The night passed without any further events, while Aqua did not return to sleep due to a wish to avoid nightmares, she had still meditated until the morning. She knew that nightmares were only that, a nightmare.
However, she wished to avoid experiencing the painful memories of her past when possible.
Aqua, you can't keep running away from them…
She had to reassure herself, no matter what. She knew she couldn't let her bad memories plague her for her whole immortal life. Eventually, she would need to let go, yet it proved impossible.
A ray of sunshine hit her face through the window. She grumbled a bit as she opened her eyes. Sun God was nestled next to her as he usually was.
She let out a soft moan as she stretched her back before she jumped out of bed. Despite the primitive state of the kingdom, the bed she was given was incredibly comfortable, so she enjoyed sitting on it while meditating.
It was not many times that she was afforded an opportunity to relax and clear her mind fully. She approached the window and gazed at the palace courtyard her room faced.
"I promised I would teach Azure and Sheira today… I guess Soleah will join us, too." She interlocked her fingers and stretched again.
Knock.Knock.Knock
"Yes?" She turned her head toward the door.
"It's me and Azure! We know you missed us!" Sheira's voice made Aqua's ears twitch. "Ah, enter."
The door creaked open, and the two elven girls made their way inside. "Sooo are you comfortable~?" Sheira made a smug expression as she approached the bed and sprawled out on it.
"Very much so. It is a very comfortable bed, I enjoyed the rest I had." She smiled warmly.
Azure stepped in shortly after with an exhausted expression on her face, "Hey, Aqua… sorry about Sheira, as usual."
It was the first time that Aqua had seen Azure with such an exhausted look. She crossed her arms. "Azure, what is wrong?"
"Hah! She is just tired because she got assigned even more training duties in the military, and she spent all night trying to figure out a gift of appreciation for you!" Sheira threw her hands back as she rolled on her stomach.
The champion blushed. "Sheira… you didn't need to tell her that!"
"Whoops~" Sheira turned on her back and grinned.
Aqua scratched her chin. "A gift? Please do not burden yourself, Azure. Your presence is enough for me."
Azure widened her eyes as her ears twitched in excitement, and her face became even redder as she averted her gaze.
"Hah! Mommy really has a way with her words. Should I leave and let you have some private fun in here?"
"Sheira, enough! We are here because Aqua has shown immense grace and mercy to train two weaklings like us!"
Aqua shook her head. "Azure, why did they give you so many duties?"
"I don't know… All I know is that the council has decided I need to train a new batch of recruits."
"Why? You are the champion, don't they have a command structure that can cover such a scenario?" She frowned.
Is this Lira's doing again?
"I said the same thing… but I can't argue against the council's orders." Her shoulders slumped forward. "I didn't even have a moment of free time ever since we returned from Red Dawn. I really wanted to show you around the palace…" Her expression turned sour.
Sheira groaned as she pushed herself up from the bed. "They always had something against my Azu. I really don't like anyone on it. Especially the spymaster, she is an absolute bitch!
"Sheira, that's not language befitting a princess…"
"Hah! I am among friends right now, let me be! I don't like acting all prim and proper when it's not an absolute necessity."
With a giggle, Aqua sat on the bed next to the eager Princess.
"Are you two ready to practice?" Aqua turned toward Azure, "Azure, we can let you practice another day if you are tired."
In response, Azure merely shook her head, "I wouldn't miss your lessons even if I collapse."
"Sure…" Aqua puffed out her cheek before raising a finger, "Sheira, your Mom is joining us too."
"The Queen?! Why?!" Azure reeled back in fear.
"She asked very nicely to watch her and I quote 'Shei Shei cast spells'."
Sheira's face turned as red as a tomato in an instant, "Hah, that's definitely something Mom would do, surprising she is not being overprotective as usual."
"Two of us have come to an understanding. That's all you need to know." Aqua sat up and approached the door.
The elven duo looked at each other before they approached Aqua.
"Is there any space we can use? Private, and where you can freely throw a spell."
"Mhm… I am not sure…" Sheira rubbed the back of her head.
Azure raised her hand. "We can use some of the training areas; nobody should disturb us."
Many of the training facilities were always in use by at least a small group; however, some were empty and free to use by authorized personnel. Someone like Azure or Sheira should have had access at any moment.
"Great!" Aqua clasped her hands together. "We should head over there right away."
The duo nodded before another voice interrupted them. "You plan on venturing out without me? I am hurt, Azure~" Soleah's voice made Azure straighten her back in surprise.
The champion's eyes widened as she bowed deeply, "Your majesty! Please forgive me!"
"I forgive you. So, when will I get to see my daughter cast spells?" Soleah approached Azure and gently patted her head.
"Very soon, Mom! I will show you just how much of a prodigy I am!"
Soleah nodded with satisfaction plastered on her face. "Good. I have waited for too long. Aqua is my hero for making it possible!"
Sheira dragged her finger under her nose, "Hah! She is amazing, I know."
Aqua sighed, "No need to praise me. Also, Your Majesty, have you run into any issues since yesterday?"
"Not at all, your spell is wonderful. I spent the entire morning listening and observing them. I haven't learned much yet, but they will eventually meet with her."
Azure and Sheira looked at each other, then back at Aqua. "When did you become friends with my Mother?!"
"Aqua and I had the pleasure of talking a lot yesterday. However, let us talk on the way. I am growing weary. I wish to observe my Shei's progress." The Queen motioned for the trio to follow her.
The Queen and Sheira led the way with Aqua and Azure following with their hands in a V shape.
"Aqua… may I say that you make an amazing maid?" Azure blushed slightly as she observed Aqua's stride.
"Well, thank you… It's not my first time after all." Aqua giggled as the quartet made their way outside the main palace building and toward the training grounds.
Soleah tilted her head slightly. "Someone like you was a maid before?"
"Not exactly, it was more education in how to behave when I am assuming a role, even if it's subservient." Her face blushed slightly.
"Oho~ There is a lot more to you than meets the eye, isn't there, dear?" Soleah grinned.
"Hah, Mom! You will learn how amazing our heroine is! She can easily flick her wrist, and gods would be like, 'Oh no! We will obey, please don't kill us, Almighty Lady Aqua!" Sheira clasped her hands and placed them on her chest in an exaggerated manner.
"That is high praise, Shei." The Queen placed her hand in front of her mouth and let out an elegant laugh.
Aqua stared at the floor as her ears slumped. "You praise me too much…"
Azure nudged herself closer to Aqua before she whispered in her ear, "I think they don't praise you enough."
"Even you, Azure…" Aqua's face turned red. "But thank you."
She could feel Sun God laughing at her, despite him merely sitting on her shoulder without any noise.
It did not take long for the quartet of elven girls to approach what looked like a large rectangular building made of stone. A large archway served as the door, with a wooden gate that separated it from the outside.
Inside was a large sand courtyard with rows of benches on two sides. This looks more like an arena than anything, but it should work. She nodded.
"I will let you girls do your practice here. I assume Azure will also practice magic?"
"Yes, she too is a prodigy," Aqua stated bluntly as they made way toward the centre of the sandy arena.
Soleah stopped for a moment and glared with shock. "Now that is something I never expected to hear. I thought you hated magic, Azure."
"I don't! I mean, I did dislike it… But hard to dislike it when I was saved by it." She glanced at Aqua, then back at the Queen.
Soleah nodded as she turned toward the benches. "I see. Well, I wish you girls luck, and Shei…" She turned to Sheira, "Good luck! Mommy is cheering for you!" With a wink, she took one of the front seats.
Sheira blushed slightly, "I guess I have to do my best now, huh…"