Shin was lying in her bed alongside Reina. The sunlight entered through the windows but was being softened by the curtains.
"You know…" Reina began, "Razmuth reminds me of you a lot."
Shin was confused and taken aback.
"How so?"
"You're both really talented. You're both experts at what you do. You both surpassed the majority of your competition at a tender age. Need I go on?"
Shin had a think. Reina was correct, Raz and herself were eerily similar. Even their matter-of-fact attitude and their rashness when it comes to people whom they care about.
Shin remembered her own past as well. She recalled the years she spent learning and mastering the art of the sword. She remembered her parents' proud faces and expressions and the joy that swelled within her as she demonstrated her unmatched prowess with the sword.
She also remembered when she got labeled a traitor for refusing to become the crown prince's plaything at the age of 26. She remembered her family disowning her at that point and having to live on her own. Her chest got heavy, and her eyes watered up as she recalled having to survive the next two years on the run without any help. She glanced at Reina and smiled remembering that when the entire world was against her, Reina came back to Shin's side and helped her.
The black blob of sadness in Shin's chest turned into a glimmering globe of happiness as Reina smiled back at her. Shin had known for many years at this point that she would do whatever it took to protect Reina. Unable to contain herself, Shin leaned over and kissed Reina.
Shin felt Reina's hands explore her hair and body, and after a few minutes, Shin pulled back, having kissed Reina to her heart's content.
"I hope that our wonder-kid doesn't go through what we went through."
Reina grabbed Shin's head's backside gently and touched their foreheads together.
"We'll make sure he doesn't."
Reina let go and sat up.
"By the way, what do you make of what he did to that guard?" Reina continued.
"You mean the guard he chocked?"
"Yup."
"Well… On the one hand, it's great. It shows that despite having no education or training, he's able to use active battle magic so he's definitely an Archon. On the other hand, it's terrifying. It shows that he has no control over his emotions and for someone with his abilities, that could spell destruction for everyone involved. Though, I guess I cannot really judge him for when I was his age, I was the same way."
The last bit made Reina chuckle. She looked at Shin and opened her mouth to say something when they were interrupted by a knock on the door. The person on the other side spoke slowly but all the two could understand was "Lanna".
"I suppose our host is here," Reina stated. "Let's go meet him."
So, the two dressed and went to greet Lanna.