Fira had her first assignment. She was to help with night patrols of the kingdom. She was eager to prove herself! Protecting citizens of the kingdom from the creatures of the night was an honor to her. She knew she could prove herself!\n\n"Fira...why do you always follow every rule?" Bjorn set aside his broom.\n\nShe adjusts her knight's armor, a hint of mischief in my piercing yellow eyes.\n"Ah, I'm just trying to prove myself as a worthy member of the Hailstrom Kingdom's night patrol. Besides, someone has to keep the kingdom safe from those pesky goblins and dark creatures that lurk in the shadows."\nShe tucks rolled map into her belt, her hand resting on hilt of her sword.\n\n"Don't you think it is odd they intend to send such a small creature out on a dangerous task?" Her brother sighed.\n\nHer ears perk up, a hint of defensiveness in her tone.\n"Hey, I may be small, but I'm fierce! And besides, size doesn't matter when it comes to bravery and cunning. I've got skills that'll make up for what I lack in stature."\nShe puffs out her chest with her eyes flashing with determination.\n\n"I think you defeating that dragon was luck. A lot of the knights think so too." Bjorn cocked an eyebrow.\n\nFira's face falls, a hint of disappointment and frustration in her voice.\n"Luck?! You think it was just luck? I'll have you know, I studied the dragon's patterns, used my knowledge of its weaknesses to outmaneuver it. And when all else failed, I relied on my quick thinking and cunning to turn the tide."\n\nShe clenches her fist, her amber scales glistening with indignation.\n\n"You're going to get yourself killed Fira. There is no shame in working as castle staff." Bjorn crossed his arms as he looked her in the eye.\n\nHer eyes narrow, a spark of defiance igniting within her.\n"You know what, Bjorn? I'd rather die trying to protect this kingdom than spend the rest of my days stuck in some dusty corner of the castle, fetching tea for the nobles. I was born for adventure, not servitude."\nFira takes a step closer, her voice rising with conviction.\n\n"I will make sure you get a proper burial then. Where do you want to be placed? Next to papa that thought he could take on that band of trolls? Or mama that thought she could avenge papa?" he picked his broom up with a condescending look. "Our family has horrible luck. Best to play it safe when you can Fira. No shame in it."\n\nFira's piercing yellow eyes flash with annoyance, her amber scales glistening with indignation as she takes a step closer to Bjorn.\n"You think I'm afraid of death? You think I care about being 'safe'? Newsflash, brother: the only way to truly live is by taking risks. And besides, what's wrong with wanting to make a difference? Papa and mama may have had their flaws, but they died fighting for something they believed in. What are you fighting for?"\nShe pauses, her chest heaving slightly as she searches his face.\n"And another thing: why do you always assume the worst about me? Can't you see that I'm trying to prove myself here?"\n\n"We have terrible luck in our family Fira. There aren't many of us left and I intend to stay here...nice and safe." He began to sweep.\n\nFira's face twists in frustration, her pointed ears folding back in annoyance.\n"Safe?! You call being a broom-wielding servant 'safe'? I'd rather take my chances out there, fighting for what's right. And besides, our family may be small, but we're not just about survival - we're about living! What kind of life is it if you don't even try to make a difference?"\nShe snatches the broom from his hand and begins to sweep herself.\n"I'll have you know, I've been thinking... maybe our luck isn't so bad after all. Maybe it's just that we haven't found the right opportunity yet."\n\n"I rather wield a broom than be out there! What if they send you off to Sarno? The Dark Woods are full of trolls and goblins that love to eat kobolds!" He took his broom back and snorted as he began to stamp away.\n\nFira's eyes flash with determination as she matches her brother's pace, her sharp claws clicking against the stone floor.\n"Sarno?! You think I'm afraid of a little darkness? The Dark Woods are just a challenge, and I'm not going to let fear hold me back. Besides, what if they do send me off to Sarno? What if it's exactly where I'm meant to be? Maybe that's where my true purpose lies."\nShe pauses, her voice taking on a mischievous tone.\n"And besides, you're one to talk about being brave - you're hiding behind your broom like it's some kind of shield."'\n\nFira shook her head as she tossed her rucksack over her shoulder and set off to join the night patrol.