//------------------------------// // The Right Path // Story: The Young Warrior: Fortuna's Promise // by Melody Song //------------------------------// Fortuna sighed and smiled as she headed out to train her charge. Something was different about her today. She was wearing her lesbian flag hoofband. It was a test, to see how Pharynx would react. Not many changelings liked that she was openly lesbian, at best they treated it with indifference. That was the test. If Pharynx accepted it, she’d know she was doing a good job as his mentor. If he didn’t, then she would have to explain to him why acceptance was such an important life skill. Fortuna smiled to herself, sitting down in the training hollow and awaiting her apprentice. “There you are Phary.” Fortuna greeted her ten year old apprentice as he trotted up to her. “Apologies Fortuna-domina, Thorax didn’t want to train with Athrex-eques today. I had to escort him there.” Pharynx reported. “I’ll have to talk to him about why his apprentice is afraid of him.” Fortuna remarked. “Guess so. So what’s today’s lesson then?” “This.” Fortuna held out her hoof, showing him the lesbian hoofband. “Teamwork, again?” Pharynx asked, and Fortuna gave him a look. “Come on Phary, I know you’re not that dumb.” “Okay, okay. So did you want me to try and steal it off your hoof like a pickpocket?” “What? No… though remember that for tomorrow.” “What then? It’s a hoofband.” Pharynx said, and Fortuna nodded. “Yes, but do you recognize the colour pattern on it?” “Yeah, it’s the lesbian flag. So what?” Pharynx deadpanned, and Fortuna blinked. “A little blunter than I would have expected but I’ll take it.” “So you don’t mind?” “No? Should I?” Pharynx took her hoof in his smaller one and looked at the hoofband. “So you like girls, what’s the big deal-? Gah!” Fortuna had brought him in for a big hug. Pharynx struggled in her grip, groaning. “‘Tuney! Put me downnnn!” “Not a chance, you little angel from Elysium!” Pharynx turned bright red, and Fortuna could taste his embarrassment. He continued struggling, and she released him after a minute. “I don’t get it ‘Tuney, why did it matter that I didn’t care?” “Because a good warrior, or changeling in general, accepts everyone, no matter how different  they are.” Fortuna explained. “No matter how big or small, whatever disabilities or special gifts they have, what they look like or who they love, you ought to treat them with respect and kindness.” Pharynx nodded in understanding, looking at the ground. “...I kind of already knew you were lesbian, ‘Tuney.” “What?” Fortuna blinked in confusion. “How? From other warriors?” “No… mother.” Pharynx looked away, glaring at the ground as though he saw Chrysalis’ face there. “S-She told us you were a ‘fillyfooler’ and that it meant you liked girls. Thorax was confused and stayed quiet, and I did too. I didn’t know what was so bad about it. What’s the difference between liking the same gender or liking the opposite gender? Aren’t we all the same anyway?” Fortuna smiled and lifted him up for another-less tight-hug. “Exactly, Phary.” “Is this going to turn into another lecture about how mother’s not always right?” “No, I just needed to make sure.” Fortuna smiled and set him down. “Ready to train?” “Finally!” Pharynx pulled out his dagger, and Fortuna chuckled. “Yes, ‘finally’ Phary. Come, let’s spar.” Pharynx grinned and set his dagger aside, sinking into a crouch. Fortuna mimicked his stance, and they leapt at each other. Fortuna quickly tried to pin the younger changeling, but he slipped underneath her and sprang up, catching her midsection in his forelegs and knocking her backwards. She chuckled and lunged, and he spun on his forelegs, jutting his hind legs out and sweeping her off her hooves. Fortuna hit the ground with a soft thud, chuckling as Pharynx came over and offered a hoof up. She took his hoof, sitting up. “Brilliant, Phary, you’re getting better at playing to your strengths.” “It won’t be my strength for long, I’m growing.” Pharynx pointed out. “Oh, you’ve still got a ways to go before you lose that strength.” Fortuna chuckled and rubbed his head teasingly. Pharynx huffed, glaring at her. “Heh, come, let’s go back for the day.” “But we barely started!” “I know. But I’m in the mood for a chess match.” “...Okay. But I’m going to beat you!” “You wish!” “Oh yeah?” Pharynx raised a brow. “Yeah!” “Prove it.” “Hm… the first one there gets white!” Fortuna shouted, then raced off, laughing as she heard Pharynx rushing after her. Fortuna slowed down a bit, letting Pharynx overtake her. She skidded to a halt inside the room where they stored the chess set seconds after Pharynx had. He panted, chest heaving as he caught his breath, and Fortuna giggled. She got out the chessboard, and he joined her at the table. “Ready to play?” Fortuna asked, but Pharynx didn’t respond. “Phary?” “‘Tuney?” “Yes Phary?” “...Did you really expect me to react badly to the hoofband?” “Well… I didn’t know for sure. I was making sure you knew about acceptance, because it’s something you should do. Respect and tolerance will guide creatures to the right path, sometimes without them even knowing.” Pharynx stayed silent, and Fortuna lifted his chin. “It’s not that I wanted you to react badly, Phary. I know what your mother is like and I know that she and many others don’t see the beauty behind my preferences. I didn’t want to automatically assume you would tolerate it. But I’m glad you do.” “O-Okay ‘Tuney… what if I had reacted badly, then?” “I’d have made sure you understood.” Fortuna shrugged. “You wouldn’t punish me?” “No… did something happen, Phary?” “No.” “Alright…” Fortuna said hesitantly, but continued. “I shall never resort to physically harming you, Phary. I’m here to protect and guide you. Not cause you pain and make you afraid of me.” Pharynx sighed and nodded, then grabbed a white pawn and slid it forwards two spaces. Fortuna took this as a signal he was done talking, and took her turn. She sighed internally, watching the nymph silently play against her. “I know something’s wrong… but the last time… oh, blast it all. Chrysalis is getting a talking to, whether she likes it or not.” -------------------------------------------- “Your majesty, did you hurt Pharynx?” Fortuna asked, walking into the throne room. Chrysalis looked up, a snide look on her face. “He has missed training with you, hasn’t he?” “A couple weeks ago he fell ill.” “He was sick when he was five, he used that excuse. He needed to be punished.” “An excuse is not the same as throwing up every ten minutes.” Fortuna said, eyes narrowed. “Your majesty, we-” “-Discussed this five years ago. How I raise my sons is not your concern and if you wish for them to remain safe you will not speak of this. Remember?” “...Yes, your majesty, I remember.” “Good. If that is all, I have duties to attend to.” “One more thing.” Fortuna took a breath. “I believe your son is eligible for early ascension in rank. I know he’s young, but he has grown and his talents have increased tenfold.” “I see.” “Pharynx deserves to be made a warrior. If it is alright with your majesty, I would like him to become Pharynx-legatus. Right away.” Fortuna proclaimed. “Your deputy? I see.” Chrysalis strode over from her throne, heading for the doors. “Very well. But only once he is thirteen or older. Understood?” “I… understand, your highness. Thank you.” Fortuna said, letting the Queen lead her out. “Well, at least she gave me permission… and this gives me more time to teach Phary a bit more.”