Caius wasn't one to be deterred, his expression faintly suspicious as he stared at Graydon. "I find it interesting you've chosen to linger on Ta Sa’Riel. It's not like you."
Graydon wasn't fazed by the abrupt change of subject, brushing it aside with the ease of long practice. "My oshota and I have been away for too long. I decided it would be wise if we reacquainted ourselves with home."
Not even Caius could argue that point. Graydon represented the emperor's interests. He'd served on consecutive front lines in the protection of his agenda.
Sometimes he was a mediator. Sometimes he was the executioner. It meant long periods away from the safety of the main planet.
Caius's expression was grudging as he let the matter drop.
The rest of them took in the image that had formed over Graydon's desk. Kira held a practice en-blade in her hand, her outfit disheveled, trees surrounding her. Her eyes were narrowed at something off-screen. Even through the holovid, it was impossible to miss the overwhelming focus in her stare.
She burst into movement between one second and the next, her form fluid as a drone dove into view, firing a barrage.
Maida leaned forward in outrage. "Is that one of my kattas? Where did she learn that?"
"Joule likely showed her," Graydon murmured. "The two are close."
"Even so, for her to have mastered it to this extent…" Maida trailed off.
Few could. Kattas took an instant to learn and a lifetime to perfect. Kira flowed through them with the ease of someone who'd practiced them relentlessly.
Her primus was one thing. It was powerful, but like all things, it had its weaknesses. Most Tuann with a primus became overly reliant on the form. They had incredible power while active, but it only lasted so long. When they reverted, it left them vulnerable and weak. More than one primus had been killed in such a moment.
This, though, pointed to hard work. Dedication. Years of sacrifice as she trained her body above and beyond.
"She watches. She learns," Graydon ignored the impatient feeling crouched in his middle. These people hadn't spent as much time around her as he had. They thought she was a child, her development delayed and hampered by her history among the humans.
They needed to adjust their thinking before Kira force-fed them their misconceptions. While he suspected that would be amusing to watch, Graydon didn't have the time to wait, nor did he think Kira would be willing to stick around after she was done.
Two more drones launched into view, quickly surrounding Kira. She evaded, a whirlwind of motion as she lured the drones into her trap, the practice blade almost hanging forgotten at her side unless needed—which was rare.
"That's not a beginner's katta. She's mixed in at least two mid-level and one high-level," Wren murmured.
"I haven't shown my initiates any of those," Maida said, her eyes glued to the image. "They're not quite the same as mine, but they're a good approximation."
Irritation and admiration mingled in her features. Graydon could practically see the other woman taking notes, already itching to get out and try some of the kattas Kira was demonstrating and see how they compared to her own.
Abruptly, Kira planted a foot on the side of a tree, propelling herself into the air. She spun like a top landing three precise strikes and disabling the drones.
They fell to the ground around her as she landed. Her balance wobbled, her eyes widening before she tumbled ungracefully to the ground.
Muttered curses could be heard as she picked herself up, her movements jerky as she knocked dirt and debris from her clothes. It was obvious this wasn't her first fall.
"Yes, yes. I know it's pointless unless I stick the landing," she growled.
Loudon frowned, speaking for the first time. "It's concerning the way she talks to herself. This isn’t the first time I’ve caught evidence of such. Isolation madness would not reflect well on our House."
Graydon's temper, already short before the meeting started, threatened to ignite at the implication. "She spent many years with humans as her role model. I'm told this is a common trait of theirs."
Isolation madness was a condition rare to the Tuann except in the case of those exiled from their Houses, who were left to roam alone. Tuann didn't often isolate themselves. They were too reliant on the bonds they formed with those of their pods and families. Those who did, occasionally went mad from the lack of companionship.
Loudon didn't retreat, his expression apologetic. "Be that as it may, she will need to be monitored closely. We don't know her history or what was done to her. It could have effects we've not anticipated."
Graydon reined in his ire. Loudon wasn't saying anything others hadn't already pointed out and would continue holding against Kira.
Harlow waved his hand, dismissing the image. "I've seen enough for now." The Overlord leaned forward, steepling his hands in front of him as the rest of them waited.
His tone was considering as he said, "As it stands now, Rheya and Blake have already passed the uhva na. They’re only waiting for their official seon’yers to be declared. It is our job to determine whether there are others among the initiates who are also ready and meet the criteria necessary for advancement."
Silence descended as they considered the Overlord's words. Such a request was out of the ordinary. Many Houses would have been overjoyed at having two pass Roake’s uhva na; to ask for more could be considered greedy.
Maida shifted, worry lingering in her eyes. "There are a few whose capabilities stand out, but I don’t want to rush. Normally, we would have several more weeks before we considered advancement."
Harlow leaned back slowly, one finger tapping against the surface of his desk. "In the normal course of things, I would agree." He gestured at the image of a frozen Kira. "But circumstances aren't normal. We can't pave the way for one, no matter how talented, without offering the same opportunity to the rest."
Wren's stare was penetrating. "You're so sure she's ready?"
Of them all, Wren understood the challenges of what Kira faced best. Probably better than even Quillon.
Like Kira, the channels through which Wren’s ki flowed had been shattered through grief and circumstances.
The rest of those present went still and silent at the reminder of that dark time. Wren had been broken, held together only by will and fortitude.
If he decided it was too dangerous for Kira to progress, not even the Overlord would overrule him.
That would be a mistake. Graydon knew Kira well enough to know she wasn't likely to linger if she felt coddled or held back. She would find a way to her ship and disappear.
Graydon had every intention of making sure that didn’t happen.
"Quillon?" Harlow asked.
Quillon's expression was calm and remote. "You know I cannot share the particulars of a patient's progress."
Caius scoffed. "How predictable."
A flicker of irritation tightened Quillon's jaw. "I can, however, advise that there is no reason to delay Kira's progress unless her seon’yer truly thinks she isn't ready."
Wren didn't speak, his gaze faraway as he considered Quillon's words.
"Speak, Loudon. I know you want to." The Overlord's voice was wry.