Training with knight

Lilith's steps echoed through the palace corridors as she wandered, her mind a swirling tempest of thoughts. The discussion with Lila occupied her mind like a persistent melody, each note woven with questions of morality and intent. As her feet carried her along the polished paths, the grandeur of the palace seemed to blur around her, the weight of her contemplations pressing heavily on her shoulders.

"Taking revenge on someone is one thing, but taking a life is quite another," Lilith's thoughts were like a quiet sigh, a whisper of vulnerability amidst the resolute thoughts that held her captive. The intricacies of their plan weighed heavily on her conscience, and she grappled with the convergence of justice and darkness.

A gentle breeze caressed her face, as if nature itself sought to soothe the storm within her mind. "I think I should go out and get some fresh air in town," Lilith resolved, the desire for a change of scenery tugging at her thoughts like an insistent call.

Stepping beyond the palace gates, the world outside unfolded before her eyes. The sight of wolves prowling in the distance caught her attention, their wild grace a stark contrast to the polished splendor of the palace. With a determined stride, Lilith approached them, her intention clear in her steps.

However, her enthusiasm was quickly dampened when she hit an invisible barrier, the collision vibrating through her body. Frustration surged within her, a torrent of emotions that she released in a sharp cry. "Damn you, father!" Her voice held a mixture of anger and helplessness, her words a futile attempt to pierce the invisible prison that surrounded her.

A laugh carried on the wind, an unexpected response to her outburst. Lilith's head turned in the direction of the sound, her gaze searching for the source. A voice, tinged with amusement, rang out, "Like that, you really do look like a madwoman."

The recognition was swift, the puzzle pieces snapping into place. "Red," Lilith said, her voice a mixture of surprise and familiarity. Her eyes followed the sound to find Red perched in a nearby tree, her presence both unexpected and strangely comforting.

Red's confession broke through the barrier of bravado she often wore. "This magic barrier is quite powerful, even I can't get through it," Red admitted, her tone tinged with a rare hint of desperation. The fact that even Red, who exuded an air of confidence, was confounded by the barrier underscored its potency.

Lilith's lips curved into a wry smile, a shared understanding forming a bridge between them. "So, if I understand correctly, you're stuck on the outskirts of the palace too," Lilith teased, her laughter dancing on the edges of her words.

Red's sigh held a hint of resignation, their shared predicament fostering a sense of camaraderie. Lilith's curiosity flared, her analytical mind already piecing together the puzzle. "How come you're stuck here when you weren't?" Lilith inquired, her voice carrying genuine interest.

A sheepish expression crossed Red's features, a trace of embarrassment mingling with her response. "Well..." she began, her fingers scratching at her head in a gesture of discomfort, "I got stuck here after coming to drop off your wolf." Lilith's eyes widened as she processed the revelation, a rush of guilt surging within her.

"Sorry, it's my fault you're here," Lilith apologized sincerely, her voice carrying a touch of remorse.

Red's smirk was equal parts mischievous and playful. "It doesn't matter, and anyway, I've come to get my compensation for bringing your wolf back," she said, her tone holding a note of mischief.

Lilith's curiosity piqued as she leaned in, her gaze locked onto Red. "So, what do you want in return?" she inquired, her words a promise that she was ready to accept whatever Red might request.

Red's smile was radiant, a testament to her own brand of negotiation. "Well, there's a bakery in town, and it sells really good strawberry tarts," she began, her voice taking on an almost dreamy quality, "The only problem is that they only sell 40 pies a day, so it's really hard to get any. I'd like that to be my reward."

Lilith's response was swift and sincere. "I'll buy it for you," she promised, the thought of making Red happy bringing a genuine smile to her lips.

Red's grin widened, her satisfaction evident. "I'd love to stay longer, but I've got other things to do," she said, her voice a mix of farewell and reluctance.

However, Lilith halted Red's departure with a thoughtful question. "I'd like to remind you that you're stuck here too, so how are you going to get out of here?"

Red's eyes sparkled with determination, her playful demeanor shifting into one of fierce resolve. "Just watch me," she said before dashing toward the barrier. Lilith's breath caught as she witnessed a surge of purple flame envelop Red, and in the blink of an eye, Red was standing outside the barrier, free.

A triumphant grin played on Red's lips as she waved to Lilith, her departure accompanied by the sound of fading footsteps. Lilith watched her go, her thoughts a mixture of admiration and a growing sense of restlessness.

"She's been able to leave all this time, and I'm going to stay here," Lilith muttered to herself, a mixture of determination and frustration spurring her into action.

With a determined breath, Lilith charged at the magic barrier once more, her body colliding with the unseen wall. However, her efforts were met with the same unforgiving resistance. She persisted, trying for a few minutes until fatigue began to gnaw at her muscles.

Exhaustion settled over her like a heavy shroud, and Lilith's body craved rest. She found solace beneath the shade of a nearby tree, the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves like a gentle embrace. Her eyelids grew heavy, the rhythmic rustle of leaves and the distant symphony of nature's chorus lulling her into a peaceful slumber.

The world around her faded into a dreamscape, the barrier that had trapped her now a distant memory as her mind drifted into the realms of sleep.

As the sun painted the sky with hues of amber and gold, Lilith gradually stirred from her slumber beneath the protective shade of the tree. She blinked her eyes open, the world around her coming into focus once more. The passage of time had left its mark—two hours had slipped away, and she was still nestled beneath the tree's comforting embrace.

With a languid stretch and a yawn, Lilith sat up, her surroundings slowly registering in her groggy mind. However, what caught her attention was the change in her environment. She was now situated right next to the training grounds where the knights were engaged in their practice. The symphony of clashing steel and rhythmic footsteps filled the air, a stark contrast to the serenity that had accompanied her earlier rest.

Lilith's gaze settled on the spectacle before her, captivated by the dance of blades and the fluid motions of the knights as they honed their skills. The training area was a canvas of discipline and dedication, both men and women partaking in the rigorous exercises. It was a sight that had always fascinated her, a connection to her childhood when she had been enamored by the prowess of the knights.

A decision stirred within Lilith as she watched, a quiet determination that seized her thoughts. It was a familiar compulsion, one that had driven her actions since she was a little girl—joining the knights in their training. Today, the urge was stronger than ever, an invitation she couldn't resist.

Pushing herself to her feet, Lilith stepped forward, her footsteps carrying a sense of purpose. Her presence did not go unnoticed; the knights training nearby paused in their practice, their attention drawn to the princess who had joined them.

With a warm smile, Lilith greeted the knights with a nod, acknowledging their shared camaraderie. "It's been a long time since you've attended one of our training sessions," one of the knights remarked, his voice a mixture of surprise and welcome.

Lilith's smile held a touch of nostalgia as she replied, "Yes, I've been really busy, but I've got some free time today." Her words carried a sense of longing, an unspoken desire to reconnect with a part of her past that had always held a special place in her heart.

One of the knights, a gleam of mischief in his eyes, approached Lilith and extended a sword toward her. The hilt was a familiar weight in her hand, the cool metal a connection to the countless times she had watched, and occasionally participated in, their training sessions.

"What would you say to a little duel, princess?" the knight's smile was infectious, his invitation both playful and genuine. Lilith's grip tightened on the hilt of the sword, a thrill coursing through her veins.

A sense of confidence bloomed within her as she met his gaze, her determination unwavering. "Why not," she replied with a twinkle in her eyes, her voice a reflection of her eagerness. The challenge had been issued, and Lilith was more than willing to accept it.