After more than a week of training, Yuli was summoned to a meeting with the Aunt.
The place where the old woman lived was simple, with hanging plants swaying from the windows and walls adorned with drawings made by generations of girls,a building unlike the others, with older architecture, ivy-covered walls, and round windows that seemed to whisper stories from long ago.
She had been prepared for this moment: she was to present herself formally.
She walked down the hallway, heart pounding, stopping before a great wooden door etched with ancient symbols. Before she could knock, the door opened on its own.
"Come in, child," said a voice, warm, yet firm.
Yuli stepped inside. The room was lined with shelves overflowing with books, ancient weapons hung on the walls, and in the center stood a small table laid with tea and fruit.
Seated on a cushion was the elder. She was short, her hair completely white and braided back, dressed in simple clothes trimmed with gold. Her eyes sparkled with the restless energy of someone who had never known weariness.
"So, you're Yuli," the old woman said with a smile. "They told me you defended yourself at the orphanage. Is that true?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Call me Aunt. That's what everyone here does," she replied, still smiling.
The Aunt studied her for a moment, as if she could see right through her. Then, with a gentle gesture, she invited her to sit.
"I know I can do it. Please give me another chance, I have nowhere else to go." Said Yuli, her voice nervous. "I want to stay."
"I know," the Aunt replied softly. "But this is more than just a refuge, Yuli. This is a family… and a cause. We train here to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
We do not seek revenge or glory, we seek purpose."
Yuli nodded. The Aunt sipped her tea.
"Then tell me, do you know why you're here?"
"I'm here… to protect!" Yuli replied with conviction.
"Do you have someone to protect?" the Aunt asked, her voice suddenly quieter, deeper. She looked at Yuli in silence, then nodded slowly.
"Then start by protecting yourself. And protect your sisters here. They'll do the same for you."
Yuli stood and returned to the dining hall, where her friends were waiting for her.
"What did Aunt Lua say?" Isha asked.
"She asked me if I knew why I'm here."
"She asks that to everyone when they arrive," Sol said. "What did you tell her?"
"To protect," Yuli answered, with a determined voice.
"The right answer. If you hadn't said it, she would've made you run laps around the entire village until midnight," Nira said with a huge grin. "Trust me, I know from experience."
The rest of the day continued as usual, with Yuli and her friends laughing and joking as they carried out their chores.