Lexi's hand faltered right before she knocked on Misa's door. Was it rude to bother her when she had just arrived? Since going up to her room, Misa had yet to come back downstairs and the sun was already beginning to set.

Lexi's hand dropped an inch.

Maybe she was asleep already? Did Elves need lots of sleep or very little? There was so much she simply didn't know.

A soft tap-tap drew Lexi's attention and she turned her head towards the window. Curious, she began to approach the window when it suddenly opened and Misa slid cleanly through the opening. The vines that had opened the window slid back beneath her short, green shirt, pulling the window closed as they went.

"Oh." Lexi wasn't quite sure what to say to Misa's abrupt appearance. "Good evening, Misa."

Misa stared, almost as if she was debating answering or not. "Good evening."

"What were you doing," Lexi asked, peering around her to look at the window.

"I was on the roof."

"The roof?"

"My room feels… Constricting," Misa said after a moment of thought. "I have never stayed in a human dwelling before. It will take me time to get used to."

"I felt that way when I first came here too," Lexi said, a slight smile coming to her face. "I didn't know anyone, really. My first night I ended up wandering the guild and thinking about how much I wanted to be back home. I really missed my sister, but she had already gone off to her own guild." When Misa made no intention to speak Lexi continued. "I was actually quite an annoyance, I believe. I would constantly badger Cross to spar with me and when he wouldn't I would whine at Servilia until she would."

"Would you like to spar with me?"

The words were spoken with such directness that it took Lexi a moment to comprehend what Misa had just said. Misa simply waited where she was, her emerald eyes staring at Lexi with a complete lack of urgency.

"I'm sorry?" Lexi finally managed to say.

"Cross told me you have a great interest in magic and you just expressed your past desire for combat." Misa held out her hand and the vines snaked up her wrist before forming a short spear.

In a single step she crossed the space between them and thrust towards Lexi's head. Lexi's hand came up and batted the attack to the side and she stepped forward, intercepting Misa's leg with her own before it could come up for a kick. Sliding back Lexi held up her hands defensively as Misa lowered her weapon.

"My magic allows me to create, but I have focused most of my efforts on utilizing it for combat," Misa said. "If we were to fight, I would be able to assess your ability and possibly advise you on how you can better yourself. You have welcomed me warmly. I would like to do this to return the favor."

The edge of Lexi's mouth began to quirk and a glint appeared in her eye. "Are you sure you don't want to rest first?"

"I don't think that will be necessary," Misa said with a gleam of her own.

"Right, then," Lexi waved to Misa. "Follow me."

xXx

"So, you want me to use magic?" Lexi said as she tied her hair back into a tight, high ponytail.

"That would be ideal." Misa said, a long spear forming in her hand. She rested the tip on the ground. "I will keep my weapons dull to avoid serious injury."

"I will do the same." Lexi thrust out her arm and a long, black blade appeared in her hand. "We wouldn't want anyone to get hurt."

Misa didn't respond and suddenly surged forward to thrust the spear forward. She was faster than Lexi expected, but the shadow mage still managed to swing her sword up and deflect the attack to the side. She tried to press forward but Misa slid back, keeping the spear up and between them.

Batting at the tip of Misa's spear Lexi began to circle, feinting forward a few times, trying to bait out a reaction from Misa, but the elf held fast, keeping the spear moving back and forth defensively, but never committing to an attack. Lexi continued the movement for another rotation, getting a feel for Misa's timing. Just as the elf began to take a step to follow her, Lexi struck.

With a forceful blow she batted the spear to the side and charged through the opening. Misa allowed the spear to continue onto the side and spun with it, gaining momentum as she brought the weapon around in a sweeping blow just as Lexi reached her. Swinging her weapon up, Lexi managed to block the powerful blow.

As the shockwave from the attack reverberated through her arm Lexi was already planning her next step when a sudden tremor went through her body. She barely had time to gasp before her blade shattered and she was lifted off her feet as the shaft of Misa's spear made contact with her shoulder.

