Delirious

Chapter Two

The clash of steel reverberated through the training grounds, the sound of metal meeting metal ringing out like a battle cry across the Sablewood estate. Emilia and Arna, clad in flowing midnight blue robes, their faces contorted in fierce determination, danced around each other in a whirlwind of fluid movements and calculated strikes.

Arna's sword gleamed in the early morning sunlight, each swing precise and purposeful, her years of training evident in the way she anticipated Emilia's every move. But Emilia was no novice, her own blade slicing through the air with a grace that belied her youth, her emerald eyes blazing with an unyielding determination to prove her worth.

"Focus, Emilia!" Arna barked, her voice sharp with authority. "Your footwork is faltering. You're leaving yourself vulnerable to counterattacks."

Emilia gritted her teeth, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she struggled to match her sister's relentless pace. She knew Arna was right. She had to be quicker, more agile, or risk being at the mercy of her opponent.

With renewed determination, Emilia gathered her strength, her movements becoming more fluid, each strike imbued with a newfound precision that caught Arna off guard. The younger sister's sword danced with newfound agility, parrying Arna's advances and launching counterattacks that forced the older sister to step back, her eyes narrowing in both surprise and admiration.

"Good!" Arna exclaimed, a hint of pride tingeing her voice. "But don't let your guard down. Remember, a true warrior anticipates her opponent's every move."

Emilia nodded, her focus unbroken as she honed in on the rhythm of their duel. With a sudden burst of energy, she lunged forward, her sword whistling through the air as it met Arna's with a resounding clang. The force of the impact reverberated through her arms, but she held her ground, her muscles straining as she sought to gain the upper hand.

Arna's eyes gleamed with approval, her lips curling into a rare smile as she acknowledged her sister's progress. "You're getting better, Emilia. Your determination will see you through the ritual. I have no doubt."

Emilia straightened, a sheen of sweat glistening on her brow, her chest rising and falling with each labored breath. "I won't let you down, Arna. I'll unlock my magic, just like you did."

Arna sheathed her sword, her expression softening as she reached out to clasp Emilia's shoulder. "You have the strength, the spirit, and the heart of a true Sablewood. Believe in yourself, and the magic will follow."

Emilia paused in her fighting and slumped to the floor, breathing heavily. Arna sat down next to her, brushing her redish hair from her eyes. "But what about the elders?" Emilia asked, "their prophecy?" Arna laughed and shook her head, "that's a load of bullshit" she said, "and we all know it" she said, "that prophecy was made before you were even born and if all a load of lies. Every other Sablewood has successfully completed their ritual. And you won't be any different. In fact I think the duel, you'll absolutely smash" she said. Emilia smiled a little and Arna shoved her playfully, "only thanks you your amazing trainer, though."

"of course" Emilia laughed and stood up when the butler called them in to clean up and prepare for dinner. But just before she was about to leave, Arna grabbed her arm, eyes now stern, "don't listen to what they say" she said, gesturing towards the country house their parents owned. "You're better than them, all of them." And with that Emilia was released and began to walk back through the meadow to the house.