Jyl took in her new room with great interest.

On one side were four small cavities, segregated by wooden walls and with curtains for some privacy. They contained a simple bed, and a couple shelves against the far wall to keep stuff on. Three were obviously taken, leaving only the furthest one empty. The rest of the room was taken by two large wardrobes and a table. All in all it was simple, yet the inhabitants had managed to make if feel homely none the less.

“You like it?” asked Cecile from behind her.

A slight smile found its way onto Jyl’s face as she nodded. It wasn’t home, but it would do.

“Great”, Cecile exclaimed, “Then let’s continue the tour. I still need to show you the training grounds, the weapon storehouse, our side-entrance into the fortress, Arick’s office, of course, oh, and the library.”

She guided Jyl up another flight of stairs. “Don’t ask me why the military has its own library, we just do, for some reason.”

“I cannot read”, Jyl commented.

“All the more reason to pay a visit. Though we’ll have to find you a teacher first… Mirus could do it, but he’ll probably be busy for the next week or so.”

“Why?”

“He’s been away for a while, so his superior in the administrative division will likely give him extra work.” She snickered. “Normally, administrative officers like him don’t really accompany us to the battlefield, but since he is trusted by both Arick and general Gyrn, they always take him along.

Ah! We’re here.”

They entered at a wide dirt-covered courtyard, flanked on both sides by half-open sheds. Multiple groups of demons were spread throughout the grounds, either practicing or watching others battle.

It reminded Jyl of the hunters at the village as they practiced in between hunts. In a way the familiarity was comforting, and as she watched she couldn’t help but note the similarities. But at the same time, there were many differences as well.

Amongst the demons, the most popular weapons were swords and axes, unlike the spears and large daggers the hunters mostly used. Many also used wood and iron shields, which she recognized from her time in the human army. Those wouldn’t survive a single hit against any of the beasts her village regularly dealt with.

An older man, who had been watching the others from a distance, approached them.

“Good day, Cecile”, he greeted, “Who is your companion. A… human…?”

Jyl watched the man curiously, wondering how he would react, but Cecile scowled at him.

“Not you too, Yoa.”

“Not me what?” he asked. Realizing something, he glanced at the unfamiliar woman. “I’m guessing most have not been reacting well to her?”

Cecile deflated at his words. “Yeah. It’s not like I don’t understand why they’re acting that way, but it gets irritating.

Anyway. Yoa, this is Jyl, Arick recruited her during the last battle. Jyl, Yoa here takes care of the training grounds. He always hangs around here somewhere, so if you need anything you can just ask him.”

“A pleasure to meet you”, Jyl said.