>>19739849After her stretches were concluded, Valari helps herself to a tall mug of water. She was preparing to leave the gymnasium, when she turns and sees one of her fellow trainees, Elyssa Laurentine, standing in front of her. Elyssa is the daughter of a wealthy jeweler and luxury goods merchant in the city. She is several years younger than Valari, and has probably barely spoken five words to her that weren't required by some sort of drill or exercise in their training. So it's surprising that she would now.
The smile on Elyssa's face when she speaks is not a nice one.
Elyssa:
>"Valari! I heard what Sir Borracho had to say about you just now. Congratulations!"Valari shifts uneasily. Everything about this girl makes her wary.
Valari:
>"Umm, thank you. I--"Elyssa's face takes on a shallow frown, full of false sympathy.
Elyssa:
>"I just wanted to let you know, though. That doesn't make you any better than the people who've been working hard and training for years to hone their skills here. And it doesn't mean you're any more worthy to serve The Queen than any of us. I like you, Valari; there's something very endearing about your rustic and unpretentious manner. So I wouldn't want you getting overconfident and getting yourself in trouble by thinking you're any better than the rest of us, just because you've caught the gleam in the eye of the Chocolate Knight."Valari bolts to her feet, a surge of anger rising up her back. Elyssa backs away quickly.
Elyssa:
>"Forgive me. I forget, they do things differently where you come from. Sorry if I've caused offense." 