Nida

Having drinks with friends was something Nida didn't do often but at times, when things were tense, she needed a break. While she tended to hover around Valia a lot, she feared she was interrupting her routine far too much. So instead of bothering the little Acolyte, Nida gathered some of her warrior buddies to go drink at the tavern. Her cup was constantly refilled with sweet juice and the sound of cheer echoed around her as she reminisced about previous fights with her friends. They applauded her bravery and perhaps it could go to her head from time to time. With how much the others liked to hype up her victories, she was surprised whenever somebody had yet to hear of her. She didn't let their lack of awareness bother her though, she was more inclined to brush it off and inform them of exactly who she was.

Often the tales and boastings were overheard and she was challenged to a fight, one she so eagerly accepted. It was a pity that she was forced to practically bully these weaker dragons but she supposed it was their own fault for underestimating her due to her size and her 'strange eyes'. Some found the horizontal pupils to be unsettling to say the least but most just called them weird and proceeded to taunt her. There were only two things that could test her temper: Somebody upsetting Valia, or somebody mocking her eyes. Her foes seemed to realize this and were quick to make comments about her vibrant green gaze much to her dismay.

That day, while surrounded by companions and in the midst of enjoying fresh cold juice, one such dragon dared to make themselves known. Another Fae, larger than herself but clearly unintelligent as he dared to challenge her warrior spirit. Her Leo familiar, Khuma was as always, settled by Nida's side and quick to rise as somebody used a threatening tone toward her. She soothed him by brushing a hand through his soft, almost misty mane. It evaporated around her claws before materializing once again as if not truly there. She could feel it though, like a cool wind and silk against her skin.

The challenger proceeded to call Khuma a 'kitty' which flared his temper. Nobody who knew the Leo was surprised, he was more temperamental than Nida by a long shot. Nida assured him that she'd win the duel just for him and that promise alone seemed to soothe the lion. He got to his feet as Nida hopped down from her stool to face the stranger. She motioned toward the other Fae, noting he was clad in light armor and wielding a short sword. It wasn't exactly the best weapon for a fight against her spear but she didn't comment on it.

"Your sword." She stated.

"What about it?" He looked suspicious, wary of her next words. Nida grinned, baring all of her teeth. This was her favorite part. The overly-confident always agreed even if they regretted it later.

"If I win, I get your sword." She explained. Already she was excited to present her good friend Valia with her newly-won weapon before adding it to the collection. Up against one wall of their shared home, the wind warrior kept every single weapon she'd ever won in combat like badges of honor or trophies. Some were gorgeous and expensive while others were worn with age or rusted over. She didn't discriminate. At times she would have to chase a foe down and pry the fairly-won weapon out of their hands or tightly clamped jaws as they refused to give it up. A deal was a deal.

"Yeah sure, and if I win, I get your spear." The challenger declared. That was what they always said in return. She nodded, offering a hand to shake. It felt like everybody in the building had their eyes on her and she beamed proudly under their intense gazes. The stranger extended his own hand, shaking it and further sealing his fate.

Most of the patrons at the tavern followed the two Fae outside to witness the brawl, eager for a little excitement. Khuma was there as well, leisurely padding out behind a clustered group of dragons. He stepped around them, lifting his head high to see Nida facing her opponent with her spear drawn. His sword was also at the ready, glinting in the midday sunlight. The dusty but flat road provided a perfect space for them to clash and the crowd kept their distance to give them space. Anticipation hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

Then, as quickly as the battle began, it ended. Nida was a seasoned warrior and the opponent that challenged her this time around was an amateur. He lunged forward with the wrong foot leading, forcing himself off-balance to begin with as he swung his weapon with brazen and misplaced confidence. He wasn't expecting Nida to take to the air with her wide, elegantly-laced wings. She cast a shadow on him as she dove in for her attack. In seconds she had him pinned to the ground, her spear held up horizontally against his throat to keep him there. She didn't press down, just letting him spit angry comments at her while clawing at the shaft of her weapon. She just laughed cheerfully at another easy win.

"A deal is a deal." She informed him, using her tail to swipe his sword into reach. He had dropped it in the struggle, unable to defend himself with it at such a close range. She took it in one hand and hopped off of him, now wielding both weapons with pride. Cheers erupted from the crowd and the barely-harmed challenger glared at her with his ego hurt more than his body. "Remember my name, Nida, the Warrior of Wind!" She called out to him as he scampered off looking like he might cry from embarrassment. She reasoned she could have let the poor guy get a hit in on her but she didn't really 'go easy' on her foes.

Later that night, as she rode atop Khuma's furred back, she relayed to him exactly what happened in the battle and what the opponent's biggest mistakes were. The glaring issues in his form, the way he seemed to have no prior training, the list of topics for her ramblings went on and on. Khuma just grunted in reply, listening even if he'd rather she pick a different topic for once. They stepped into the gloomy forest that Nida and Valia called home after Nida's nomadic streak ended, coming up on the dark hollowed-out tree. The shadow Acolyte was waiting there, a small hooded figure lurking near the front door. In her hand she clutched the spear Nida had gifted her with, a common practice when she was riddled with anxiety as she normally was.

"Valia! I have the grandest story to tell you!" Nida exclaimed as she hopped down from Khuma's back and approached the other Fae. Valia tilted her head, her wide and glowing eyes staring back at her friend.

"Really? Well maybe you'd like to retell it over a drink?" Valia offered. The warrior's eyes lit up and she nodded with enthusiasm. She couldn't get enough of the sugary delights and was easily enticed indoors with the promise of it. Khuma was spared a third retelling of the story as he curled up outside, listening to just their muffled voices as Nida explained just where she'd gotten the cool new sword.