Maxine was out in the training yard near the barracks going through her forms, sweat shimmering on her brow and slicking her hair against her face. She knew her student was to arrive sometime that morning, but as she was an early riser, that still gave her plenty of time to eat, go through her morning rituals, and squeeze in a little practice.
She knew little about her student, for she'd been told nothing but the barest need-to-know details. She knew his name, and that he was older than was usual for recruits--because he had allegedly been discovered late, something that wasn't entirely uncommon for Mordecai, whose abilities could manifest even late in life. Still, it would be interesting! She was so used to training young kids; would an older recruit be less or more frustrating? When they were young, they were easy to mold, but an older trainee might at least have more common sense.
Max didn't have much more time to ponder that when one of the other Mordecai called out across the yard, "Hey, Maxy! Fresh meat!" he said, jerking his head in Artorias's direction. "That your kid?"
Putting down her practice sword, Max glanced in that direction and wiped her brow with the back of a gloved hand. The guy there had the same semi-lost look all new recruits did and was clearly looking for someone, so it seemed likely to her!
"Probably!" she said, and put her sword away. "Thanks for the heads up."
Striding across the yard, she soon reached Artorias and tapped his shoulder. "Hey there. Looking for someone?"
