Emeralds For Trade // DNF Royalty AU

Chapter 3.2: Sitting Pretty

Techno growled as he pushed himself up off the ground, charging at Dream with a cry. He wasn't as tall as the blonde, but he was much broader, thicker with muscle and flesh. He dodged two swings of the man's sword before making an attack. He swung the axe towards the metal chest piece, intending to knock him back. However, with a cunning step to the side, Dream managed to evade it.

"Nice try," Dream rasped out through his teeth as the pig-masked man lurched forward with momentum, the provocation fuelling his opponent's determination.

Techno swung around before Dream could take advantage of his blind spot. He body-slammed the taller man, and Dream was caught off guard this time. The clatter of metal could be heard as he was flung a few steps back. The wind was knocked out of him, and he let out a groan. For a moment, Techno thought he had the upper hand. He was standing in front of Dream, who was winded and on the ground. The space between them closed quickly as the man charged at his stunned opponent, and Techno used this opportunity to raise his axe once again, his centre of gravity shifted back as he prepared to strike.

Dream used this opportunity to swipe his foot under the pink-haired opponent's leg, causing him to tumble to the ground with a clatter and thump. Swiftly, Dream sprung onto his feet, standing over Techno. He pointed his sword at him for a moment, smirking at him. The smile etched into the bone mask was taunting.

"Two for two," he said, dropping the wooden sword on the ground and offering his hand to the man.

Techno took it gratefully, letting himself be hoisted back onto his feet. He brushed off the dirt that was on his trousers, a mutual respect shared between the two in the form of clashing metal and dirt-stained clothes.

"That one was a draw, I don't know what you're on about," Techno retorted playfully, tossing the wooden practice axe to the side to take a sip from his flask of water.

He redid the end of his braid, seeing as it had loosened up slightly. Dream tipped his mask up a little as he drank from his own, the tip of his nose barely visible while still hiding his upper features. Techno noticed some small freckles dotting it, before catching himself and looking away to respect his privacy.

"Sure thing," Dream hummed out, wiping his mouth with the back of his gripping gloves before picking his sword up again. "Round three?" He asked with a grin, although he was still panting slightly.

"You sure you don't need a break, pipsqueak?" Techno asked, readjusting his own mask. He was catching his breath as well.

"Not a chance," Dream said, the end of his statement being cut off as he charged again.

Techno acted quickly to grab his practice axe and tuck out of the way before the wood came crashing down where his shoulder would have been. Without a hitch, the clashing of wood and metal began again.

Lady Niki watched them from the bench, smiling softly. Her and Tubbo were far enough away from them to not hear their conversation, but the two still had to stay present and alert in case the kings needed anything. Although her eyes followed them, her mind was elsewhere. She seemed to be daydreaming a lot today, Tubbo noticed. He had just gotten back from his delivery, yet her change in behaviour struck him almost immediately. He didn't bring it up the first hour they were together, but it was getting a little much. The small boy nudged her gently, snapping her out of it. She looked down at him with a hum of confusion, which he mimicked back teasingly.

"Where are you?" Tubbo asked, carefully working on the little piece of wood he had been carving. It hadn't taken shape yet, and he had been hacking at it for a few days now, but it kept him busy.

"Thinking," the newly pink-haired girl admitted quietly. (They had spoken about it before. "It's not gold anymore!" "Yes, that's how dye works," she laughed.)