She woke up to the sound of someone sneaking around outside. Without thinking, she grabbed her daggers and waited for an opportunity. Whoever was outside her window were good, and had managed to approach the house. To her luck, a mistake had been made, and she waited like a snake in the grass for the attack.

Before she could do anything, a series of eviscerating cuts and loud screaming erupted outside. A few seconds later, the quiet morning resumed like nothing had happened.

“Sorry Mariel, did I wake you up?” Rein’s voice came from outside. She wrapped the blanket around her body and stood up to look. Outside were two neatly dismembered torsos with their previously attached limbs strewn around. In the middle was Rein, wiping blood off a strange sword she had never seen before.

“It’s fine… But… They got so close… Who are they?”

“Particularly nasty bunch. Serrators, or sawmen I guess is better. Name stems from their blades.” He bent down and picked up a sword from its sheath to show her. Both edges were serrated, but not very well kept. “They’re good at this sort of thing. I hardly noticed them myself.”

“Why are you up so early?”

“I like being early from time to time, means I can read a book in peace, and start easy. Only today I read about a particular style of dagger combat.”

Her interest piqued, she lit up for a moment, only to falter as she remembered her lack of literacy. Picking up on her disappointment, Rein showed her a brief smile.

“You know. It is early in the morning, so if you want, I could teach you a few basic letters to start you off on your reading and writing journey?”

“I’ll be there in a moment!”

As Ferran disappeared, Rein gave himself a pat on the back, pleased that she had taken the bait, and made for the inside of the house.

---

When the rest of the house eventually got around to wake up and make for the living room, they were astounded to find her together with Rein. With all her effort she was wringing her mind to constantly attempt to absorb the material which to her was completely foreign and difficult.

“Well done. It’s a start. Two basic letters in one morning… Now write them a hundred times each. Oh, good morning everyone.”

“Is Ferran learning to write? That’s awesome! But I doubt she’s better than me!”

“Actually Tili… Hmm. On second thought, never mind.”

…

“I agree. She’s off to a good start.” Even Carys nodded approvingly. “With that said… This is our last day here, so if there’s anything you’d want to do, today’s the day.”

“I guess I’m satisfied… Oh. Wait there Ferran. You wrote it the wrong way. It makes another letter you’ll learn later, but the one you’re looking for is… Yes, that way. Good.”

She struggled on with her writing, constantly pushed on by Rein and cheered by Tilia. Indas occasionally gave her a nod of approval, while Carys remained on the sideline, quietly observing her for a little while before breaking the silence.

“Tili, come, we’ll make breakfast while they work.”

“What? Why don’t Indas do it?”

“Just, follow me, stat.”

“Muh… Fine.” Tilia grumbled.

With the two other women gone, Rein leaned closer to her and whispered conspiratorically:

“Tili is an awful writer, as in, seriously bad. Your letters are readable… Hers… Eh not so much.”

…

“Yeah, I agree, Tili should’ve been here instead.”

“Guys… I’m trying to focus.”

Their watchful stares notwithstanding, she felt like she was making real progress in the whole writing deal. The letters seemed to take shape a little more naturally now, though she felt certain just a short break would make her forget half of what she had learned.

Work continued until breakfast was called. Before they left, Rein made a point of comparing the start of the session’s letters, to those of the session’s finish. A visible difference. One which she could appreciate, but not feel excited about.