Zavien
The laughing was in fact for Zavien.
He'd been training all afternoon with the other Dragoons, winning spar after spar well until the sun had started to fade from the sky. Agreeing that it would be their last bout, he'd joined in one final match against a large man. Just as his sword was raised to begin, he'd noticed Lena - making her way into the training grounds. He hadn't been expecting to see her today, even less in the rowdy chaotic sand court. It caused him to stumble through the first attack, delaying his parry. The others noticed, chuckling behind their hands as he regained his composure with a counterattack. Zavien tried to push aside distracting thoughts. Like the fact that his girlfriend had randomly decided to come train without telling him. His sword swept into another strike.
Another minute passed, and it seemed like he might be able to focus enough to win the last spar when he caught another glance of Lena in the corner of his eye. Spotting her again only drew his gaze more, causing him to miss blocking a well-placed attack on his ribs that had him doubling over. He didn't blame his opponent for taking advantage, especially as he ended up on his back in the sand, groaning softly. Their spectators laughed loudly at his blunder before helping their comrade to his feet. "Maybe next time, Zav. Keep training." A few other teasing comments about his distractibility came up, but they didn't mention the Caretaker as they took their leave.
Once he'd brushed most of the dust from his clothing and sweat from his brow while ensuring that the others had all departed, Zavien slowly made his way towards Lena. His eyes followed her movements, noting how she attempted to strike the dummy. As much as he wanted to automatically give advice, he didn't want to offend. Leaning against the wall close by, he cleared his throat to gently get her attention. His smile was warm and bright as he playfully asked, "Sooo... do you come here often?"
He'd been training all afternoon with the other Dragoons, winning spar after spar well until the sun had started to fade from the sky. Agreeing that it would be their last bout, he'd joined in one final match against a large man. Just as his sword was raised to begin, he'd noticed Lena - making her way into the training grounds. He hadn't been expecting to see her today, even less in the rowdy chaotic sand court. It caused him to stumble through the first attack, delaying his parry. The others noticed, chuckling behind their hands as he regained his composure with a counterattack. Zavien tried to push aside distracting thoughts. Like the fact that his girlfriend had randomly decided to come train without telling him. His sword swept into another strike.
Another minute passed, and it seemed like he might be able to focus enough to win the last spar when he caught another glance of Lena in the corner of his eye. Spotting her again only drew his gaze more, causing him to miss blocking a well-placed attack on his ribs that had him doubling over. He didn't blame his opponent for taking advantage, especially as he ended up on his back in the sand, groaning softly. Their spectators laughed loudly at his blunder before helping their comrade to his feet. "Maybe next time, Zav. Keep training." A few other teasing comments about his distractibility came up, but they didn't mention the Caretaker as they took their leave.
Once he'd brushed most of the dust from his clothing and sweat from his brow while ensuring that the others had all departed, Zavien slowly made his way towards Lena. His eyes followed her movements, noting how she attempted to strike the dummy. As much as he wanted to automatically give advice, he didn't want to offend. Leaning against the wall close by, he cleared his throat to gently get her attention. His smile was warm and bright as he playfully asked, "Sooo... do you come here often?"
I learned that in suffering,
we find the true measure of our strength.
we find the true measure of our strength.
