sword back to where she'd seen it retrieved from earlier.
Hudson waited while she returned the sword. He stood outside the small weapons closet, making sure she didn't touch anything else. “You're a quick study. I've never seen anyone take to the sword like you did today.”
“Thanks.” Lil smiled. “Turn around, would you?” The last thing she needed was to disrobe in front of a stranger.
He obliged. “It's amazing. You and Willow are the exact same size.” Hudson stood guard outside the small cubicle while she removed the suit and slipped back into her clothes.
“Well, we're kind of the same person,” she said. “Aren’t we?” She closed the cabinet and touched his shoulder to pass by him when she finished.
“I suppose so, but in all honesty, you two look nothing alike.”
“I don't normally look like this.” Lil gestured to her hair. “Back home my hair isn't highlighted and my nails . . . ” She held her painted fingers up to his eyes. “They're plain. Not that I can't paint them, but not in this detail.”
“Even so,” Hudson said, “you look different from Willow.” He followed her toward the center of the training arena where Arianna and Jamie were battling it out in hand-to-hand combat. “Personalities and what not,” he said. Lil raised an eye, waiting for Hudson to continue what he was saying. He didn't. “I should go. I have some things to do before we set off tomorrow.”
“Okay,” she said, watching as he disappeared through the exit to the corridor. Lil heard a soft snicker, and her gaze moved upwards as she caught sight of Rawlie above her on the rafters. He had a full view of the training facility. “Coming down?” she asked, staring up at him. Though she wasn't thrilled with Rawlie for bringing her here, she was beginning to understand his reasoning. She'd need more than just her bare hands to fight Eilith. The sword, the training, and the eternal suit would come in handy.
Rawlie grunted in protest before slinging himself down from the ceiling and onto the floor without so much as a flinch. “I'm not making dinner,” he said. “Don't think she won just because she got me to come down,” he told everyone.
Lil watched Arianna and Jamie practice. She peered toward the hallway where Hudson went. “Where's he going, anyway?” She was trying to make sense of the sanctuary and its corridors. Lil learned she could only access the back part of the building, and Hudson was going toward the door that she had no chance of opening. He must be related to Rawlie. She remembered it had something to do with blood and a chip in his palm.
“Who, Hudson?” Rawlie asked. “Don't know. Not sure I care. You did well today. Impressive. I thought it'd take you longer to learn how to handle the sword.”
“Guess I'm full of surprises.” Lil grinned.
“That you are. I think Hudson likes you.” Rawlie kept his tone indifferent.
“He's nice,” she said and followed Rawlie out into the hallway. “Which way?” She still wasn't familiar with the corridors.
“Left, to the kitchen.” He led Lil down the hall until they reached the second door on the right. Inside was the kitchen.
“You're not expecting me to cook for everyone, right?” She'd seen the exchange earlier and was not about to fall into their trap.
Rawlie laughed. “No. If your cooking is anything like Willow's, we'll keep you far from any appliances. You can watch, since you're the guest. Besides, Hudson should be back soon.”
“Who is Hudson to you, exactly?” Lil asked, perching herself on a stool. “You both can access the other part of the sanctuary; so are you related? You mentioned an aunt. Would that make him your cousin?” She had been paying attention, as much as one could when things made little to no sense.
Rawlie began pulling out the ingredients from the fridge. With a slow drawl he said, “Yes, he's my cousin.”
“He doesn't have your accent,” Lil said.
“Smart one, aren't you?”
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