Ether led Hylo towards Pareidolia's hills, where Befehlnadir rested. He munched contently on one of the sweet apples from the single tree.
"There he is, go up and talk to him. He and I talked about you and I gave him permission for this. I think you're ready," Ether explained.
Hylo gasped. She looked at her father with a look of uncertainty, but also with pride. After considering, she accepted and marched up the hill.
Befehlnadir heard her heavy boots softly thumping against the ground. Prompting him to turn and greet the young Zawed.
"Ah, Hylo. Glad you decided my offer was interesting," Befehlnadir started.
"I came here to see what your offer was, though..?" Hylo replied.
Befehlnadur laughed, tossing the apple aside. "Your father and I decided to give you a test run against Solqulo, while I try out Ketra."
"Ketra? Why her? She's -"
"A major threat. That's why I need to handle her and Fruzzy."
Hylo caught herself before speaking again, she remembered it was best for mercenaries to only do what was requested of them. Not request for more.
She closed her mouth before nodding along to his request, even if she didn't understand why Ketra and Fruzzy should fight Befehlnadir at the same time.
Moreover, how would he handle Ketra's explosion?
Regardless, the duo stepped out of Pareidolia. A drowsy night clung to the sky like a celestial blanket.
The sounds of distant snoring Sarorin echoed throughout the rocky valley. Hylo and Befehlnadir surveyed the area with their eyes.
"Solqulo's house isn't far from here," Befehlnadir commented. "Go and toss a few punches, maybe a kick or two, at the old man."
Hylo cautiously stepped in the direction of Solqulo's house. She still felt a little nervous about facing off against a much older and experienced Thawed.
"Afraid that you'll trip on a pebble and break an ankle? Put some effort in your stride. Mercenaries understand each moment is their final moment, except for you. Prove me wrong!" Befehlnadir encouraged.
Upon hearing his confident voice, she took off sprinting. Wind whizzed right past her ears as she cleared miles in just a few seconds.
She eventually stopped in front of several rows of flowers. Their vibrant colors still seemed bright and lively, even at night.
Solqulo watched Hylo carefully step through the gravel path until she reached him. Upon locking eyes with the elder, Hylo's breath ran cold.
"Good evening, daughter of Ether. What brings you to my humble home?" Solqulo asked.
In response, Hylo pointed up at him. "I'm here to test your grit against my power!"
"What if I have none?" Solqulo answered.
Hylo stood dumbfounded. She couldn't muster a response, after all, she was worried sick about fighting Solqulo. Yet he admitted to having no extreme strengths.
"My precious hybrid, would you mind sitting with me?" Solqulo gestured over to his stairs. "I haven't ever spoken to you personally."
"I... was supposed to attack you." Hylo mumbled.
"Well, do you hate me?"
"No, but -"
Solqulo snapped his fingers. "That's all there is. A simple no. Enemies can still sit down and talk."
Hylo hesitated for a moment, only to eventually cave in. She wiped the third step with her hands, then sat with her back leaning against the rail.
After she was settled, Solqulo rose from his rocking chair. The old Thawed made his way towards the youngster, climbing down the first step to reach the third before promptly sitting.
"Did you alert any of my guard Stram?" Solqulo began the conversation.
"No, sir I -"
"Even when sitting beside your enemy you hold respect, how beautiful. Eh, please, grant me insight into who you are," Solqulo fell silent.
Hylo sighed, taking the time to think over her words. Even if this moment wasn't intended to be hostile, she still knew it was best to keep her story vague.
She pointed her thumb down. "Back when I was smaller, I lived happily with my family. Very good city before we were forced to move."
Before Hylo could continue, Solqulo laughed calmly. He turned to face the stars and distant celestial bodies.
"Weren't we all? I'm seeking for who you are now. Surely a girl who's all grown up like yourself knows her place," Solqulo commented.
"I... dont know. I'm Hylo, Ether's daughter and a lost child. I want to be a warrior, but cannot stomach that kind of life, so I'm forced to be a mercenary," Hylo replied.
"That's a start. Do not feel shame about your new role. Instead, take it as a sign of a new start. You found where you belong," Solqulo advised.
"So I should prove that this is where I must be? I never thought about it that way. But aren't mercenaries less important than warriors?" Hylo asked.
She waited for Solqulo to respond, yet heard silence. Her eyes went up to his face, where his aged grin looked back.
"What is a mercenary?" Solqulo's voice hid excitement.
Hylo looked down at her lap for a moment. She thought about it well and when she was ready to respond.
"A mercenary - somebody who isn't owned by anybody and pledges loyalty to whomever benefits them the most," Hylo answered.
Solqulo tried to hold in his excitement. "And a warrior is..?"
"Bravery and selflessness. They die together and fight together. Brothers and sisters through blood and steel. But they also grew afraid together," Hylo answered.
Hylo paused. She recalled the dreams she had of fighting against Legions and battalions. How she was always alone, like many mercenaries.
Solqulo smiled from ear to ear upon seeing Hylo's puzzled stare. He chuckled, cherishing the sight of a youngster discovering more about themselves.
"Mercenaries need to be the cold ones, they have nobody but themselves. They also need to think with a level head and do what interests them," Hylo said with an awe.
"And what interests you the most, Hylo?" Solqulo's cheerful voice asked with intrigue.
Hylo rose from her seat. "I am interested in proving that I am a true mercenary... by defeating you!"