I like to think I was considered a pretty well-behaved child growing up. Well, at least when I hit the later double digits I think I was better behaved. Then again I have a feeling Lilith and some of the other residents of the castle would disagree. But come on I was a kid, not only that but I was a very lonely and bored kid. The only other person around my age and my mother didn't really want me to hang out with him. Not like that was going to stop me though. Oh, Titan Kikimora might have been right I really was just a menace when I was younger, wasn't I...

~Etta Age Twelve~

Etta and Hunter were sitting on the railing on one of the balconies of the castle watching the sunset. Both of them were enjoying the silence as the wind blew tugging at the strands of both Etta's hair and Hunter's. Hunter was taller than Etta he had pointed ears, and light blonde hair cut short except for a longer piece that hung in the front of his face. One of his ears had a tear in it and he had a scar on the side of his face. It wasn't unusual for when Etta would see him that he sometimes would have new scars. It was also pretty common for him to have bags under his eyes as well.

Finally, Hunter spoke and he said, "I can't believe you really made me climb out of a window to this balcony just to watch the sunset..."

"The door to this balcony is locked how else were we supposed to get to it?"

"Maybe find a different spot to watch the sunset! What's so special about this one?"

"Because this is the prime sunset-watching spot, also it's the least likely place for that stupid little gremlin to find me,"

"Kikimora causing you trouble again?" Hunter said looking over at Etta.

"When isn't she?" Etta said softly she gently rubbed the latest bruise on her wrist that she had gotten only a few days ago from Kikimora. She hadn't bothered to go to the Healing Wing knowing Hettie would just inform her mother that she had once again dropped by with yet another injury. She knew it broke her mother's heart every time she was told the news.

Hunter noticed the bruise and said, "You should really get that looked at it looks like it's gotten worse since I last saw it,"

Etta shook her head and said, "I can't it'd break my mother's heart if she knew plus it'd be my sixth time this month alone..."

"So you've just been keeping it hidden?"

Etta reached into her pocket and pulled out a small blue diamond stone and said, "Concealment stones do wondrous things, it's charmed to hide minor surface injuries," she silently clipped it onto her ear as an earring. Instantly the bruise disappeared.

"Wasn't Lilith suspicious when she saw you wearing one?"

"I told her it was for cosmetic purposes,"

"I have healing patches in my room if you want to use one,"

"You need those besides I'll be fine. I've just got to toughen up!"

Hunter looked back at the sunset and said, "I remember when we were younger and you told me you believed Kikimora would eventually stop once you got older..." His voice trailed off and he fell silent.

"She doesn't does she?" Etta said and she looked at Hunter.

Hunter was silent and then he said, "She picks on us because she knows she can get away with it. Just wait once I become the Golden Guard I'll put an end to that!"

"How's you're training for that assessment exam going?"

Hunter shrugged and said, "It's going,"

Etta let out a laugh and said, "That well huh?"

"I have to keep working hard if I pass the assessment examination. I'll finally be given an artificial staff and be appointed the position of the Golden Guard!" He then turned to Etta and said, "You're preparing for your own assessment examine next year aren't you?"

Hearing this Etta tumbled off the railing of the balcony in shock.

Hunter leaned over the edge to check on her. He didn't shout, however. This wasn't the first time this had happened. He trusted Etta to be able and catch herself in time.

She fell a few feet before her wings shot out and she caught herself. She shot back upward until she was hovering in front of Hunter her eyes wide. "What assessment examine?!"

Hunter raised his arms to shield his face from the burst of wind that was now blowing in his face from Etta's wings. "You're assessment examine to become Lilith's assistant, I would have expected Lilith to have told you about it by now!" Hunter shouted over the sound of Etta's flapping wings.

Etta started frantically flying around until finally, she dropped back down on the railing of the balcony her face pale and eyes wide. "Oh, my Titan I'm going to die...This is the end, dead once I turn thirteen,"

"I assumed that Lilith told you, I thought that was why all of a sudden you were always too busy with tutoring sessions to meet up and hang out,"

Etta's face changed and she said, "You're right... that must have been why my mother placed me in so many classes and started tutoring me more than usual she was scared... Why didn't she just tell me the truth?!"

"I think she was trying to protect you,"

Etta's wings drooped and she said, "That makes sense," She looked at Hunter and said, "What am I going to do? I don't stand a chance of passing those trials,"

Hunter coughed and reached up and tugged on one of Etta's wings and said, "You do have these, don't you? I'm sure they'll come in handy. Even still I think it's best to continue to keep up with your studies the information will no doubt come in handy,"

Etta nodded but she lowered her head looking defeated. Hunter noticed and said, "We'll still be together, I'm pretty sure you're signed up to be in the same examination group as me. We could help each other study material in the library,"

Etta scoffed and said, "There's no way my mother would be cool with us studying together, you know what my mother thinks of you right?"

