Tesha almost couldn't believe the words coming out of Kenneth's mouth. Actually, no, she could believe them, and they made her furious. Her blue eyes might as well have been fire. He wanted to 'let it lie' did he? She could grant that wish! In a flash she had launched herself at him. In about two seconds flat she had her partner and friend on the flat of his back, her legs straddling his stomach as she pinned him to the ground with a hiss.
"You listen here you whiny, self-pitying moron. You are not useless. Your aunt's relationship with the Shadow Master has nothing to do with you being a Shadow Ranger. You are a Shadow Ranger because you earned it, just like the rest of us, the Shadow Master would not have let you do the Rites if you were not worthy. Saying he would let you slide by is an insult to him, and an insult to yourself, and I will not have it."
Her hands were gripping the front of his clothing, but she relaxed her grip and smoothed the material apologetically. Tesha sighed and the fire went out of her eyes, just looking down at him with frustration. Her tone dramatically improved as well as she reigned in her temper. "Please don't talk down about yourself Kenneth." She reached a hand up to give his hair a light tug. "It really upsets me when you do. I'm not so smart, strong, or quick. I act like I am, but honestly the way you fight, it takes my breath away. I could watch you in battle all day and never lose the feeling of awe. Maybe you're not the smoothest, coolest of us, but you are definitely worthy."