Book 2 Chapter 77

After staying with his grandmother for over a week Willow had a better idea of what the coming months of training with her would bring.

In the mornings he continued practicing his martial forms while his grandmother had her spirit Exousia constantly emit that heavy pressure on him while he worked. Willow had already identified the spirit’s concept on their initial meeting, but constantly being immersed in it had helped solidify what it meant.

The earth spirit shaped like an oversized crown was one of authority and the weight it represented, which he supposed was a fitting spirit for a ruling family of the region. The spirit themself didn’t seem all that emotive, largely content to enact the will of the one who commanded them.

He supposed it made sense, a spirit of authority would respect the authority their binder had over them. Though he was quite curious about how such a spirit was born in the first place.

Willow had been disappointed to find out that his grandmother had no idea, though there might’ve been some kind of record somewhere in House Petros’ compound.

After his morning physical training he often helped out with Grandma Thea’s small garden with Miss Mu. With ample amounts of wood qi and more precise care the little patch of plants was much more vibrant and provided periodic greens for the group to munch on. It was also a chance for Willow to play with Andrea, as they often liked to dance around while helping the garden grow.

In the afternoons he’d begun to be taught the intricacies of earth qi and how to fight with it alongside his sister after she’d finally agreed to take part. His grandmother had also started having him try to make use of all of his friends while training, trying to get him to more freely switch between his myriad forms in the heat of the moment.

Which also made him painfully aware of how much he needed to keep track of in a potential fight. Having options was great, but knowing what element was most suitable for what task was more likely to have him freeze as he considered what he wanted to do.

For a front line fighter any hesitation could lead to disaster, but that was what the training was for.

At least his sister was staying with them for the time being.

Maple still seemed conflicted about her time with them. Willow could feel his sister’s urge to move on and get back to her courier job, and the constant clashing with Grandma Thea certainly wasn’t helping to temper that particular instinct of hers.

Though today’s argument had a different outcome than any of them had expected.

Willow’s family members were once more heatedly discussing the potential pitfalls of Maple’s job and making a name for herself when Miss Mu decided to finally interject, likely tired of the two of them going around in circles.

“If it’s her lack of backin’ that you’re worried about, then she should just join up with the Wanderers as well. We have need of couriers and first responders for urgent crises, and Maple would probably be perfect for the job, after a bit of trainin’ of course.”

The two of them stopped and stared at the wanderer woman for a moment before they both began to consider her proposal.

Willow was frankly surprised that he hadn’t thought of that first. His sister would be perfect for getting word of beast attacks and other disasters to the right people quickly, and could probably deal with a lot of the more time sensitive issues herself with some prior instruction.

Plus it would be neat if the two of them were in the same sect! It would make it more likely for the two of them to bump into each other.

Willow wished that he could go see the rest of his family as easily. Maybe one of his friends would get a concept relating to movement that would make it easier.

He glanced at Phoebe and silently hoped that they decided on a meteor concept for their yang affinity. The floating rock spirit bumped lightly into his head in response, making him smile. They likely sensed his attention on them and wanted to reciprocate in whatever way they could. It really made him wish that he could’ve kept his friends out more often both on his travels and when he was in the previous settlements.

At least he could spend time with all of them now without worry.

Maple was the first to respond to his mentor’s proposal, bringing Willow out of his musings.

From the slump in her shoulders, he doubted that it was an affirmative answer. “I’m not sure I have the stomach to deal with the dangers the Wanderers deal with.”

Miss Mu rubbed at her neck with a gloved hand, while taking a deep draw on her pipe with the other. “That’s probably fine, we still have need of high speed couriers between branches at times. It’d be a shame but not a dealbreaker if you want to stay out of conflict areas.”

Grandma Thea continued to stew in silence, but Willow could feel her dissatisfaction at the offer.

Still, Maple was intrigued by what Mu had said so far.

“What would I need to do to join?”

Willow’s mentor let out a cloud of smoke as she considered her answer. “I’d offer to sponsor you, but my slot is currently being taken up by your brother, and since I’m already stretchin’ the rules with him I’d rather not stick my neck out any further in that regard. So you’d have to go to Wanderer’s Rest directly and petition to join. For someone with a spirit like yours it’d basically be a formality though.”

Their grandmother snorted. “So she’d be going closer to House Petros’ lands and there wouldn’t even be a guarantee of her joining?”

Miss Mu shrugged. “It’s one of the only ways I can think of for the both of you to get an approximation of what you want.”

Grandma Thea scowled for a few moments. “Couldn’t you go with her at least? Make sure she has your sect’s protection instead of leaving her to the wolves?”

Mu sighed, letting out a cloud of sweet smoke. “I could do that, but I’m not sure how comfortable I am in leaving the boyo here alone with you for such a long time. Trouble has a tendency to find him, and we’re already tryin’ to lie low after the last incident.”

Willow’s grandmother gave the wanderer a flat look. “You are the first visitor I’ve had in years, and I can keep him safe just fine.”

When Mu was clearly unconvinced by her initial argument she surprised everyone by bowing low. “Please look after my other grandchild for me, I don’t want to lose any more of my family due to my own negligence. I’ll make sure nothing happens to Willow.”

Miss Mu rubbed at the bridge of her nose. “Fine, I’ll make the trip with her. You do know that’ll take quite some time, right? We’re not exactly a stone’s throw away from my sect’s home, and while Rotter’s pretty fast, we’d have to skirt the lake rather than taking a ferry across it.”

Maple tried to argue that she could make the trip faster on her own, but the two older women vetoed that argument since they’d already come to an agreement.

Which meant it was now once more time for Willow to say goodbye to his sister.