The Test.

Neeka and Phoebe were two young ladies travelling together. Both trained, and both on a mission.

Neeka is a young woman, but highly mature for her age. She has a very wide sense of knowledge, and is very smart in what she does. She likes to have fun in her own little ways, that is of course, whenever she's not working. Neeka has been in clans ever since the age of 6 and has had to learn how to fend for herself, including: Cooking, cleaning, hunting, weapon making, fighting, survival.. You name it, she's done it. Neeka has had to train with the best, to be the best.
Although Neeka's done her fair share of travelling, and has hopped from one clan to another, she felt like she needed a clan that would accept her with open arms. The last clan that she stayed with, the Necalli Clan weren't so tough and demanding like they made out they were, so she left. The clan before that, she fought with the leader and got banished. It was only until Neeka discovered the welcoming arms of the Ceadda Clan, where she felt like she was truly at home. She got along with everyone great, and what was even better; she got trained by the leaders, Kai, the dominant male of Ceadda, and his also dominant wife, Thyra.

Kai taught Neeka how to handle a weapon, he taught her the more advanced ways of leadership and he taught her how to structure plans when in battle. Thyra, on the other hand, taught Neeka on how to still act like a lady when in battle, how to gain respect, how to be gentle with newcomers, and how to act 'sexy' in a case of desperate measures.
"Trust me on this, there will be a point in your life, where your beauty will outsmart any kind of man. Mark my words."
And that's exactly, what Neeka did.

Phoebe, who is very much similar to Neeka, had only just recently joined Ceadda. Kai and Thyra found her abandoned on the streets, and it was only when she was fending herself from a rather large rat, that they both thought she had potential in becoming a fighter. They brought her back to Ceadda, where they introduced Phoebe to Neeka. Kai assigned Neeka to be Phoebe's guardian, and to teach her everything she knew. Neeka openly accepted, but had a tinge of uncertainty about the whole situation, as she still thought she wasn't ready to teach.

Phoebe introduced herself straight up.

"Hi. I'm Phoebe...You can call me Phoebe."
Neeka glanced at her and put on a smile.
"I know who you are. I'm Neeka.. I'll be training you over the next few months."
Phoebe stared up at Neeka with huge brown eyes, a long smile plastered over her face, and let out a dreamy sigh.
"You're my role-model."

Neeka turned around to look at Kai and Thyra. Her eyebrows were raised and she gave them an unimpressed look of disapproval.

The couple laughed, and Kai came over to both Neeka and Phoebe. He distanced himself from Phoebe, and just smiled at her. He then walked over to Neeka and patted her back, leant in and whispered:

"Don't worry, she's not completely mental."

Kai walked back to Thyra, leaving Neeka looking at the newcomer. Neeka looked at Phoebe, who still had the dreamy look on her face, smiled, and then turned back to watch Kai walking away.

"You better be right.." she mumbled.

Both Neeka and Phoebe trained together for over 8 months. Neeka was constantly watching over her, whilst Kai and Thyra were watching over them both, and grading Neeka on how she teaches. However, it soon became clear to both Kai and Thyra, that Neeka had taken quite a disliking towards Phoebe. Thyra noticed that Phoebe had a big mouth, and whenever things went wrong, she would demand why it wasn't right. Kai could see that Neeka got angered easily by so many questions.
So they both decided to pair them up for an even longer amount of time, and put them to a more extreme test, hoping that they would soon, get along.

 

Really?

Thank you 

 

Both of them had been assigned to take on a task. The task to find and rescue a young boy who had been imprisoned for wrong-doings. His family were murdered in their home whilst he was sleeping. The murderer never once touched him, just simply, stood over him. Watching him sleep. The next day he found out about the death of his parents, but couldn't do anything apart from watch the police and detectives take over the scene. At only 5 years old, he was helpless. Neighbours were curious, and suspicions were arising in the small village of Jera. Eventually people found out, first from rumours, secondly by the deadly smell coming from the house. The murderer left no evidence, so all eyes were on the young boy. Many refused, saying the boy was only 5, and that he'd never do such a thing. Others cussed him out, and beat him on the street.

After many gruelling trials, the young boy was put in prison for all the wrong reasons. The prison is located 40 miles away from Jera, and is one of the most dirtiest, roughest prisons around. The prisons called Pesalah, which means 'Offenders', and with only minimal expenses keeping the prison up and running, and the rate of hygiene at a very poor level, it's not surprising that prisoners die there. Pesalah is no place for a young boy. It's no place for a human.

