Part 711: Sully A

You have a minute, Kjelle?

Do you need me, Mother?

Well, I think I figured out why I didn't teach you how to ride in the future.

Oh no! Does this mean you're going to stop giving me lessons?

Just listen: it takes a special talent to navigate a mount around the battlefield. But it's not the be-all, end-all of combat. Everyone has their own unique skill set. I think I probably wanted you to find your own way to fight.

But why? Riding is a crucial skill.

Because I'm your mother.

What?

One tiny slipup can cost a warrior her life out in the field. And if I saw a risk, no matter how small, I'd want to nip it in the bud.

But... you're teaching me now.

Well, uh... Look, maybe it took a little bit for the maternal thing to sink in. I agreed to teach you without really thinking about it. I acted like I was training a peer more than raising a daughter. ...Make sense?

So your thinking has changed?

Damn right it has! Spending all this time together, I feel a lot more... motherly. I think that's why I can see where future me was coming from. I would've been older than you, and worried about what you'd do when I was gone.

So you discouraged my riding since you wouldn't always be there to protect me? ...Huh. In other words, you did what you did because you cared about me.

It's just a guess. I mean, I can't very well ask future me about it, right?

I suppose that means the end of my lessons. *sigh* It was fun while it lasted. I still think I'd be more effective on horseback, but I guess it's not meant to be.

Now just a damn minute- who said anything about giving up?

What? But you just... Aren't you saying you agree with why you stopped teaching me?

Yeah, maybe, if I was future me! But I'm NOW ME! We're practically the same age here! We can fight side by side for the rest of our lives, girly.

Then you'll keep training me?

Course I will! I'm sure I'd understand... Er, will understand... Er, whatever! And given we're both young and fit, there's no excuse not to train hard! Hope you're ready to sweat...

...J-just try to be a LITTLE gentle, would you?

I CAN'T HEAR YOU! LET'S GO, LET'S GO! MOVE IT!

Y-yes, ma'am!