Smiles are contagious.
He watches her smile in return, finding that his enjoyment of the spar has long overtaken his fear. Zavien tenses his muscles for her next strike, following the path of her wooden blade to intercept it by his head. Despite his certainty that he'd blocked the blow, Anju speaks as if she's won. Sure, the kick had been debilitating - he can still feel the ache as he twists his core - but surely that wasn't enough for a victory?
The crackling behind him has Zavien looking behind to see the dragon at his back, prepared to strike him down, revealing the source of her confidence. If this was a real fight, he'd be dead. The thought is sobering, highlighting his obvious lapse in awareness. His face blooms lightly with an embarrassed blush. It also causes a pang of jealousy at the loyal partner assisting Anju and he vows to make a request of the gods next time he visits a shrine.
Until the Dragoon moves, he stays frozen, holding his breath and awaiting her verdict in light of his mistake. Luckily, he doesn't have to wait long as she reaches out a hand and speaks the words he's waited so long to hear. His face brightens like a sunbeam, illuminating every joyous feature. Zavien stands erect, taking her hand at lightning speed. "Thank you, Captain! You won't regret this!" He just hopes to learn more from her so that he might be of assistance to others and bring honor to the Dragoons.
{FIN}
The crackling behind him has Zavien looking behind to see the dragon at his back, prepared to strike him down, revealing the source of her confidence. If this was a real fight, he'd be dead. The thought is sobering, highlighting his obvious lapse in awareness. His face blooms lightly with an embarrassed blush. It also causes a pang of jealousy at the loyal partner assisting Anju and he vows to make a request of the gods next time he visits a shrine.
Until the Dragoon moves, he stays frozen, holding his breath and awaiting her verdict in light of his mistake. Luckily, he doesn't have to wait long as she reaches out a hand and speaks the words he's waited so long to hear. His face brightens like a sunbeam, illuminating every joyous feature. Zavien stands erect, taking her hand at lightning speed. "Thank you, Captain! You won't regret this!" He just hopes to learn more from her so that he might be of assistance to others and bring honor to the Dragoons.
{FIN}
Zavien
