eclipse [j.grace 1]

xviii. cuttin' me open, then healin' me fine

The training field was alive with activity as Eira approached, the air buzzing with the sounds of exertion and the rhythmic thud of weapons striking targets. She had been avoiding this place lately, trying to stay out of the way of the campers and their drills. The previous argument with Jason and Reyna had left her feeling raw, and she wasn't eager to relive it. But today, she needed to clear her head, and the field seemed like the only place where she could channel her frustration.

As she neared the field, she saw Jason and Reyna in the midst of an intense training session. They were sparring with a practiced ease, their movements fluid and precise. Jason's strikes were forceful but controlled, while Reyna's responses were swift and calculated. The contrast between their styles was a testament to their experience and the trust they had in each other.

Eira hesitated at the edge of the field, her heart thudding in her chest. She hadn't seen them together since their last confrontation, and the sight of them now brought back a flood of mixed emotions. They had questioned her judgement, and the tension had left a mark on their relationship.

Jason was the first to notice her presence. He paused mid-strike, his gaze shifting to Eira. There was a flicker of recognition in his eyes, followed by a guarded expression. He straightened, lowering his weapon. "Eira," he said, his tone neutral but tinged with a trace of tension.

Reyna, who had been focusing intently on their sparring, turned to face Eira. Her expression was equally guarded, her posture stiff. "Eira," she greeted, her voice lacking its usual warmth.

Eira nodded, trying to mask her unease. "Jason, Reyna. I didn't realize you'd be here."

"We're just finishing up," Reyna said, her tone clipped. "What brings you to the field?"

"I needed to train," Eira replied, her voice steady despite the knot of anxiety in her stomach. "It helps me clear my mind."

Jason glanced at Reyna, then back at Eira. "Do you want to join us, or would you prefer to go solo?"

Eira hesitated. The last time they had spoken, their conversation had escalated into a heated argument about Lyra. It had left her feeling isolated and misunderstood. But the offer was genuine, and she knew it might be an opportunity to bridge the gap that had formed between them.

"I'll train with you," Eira decided, her voice firm. "It's been a while since we've trained together."

Reyna's expression softened slightly, though the tension remained. "Alright. Just don't hold back. We could use the practice."

They moved to a quieter corner of the field, where the sounds of the main training area were muffled. Eira picked up a practice sword and began to stretch, trying to ignore the lingering discomfort between them. The air was charged with unspoken words, the silence heavy with the weight of their last argument.

Jason was the first to break the silence. "So, how's training going for you lately? Have you been working on anything new?"

Eira shrugged, her movements deliberate as she readied herself. "Not much. Just trying to keep my skills sharp. And trying to figure things out."

Reyna glanced at her, her gaze probing. "Figuring things out? About what?"

Eira's eyes met Reyna's, and she felt a surge of frustration. "About who to trust. About whether the things I've been told are true. It's been hard to sort through everything."

Jason exchanged a look with Reyna, his expression thoughtful. "It's tough when you feel like you're being pulled in different directions. Sometimes it helps to talk things out."