Magic and Mortality (DISCONTINUED)

Chap. 11 - Lessons

KEY = Subtitle/POV change | Author's note |"Speech" | 'Quote/Thoughts' | Text | Emphasis

THIRD PERSON POV

THUMP.

THUMP.

THUMP.

"Aelfric, throwing knives is an art. It's about finesse and focus," Belinda said, selecting another balanced knife. "Feel the rhythm, let it flow through you." She sent the knife to fly into a branch, causing it to dislodge from the tree, crashing into the undergrowth.

Aelfric nodded, his gaze fixed on Belinda's hands as he tentatively reached for a knife, the weight unfamiliar but fascinating.

"First, find your grip," Belinda instructed, adjusting his fingers on the hilt. "Hold it like an extension of your hand, not too tight, not too loose."

Aelfric mirrored her grip, tracing the grooves of the handle. Belinda stood close behind him, offering guidance to his stance.

"Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent," she murmured, her voice creating a subtle warmth. "Be steady, almost like a young tree in the wind."

The rustle of leaves and a distant owl's hoot filled the silence as they stood together. Belinda's presence behind Aelfric calmed him. She adjusted his posture, their proximity suggesting a connection beyond the act of teaching.

"Now, focus on the target," Belinda said, gesturing toward a wooden board with a painted bullseye. "Imagine it's not there, just you and the knife. Feel the connection."

Aelfric inhaled deeply, shutting out the world except for his target — a ring of circles on a nearby tree.

"Good," she whispered, her breath brushing against his ear. "Now, with a smooth motion, let it go."

The released knife soared through the air, embedding itself in the outer circle of the target. Aelfric's eyes widened with surprise, a burst of laughter escaping his lips.

"I did it!" he exclaimed, turning to face Belinda. Her eyes sparkled with delight.

"You did, and you did it wonderfully," she said, pride evident. "Now, let's see if you can do it again."

As they spent the night immersed in the rhythmic throws, laughter intertwined with the rustle of leaves. With each throw, Aelfric gained confidence. Under the watchful moon, Belinda marvelled at the moment's beauty—a shared challenge, a subtle connection, and the enchantment of teaching Aelfric to throw knives in the moonlit stillness.

After the exhilarating knife-throwing session, Belinda and Aelfric settled around the campfire for a quiet dinner. The flames painted dancing shadows across the clearing as Belinda stirred a pot of savoury stew. Aelfric, watching her with newfound admiration, couldn't help but express his gratitude.

"Belinda, you saved me during that battle earlier. Your skill with both knives and in a fight is remarkable," Aelfric said, a sincere smile playing on his lips.

Belinda grinned in response. "Just doing what I can. We make a good team, Aelfric."

Amid the crackling fire, they shared tales of their day's adventures, their shared laughter filling the atmosphere. As the embers dwindled, they sat in companionable silence, savouring the tranquillity of the night.

The camp dinner became a shared moment that transcended the simple act of eating, deepening the unspoken bond forged under the moon's gentle glow. 

A/N: Okaaayyyy maybe I did use ChatGPT for this chapter? I knew what I wanted to write but not how to write it. Sorry!

I hope that all of you are enjoying the book so far. I've loved writing it, and I hope you all love it as much as I do. As always, if you have any suggestions, please let me know.

It's my birthday tomorrow! (Well tomorrow as I'm writing this but I'll set it to publish at midnight) Birthdays are fun, but am I the only one who feels really weird after a birthday? Like you've lived another day but you're the exact same...

Anyway, I will publish the next chapter soon! Merry Christmas!

Christmas wishes from CadiKuch09 😁