"You will have as much time as it takes to find the boy. Make sure he is kept safe, and protect him no matter what. He'll be a great asset to Ceadda. We can make him feel loved and welcomed here.. Like we did with you, Neeka." Kai said, turning to face her.
"We wish you all the best.." he said, Thyra standing loyally by his side.

Neeka and Phoebe nodded. During their time training Phoebe had slowly matured, which Neeka liked, however she knew that there was so much more for Phoebe to learn.

"If anything gets too much, come back home and we'll step in. But be careful when on your return back to Ceadda.. This place is sacred, and we like to keep it like that." Thyra said, sternly.

This task meant a lot for Neeka. She wanted to prove to Kai and Thyra that there hard work has taught her well. If the task is successful then Neeka would know that she had done them proud. This journey would be Neeka's own personal test, to see if all that training was worth it.

After last words of reassurance, and a small sendoff, Phoebe and Neeka were off. Their journey had begun.

 

Yeah..

Thanks for reading. 

 

They travelled for a couple of days in search of the prison, stopping off at places wherever they could get a good nights sleep. Some places they stayed at were amazing, luxurious Infact, however as they continued further on into their long journey they noticed that the choice of inns, taverns and motels were looking more and more shabbier and unpleasant.

Before they left Cealla, Kai and Thyra gave them each a map of Jera's village, and some of the quicker routes to take so they wouldn't waste any time. This map would be their bible throughout their whole journey.

The sun was up, shining bright and hard on the backs of Neeka and Phoebe. They had been walking for over 5 hours straight, and with a lot of luggage being carried, it was a struggle to continue walking. Neither of them were prepared for the long periods of walking that awaited them.

Phoebe was walking side by side with Neeka along the road, and from the corner of Neeka's eye she could tell that Phoebe was up to something.

"What are you doing..?" Neeka asked, curiously.

"Copying you." Phoebe grinned, looking down at her feet and then at Neeka's, trying to stay in sync.

Neeka shook her head, and turned away. A small smile formed on her face, as she silently chuckled to herself.

After an even further few more hours of walking, Neeka could tell that Phoebe was getting tired. Instead of staying in sync, she was walking sluggishly behind, occasionally making a loud panting noise here and there, probably for effect.

"According to this map, there's Lucifer's inn just down the road. We should probably stop there for the night." said Neeka putting away her map.
"Sounds like a plan." agreed Phoebe, stopping to catch her breathe.

Neeka looked at Phoebe steadily.
"You ok?"
Phoebe just put her hand up and nodded, indicating that she was good.

"Ok.. Well just remember, when we get there, you might wanna hide your map. We don't know what the place is like..or the people for that matter.. And judging from the last place, I think it'll probably be the same, if not worse." said Neeka, giving a small shudder.

After allowing a 5 minute rest, the two began making their way to the inn, in desperate need of some food and rest.

 

*Ceadda lol

 

They opened the doors of the inn, and a foul stench of alcohol and cigarettes hit them. The room was misty because of all the smoke, and the majority of it, was filled with men.
It looked like they were all in the middle of something until Neeka and Phoebe had entered. Everyone stopped and stared. A sense of awkwardness was in the air.

"Hello everybody!" said Phoebe, giving a big wave and a smile.

Neeka turned to Phoebe quickly and yanked on her sleeve, and gave her 'the look'. Phoebe got the point and slowly lowered her arms, her smile trying to hide the awkwardness.
Everyone was still staring at them blankly.
"Howdy!" said the barman eventually, walking up to them whilst drying off a pint glass.

As soon as he said them words, it felt like the awkwardness and the weird tension had gone. Everyone started playing their poker again, started chatting, puffing their cigarettes and drinking.
"And what can I do for two lovely young gals like you?" the barman asked with a friendly smile on his face.
"We're here for a room.. Are there any available?" asked Neeka.
"Of course. How long you planning on staying?"
"Just overnight." she replied.
"Sure. I'll get you your keys now. Take a seat."

Neeka and Phoebe sat themselves at a table away from all the smokers and drinkers. They had ordered a roast dinner with their own choice of dessert.
They ate and spoke to each other over dinner and it was only when Neeka had stuffed a roast potato in her mouth and she was looking around the room, that she saw a familiar man sitting on the table two seats away.
She tried to see past the guy who was sitting next to her, but could only get small glimpses. Eventually the guy turned around and he spotted Neeka. His eyes locked onto hers immediately, and he gave her a small smile. As soon as she realised who the guy was, she turned around quickly, spitting out her potato.
"Oh my god!"