You will never do anything in this world without courage.
Unaware of Tal's eventful LongNight, he didn't find the request for defense strange. After all, Zavien had only recently completed his own shield that now hid within his bracelet. So when the basic wooden shield was strapped in place, he grinned at Tal's joking, a hint of his former light returning to his eyes. "That makes two of us." Although, honestly, he was all too happy to accept his weaknesses, smiling as he planned for what to improve on next time.
He supposed he should have been more suspicious of Tal's lack of experience based on the simplicity of the shield, and maybe the way he stood with it, but he was distracted by his own self-assessment as he moved through his strike. By the time he knew what was happening, Tal was already exclaiming. Zavien nearly cursed himself, his arm going slack as he rushed forward to check on his friend. Shame flushed through his body at the lack of control on his part. If there was any permanent damage or scarring, he'd never be able to forgive himself. But before he could reach forward to assess the injury, Tal was already squaring up for another hit.
Frowning, Zavien shook his head in disbelief. "Okay... but maybe block it with your shield this time? That's kind of the point." He waved his hands dramatically with a strained grin. As much as he was teasing, there was a level of seriousness because he did not want to hurt him. "And if you need to take a second to heal, that's totally fine." If Tal took the opportunity, he would wait patiently, but if not, he would sink back into his attacking stance to proceed when they were both ready. This time, when he swung his sword, it was more to the front, almost painstakingly slow so that the courier would have time to get in position for the block.
He supposed he should have been more suspicious of Tal's lack of experience based on the simplicity of the shield, and maybe the way he stood with it, but he was distracted by his own self-assessment as he moved through his strike. By the time he knew what was happening, Tal was already exclaiming. Zavien nearly cursed himself, his arm going slack as he rushed forward to check on his friend. Shame flushed through his body at the lack of control on his part. If there was any permanent damage or scarring, he'd never be able to forgive himself. But before he could reach forward to assess the injury, Tal was already squaring up for another hit.
Frowning, Zavien shook his head in disbelief. "Okay... but maybe block it with your shield this time? That's kind of the point." He waved his hands dramatically with a strained grin. As much as he was teasing, there was a level of seriousness because he did not want to hurt him. "And if you need to take a second to heal, that's totally fine." If Tal took the opportunity, he would wait patiently, but if not, he would sink back into his attacking stance to proceed when they were both ready. This time, when he swung his sword, it was more to the front, almost painstakingly slow so that the courier would have time to get in position for the block.
Zavien
It is the greatest quality of mind next to honor.
