Ascendant Moon

Chapter Five: Ladies Night

Well, she had run through the twelve combat drills of Dismonous, Marwen had also picked apart every weakness of her cell and as far as her vision would travel beyond the bars. She had been fed at least. A new wolf had dropped something edible off to her last night and the flame headed one had so far delivered both breakfast and lunch today. She had slept lightly, the notion ingrained in her practically from birth to be ready for an attack, whenever it may occur. Creatures were vulnerable when they slept, which made it the perfect time to engage in an attack. Being raised in the unseelie court, Marwen had never known a deep sleep.

    Now though, she was bored. There were no flowers here to tend, cultivate or keep her amused. No patrols to run or station that she was rotated in to guard. It was just here, the stone and the nice metal bars. She hoped the Alpha would come soon. Yes, it had not been a full day, but she could live in the hope that he would return earlier than planned. Thought perhaps he would not wish to look to eager. At this point, it was no matter to her how he appeared. She just needed to be let out or given something to do. 

     If the Alpha did not appear in the next few hours, she was going to ask the second in command or whoever delivered dinner to fetch her a book, game, it did not matter what, as long as it could keep her occupied. A sigh breezed through her lips. She could always count the number of stones on the wall.

      The sudden creaking of the door filled the silence and Marwen pulled herself up into a sitting position. She had not been expecting anyone to venture down here again so soon. Dinner was still hours away. Her ears twitched as whoever it was made their way down the steps. The footsteps were light, not like the Alpha’s or the flame headed one. This was someone new and if Marwen had to guess from sound alone, it was a female.

      The footsteps continued with confidence right up to her cell, a silhouetted figure halting in front of the bars between her and them. Marwen stood in response as honeyed hazel eyes appraised her. She had been right; it was a woman who had come down here. Curiosity? Marwen did not think so.

“So,” the woman said evenly. “You’re the b***h who managed to lay a hit on my husband.”

“Which one was your husband?” Marwen responded. This woman was probably the wife to one of the lacking mutts and had come to even the score. Too bad for her, Marwen was always victorious.

“Dex,” The woman answered, her tone still not betraying anything.

“That still does not mean anything to me.” Marwen said non-chalantly, narrowing her eyes. This new woman was hard to read.

  “The Beta. The Second in Command.” The woman elaborated, shortness in her words.

          Ah, the flame headed one. “Ah yes, that was me.” Marwen grinned, ensuring she displayed her unusual teeth. “Though I have to admit, he was the only one that showed any promise.”

“Yes, he told me you thought he was good.” The woman returned, raising an eyebrow at her.

       Odd. This female did not seem unnerved by her. In fact, she had barely flinched at her jagged fangs.

“He also told me you want to train the pack. Dex is pretty sure the Alpha will agree to your offer.”

“So why come down here and tell me?” Marwen kept her eyes narrowed as she gazed at the woman.

“I wanted to take your measure before the Alpha confirmed anything. To land a hit on Dex, you’ve got to be somewhat decent.”

“You have come to defend your husband’s honour then?” Marwen could not figure out this woman’s motives. Why would she want to take her measure?

The woman let out a scoff. “Good Fenris no. Dex can handle his own battles. I don’t need to fight them for him. I came because if you’re going to be training, I’ll be amongst those in your session.”

      “You are one of the wolf warriors?” Marwen asked, seeking confirmation. She was not surprised female wolves would be amongst the pack’s warriors. After all, she herself was one of the best. But it would be interesting to determine if the female wolves here had equal training to the males. That was how fae operated. She did not know enough about wolf people and their society to determine if they treated warriors in equal measure. She hoped so, but Marwen had the sense if anyone could show her, this woman could.  

“Yep,” The woman grinned, both wide and proud. “Name’s Romina.”

Marwen nodded. “Are you any good?”

Romina’s grin took on a dangerous edge. “One of the best.”

“Excellent.” Marwen smirked. 

      It was not completely clear whether Romina was threatening her or just making her aware of her skills. Either way, Marwen found herself liking Romina. She reminded her of herself, only with more heart.

“Don’t worry, my skills speak for themselves. I don’t say anything I can’t back up.”

“Then I look forward to seeing the evidence in action.”

It was Romina’s turn to smirk. “Y’know, for being a strange being, you’re nothing like I expected.”

Marwen shrugged. “To me, you are the strange creatures.”

Romina chuckled. “I guess that’s true. So what are you? Elf? Pixie?”

Marwen could not help the horror that washed over her features. “No. A thousand times no. But I will make a deal. If your Alpha can figure out what I am, then I will tell you.”

“Seems fair. I know he’s been researching and I wouldn’t want to steal the Alpha’s thunder. Though now I can always help him rule out elf and pixie if he hasn’t already.”

“If you think it will help, then by all means.” That meant his research was either going extremely well and he had narrowed down some options or he was tearing his hair out with frustration. She looked forward to seeing what options he presented.

“Well, I’ve got to head back, I’m due on patrol in ten minutes.” Romina sighed, after glancing down at some odd device she pulled up halfway from her pocket. “It was interesting to meet you.” She called, stepping away from the cell and walking off, leaving Marwen alone once again.

      Once Romina was gone, Marwen lay back down on the mattress in the corner. These wolf people were certainly something else.