War and fighting was not something she would have chosen on her own accord. If she had not been born to be a warrior and had grown up with more knowledge and education, she might have chosen differently. While she had a natural tendency to lead, her skill in battle had been something she was taught. But growing up in that life had offered her no way to escape and so she had simply come to accept her fate, perhaps even enjoy it when it was necessary.
Hearing Isra ask her to teach her to fight was bittersweet. While Katniss had no qualms about teaching her queen to defend herself, there was a part of her that hoped she would never need her teachings. Isra should surround herself with friends that could defend her and aim her policies towards peace, not war. Perhaps then she would never need to know to fight. “Perhaps one day you won’t need to fight…no one will.” Katniss had always hoped and longed for peace, even if she knew peace was unlikely to be found. She was not naïve enough to think that everyone could live in perfect harmony. Everyone had conflict…but it was how one dealt with conflict that set them apart. But she knows that this dream is far off, that Isra will need to learn to fight because one day, she might need those skills much sooner than she might hope.
At the mention of the debts she needed to repay, it seemed as though the queen understood her dilemma, that she understood the need Katniss felt to at least attempt to right her wrongs. She wasn’t sure she would ever match the price it demanded, but perhaps she might be able to make some sort of dent in the world. At her words, she offered Isra a soft nod. She would think about offering Denocte her services. Perhaps she could do some good here.
Eyes watch as Isra begins to leave, leaving Katniss to her thoughts. But she pauses, taking time to pressure Katniss but in a gentle way. She wants to make a point that Denocte needs her – that this court needs someone to protect them. Perhaps Katniss had come at a good time. Perhaps it was her calling. It was definitely something that she would need to think about and process. It was a commitment that she had to be ready for.
And then Isra and her dragon are gone, running off towards somewhere. Katniss sighs as she steps nearer to one of the bonfires to look into the flames in silent reflection. It was in that moment that she knew she would help Denocte. She would help them find peace.
@Isra
 |
