"Your life!" Rhia blurted. "You're not much older than I am."
"I've been wielding a sword-"
"Since you were twelve," Rhia finished quietly. "Your brother, Palindor, told me."
"Did he!"
"Yes, he did. He also said that was seven years ago."
"Palindor talks too much!" said Julina angrily, drawing the covers up over her head.
"He also said you're always getting in over your head," Rhia said meaningly, seeing more now in Julina's actions and behaviour than she did herself. "He told me to watch you carefully."
"I can take care of myself," came Julina's muffled voice. "I don't need anyone to watch over me. Palindor was cruel to say that. Besides, you have it backwards! I am here to watch over you!"
"I see," said Rhia, laying chest down, propped up on her elbows. "Well, for a cruel brother, Palindor seemed very unhappy being separated from you. He told me so, himself."
Julina made an angry noise at that and turned over to consider Rhea. "I am tired of riding on someone else's cape! I can fend for myself! A warrior has to know that he or she can stand alone. Only then can I truly be a warrior. I have to prove myself, Rhia! Don't you see that?"