Hey, starchild, are you listening?
She had not expected the cut to actually land. That much was evident in the shocked expression, and how long it took for her to react when she was declared a victor. A flicker, an instant of triumph - it would return in full bloom later, in the privacy of her own room - but then it was gone, replaced by apology and concern. "Are you alright? I am so sorry, I thought you would block it, or move away, or..."
Even though it was only a small cut, only a little blood, it was difficult not to hurl the sword away from herself in horror and disgust. The swat separated the blade from her hand anyway, and Seren was visibly relieved; her hand crawled with the lingering sensation of blunt steel on flesh, and it wouldn't leave even as she shook the fingers out.
Was it because Ronin was her father? Because she loved him, and hated causing him pain - no matter how small an injury? Was it because he was alive, and breathing, and she not quite made for the slaying of things, despite how easily she took to weapons and training? All of it, none of it; Seren had no answers.
"It doesn't feel like I won," she mumbled, and tried to smile. But it was a shaky thing, and short lived. Swallowing thickly, the girl stepped over to pick up her sword.
Even though it was only a small cut, only a little blood, it was difficult not to hurl the sword away from herself in horror and disgust. The swat separated the blade from her hand anyway, and Seren was visibly relieved; her hand crawled with the lingering sensation of blunt steel on flesh, and it wouldn't leave even as she shook the fingers out.
Was it because Ronin was her father? Because she loved him, and hated causing him pain - no matter how small an injury? Was it because he was alive, and breathing, and she not quite made for the slaying of things, despite how easily she took to weapons and training? All of it, none of it; Seren had no answers.
"It doesn't feel like I won," she mumbled, and tried to smile. But it was a shaky thing, and short lived. Swallowing thickly, the girl stepped over to pick up her sword.
Seren
