[Training] Blood and bone

When he'd seen the notice, Edmund had been picking up a new corsèque from a blacksmith. Ray was dead? His aunt Ray? The woman who had taught him how to tend to his own injuries and always answered his relentless questions? That Ray? The young Ancient was devasted. Seeking privacy, he'd made his way to Metacarpal Island. He spent the morning exploring the island and trying to gather his thoughts. Each time he recognized an herb that Ray had told him about, a sharp pang of grief would pierce him. The island was beautiful, and he hoped that Ray had seen it before her death. After hours of wandering and exploring, Edmund sat against a tree and let himself cry. His grief was a sharp, burning thing. Half sorrow and half rage. Logically he knew that there was nothing he could have done. He wasn't there. Still, it felt like a failing to Edmund for not having been there to protect her. He let out a shaky breath and wiped his eyes as he registered a noise in the distance. It sounded like a weapon on stone. Instantly alert, Edmund was on his feet, corsèque in hand. Red-rimmed eyes scanned the forest around him as he followed the sound. A break in the trees revealed Hadama and the young Ancient relaxed. "Hadama." Ray had told him about the mer before and it was clear that he had been her friend. "Do you mind if I join you?" The idea of letting off some steam was appealing. Anything to push back his creeping sorrow. Edmund Reborn In Fire