother knocking him out of reach of Aaliyah. His head buzzed and he rolled back onto his feet taking a magically concealed sword from his belt holding it out at Aaliyah in defense. His eyes burned a sort of of honey golden color as if a small power were dancing inside them. He held his gaze to the queens while trying to overcome the pain in his head from the feeling of hate, he felt other feelings two, ones that he had no idea where they were from, maybe other rooms and what ever feeling his brother was feeling at the moment, he grimaced again this time a little bit more noticeably. He felt as if his nose was bleeding it was not, he kept his focus on the queen though all he could do from not falling over from the pain, he was determined to protect his brother and himself

[Boo]

Looking around his eyes slowly made their way just in time for him to listen to the queen. Tilting his head a smile crept onto his face. Colton had heard the rumors that the Queen had powers and with that statement he was sure that they weren’t just rumors. With her knowledge on it could help Deon! With that thought the smile reached his eyes. He knew that his brother couldn’t control his powers that great but with her help maybe he could. And then he wouldn’t be so stressed in giant crowds anymore and would be happier! Just the thought made Colt almost jump up and down with excitement.

And as she spoke of training Deon with a sword now Colton was quiet happy that he had came on this trip. He couldn’t wait to see his brother get trained! And the thought of him winning the tournament... Well this just made everything worth wild. At the moment the youngest prince didn’t care if he had to sit through a million stupid meetings if that meant his big brother was going to get help. But as the Queen was sure to mention again he didn’t have to worry about that sort of thing. And of course Deon chimed in but he was to happy to care, to fight that he had a duty though the thought of food was appealing. “Okay, okay, I give.” He said a wide smile placed on his boyish face.

Sighing Colton shook his head. “I hadn’t meant about your teacher. I mean what’s going on around you what you’re and possibly other people’s emotions. Gotta look and listen in a fight not just blunder a head with a sword.” At least that’s what he did and most of the time it worked out. Since he was small he looked for weaknesses, listened to his instincts. But if that didn’t work for Deon he guessed he would just have to figure out something else to do. “Just never mind and pay attention to the Queen okay?” He didn’t feel like getting into it with his brother over swords.

Coming into the hall Colton felt quiet small and unimportant among the amazing variety of swords and huge size. He eyes were looking around the room rather amazingly that he hadn’t been watching where he was going and hadn’t noticed Deon stopped. As he had been keeping close to him Colton bumped into his elder brother. He stepped away muttering an apology and turned his attention to the queen. Then something changed, you could almost feel the tension in the room and suddenly Deon seemed to freak. Pushing Colton away from the Queen and on to the floor where he landed on his arm wrong causing it to radiate with pain.

“Ow! Deon!” He said anger, confusion and hurt all coursing through his words. What was going on!? He hadn’t had empathy from birth though he was developing other powers as he grew. So he wasn’t aware of the hatred directed at him. But as his concern grew for the Queen and his brother you could hear dogs barking outside and somewhere in the palace, slight thumps as horses hooves pounded on the ground outside. It would seem his emotions were effecting the animal close by. And at the moment he was scared and in pain. Not a good combination. Pulling his arm close he stood up and watched for the Queen’s reaction.

[Aaliyah Juno Ironia]

The Queen watched with concealed delight when Deon reacted almost exactly as she'd expected, however Aaliyah's attention shifted almost immediately to Colt when the boy was knocked over. The anger and hatred she'd forced into her mind practically washed away with the concern she felt for the younger brother, although she knew she'd just done something rather awful, enough to make Deon afraid of her if she approached, so instead she switched her feelings, concentrating fully on both her concern and a welcoming aura. The woman focused on Deon again, walking towards the two boys slowly, her face calm, even smiling,
"Forgive me, Deon. I had to test you, the anger you felt was never truly intended for you, it was a powerful memory." She explained, holding her hands up gently in a surrendering fashion, if only to try and ease him out of his defence, "I had heard rumours that you were an empath, I wanted to make absolutely sure that they were right and that this training would succeed for you."

She eventually stopped and turned her focus to Colt, she certainly hoped the boy was all right, although she would want to look at that arm, just to be sure,
"I'll need you in good condition, young Colt, some of this training will be for you as well." She stated before looking at the sword Deon held, half curious about it, that was an interesting gift, to conceal a weapon in such a manner, was this something from that Warlock perhaps?
"To carry that sword, you must be comfortable with its weight, Deon." Aaliyah suggested calmly, pointing to the large circle of blades, "I want you to find among these swords another that weighs a little heavier and swing it a few times until you get used to it. We'll go into why in a moment."

She then looked at Colt, kneeling on the ground and offering her hand to him in an almost motherly fashion, by this point there wasn't an ounce of anger, just that warmth of friendliness and calm,
"Come here, let me see your arm, we'll make sure you're okay first, then you'll join your brother." She instructed calmly, if he really was injured they could use some healing cream that they had stocked in a nearby cupboard. It had gotten her through the worst days of her own training because it kept her in a good enough physical condition to continue and worked nicely on cuts, gashes and scratches, although it stung as much as any healing ointment would.