Spinning through the air, Lexi handed hard on the padded surface of the training room floor. Bouncing once, she managed to roll back into her knees, throwing up a shield of shadow just as Misa's spear came arcing down towards her. The weapon collided with her magic with enough force to crack the barrier and Lexi felt a sudden and momentary stab of exhaustion go through her body. Shaking off the feeling she dispelled the shield and reformed the shadow into another sword, launching back into the fight.

Misa's spear thrust towards her, but she twisted by the attack, slicing towards Misa and forcing the elf on the defensive. Lexi kept herself close as she batted away Misa's attacks, not allowing her to build up the momentum for another strong strike and forcing Misa to rely on quick thrusts that Lexi was able to confidently evade or deflect. What was she wasn't prepared for, however, was for her forward progress to be abruptly halted as something wrapped firmly around her left foot. Stumbling forward and nearly losing her balance, Lexi managed to keep on her feet. Eyes wide she looked down at the vines that had wrapped around her leg and rooted into the floor.

"What in the hells…"

When had Misa set the trap?

Lexi did not have time to think about that as she heard the hiss of the spear as it came racing towards her chest. Sweeping her sword up she blocked the attack but the force was enough to stumble her off balance again. As she struggled to stay on her feet Misa drew the spear back and thrust forward. Gritting her teeth Lexi swung up to deflect the attack, only to have Misa pull back for a split second before driving forward, slamming the spear tip into her exposed chest.

The air in Lexi's lungs was forcefully expelled as the spear struck her and she was sent sprawling backwards. The sword in her hand vanished as her concentration broke completely. Landing hard on her back, Lexi grabbed at her chest, pressing against the painful bruise that was already forming between her breasts. Rolling onto her knees she tried and failed to suck in a breath, her head falling against the mat as she fought to get air.

"Magic changes the rules of combat. It is not enough to be aware of your surroundings, you must be aware of the potential of change," Misa said as she spun the spear around.

"I see," Lexi managed to spit out as she worked her way back to her feet. "I believe I understand."

Lexi thrust her hand out and a new blade formed. Taking in a deep breath she took a single step forward before launching forward, her right arm extended towards Misa.

Misa held her position as Lexi came racing towards her, her spear coming back to strike. She waited until Lexi was just inside of her range before sliding towards her and thrusting towards Lexi's head.

Lexi did not slow down, her left hand coming across her chest as a hooked sword appearing in her fingers. Swinging the newly formed weapon across her body she caught Misa's spear with the hook and pulled it to the side. Teeth bared she surged forward, keeping Misa's caught in the hook as she thrust forward with her other blade.

Misa twisted her body as Lexi's blame came stabbing towards her chest. Releasing the spear, she threw herself back as Lexi twisted her sword and swiped it towards her. Though she managed to avoid the sword she was not able to avoid Lexi's foot as the mage spun around and delivered a swift kick to Misa's midsection. A small huff of air escaped Misa’s lips as the force sent her back a step before she was able to catch herself. She began to form a new weapon in her hands when Lexi swung her hook sword around. The spear, still trapped in the hook, was suddenly released and sent hissing through the air towards Misa. Eyes widening ever so slightly Misa leaned back, allowing the spear to go whizzing just by her face before it slammed into the wall with a loud crack. The moment was all Lexi needed to close the distance between them.

On the defensive Misa only had a moment form a short spear before Lexi was on her. Blocking Lexi's initial attack, she returned by thrusting forward to try and create distance between them but Lexi did not relent, again using the hook to redirect Misa's attack. Misa did not allow herself to be disarmed this time and quickly drew the spear back before Lexi had a chance to properly lock it within the hook before she ducked under Lexi's next swipe. Come back she threw her arm out towards Lexi.

A volley of vines whipped from her arm and Lexi was forced to stop her forward momentum as she swung her swords up defensively, batting away the thick vines before they could begin to wrap around her. The momentary distraction allowed Misa to reform her weapon to its full length and, with a confident step, she thrust forwards.

