Preparing For The Unknown

As the carriage came to a halt in front of the Briston Estate, Khione stepped down onto the familiar stone path leading to her home. The towering structure loomed before her, its regal architecture a testament to the family's power and legacy. Before she could head inside, her father turned to her.

"You have two weeks to prepare for your journey," Lorian said, his tone calm but resolute. "You'll leave exactly one week after your birthday. Use the time wisely, Khione."

Khione nodded. "I will, Father."

Inside the estate, Khione's mind buzzed with the weight of her upcoming trip. Once she reached her room, she decided there was no better way to clear her thoughts than with physical training. She changed into her sparring clothes—a fitted tunic and pants designed for ease of movement—and made her way to the training hall.

The expansive hall greeted her with the familiar smell of polished wood and steel. Weapons of all shapes and sizes lined the walls, their blades glinting under the lanterns. She retrieved her training spear from the rack, its weight settling comfortably in her hands.

Khione started with basic drills, spinning the spear with practiced precision. The rhythmic sound of the weapon slicing through the air was almost meditative. She focused on her form, ensuring her strikes were both swift and accurate. Each movement was deliberate, honed over years of practice under her family's rigorous training regimen.

After warming up, she shifted to footwork drills. Her feet moved in quick, deliberate steps, mimicking the patterns of combat. She imagined herself facing an opponent, perhaps her sister, Selene, who had always been a step ahead of her. The thought fueled her determination.

As the hours passed, Khione moved on to more advanced techniques. She practiced thrusting the spear with explosive force, aiming for invisible targets. Then, she transitioned to defensive maneuvers, using the staff to block and parry imagined blows. Her movements became faster, more fluid, as if she were dancing with the weapon.

By the time she finished her final set of drills, sweat clung to her brow, and her arms ached from the exertion. She leaned on the spear for a moment, catching her breath. The training hall fell silent, save for the faint rustle of her breathing.

"Lady Khione," a voice called, breaking the quiet.

Khione turned to see one of the estate's maids standing at the entrance, her hands neatly folded.

"Dinner will be ready in half an hour," the maid informed her with a polite bow.

Khione nodded. "Thank you. I'll be there shortly."

The maid left, and Khione placed her spear back on the rack before heading to her room. She took a long, hot shower, letting the water wash away the sweat and tension from her training. By the time she was dressed in a light blue gown for dinner, her mind felt clearer, though the thought of her upcoming journey still lingered.

When she entered the dining hall, her parents were already seated. The long, ornately carved table was set with silver platters, each filled with an array of dishes that reflected the family's wealth. Khione took her usual seat, but her siblings had yet to arrive.

It wasn't long before Selene and Cedric strolled in, both of them in high spirits. Selene's sharp eyes landed on Khione, and she gave her a teasing smile.

"Training again, little sister?" Selene asked as she sat beside her. "You're going to wear yourself out before you even leave."

"Better to be prepared than complacent," Khione replied with a small grin.

As dinner was served, Lorian cleared his throat, drawing the attention of his children. "There's something you all should know," he began, his deep voice resonating across the room. "Khione will be accompanying Vice-Captain Bella Wright to the Isles of Azeroth as part of an imperial mission."

Selene's fork paused midway to her mouth, while Cedric raised an eyebrow.

"The Isles?" Cedric asked, leaning forward slightly. "That's quite the assignment for someone so young. Why send Khione?"

Lorian met his son's gaze evenly. "This is an opportunity for Khione to grow—both as a representative of our family and as an individual. The Isles are a potential ally, and having her there strengthens the bond between the crown and the noble houses."

Selene tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "But the Isles aren't exactly known for their hospitality. What if something goes wrong?"

"They won't dare harm her," Lorian replied firmly. "The Briston name alone is enough to keep her safe. And should they be foolish enough to try…" He let the weight of his words hang in the air.

Cedric nodded slowly, though concern lingered in his eyes. "Still, it's a bold decision. Are you sure she's ready for something like this?"

Khione opened her mouth to interject, but Lorian answered first. "She's ready," he said confidently. "This will be a test, yes, but one she's more than capable of passing."

Selene glanced at Khione, her expression softening. "You'll be fine, Khione. Just remember what we've taught you—and don't be afraid to stand your ground if you need to."

Khione smiled at her siblings, grateful for their support despite their initial concerns. "Thank you, both of you. I'll do my best."

The conversation gradually shifted to lighter topics, and soon dinner came to an end. Khione excused herself and returned to her room, her thoughts still swirling with everything that had been discussed.

She lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling as exhaustion from the day's events began to creep in. Her eyelids grew heavy, and before she knew it, sleep claimed her, pulling her into the quiet embrace of the night.