When Aniakir, King Bonaparte, Sir Bartholomew, and Lady Athena arrived in Grand Capital, some of the refugees from Arstag had taken residence in the city. As they walked through the the city on their way to the keep, Aniakir caught sight of Lady Ellence, the Lady of Arstag. She was given her title after she secured Helorion into the kingdom, unifing Arstag. Aniakir approached her and asked her to go with him to the keep. Despite her achievements, she was the same age as Aniakir, and she was honored to go to the keep. She joined him and they went into the keep, proceeding to the courtyard.
Lady Athena told Aniakir to take his sword and prepare to train.
"My lady, shouldn't we use practice swords?"
"A real battle will not be easy. Say you fought Ivan the Brutal. You wouldn't want a practice sword then."
"Alright then, let's train."
Lady Athena didn't hold back, swinging at Aniakir, trying to kill him. Aniakir was forced back and he tried to parry each of Athena's powerful strikes. She came down on him with great power, but Aniakir grasped her sword hand before she made contact, then pointed his sword at her heart.
"That was quite clever, Aniakir. But that is a risky business. You are not on the level of the men you will be fighting. You may be able to take on Ivan the Brutal, but even then you will likely fail. You must train more. I will teach you ambush tactics and footwork. Sir Bartholomew will teach you swordplay and philosophy. King Bonaparte will train you face to face."
As they parted, Lady Ellence approached Aniakir.
"You are in quite good hands for your training. However, do you think you could best me?"
"Think, I know I could. You're on, m'lady."
Lady Ellence was given a sharpened rapier, but she insisted on a broadsword. She held the weapon with elegance, her stance was light but firm. The two engaged, Aniakir trying to overpower Ellence, but she would just step around him effortlessly. He tried to thrust at her, but she stepped around him and disarmed him, pointing the blade at his heart with a cheerful smile on her face.
"Well done, Lady Ellence," Lady Athena stated. "Were we you trained?"
"I was trained in the Knight's Hall of Durvadaa."
"I heard stories about them, good and bad."
"They are great warriors, but they do not come close to the prowess of the Order of Heroes."
As the two ladies finished speaking, Aniakir asked Lady Ellence to walk with him through the city. The two walked through the city, sharing stories of their homes and their training. They found much in common, and still much in disagreement sparking their debates. As they made it to an empty house that Aniakir was gifted for the time, they went inside and embraced each other.