Lexi's sharp eyes caught the spear appearing through the tangle of vines a moment too slow. She wouldn't be able to block it! Her teeth grit as she jumped backwards, giving up on pressing the attack any further as the vines retreated back to Misa's arm, wrapping around her flesh like a coiled snake.

Lexi's fingers tightened on her weapons as she began to circle Misa. She could feel her shadows beginning to waver, sucking more and more of her energy to stay completely solid. She had another minute to finish this, maybe a bit more, maybe a bit less. The elf's spear work was good, but it wasn't the best she had ever faced. The vines were dangerous, but she was sure she could deal with them if she could disarm Misa.

Dispelling the hook sword, Lexi moved both of her hands to the remaining blade, settling it into position before her. A single breath passed her lips before she charged forward, leading with her blade.

Misa reacted as expected, keeping Lexi at bay with the extended length of her spear, now aided the ever-present threat of the vines wrapped openly around her arm. Lexi repeatedly danced towards her, feinting an attack only to pull away before making contact. This late into the battle could not afford to trade stray blows with Misa, not with the amount of effort she was expending keeping her blade solidified.

Feinting forward again she drew an attack from Misa, this one a touch slower than the last. Lexi pounced on the moment, her heel planting against the ground before she lunged forward, her left hand releasing her sword to grab the head of the spear. Misa tried to draw it back but Lexi's grip was strong enough to hold it in place long enough to bring her sword arcing ups. Just as the blade made contact with the spear Lexi forced a surge of magic into the weapon, fortifying it. The effort took her breath away and made her knees buckle, but was worth it as the shaft of the spear cracked in half on contact and she released her magic weapon on the upswing.

Lexi's fingers kept a tight grip on the head of the spear and began to spin around to attack when she felt a constricting pressure on her right arm. Caught, she looked down at the vines that had already wrapped firmly around her wrist. She brought up the spearhead to strike but Misa was quicker, her broken spear already reformed into a short spear that she brought up to Lexi's throat with frightening precision.

"It's over," Misa said quietly.

"Are you sure about that?" Lexi asked, a small smile forming on her face even as the vines continued to climb her body, stretching across her chest and trapping her other arm as well. The broken spear slipped from her fingers as they began to tightly constrict her. "It is not enough to be aware of your surroundings, you know." Lexi cast her eyes towards the ceiling and Misa followed her gaze. There, hanging above her by a band of shadow was Lexi's sword. With a small move of Lexi's fingers, the blade swung down, stopping only a few inches from the side of Misa's head.

A soft laugh, followed by the sound of gentle clapping drew both girl's attention. Seated at the base of the steps with a cup of tea, Jiana tilted her head to the side, a smile on her face. "I should have known it would be the two of you."

"Mistress!" Lexi struggled free of Misa's vines and quickly bowed. "I'm sorry if we woke you."

"I apologize as well," Misa said, bowing her head slightly as the vines retreated back up her arm.

Jiana waved her hand. "There is no need to apologize, I was awake anyways. I was curious, however, as to who would be making such a racket. At first I was sure Romeo must have snuck another girl down here."

"He truly brings girls here to fight?" Misa said, a rare expression of confusion passing over her face. She looked to Lexi for explanation but Lexi, with a slight pink lighting up her cheeks, quickly shook her head.

"I suppose I am being rude," Jiana said as she stood up. She approached Misa. "I am Jiana Drachen, Mistress of the Sleeping Dragon Guild."

"Thank you for allowing me to stay her, Mistress Jiana," Misa said. "I am Artemisa. You knew my… my mother. She spoke very highly of you."

"I felt the same way of her. I am sorry to hear of her passing, though I can see she very much lives on in you," Jiana said, reaching out and touching Misa softly on the cheek. "I am glad you have come here. I hope you will find your time with us pleasant. I'm sure there is much you can teach us and I believe there is much we can teach you as well."

Misa nodded. "I am thankful for any guidance you can impart."

"Wonderful!" Jiana snapped her fingers. "Let's begin right now. Now from this fight it was clear to me that your control over your magic is very developed. However, it seems very different than Alexis'. Is that correct?"

