Millions of miles to the south, two women sharpened their swords in silence. Their movements were calm and controlled, their flawless faces serene yet focused. But if someone could peer into their minds, they'd find nothing but anxiety and despair.
This was especially true for the beauty with silky, deep azure hair tumbling messily over her shoulders. Every now and then, the corner of her lip would twitch, or her ocean-blue eyes that matched her hair would dart anxiously. She was pale with fear.
Her companion—long black hair, irisless white eyes, and natural dark armor plating her body—was tougher to decipher. Every time she finished honing or cleaning a weapon, she'd seize the moment to shoot a hostile yet bewildered glance in a particular direction.
