Some Things Never Change [Solo]

[Ashla]

It was nightfall. In a small back yard surrounded by oaks and maples, two figures sparred with their fists. As leaves floated in the wind, the dirt ground at the figures feet was kicked up and rustled around as they moved. In the corner, a small wood cabin and freezing shed were present. Further off was the bath house. As the stars brightly twinkled in the sky, the two people's only source of direct light was a lamp close to the entrance of a decently sized stone and pine house.

*Thud!*

The sound of a body crashed into the bare ground. Dirt floated in the air as a young, blond teen groaned. As she held her stomach, the girl looked up to a pale, outstretched hand.

A young woman with black hair and pale white skin waited. She had a light blue tunic and brown pants on, a simple outfit. She had mismatched eye colors; one was blue and the other dark burgundy. Her face was stioc, torn apart by the world and lost in tiring times. However, her face also showed signs of gentleness and fondness for the blond.

"We're calling it quits." She stated in a 'no arguments will be tolerated' tone.

The girl still shook her head. Her dirt coated face was just as stern as her's, "No… I need to be stronger-"

"-We are going inside, Deirdre." The woman glared, "No more questions."

The girl lowered her head, discouraged and frustrated. She sighed. "I'm not good enough. . ."

"You'll get there." The woman's tone slightly softened, her hand still outstretched, "We've been practicing for hours. I'm not going to outwork you."

Deirdre lifted her head, extended her bruised arm and took her hand. As she was hoisted up, her mentor smiled, "Really, Deirdre, you're getting better everyday. This is paying off."

The teen, who was wearing a simple white blouse and brown shorts, walked over to a log where a black cloak was kept. As she attempted to not moan, not show weakness, the girl pulled the cape across her back and draped the cowl over her head.

This was when the wooden back door to the house opened. An elderly gentleman in a humble white shirt, brown breeches, stockings, black shoes, and a pair of glasses came out. He had long, nicely handled grey hair. He was skinny, but still extraordinarily healthy for a man in his sixties. He stepped down the stone stairs and walked towards the lamp. As various bugs flew around the lamp, he picked it up, "Ashla, Deirdre, a passing visitor has arrived. Please do freshen up and make yourselves look decent enough that you do not look like you were just sparring in the dirt."

With that, he motioned towards the still open door with his flashlight. Ashla was, at this point, very used to Daisuke's blunt way of speaking; she even found it amusing. Meanwhile, Deirdre did not know what to think of him. Maybe this was because he was one of the select few people who contended with her stubbornness and won? Ashla was positive this was the case. Putting her hand on her apprentice's shoulder, she smiled and nodded at her old friend Daisuke.