(Page 105)     "I believe it's paramount that we up our defenses. Clearly we have guardians who want our heads." Shadow's fist thumps softly against the table.      Glitch hovers silently over her shoulder, observing the meeting in silence.      "And so, what are you proposing we do?" Variks folds his lower hands over his stomach, listening patiently.      Pushing away the nerves that tangle her stomach, Shadow timidly meets his gaze. The trust Variks places in her never ceases to surprise her.      "With the risk of having to face guardians..." She trails off, somber.      Wolf shifts beside her.      "Eia, your solution?" Alekris turns her head in that vaguely sinister way, sharp eyes reflecting her intelligence. Shadow knows Alekris tries not to show it, but she's scared. Scared guardians will slay her sons. Scared the last of all she has will be ripped away. Just like the rest of the eliksni.       Shadow takes a deep breath as she presents her offer with open palms. "Crucible."      Silence.      Variks and Alekris exchange a glance.      "Perfect your skills in combat against other guardians." Alekris says finally, practically grinning. "I second this plan," she rasps, slapping down a clawed hand.      Shadow manages only a grateful nod, taken aback by the former wolf's support.      "You think this is wise?" Variks turns concerned, surprised eyes on his old friend.     "You'd be a fool not to accept, Variks."      Shadow tenses. Alekris was nothing if not blunt. However, Variks appears unaffected, accustomed to her behavior.      The hunter continues, hesitant. "This would also include some... Target practice."      The eliksnis' eyes return to her.      "For ghosts."      The room grows silent once more, and Shadow feels the urgent need to explain herself. She knows they're just as eagerly awaiting her own ghost's response.      Glitch's little blue optic flickers. "Killing ghosts?" He sounds bewildered, awestruck, like he can't believe what he's hearing.      "No, no," she replies hurriedly, holding out her gloved hands. "I wouldn't actually shoot them. A tracker, of sorts, to show me if I would have hit them if I'd shot in that moment?"      At the doubtful aura of her ghost, Shadow swallows her frustration. She just wants him to believe her.      "Look... I'm not trying to go out of my way to kill guardians. But if they try to kill us.... I just... I need to be able to..."      "I... understand. You want to be able to protect your family." Glitch lowers his shell in acceptance. "I trust you won't use this for any..." Struggling for words, he ends simply with, "Other reasons."      The awoken woman can see how difficult it is for him. How he doesn't agree with her plan at all. And she feels grateful. "Thank you," she murmurs.      "A dangerous job, yes?" Variks's quiet, thoughtful chittering reaches her ears.       Shadow ducks her head, acknowledging his words. "I know. But Glitch and I will make sure they don't know who I am. And no one gets killed in there."      Alekris stretches and abruptly stands. "Well. I'll leave you to it then. You know where I stand on the matter." She gives Shadow a firm nod before excusing herself from the room.      Variks begrudgingly gestures with a hand, allowing everyone else to follow her.      "Not you," he burbles when Shadow begins to rise.      She pauses, sits back down.      The door snaps shut, leaving the two of them alone. "Yes?"      Without looking at her, Variks replies, "I am not sure how I feel about this plan."      "I understand." The hunter lowers her head.      "I will think on it, and let you know my answer soon."      "Very well."       Variks takes hold of a metal container in one mechanical hand, pouring its contents into a cup. He sighs wearily.      "However, as always, I appreciate your dedication to protecting us," he murmurs.      "Of course." Shadow runs a hand through her hair.      He holds out the drink to her. "Here."      "Thank you." She smiles, taking it and shyly avoiding his gaze.      At the sound of Variks standing, she lifts her head.      "You are coming?" he asks, as if she should have known he was inviting her to follow him.      "Oh, okay, yes—" she stutters. She hurries after him, warmed by the thought of him desiring to keep her company.     Variks rests a gentle hand on her back. "We will discuss more of your 'ideas?' I would like to hear them."     She looks up at him through strands of raven black hair, amber eyes glowing in delight. "Sure."