"I was raised as a hunter and warrior, I am not opposed to your orders, my lady." I gave Lorelai a respectful bow while standing before her in the small study.
"It is not an order, my sister. More a request..." She frowned and stood from her chair, I could see the multiple cushions in the seat that had given her the height she needed at the large desk. She moved over to me and put her hands upon her curvy hips. "Our life is a dangerous one, with the church and hunters nipping at our heels constantly. I wish you to be ready to defend yourself."
I took a knee and looked into her soft brown eyes with my darker ones. "I appreciate your concern. I am still not accustomed to people... caring about me, not like that... not since my parents and tribe."
She pushed her palm to my cheek and pressed her forehead to my own, her eyes closed. I felt her will wash over me gently, like that of a mother. "You are my sister, and I will stand by you so long as you stand by our family."
A shiver moved down my spine and I nodded against her, my ears folding. "Of course. I cherish all of my family."
"Especially Elias?" She pulled from me with a knowing grin.
I felt my face grow warm and averted my eyes. "I- I do not know what you speak of, my lady..."
"Please... you think I do not see how you two look upon one another?" Lorelai hummed the words playfully and moved back to her desk. "I am far from a cherub, but even I can sense the attraction you two share."
My brow furrowed and I'm sure I looked like I was pouting as I stood once more. "My lady... what does this have to do with my training as a warrior?"
She climbed back into the chair and sat at her desk, her ears flicking upwards. "Why, only that you both share the fires of radiance and hellfire. The world is vast but I have yet to find another since your late sire that possessed it. It is why I insisted upon you claiming it before we left."
A frown showed on my face and I processed the words thoughtfully. A power no one had but me. It made me feel good and full of pride for some reason. "So Elias and I, our powers are unique to us?"
"That appears to be the case. I have been all over this world, Sarnai, and it is much more vast than you could imagine. Hundreds of years I've done this and I've never seen anyone else with it." She cocked her head and I saw a glint of pride in her eyes, her curls bouncing around her horns. "My family houses several unique members and I am proud of that. We are the only house with an incubus, two foxfire users, and I myself with my power."
"What is your power exactly, my lady?" I folded my arms, curiously tilting my head.
She gave me a sharp glance and I saw the sparkle in her eyes. "Domination. My will is absolute and only the most powerful beings can hope to stand before my demands."
I lifted my ears. "So like a stronger version of what brother Val has?"
The sheep shook her head. "No. His is seduction, mine simply breaks another's will altogether."
My ears fold and I frown. "How frightful... so you could command me to fall upon my own sword if you willed it?"
"I couldn't, but I could find creative ways to accomplish the task. I cannot out right demand someone kill themselves for me, the power would not allow it. I can, however, ask them to defend me with their lives, or do an impossible task, like leap from a cliff and fly like a bird." The sheep showed me a coy grin. "There are ways around the supernatural laws I have in place."
I shiver and clench my teeth. "My power feels minuscule in comparison..."
The sheep gave me a stern look. "Do not seek to compare yourself with others, Sarnai. It is a dead-end road. I've told your brothers just as such many times as well. Your power is wonderous, you should cherish and grow it."
I took a composing breath and nodded. "Yes, my lady. I apologize."
"Do not apologize. You are young and have a lot to learn." Lorelai smiled at me gently.
A frown formed and I folded my arms. "My lady... I am no child. I am nearly forty years old."
She giggled and smiled at me, her eyes sparkling in amusement. The view just made me scowl. "You are a puppy, Sarnai... do you have any idea how old I am? Even your brothers are over sixty."
I grunted at her words and looked away. "No... how old are you?"
"Unknown, but at least a millennium." She spoke the words with a shrug. "Ra's the head of the council is older than me. The others at your evaluation are all six hundred or more."
My jaw dropped slightly. "S-so many years... how is that possible?"
The sheep smiled and peaked her fingertips. "How is it possible you will hellfire from your body, my pup?"
I blushed at the words and showed my teeth. "Please, my lady... must you call me a puppy?"
The sheep offered me a playful smile, her eyes sparkling. "I find your reactions adorable, however, I will not disrespect you if it bothers you, Sarnai."
"T-thank you..." I frown and fold my arms. "I do thank you for your kind words though... I've never been called such doting things."
"Oh, you have, just not to your knowledge." The sheep drummed her fingertips together, giving me a coy smile.
I bark at her words and glare, "Who has been saying such things? It is disrespectful to speak behind my back!"
She showed her teeth in an amused grin. "Just a certain fox telling me how cute he thought you were, and if I thought he should pursue certain motivations."
My ears folded and I frowned, my mind filling right away with the white fox that I called brother. Lorelai raised a finger and wagged it. "Ah... it seems you've caught the scent of the trail, my fox. I will say nothing more."
I grunted and put my palm to my cheek, feeling it hot to the touch. I took a moment to compose myself and gave her a fussy pout. "C-can we return to business, my lady?"
"Certainly. Two times per week you are to go down to the cellar and train with Elias. I wish the two of you to learn your unique powers together, since they are so similar."
I barked out in protest, her words cutting deep, especially after what was just told to me. "B-but! After everything you just told me-"
"You will be fine, sister." Lorelai fixed me with a strong glance. "Do you know what a hurricane is?"
My arms folded and I plucked my thoughts before shaking my head. The sheep nodded as she continued, "Great powerful storms will come forth from the sea from time to time, these are known as hurricanes. They are exclusive to coastal parts of the world. You will not see them anywhere but from the salty waters of the sea, and only certain parts of the world are prone to them."
"I understand, but why ask me that out of the blue?" I lift my ears curiously.
She gave me a smile. "Live your life in such a way. You may no longer age, but any of us could still die any day, Sarnai. Live your life and make love, like a hurricane."
"M-make love? What are you even trying to imply, my lady?" I barked the words and clenched my fists, my tail whipping about, my cheeks hot all over again.
"I'm saying life is shorter than you think. Even a thousand years can be short if you don't live it to the fullest." Lorelai clicked her tongue and tapped her desk. "Any questions for me?"
"Hundreds... but they will wait." I huffed the words and turned from her. "When should I begin training?"
"He's already down in the makeshift training room in the cellar. Get going." The sheep hummed the words as she waved her hand casually.
I swallowed a lump in my throat and nodded. "As you will."
#
I felt my heart thumping a little heavier as I opened the door to the cellar. The white fox was there and I clearly saw him jump as the door opened, a testament to his own nerves. My tail drooped as I walked to him, then folded my hands behind my back and cocked my head. "Brother, Elias. I've been told we are to begin training together."