A new champion

Aspirants clear out of the way as Kael and Ria walk across the training grounds. Kael can hear the murmurs of conversation as he heads towards the group surrounding the strange woman. As the circle around her breaks to let them in, the woman looks over to see who is approaching, and her eyes widen as she recognizes Kael and Ria.

Immediately, she drops to one knee and bows her head. Kael glances at Ria, who shrugs. Shaking his head, he speaks to the kneeling woman.

“You don’t need to do that. Really, I’d prefer you didn’t, actually.”

Ria giggles. “Now you know how Lord Greyheart feels about you being so obedient.”

Kael rolls his eyes as the woman stands. She still doesn’t meet his gaze, and since she’s a bit shorter than he is, all he can really see is her mass of unruly white hair. “You can look at me, I don’t need big displays of…whatever this is. What’s your name?”

The woman finally looks at him, and there’s a reverence in her eyes as she speaks. “My name Petra. Petra come to serve.”

Kael nods. Petra’s voice is thickly accented, but understandable. “I see. But…why? I don’t mean that in an insulting way, I’m just curious about why a nonhuman would be here.”

Petra seems to think for a moment. “Petra see speech. Old king, he name you heir. You and this one, new king, new queen. And he say you have elf mate?”

Ria laughs. “Kael has attracted a few women.”

Kael sighs. “Yes, I am with an elven woman as well as Ria. A holstaur as well, but I don’t know how that’s relevant…”

Petra nods. “Strong king, many mates. Friend to nonhuman. Is good.”

Kael sighs. “I suppose that’s one way to look at it.”

Petra nods again. “This kingdom, home. Petra live forest, many years. Alone. Hear of change. Hear speech. Learn language. Strong king, need protection. Petra know fighting. Petra protect.”

Ria looks at Petra curiously. “So, you’re saying you were inspired to come here? And now you want to serve Kael?”

Petra nods. “Petra alone, whole life. Fear humans. Now humans accept Petra? No more fear? Petra want to protect.”

She sighs. “Petra not good at…talk. Sorry. Petra will practice.”

Kael smiles. “You’re doing fine, Petra. And your fighting is…impressive. Maybe we can have a sparring match sometime.”

Ria laughs. “Okay, now you’re flirting, big guy…”

Petra’s eyes widen. “New king fight Petra? Petra honored.”

Kael nods. “Well, I think I’ve seen enough. Ria?”

Ria is still giggling, but she nods. “Definitely, big guy. We need to keep her around.”

Kael puts a hand on Petra’s shoulder. “Well, Petra, welcome to the lord’s champions. We’ll put together some kind of official ceremony for you later, but for now, Orin will get you settled.”

Petra bows deeply. “Yes. Petra serve. Petra protect. Petra thank you.”

Orin comes over, an amused look on his face. “I’m guessing she’s in?”

Kael nods. “Yeah. Help her get settled, will you?”

Orin rolls his eyes. “Too important to do the work, huh? Typical.”

Ria grins. “Perks of the job! We take our wins where we can get them.”

Orin chuckles. “And bringing in a cute woman who seems to worship you, is that a perk as well?”

Petra speaks up. “Strong king and queen deserve worship. Petra dedicated!”

Orin chuckles again. “Right. Come on, Petra. Let’s get you taken care of. The rest of you, come back tomorrow.”

As they walk off, Ria elbows Kael playfully. “So…Petra. I like her!”

Kael nods, watching Petra and Orin walk off, as the rest of the aspirants disperse. “I do too. It’s a good sign that a nonhuman is in the champions.”

Ria grins. “And cute, too!”

Kael rolls his eyes. “I can’t disagree, but…”

Ria puts a finger on his lips to shush him. “Nope! I caught you, big guy! Building that harem!”