Fate Begins (缘起) **ON HOLD**

Chapter 15: Sparring

~*~ Mo Yuan & Duan Liena ~*~

"I would like to begin weapons and magic training with you.  There is a lot I can learn from you," Mo Yuan said.

"You want to learn from me?"

"Yes, my Goddess, I would like to learn from you.  In return, perhaps, I could teach you a few tricks."

"You are too gracious, Yuan. I doubt there is anything you could learn from me. You are, after all, the almighty God of War and I am but a lowly and humble Goddess with delicate hands and strength," she replied with humility in her voice and a subtle smile.

"Why don't we try a small session right now with the swords in your hands?  I have never seen you in action. This will be a first.  I promise I will be gentle and go easy on you, my Goddess," Mo Yuan replied with a smile and deep bow towards her.

Liena smiled and tossed him the dragon sword.

"I hope your raw strength and talent are as robust and abundant as your ego, my love."

"No magic. Sheer strength and talent only," he replied with a chuckle.

"Deal. However, I will not raise my sword in offense and let you have the first five moves. My hands and strength may be delicate, but I will try my best to take you out in one move," she smiled before bowing deeply to him.

"What do I get if I take you out in one move? Entice me, my Goddess."

"What would you like, Yuan?  I am feeling rather generous at the moment.  Name your reward," she replied in her soft and delicate tone.

Mo Yuan walked toward Liena, swinging his sword from side to side. Standing in front of her, he placed the sword to his side, and with one finger, he lifted her chin.

"Marry me. If I take you out in one of five moves, you have to marry me," Mo Yuan said as he gazed into her sparkling azure eyes.

"High God Mo Yuan, what sort of reward is that? Make it make sense," she teased.

"You said "name your reward," and so I have:  You," Mo Yuan whispered as he gently caressed her cheek and let out a throaty chuckle.

"You will be my fūrén before this match is over," Mo Yuan said as he rubbed his thumb across his bottom lip and smiled deviously at her.

"You did that on purpose High God Mo Yuan. It's a distraction tactic. Thumb on lip? Really?"

"You have no idea how lovely and powerful you are. I desire you so much, and I adore you even more. You make me happy," he said tenderly with all his love and adoration for her shining brightly through his eyes.

"If you take me out in one of five moves, I will be your fūrén," Liena whispered as she adjusted the collar of his robes, tightened his sash, and smoothed down the front of his outer robe.

Mo Yuan dropped his sword and began trembling as he struggled to respond.

"Repeat that. What did you say?" He said softly in a broken voice.

"I love you... If you take me out in one of five moves, I'm willing," Liena whispered as she cupped Mo Yuan's face and gently pressed her lips to the bridge of his nose.