Something Something Learn Fast or Die

She let her claws flex, pressing briefly into the earth with each step, drawing their attention to the potential thread she herself was. Back to the main topic. “The wrong reaction could cost you your life—or worse, your freedom. When faced with danger, consider your options. Flight, fight, or feint—each has its place. Do not let pride push you to fight when survival demands subtlety. Pride can get you killed as easily as cowardice can.”

Her voice dropped to a murmur, more intimate now as she drew closer, her tail sweeping low and controlled. “Sometimes, your strength lies in letting others believe they have you figured out, letting them underestimate you until the moment is right to strike.” She glanced at them with a knowing look, her lips curling into a slight smirk. “Or to escape, if needed. There’s no shame in retreat if it allows you to live to fight again. Unless of course, it’s something you’d stake your life on. Just remember, you’ve only got one life. And not nearly enough strength or experience to know what’s worth betting your life on.”

“For example. I, for one, would rather die than apologize for something I said. Why would I have said it if I didn’t mean it?” For a moment she forgot her point and quickly huffed, a laugh escaping her as she couldn’t control her tongue even then. “You all, on the other hand, might prefer a different option.” Absinth paused, her posture relaxing slightly, signaling the lesson’s end.


"Absinth Artemisia Inferos"