"Not long," Hadama assured his old friend, appreciating Noah's courtesy. After all these years it could be said that they knew each other's moves by heart... which made it all the more interesting to test that old saying. And while the limits he placed on them might have simply been to increase the challenge of their spar, it was not without ulterior motives. There was no telling where they might need to fight the Family in the future, and if it was in a crowded city like Haulani or Snowcloak they would need to be able to fight effectively even without their strongest demigod powers. Damaging the cavern and its unique biota would be regrettable, but it was better than losing human or mer lives.
And perhaps it would not even come to that.
"Thank you," he rumbled in response to the compliment, amused and in full agreement.
But then Noah took his spear in hand and Hadama reached for his trident, emerald eyes unshifted but still able to see Noah's vague shape - a dark silhouette - that blocked out a section of 'stars' against the far wall. They weren't bright enough to provide functional illumination, but they were visible enough that their lack was noticeable, if one knew where to look. His hearing was similarly unchanged, but it was the sound of footsteps splashing through water that he was listening for, and the creak of leather. For the moment Vi's demigod was quiet and still, and the Tidebreaker allowed a small wave of humor wash through the Bond as they both stood and waited defensively.
He had the privilege of waiting as long as he wanted, however. The tide would start to flood the tunnels again eventually, and it would not do for Noah to be there when that happened. So Hadama, a courteous host, made the first move by jabbing smoothly towards the darkness of Noah's silhouette with his trident. His feet remained silently planted, but his speed was significantly greater than the last time they had sparred.
And perhaps it would not even come to that.
"Thank you," he rumbled in response to the compliment, amused and in full agreement.
But then Noah took his spear in hand and Hadama reached for his trident, emerald eyes unshifted but still able to see Noah's vague shape - a dark silhouette - that blocked out a section of 'stars' against the far wall. They weren't bright enough to provide functional illumination, but they were visible enough that their lack was noticeable, if one knew where to look. His hearing was similarly unchanged, but it was the sound of footsteps splashing through water that he was listening for, and the creak of leather. For the moment Vi's demigod was quiet and still, and the Tidebreaker allowed a small wave of humor wash through the Bond as they both stood and waited defensively.
He had the privilege of waiting as long as he wanted, however. The tide would start to flood the tunnels again eventually, and it would not do for Noah to be there when that happened. So Hadama, a courteous host, made the first move by jabbing smoothly towards the darkness of Noah's silhouette with his trident. His feet remained silently planted, but his speed was significantly greater than the last time they had sparred.