Hunter blinked his eyes looking confused and said, "No I don't what does she think bad of me?"

Etta chuckled awkwardly and said, "Something like that don't worry about it," and she waved her hand dismissively hoping Hunter would drop the topic. She definitely didn't need one of the friends that she did have and saw frequently finding out how much her mother really did not like him.

Hunter luckily did drop the topic instead he turned back to look at the Sunset. The sky was a darker color now and the sun had all but set almost completely. Pinpricks of stars had begun to appear in the sky.

Both of them knew they should have probably been headed to dinner. But there was an unspoken understanding that the two just wanted to stay a little while longer outside the castle they both called home. Both attempting to escape different things and different expectations.

~Meanwhile Lilith at the Coven Head Dinner~

Lilith once again was under the scrutiny of Kikimora and once again her daughter was the topic of conversation.

"Your apprentice is twelve isn't she Lilith?"

"Yes, her birthday was a few months ago..."

"Well, then I think it's about time she starts attending these dinners with you Lilith. She'll be moving into the position of your assistant next year. Given the expectations she'll pass her assessment exams and trials,"

Lilith's face paled hearing this, her knuckles turned white as she gripped the knife in her hand tighter. She knew what awaited Etta if she joined her at this table. Endless passive-aggressive comments from Kikimora and Terra. Not only that but all of Etta's actions would be monitored and judged closely.

Lilith noticed that Raine's face as well twitched slightly showing a brief look of concern. Darius then spoke and said, "I for one would rather not have the beastly here. She seems better off in the canteen with the scouts,"

Kikimora's eyes glinted cruelly when she spoke her tone was in mock remorse, "Sadly it's not for us to decide. It's customary for apprentices to sit with their Coven Head at these dinners. In Lilith's case, we've been making an exception for Merletta because of her age. Since her assessment exam is scheduled for next year, it only makes sense she finally fulfills this role in her position. I expect that she'll be up for the task Lilith after all you've been tutoring and mentoring her since the day you were given her correct?"

The coven heads turned to look at Lilith. Lilith reached up and touched the gem at her neck. But didn't use it and instead said. "I'll make sure Merletta is more than prepared for dinner tomorrow night," She met Kikimora's eyes and didn't look away. She couldn't show hesitation.

A coy smile spread across Kikimora's face and she said, "Very good, we'll all look forward to it," She looked to the other Coven heads who nodded in agreement. Raine caught Lilith's eyes however a look of concern was on their face.

Lilith continued dinner her mind racing she was anxious for it to finish so she could talk to Etta and start briefing her on what to expect.

~Later that Night~

Etta had returned to her room she was busy frantically reading through one of the study books Lilith had given her. Her door burst open and in hurried Lilith. She closed the door and placed her back against it almost as if to brace herself against it,"

"Mom? What's wrong?" Etta asked she got up from where she was sitting at her desk and walked over to Lilith. Who looked several shades paler if that was even possible considering her already ivory-colored complexion.

Lilith reached down and tenderly held her daughter's face in both her hands. She brushed her thumbs across her daughter's cheeks as she always did when she comforted Etta, and said, "Listen closely Merletta. I got some news at the Coven Head dinner tonight. It wasn't good news I'm afraid, Kikimora said you're required to start attending the dinners with me from now on..." Lilith's voice broke and she said, "I'm sorry Etta..." Tears started to brim in Lilith's eyes and she repeated softly, "I'm so sorry that I can't protect you from this,"

Etta reached up and gently brushed away the tears that began to fall from her mother's eyes and said, "It's okay Mom, please don't cry. I can do this! I'll make you proud!" Etta did her best to sound brave. This was the first time she had ever seen her mother cry in front of her.

Lilith pulled her daughter into her arms and hugged her tightly and said, "I know you will! You always do make me so proud," She gently stroked Etta's hair she then let go and reached up and touched the gem at her neck and said, "I'll use this to help coach you at the dinner tomorrow night,"

Etta nodded her head and then she said, "Mom can I ask you something,"

"Yes, of course,"

"I found out about the assessment examination, I'm set to take when I turn thirteen... Why did you hide it from me?"

"I didn't want to scare you, Etta the idea of you having an assessment exam concerned me. I had no idea how it was going to affect you. I'm sorry I shouldn't have kept it from you,"

Etta gently squeezed her mother's hand and she looked up at Lilith her own eyes started to tear up and when she spoke her voice trembled, "Mom I am scared... what happens if I don't pass?"

Lilith gently pulled Etta into a hug and stroked her hair again comforting her and she said, "We don't need to worry about that because you will pass. I know you will. I believe in you, Etta," Etta hugged her mother back tightly, she buried her face in the front of her mother's dress attempting to hide the tears that now ran down her face.