Phoenix Maplewood joining

Her youthful eyes would be marred by the weight of the world, Reek was sure of it. They all turned dim eventually. He wondered, briefly, if he would be the one to break her by possibly turning her away. It would be a kindess, an act of cruel-mercy, to show her here and now that the world was not a kind place. But, he did not dismiss her yet. She spoke, and while Reek found the rationale she presented to stay unremarkable, Reek was willing to allow her a single chance to prove herself.

"Show me, don't tell me," stated Reek imperatively. "Can you fight?" He dipped his body low and braced for a coming brawl. This would be her test. The first move would be hers.