eclipse [j.grace 1]

xix. and i told you to be patient

The late afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the camp, its rays filtering through the trees and illuminating the training field with a warm, almost ethereal glow. The usual clamour of the camp had quieted, leaving the training grounds serene but tense. 

Eira approached the field, her mind clouded with the weight of her recent revelations and the heaviness of her own isolation. The air seemed charged with an unspoken tension as she observed Jason and Reyna, who were deeply engaged in their training.

Jason and Reyna, locked in combat, were the picture of focused determination. The rhythm of their training was almost musical—the clash of swords, the thud of feet on the dirt, and their synchronized movements spoke of a deep, unspoken understanding. Yet, there was an edge to their interaction, a hint of something unresolved that lurked beneath the surface.

Eira took a deep breath and stepped onto the field, her presence causing a brief pause in the action. Jason's eyes flicked up, meeting hers with a mix of surprise and guardedness. Reyna's gaze was more measured, her stance firm as she acknowledged Eira's arrival.

"Eira," Jason said, his tone restrained but polite. "You're here for training?"

Eira nodded, her expression resolute but wary. "Yeah. I need to keep busy. Mind if I join?"

Reyna's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of mistrust in her gaze. "Sure, but don't expect us to hold back."

Eira's lips twitched into a faint smile. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

As the training resumed, Reyna and Eira squared off. The intensity of their combat reflected not just their physical prowess but also the emotional turmoil that had been brewing between them. Each strike and parry seemed to carry a weight of unspoken words and lingering resentment.

Jason, observing from the sidelines, couldn't help but feel a pang of concern. His feelings for Eira were complicated by the friction between her and Reyna. The argument they had had about Lyra still lingered in his mind, adding a layer of discomfort to their interactions. Jason's gaze lingered on Eira, the way she moved with a mix of grace and tension, betraying the internal struggle she was facing.

As the sparring match reached its peak, Octavian arrived on the field. His demeanour was a stark contrast to the intensity of the training. With a casual air, he leaned against a nearby tree, his eyes watching the scene with a mix of amusement and calculation. Octavian's presence was almost too relaxed, a sharp contrast to the tension among the others.

"Octavian," Jason greeted curtly, his tone reflecting his distaste for the augur. "What's the latest?"

Octavian's eyes gleamed with a hint of mischief. "Just observing the dynamics. It's always interesting to see how power plays out among you all."

Jason's frown deepened. "And what do you make of Eira's performance?"

Octavian's smile widened, revealing a hint of admiration. "Impressive. Though I must say, it's fascinating to see how someone like Eira handles pressure. It's almost as if she's tapping into something beyond the ordinary."

Eira, overhearing the conversation, felt a flicker of unease. She had recently found an unlikely ally in Octavian, whose ambitions and charm were not lost on her. They had formed a tentative alliance, though their relationship was still in its early stages. The prospect of Octavian's insights into her own power was intriguing, but she remained cautious.

Reyna, catching Octavian's comment, tensed slightly. Her eyes shot a wary glance at Eira, her mistrust palpable. "We need to focus on the immediate issues, not indulge in idle speculation."