The Tale of the Ice Princess

The Halcyon Days - Chapter 10

By the time the mana wore off , it was already mid-afternoon . 

I guess i better start heading back so i can make it in time for dinner . 

I have came here on foot because i was afraid that any horse i rode may be scared off . 

As i traced my way back , i could her " twak " sounds . 

Curious , i headed in the direction of the noise . 

When i stepped into a clearing , i could see a girl swinging a sword at a tree .

The girl was around my age if i had to guess , with light pink hair and ash grey eyes . She wore  a short dress with a belt over it , somewhat like me . 

Woah , she is beautiful .  

She had features befitting of an angel , nay , goddess. 

Sensing my presence , the girl turned towards me , sword at ready . 

She gave me a once over , deciding that i was not a threat , lowering her sword . 

"What are you doing here ? " We both asked at the same time. 

I broke out into a giggle , the girl , seeing me , giggled too. 

"But really , what are you doing here ? It's dangerous . " i said . 

" And you are questioning me ?" The girl said looking at me . 

I laughed and replied , " Okay , let's just say that we are here for personal reasons . Nice to meet you , I'm Aria " 

" Callie " She replied . 

" Hey , do you know how to use a sword?" She asked , eyeing the sword that hung by my waist . 

" Yeah . I see that you are also apt in swordsmanship . Why don't we have a mock battle, Callie?" I asked innocently . 

" Sure , Aria. "

" Ok , first one to disarm the other wins , if any blood is spilled , the attacker is disqualified ." 

" Fine by me ."

I unsheathed my sword , readying it in front of me as she did the same . 

Her sword was an adult size short sword ,  looking like a longsword due to her short stature . 

Looks like it is of good make . 

She attacked first , lunging at me. Our swords clashed , unmoving , with neither of us willing to lose .

I pulled back , creating some distance between us . I thrusted my sword at her , aiming for her neck , however , she sidestepped it . 

We stood there , circling each other , unwilling to back down .

I feinted to her right , moving to the left at the last second . She fell for the feint , leaving an opening that i gladly took . I used the hilt to my sword to hit her on her left side . 

Her hand released her sword as she fell clutching her abdomen . 

"It looks like i win " I said smugly . 

" Heheh , for now . But not for long , i swear i will beat you next time . " She said , immediately wincing shortly after . 

" I look forward to when that day comes . But onto other matters , you are truly gifted in the sword Callie. " 

" Says the one who beat me . " She said with a hint of laughter , standing up but falling shortly after . Giving up, she laid on the grass , gazing at the sky . 

Seeing her transfixed expression , i joined her , lying on the soft grass . 

After a long silence , i asked " Does it still hurt?"

" Yeah no shit , it hurts like hell . Who knew a five year old could pack such a punch . " 

" Hey , for your information , i am six about to turn seven ! And who knew someone so beautiful could have such a foul mouth . " 

" Heheh , i think i am beginning to like you, little kid . " 

I looked over at her lying next to me , she had a amused expression on her face . 

I wasn't even that significantly shorter than her . 

" Hey , that's unfair!  i don't even know your age , what gives you the right to call me little ." I pouted . 

Ahhh , it feels nice to have someone to talk to that doesn't know who i am. 

" Who asked you to give out your age , idiot . Well , since you asked , i am seven . " 

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We chatted under the blue sky , going on to all sorts of topics, from swords to clothes . Before i knew it , the sun was almost setting . 

" Oh no ! I'm going to be late . " I exclaimed , hurriedly getting up . I brushed some stray grass off my attire. 

" I had a great time today , can we see each other again, Callie ? " I turned to Callie's lying figure that was also getting up . 

" Sure thing , promise to meet me here tomorrow , same time ? Also , call me Cal ." 

" I promise , Cal . Call me Ria will you ?" 

" Bye Ria ." Cal said , her retreating figure waving at me .  

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I laid in bed that night , unable to sleep as our conversation replayed in my head . 

Being around her was calming , like it was only her and i in our own little world , like the rest of  the world ceased to exist . 

Thank you , Cal , for being my first friend . I said in my heart 

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Too rushed , too slow or perfect pace?

Word count : 990