Crossing of Clans

Chapter 5: Training Grounds

Zeph woke up to birds chirping obnoxiously. She cracked her eyes open, the bed was so comfortable she didn't want to move. Pillows and blankets encased her up to the chin. I don't think I've ever slept this well before. Even as a child I could never sleep completely through the night. She blinked a few more times, sighed, then slowly sat up. She glanced to her left, no one was there, but the pillows were stacked nicely and the bedding was straitened. Huh that's odd. Then she remembered the night before, she blushed.
I don't know why I'm this embarrassed, we merely slept next to each other. Nothing more, nothing less. Reluctantly, Zeph rolled out of bed and noticed that there was a new outfit laid out for her. She pulled it on, it was beautiful forest green traditional dress, which clashed horribly with her eyes and hair, but she wore it regardless.
She debated on wearing her armor, but decided it would look too awkward. Compensating for the lack of protection, she strapped on her sword and dagger.
There was tap at the door.
"You may enter."
The door slid open. It was Hest.
"Good morning Highness! I trust you rested well."
Zeph smiled,
"I did, that was the most comfortable bed over ever slept in."
"I'm pleased to hear it!"
Hest looked genuinely happy, but had a hint of smugness.
"Now then, there is breakfast down in the dining hall. After that you can explore where ever you wish, you must get to know our Clan after all!
Zeph nodded,
"I will do my very best to understand how your Clan operates. Also where is Gai, he wasn't here this morning?"
Hest smiled broadly and winked. Zeph tried to have no reaction.
"He's down at the training grounds. He instructs both townsfolk and soldiers alike."
"Ah I see. Where are the training grounds located?"
    Hest explained where to go and how to get there. Zeph thanked her, ate a quick breakfast of rice and fish, and headed for the training grounds. She walked out of the courtyard and down the city's center.
     The city center was absolutely gorgeous. Tidy small shops lined the main streets. Delicious aromas wafted out from doors all around. The townsfolk that wandered the streets, shopping and bargaining looked happy. But behind their guise of normalcy Zeph could see the tiring effects of war, she could see them on herself every time she saw her reflection.        We need to put an end to this. They deserve to not have to fear for their futures, and for the futures of their children. Everyone should be able to live normal lives. Even if I die trying, I want to give that back to them.
     Zeph gritted her teeth and sped up her pace.
It turned out that the roughly five minute walk Hest had described earlier, was not accurate. After about a half hour, Zeph finally arrived at the training grounds.
     The grounds in themselves were impressive. There was a shooting range for archery, a dirt platform for combat training, and a grassy field for practicing what Zeph assumed was Earth craft. Even though she had never seen the Earth Clans craft in person, she had heard many legends of its power.
       The most common legend was that the strongest willed of their clan could move mountains. They could cause all forms of natural disasters. Such as earthquakes, landslides, and sink holes that could spread for miles. Overall, very impressive.
Zeph scanned the area. There were roughly two hundred soldiers training at the moment. They were all spread out in rows working on various forms and fighting styles (aka "crafts"), which were all foreign to her. They were slowly moving from foot to foot, hands cupping and swooping down to briefly touch the earth.
As Zeph got closer she noticed the man leading the craft training. It was Gai, standing on a slight earthen platform, he did every motion with precision and complete focus. It was almost magical, everyone was in complete sync with each other. All working for the end goal, which was strength and unity.
The ground under Zeph began to shake, the tiny pebbles bouncing crazily. Zeph had to brace herself. The soldiers and Gai seemed to not even notice what was going on around them. Then it clicked with Zeph. Their doing this with just sheer will power and teamwork. Amazing. They continued their craft for a little while longer, until Gai with an unspoken command brought his feet back together. The soldiers copied this and bowed respectfully. Gai bowed back. He raised his head,
"It's now time for one on one combat training. Line up!"
He glanced over where Zeph was standing. They made eye contact, Zeph folded her arms and nodded sharply. Gai raised his dark brow, the humor now back in his expression. Facing his men he yelled,
"No blood or broken bones are allowed for today! You must simply get your opponent to the ground as quick as possible! Face each other, and...fight!"
And with that, all two hundred men began to tackle each other. Gai made his way over to Zeph and stood right beside her. He rested his hands on his hips. Today he wore a short sword and a flail of sorts. Odd weapon choice, but he was an odd man. While looking out to the crowd he said,
"How'd you sleep highness?"
"Decent. And you?"
He tilted his head and said,
"Decent. What brought you to the training grounds this fine morning?"
She focused more intently on one of the fighting matches.
"I wanted to see what your soldiers were made of."
With effort, she held her stern expression nicely.
"And?"
Gai questioned.
"Better than expected, but still not the best."
Gai nodded,
"I figured you wouldn't give them the full mark of approval. But that's better than nothing."
He shrugged. Zeph considered something for a moment. Then decided it was worth a try.
"Do you want to have a sparring match? Craft against craft."
She looked up at him. He faced her, and smirked. His honey colored eyes and dark complexion made him look very dashing indeed.
"Why I'd love nothing more."