The Anni Redriner Interview Vance and Mirille Thomas, staff writers
Who in her right mind would leave her husband to stay in a room with the land's number one sex symbol, you might ask, dear ladies. Well known for her revealing clothing and the army of girls that follows her, the calendar pictures and the idolatry that turned her into Miss Myth and Lady Legend, everybody's favorite redhead lives up to everything you have heard about her, and more.
"I already promised the newly formed tribune that I would give you a lengthly interview." - She said and crossed her right leg over the left, smiling sweetly and I looked towards the door to check if my wife had already left the room to interview the order's first disciple, our beloved senator Manesfeld's daughter, the beautiful Cassandra, or would she see me blush. The plan was to ask her firsthand about the celebrity whose cleavage left me stare forcibly towards the upper regions of her face not to seem indecent. You know what I mean, don't you, gentlemen?
"Anni? Nooo... she's not sultry or seductive at all. Your husband is safe, as long as he minds his manners. Let me clear this out, a Lotus Flower monk NEVER EVER EVER taught a man a lesson that didn't deserve it. Our first and foremost purpose is to protect those who cannot protect themselves." - Cassie replied laughing to my inquiry whether or not it was a good idea to leave my man locked up with somebody whose reputation to kick men in the pants precedes the guessing about her shirt size.
She sat there, looking pretty, yet somehow being natural about it. You all know the kind of woman that plays a little stage act for the better part of her life, thick makeup and manicured down to the last toe. Miss Redriner was nothing like that in real life, I even found myself in slight surprise when she walked in. She's not six feet tall but a mere five feet two at the most but heels deceive. She's not seductive or overbearing at all, you expect to meet a femme fatale and you end up seeing a twenty year old college girl. A very wise college girl.
"I met her on the street. Just walking past. And when she saw me fumble around with the heavy packages she told the political committee to wait and helped me haul my shopping. Yes that's right, she told ten odd important people to wait to help a kid carry some junk." - She said and grinned at me as my face had probably given away my dubiousness about somebody with the rank of Princess to be any sort of considerate.
"I formed the current order of Lotus back during the Langorian era. I just arrived to Solinar back then. Originally the Lotus were ladies of lore and entertainment whose circumstances required them to develop a style of self defence. I took this style taught to me by somebody who prefers her identity unmentioned, and when I saw that there is a need for such support, I decided to teach girls." - Anni explained. She prefers to be called by her first name and hates to be addressed by any sort of title, and despite me easily being the age of her father, she just called me by my first name from the first handshake, yet I could feel the respect that I did not suppose I would get from somebody that can beat a dragon unarmed and unarmored.
"The girls? We ALL think the same about her: She's fab. No doubt. And no, we are definitely not a fan club, we just accept her teachings because of the life changing experience of being part of such a thing as a female order." - To my question whether her astonishing figure and health are a product of Anni Redriner's trainng, Cassie just nodded, smiling. "And now I'm her number one disciple, the order's physical education and combat instructor. Want me to give you a few tips?"
"I did not fight any gods. I've had Handok slap me around once you see. I just kept standing up. I can cast healing spells, and he didn't want to kill me just break my spirit. He broke my arm instead, so I socked him one and a flip kick to the jaw. He didn't really feel it but he turned around saying..." - And she made a mockery of a man's voice, I laughed - "You are worthy of survival. And disappeared. I didn't kick his arse and never punched Haniel either." - Her shifty eyes told me otherwise but I left the discussion at that. Let's pause here a moment, though. The Lord of Terror was disciplining her and she's talking about it like a friendly spar. Is she REALLY 'Painless'?
"She can take punishment, yes. But no, she didn't get bitten by a dragon, she actually dodges. She's a human girl just faster and tougher than a human girl. And she doesn't lose her cool so every move she makes, even in a hail of arrows, will be punctual and controlled." - Cassie explained, and I started to understand that most of the gossip about her is just made up. When I asked her about the cast on her left leg and arm and the countless bandages, she smiled and shook her head, I had to pry it out of her. "I took a hit from a skeletal juggernaut to save somebody's life, okay? I'll live. He will too, which matters a lot more to me."
"Children? Of course. I could outrun them easily, remember? I don't mind them coming to me and I can handle them well. The other day I've had a whole class follow me out of Solinar. I did send them back in mind you. Being responsible comes first. I never understood the people who put themselves before others. I know a few people who think they are powerful but in reality they are much weaker than Sammi Thornton in downtown solinar who took care of seven cats from her allowance. Know that story?" - I didn't. She told me about a girl who was raised by the prostitutes, and is thirteen years old now. She used to share her meals and shelter with every stray animal and child, refusing to go to the orphanage. She works with Anni at the docks and is going to become a lotus disciple when she becomes of age. I sat astonished listening to a story of true strength, told by a person of true strength. The interview was shorter than a Lotus Disciple's skirt as guards came in asking for Anni's help with some undead somewhere. One thing for sure: I think I understand respect a lot more after this conversation.
Reading through my husband's notes, I only have two things to say. Stereotypes about the Lotus being bad influence on our daughters with their lacking clothing and their nature should be lifted. And in the end I was glad to have left my husband in one room with one of the greatest heroines of all time... he cleans his desk and helps with housework eversince.
_________________ "There is no Sparta. THIS. IS. SPOON!!"
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