Motherly Paladin: End of Her Training
Chapter 12: Final Day of Training
The morning sun spilled softly over the garden as Alicia led Aldra outside their home, the crisp air filled with the scent of flowers and steel. It was the final day of Aldra’s paladin training—a milestone that marked both her progress and the quiet end of a chapter. Tomorrow would begin her third month of pregnancy, and with it, the time for blades and battle would yield to gentler duties.Waiting near the edge of the field stood Blue and Kané, both dear to Aldra in different but profound ways—her teachers, her friends, the guiding hands who had shaped her strength. Kané folded her arms with a knowing smirk, while Blue’s steady gaze carried both pride and something more thoughtful, a quiet awareness of the change ahead.
Alicia and Aldra drew their swords, the metallic ring echoing through the courtyard. A respectful clash of blades marked the start—one last test between teacher and student, wife and wife. They moved with practiced grace, the rhythm of their duel sharp and deliberate. Aldra struck first, her motion clean and assertive. Alicia countered swiftly, twisting her wrist in an attempt to disarm her—but Aldra’s grip held firm, her footing solid, the lessons from Kané evident in every motion.“Good,” Alicia said softly, a proud smile curving her lips as she felt the strength in Aldra’s defense. Kané chuckled from the sidelines, murmuring, “Told you she’d keep that sword in her hand this time.”But even as Aldra pressed on, Blue’s eyes narrowed slightly. She could see what others could not—the subtle tremor in Aldra’s arm, the way her breath came shorter with each swing. The signs of fatigue were masked by her determination, yet unmistakable to a seasoned eye. Blue’s expression softened into concern as she leaned slightly toward Kané, her voice low but edged with authority. “Her form’s beginning to falter,” she murmured. “Her strength may still be there, but her body’s warning her to stop. If she pushes any further, it could put both her and the child at risk.”
Alicia stepped forward again, striking Aldra’s shield with full strength. The blow rang out like thunder, yet Aldra held her ground, her shield unwavering. Pride flickered in Alicia’s gaze; the progress was undeniable. But beneath her wife’s steady form, she sensed the exhaustion gnawing at her endurance.They traded one last series of strikes, blades flashing in arcs of light and motion. Aldra’s swing came slower this time—her energy waning. Still, she pushed forward, summoning all that remained in her for a final strike. Alicia met her blade mid-swing, parrying with precision before gently pushing Aldra back. The sword slipped from Aldra’s grasp, clattering softly to the grass.Silence settled over the field.
Alicia sheathed her weapon and stepped toward her wife, her expression softening. She caught Aldra before she could fall, holding her close. Pride, love, and gratitude mingled in her voice as she whispered, “You’ve come so far, my heart. You’ve done enough.” Then, with quiet tenderness, she kissed her—an embrace that spoke of shared triumph and unspoken promises.Blue approached, her tone calm but resolute. She lifted Aldra’s sword and shield from the ground, cradling them with reverence. “These will stay with me for now,” she said. “Until your strength returns—and until you’re ready to wield them again.” Kané nodded in agreement, a warm smile breaking her usual stoicism. “Rest well, little knight. You’ve earned it.”With a gentle laugh, Alicia scooped Aldra into her arms, carrying her back toward their home. Over her shoulder, she called to their friends, “Come join us for tea—and perhaps a few of Aldra's famous cookies she made for you, Blue.”As they walked inside, the laughter of friends followed them through the garden, mingling with the rustle of petals in the breeze. The day had ended not in battle, but in peace—one chapter closed, and a new journey quietly beginning.
Chapter 13: A Friend's Decision
Blue, ever the steady mentor, decided it was time for Aldra to rest from battle. She quietly took Aldra’s swords and shields, believing her student had trained enough and should now focus on her pregnancy, letting her friends bear the weight she once carried. At her campsite, preparing for her next hunt, Blue stored the weapons safely—promising to return them when Aldra was ready to fight again.When Aldra returned to her room in Tuliyollal, she found a letter waiting on the table. Sitting on the couch, she opened it and read Blue’s familiar handwriting:"To my dear student and cherished friend, Aldra,
I’ve taken your swords and shields, not out of punishment, but care. You’ve grown strong, but now your strength must turn inward, to nurture the life within you. The stress of battle must give way to gentleness. Kané and Alicia both agree that we will shoulder your burdens until you’re ready to stand beside us again. For now, learn the art of motherhood, and let your armor rest.
— Blue"
Chapter 14: A Mentor's Protection
Moonlight spilled through the forest canopy, weaving silver threads across the mossy ground as Aldra followed the narrow trail to the clearing where Kiryu waited. The night air was still, heavy with the scent of pine and distant rain, the quiet broken only by the soft murmur of the river nearby.She found him standing near the glade’s edge, the faint glow of a lantern at his feet illuminating a small, wrapped parcel and a familiar, reassuring smile.“I wasn’t sure you’d come,” he said, his voice low but warm.Aldra returned his smile, her hand brushing the swell of her belly—a subtle reminder of why she moved more carefully these days. Kiryu had written her only a few nights before, his message simple and sincere: a gift, a lesson, and a wish to help her maintain her edge as a Gunbreaker, to strengthen the foundations of her paladin training even as she approached her third month.He lifted the parcel, revealing a beautifully crafted modification to her gunblade—sleeker, balanced, forged with thought and precision. His eyes carried no challenge, only concern.“You’ve always been stronger than most,” he said quietly, “but strength fades if left to rest too long. I thought… maybe we could keep your reflexes sharp, just a little.”Aldra’s expression softened, touched by his intent but resolute in her response. She reached out, placing her hand gently over his.“Kiryu… I made a vow,” she said softly. “Blue’s orders were clear. My duty now is to rest—to protect this life growing within me. It’s not forever, just for now.”Unseen in the shadowed boughs beyond the clearing, Blue watched. Her sharp eyes followed every movement, her patience a taut string ready to snap. She trusted Aldra’s resolve, but Kiryu’s persistence—and his worry—tested the calm she fought to maintain.
Kiryu hesitated, torn between respect and his protective nature. “I understand,” he said after a pause, though the words carried weight. “But what if something happens? You can’t always—”He never finished.Blue moved like lightning through the darkness, her presence a blur of command and fury held in check. Before Kiryu could react, her hand gripped his shoulder with precise force, turning his momentum against him. In an instant, he found himself thrown backward, landing high in the tree with a resounding thud, but not damaging the tree.The forest went silent. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.Blue stood between them now, her stance relaxed but unmistakably protective. Her eyes met Kiryu’s, not with anger—but warning.“You’ve made your point,” she said evenly. “Now stand down. She doesn’t need your lessons tonight—she needs peace.”Kiryu rubbed the back of his neck, wincing more from embarrassment than pain. “Still as gentle as ever, Blue.”A faint smirk tugged at her lips. “You’re lucky I like you.”
The tension eased, and with a long exhale, Blue turned to Aldra. Her tone softened, losing its edge as she reached out and took her student gently by the collar, steering her toward the path home.“Come on,” she murmured. “You’ve done enough walking for one night.”Aldra glanced back over her shoulder, offering Kiryu a small, apologetic smile before allowing herself to be guided away. She knew Blue’s temper came not from anger, but from care—the fierce protectiveness of a mentor who had carried her through battles far harsher than this.As they disappeared into the moonlit trail, the forest returned to quiet, the faint echo of Blue’s steady steps and Aldra’s softer ones fading together into the night.In the stillness that followed, Kiryu smiled faintly to himself. Though his pride smarted, his heart was at ease. Aldra was in good hands—strong, stubborn, and fiercely loved.
