[Training] shades of blue

Lena

and sweetest in the gale is heard
and sore must be the storm

The Caretaker watched as the driftwood met trident tines; spinning, volatile and mercurial, as it was caught in broader scopes and alleviated from its arc. She gave a little clap, then remembered her actual task, and left the former timber to its inevitable fate in the sand.

She arched her brow at the fluke comment, figuring it hadn’t been at all, but if he wanted another try, she’d be willing – he’d already proven he wasn’t going to be mauled by her infantile throws. Nodding her head, she crouched down to snag at another portion of driftwood she’d gathered earlier, figuring luck or skill would prevail.

Rising back up, she tossed it around in her hand until it felt comfortable, and then gave her warning. “Okay, here it comes!” And then permitted it to be launched once more.

that could abash the little bird
that kept so many warm

Practice was the only way to improve, and with Lena's help Hadama was beginning to do that. It would take more than one day of training to gain the reflexes he needed to become better at defending against land-based opponents, but today's work provided a sturdy foundation from which to build and the King was grateful for his friend's assistance.

The second piece of driftwood arced towards him, thrown true and with a solid overhand. Hadama watched it's approach and then struck out at it with the same motion as before but a bit more strength behind his blow. The results were gratifying. The driftwood shattered as it impacted the starlit tines, its several pieces flying apart with a satisfactory crack.

The King considered this and then nodded, his emerald eyes rising to meet Lena's and crinkling at the corners in a small smile before he bowed his head to her. "Thank you," he rumbled. "You have helped me learn much today." And though he hoped she had gained something from the exchange as well, he wouldn't press her on a topic that made her uncomfortable.

Lena

and sweetest in the gale is heard
and sore must be the storm

An even better result careened thereafter – and Lena smiled at the rumble of gratitude. Even if weaponry would never be her cup of tea, at least she could assist others, in the most minor of circumstances. “You’re welcome.” Grabbing hold of her basket and things collected at her feet, she wondered if she’d improved a little too – even if it was just aim and dexterity, which could benefit in all walks of life. Shrugging her shoulders and shaking the thought out of her head, she pushed her basket further up her arm, and made a motion to hasten further down the beach. “I’m going to go search for those animals now. I hope you have a good day!”

And with that, she did just as she said, with a light little wave, hastening towards new fauna.

{FIN}

that could abash the little bird
that kept so many warm