Respite

A Glimpse of Us

A year into their training brings Jasmine closer to her student in ways she never could have imagined. The young auburn-haired prodigy is an endless well of untapped potential. He grasps her teachings with uncanny insight and continues to improve himself at a frightening pace.

Her pride swells as she looks back at his progression. He has come a long way since the start of his career, both in terms of strength and stamina. Not to mention the ridiculous talent and skill he possesses for swordsmanship which comes as naturally to him as breathing.

It is a fulfilling sort of satisfaction, to be able to watch over his shoulder and oversee his development firsthand. Idly, she wonders if this is not what Alice feels as a mother. She smiles to herself, taking great pleasure in being a mentor and role model to the promising youth.

Her smile does not falter, even when the translucent teal blade whistles over her head.

She ducks low and lunges into his guard, ready to take advantage of the window of opportunity. He expects it. Her dagger sails harmlessly past his chest as he leans back, stance widening at the last second. He wastes no time. The sword levels with his arm as he thrusts forward, forcing her to sidestep and create distance from the counter.

They circle and observe each other, waiting for an opening. When it is clear that there is none, they must make one themselves.

He takes the initiative with a quick step followed by a low swing toward her leg. She parries the blade easily, returning the gesture with quick slices aimed at his extremities.

The sound of clashing steel echoes throughout the meadow. Their exchange looks like a carefully rehearsed choreography.

They have known each other long enough to recognize their respective habits and inclinations. You can tell a lot about a person by the small and subtle details they reveal that normally wouldn't be noticed otherwise. There is a lot to be divulged when you live, breathe, and fight together on a regular basis.

His feet shift outward, indicating a pending attack. She feints to the left but he doesn't fall for the bait. Using her agility, she diverges from the direct confrontation and targets him from the side where he is less stable. She tries to force him back and off balance in an attempt to end the duel. It is much easier said than done.

He wards off her assault with hardly a wasted movement, reacting to the flurry of slashes with calm, calculating composure.

In the midst of their heated battle, she grows frustrated and overextends. His small form immediately hits the ground and his leg sweeps at her feet. She vaults over him and out of the way before it can connect. Flexibility in combat is something she had preached to him after analyzing his rigid fighting style. It is astounding to see her advice being put into practice so soon and readily.

"You're keeping up."

He gives her a wide grin. "Still a long way to go before I can get you to take me seriously."

She brandishes her daggers and smirks back. "Closer than you think."

It is almost scary how he is able to keep up with her despite their difference in age and experience. He has been steadily catching up to her during the past few months after his body had begun to acclimatize. It is only a matter of time before he surpasses her entirely.

He takes a deep breath and slows down his breathing. They stare at each other. Red ruby eyes meet blue azure. He nods, eyes narrowed, and braces himself for the impact.

She shoots forward with mana enhancing her limbs, covering the gap in a single leap. He blocks both of her blades with a hand on the flat of his own. His feet scrape across the grass, screeching, before he comes to a sudden, skidding halt.