"That was kinda the point with my birthday," she answered after a thoughtful silence. She waited to say more until she had her tea, pouring a cup and holding it for the warmth.

"There's a ritual when Guardians turn eighteen. We're neutral and untouchable until then. After that we're fair game to be hunted down, and we have to accept our role as Guardians and begin meting out justice and handling disputes, etcetra. Lots of Guardians don't make it to nineteen."