"Yes." Misa held out her hand and an orange blossom formed in her palm. "My magic allows me to create growth at an accelerated rate. The initial effort for creation is higher, but once created they require no more effort to sustain. By comparison, if Lexi were to create a weapon, the initial effort is lower, but keeping the weapons sustained by magic takes considerable effort."

"So, it would be in my best interest to use magic to enhance my weapons instead of relying on it to outright create them," Lexi said.

Misa nodded. "You should also simplify your creation."

"Simplify?"

"Create a sword."

Lexi did as she was asked, holding out her hand and creating the sword she knew best. A perfect copy of Nightmare formed in her palm. She spun it around once, testing the weight before holding it out towards Misa.

The elf reached out with a slender finger and pointed at the weapon. "When you create a weapon of magic there is no need for the etching or filigree. Nothing unnecessary for the weapon to function. Any additions you make to the weapon require greater concentration to sustain."

Lexi's brow furrowed and the sword began to change shape, altering in appearance slightly, flattening out and growing darker in appearance. "This will take some getting used to, but I can see how it would be beneficial. Thank you, Misa."

Misa nodded.

"Now Artemisa," Jiana drew the elf's attention. "While your control over magic is impressive, you are not as suited to formal combat as Alexis."

"I am not," Misa said freely.

"Not to worry. Your footwork is solid and your speed is impressive. I believe if you two work together you will quickly become quite competent young women.”

Lexi caught the slight glint in Jiana's eye and the sword in her hand bobbed. "Why Mistress, it almost sounds as if you are saying we are not competent already."

"Oh dear," Jiana sipped at her tea. "I did not mean to offend. While you are both quite impressive for your age, there are many things you are not prepared for."

Lexi glanced at Misa. Her face was impassive, but the vines around her arm had slid down slightly, wrapping around her fingers in anticipation. Lexi felt her pulse begin to rise.

"There are two of us," Lexi said. "If Misa is of the same mind, I believe we could handle most issues."

Misa's emerald eyes met Lexi's and she gave a short nod before the two girls turned their attention back on Jiana who continued to sip serenely at her tea, humming slightly at she did so.

"Are you sure you wish to do this?" Jiana said, bringing the teacup down. "I'm sure you are both tired from your earlier session."

"I'm sure," Lexi said, leveling her sword in front of her. Beside her Misa did the same, a spear forming in her hands.

"It has been a few years since we've sparred," Jiana swirled her tea. "It didn't end in your favor last time."

Despite the knot of anticipation that had formed in her stomach, Lexi found herself smiling. "It has been a few years, Mistress."

"Very well, if you are both sure." Jiana smiled warmly at the pair and disappeared.

A chill worked its way down Lexi's spine and she slowly turned to look at Misa. The elf's eyes had grown wide and her mouth opened slightly before the spear in her hand burst into a shower of splinters. A moment later the sword in Lexi's hand did the same, the magic violently dispelling.

A stab of pain cut across Lexi's neck and she clutched at her throat. Across from her Misa did the same, but in the moment before the elf's hand obscured her neck Lexi saw it. A thin, red line. Beneath her own fingers she felt a similar laceration, a few drops of blood wet against her fingertips.

A soft 'sip' drew both girl’s attention as they slowly turned around to look at Jiana, the tea cup at her lips.

Lexi opened her mouth to speak but found she had no air in her lungs. Her brow furrowed as she tried to breath but found the act impossible. Hand moving down to her chest she dropped down to one knee. Her eyes fluttered as she fought to fight off the darkness that began to eat at her vision. She heard Misa fall to the mat beside her.

"Ten-ni-tai. The unseen step. That is how I got behind you," Jiana said, answering Lexi's unspoken question. "Qenchi, the hidden blade. That is how I cut you. Kes-Jin, the thief. That is why you cannot breathe. It will pass in a moment." Her eyes crinkled into a smile and she gave them a soft nod before stepping between them making her way to the stairs. "I think that is enough for tonight. Goodnight, girls. Please clean up any blood you get on the floor before you go to sleep."