A Wild New Opportunity presents itself!

As they made their way through the bustling streets, Aeryn couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the grandeur of the city. The towering buildings loomed above them, casting long shadows over the crowded streets. The sounds of people chatting, vendors hawking their wares, and horses trotting along the cobblestone roads filled the air.

"Hey... Aldrich...?"

"Hmmm?"

"I'm..."

A gurgling sound arising from Aeryn's petite figure alerted Aldrich to her hunger, and even though he tried to hold it back, a deep chuckle escaped him.

"I'll show you a place, let's go." He said, a warm smile plastered over his face.

Aeryn followed Aldrich through the winding streets, taking in the sights and smells of the city. As they walked, she noticed that people seemed to give Aldrich a noticeable berth, as if they were afraid of him, perhaps even respectful towards him... Aeryn couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was something different about him.

They arrived at a dimly lit tavern, the sign outside creaking in the gentle breeze. The smell of cooking meat and ale wafted out from the open door. Aldrich led Aeryn inside and they found a table in the corner.

As they ate and drank, Aeryn couldn't help but notice that a few people in the tavern seemed to know Aldrich. They greeted him warmly and asked if he was on his way back to the city's academy.

Aldrich smiled at the people who greeted him and responded that he was indeed heading back to the academy.

"So, this academy.... I'm curious, care to tell us more?"

"It's a place of learning," Aldrich replied, a sense of pride engraved into his tone, "where people come from all over the land to study various subjects, from magic and swordplay to history and diplomacy. It's a prestigious institution..."

"And I am highly honored to be a teacher there."

Aeryn listened intently, her interest piqued. She had always been a curious and intelligent person, but she had never had the opportunity to receive a proper education. She.. didn't actually remember ever learning... well anything really. Was she just a natural born killer, or was she trained? The prospect that she had a mentor, a trainer, someone to care for her before she was a fully born killer was... somewhat comforting to her.

Much better than the idea that she was born to kill from the start.

She felt a warm... almost embrace coming from inside of her.

She refocused on the conversation before.

The idea of being able to learn and improve herself was quite... appealing. The only, and last time, she remembered having a challenge ended up with a nice sword addition to her ribcage.

"Aldrich, would it be possible for me to join the academy as well?" she asked tentatively.

"It's almost like you can read my mind!" Aldrich replied, fake surprise written all over his face.

Aeryn shot him a death stare, and he visibly recoiled.

She had gotten good at those, it was easier to interrogate someone when they're absolutely scared of you, she found.

"Well?"

"Actually, I was thinking of asking you to join, you've made my job easier"

"Great! What're the details?"

Another question came to mind, horrifying me.

"and... How many classmates will I have...?"

"Classmates?" He asked, looking genuinely confused.

"I was thinking that you should teach, not become a plain student..."

"Me? Teach?!" Aeryn asked, mirroring the very same confusion Aldrich had worn only a moment ago.

Aeryn stared at Aldrich, a mix of surprise and confusion evident on her face. She had never imagined herself as a teacher, let alone in a prestigious institution like the academy. But as she thought more about it, the idea started to grow on her.

"I don't know if I'm qualified to be a teacher," Aeryn said, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"You don't have to worry about that," Aldrich replied with a reassuring smile. "I will personally train you and help you prepare for the position. And with your unique skills and background, you will be an invaluable addition to the academy."

Aeryn nodded slowly, still mulling over the idea. As they finished their meal, Aldrich explained more about the academy and what her role would entail. It was clear that teaching would be a demanding and challenging task, but it also presented a unique opportunity for her to grow and learn.

Lewis' mental voice was completely analytical, but cheerful.

Which made his next comment send a bone chilling shiver through Aeryn's body.

The bloodthirst was almost tangible.

As they left the tavern and made their way through the city once more, Aeryn couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. The prospect of teaching at the academy was both daunting and exhilarating.

Aldrich got up and paid the tavern owner, exchanging a quick greeting with them, before leading Aeryn outside and back onto the giant streets.

"Aeryn, don't doubt yourself. You have a unique perspective on things, and I think the students could really benefit from learning from someone like you," Aldrich replied with a reassuring smile.

"Plus, it would be the perfect place to hide, go under a new identity and be free to train. You remember what we spoke about earlier, right?"

Aeryn thought about it for a moment and then nodded slowly.

"Okay, I'll give it a try," she said.

"Great! I'll make the necessary arrangements for you to start teaching next week," Aldrich said, clapping his hands together.

Aeryn felt a sense of excitement and nervousness all at once, both trying to imagine what teaching would be like, and what her new identity should be.