The Hour Of Darkness

Chapter 6

"Honestly, Kzern, if you spent half as much time training as you do admiring your reflection, you might actually win a duel," she teased, her voice playful and light, a challenge in her eyes.

Kzern leaned against the training post, arms crossed, a smirk dancing on his lips as Islay circled him, a dagger glinting in her hand. The sunlight caught the blade, casting a sharp reflection that danced on the ground. He raised an eyebrow, flicking a stray strand of shoulder length - violet hair out of his face. "And if you spent less time chatting and more time actually fighting, maybe I wouldn't have to go easy on you."

Islay laughed, lunging forward with a playful jab. He sidestepped effortlessly, grinning as he caught her wrist, his grip firm but gentle.

"Easy there, wildcat! You'll give me a complex if you keep that up," he said, feigning a look of horror as he exaggeratedly peered into the distance as if searching for help.

"Complex? Please, the only thing you need to worry about is my superior skill," she shot back, twisting free and darting back a few paces, her stance ready, eyes narrowed with determination.

Kzern chuckled, wiping an imaginary bead of sweat from his brow. "Superior? Is that what you call it? I thought it was more like reckless abandon with a side of luck."

Islay's laughter rang out, bright and infectious. "Luck? You'll be the one needing it when I finally land a hit!" She dashed forward, a flurry of movement, aiming for his shoulder with a feint.

He dodged, spinning to the side with practiced grace. "Careful! At this rate, you might hit someone in the audience—oh wait, there's no one here but me! Talk about a lonely show," he quipped, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"Good, I wouldn't want an audience for my glorious victory," she shot back, feigning a dramatic flourish as she pretended to wipe sweat from her brow. "But if you keep dodging like that, we might need to set up a fence to contain you."

"Contain me? You'd have to build a fortress!" he retorted, his laughter echoing as he took a step back, watching her intently. "You know, I really think that's the strategy here: distract me with your endless chatter and hope I trip over my own feet."

Islay grinned, flipping the dagger in her hand. "A noble strategy, wouldn't you say? Besides, it's working, isn't it? You're already sweating!"

Kzern glanced down at his shirt, then back at her with a dramatic sigh. "Oh no! Sweating from your relentless banter? Whatever will I do?" He put a hand to his forehead, pretending to swoon.

"Don't go fainting on me now!" she laughed, lunging again, this time with a low sweep aimed at his legs.

He jumped, barely avoiding her grasp, and landed in a crouch. "Nice try! You really thought that would work?"

Islay shrugged, unfazed. "You've gotta try everything, right? That's how you get better!"

"Or how you get yourself into trouble," he replied, standing tall and brushing off his pants. "Though I must admit, your determination is admirable... if not slightly misguided."

"Misguided?" She scoffed, her expression fierce. "Please, I'm just ahead of the curve! When I finally beat you, it'll be the talk of the kingdom!"

Kzern chuckled again, shaking his head. "And what will they say? 'Islay, the brave and foolhardy, finally bested the mighty Kzern'? I can already see the banners."

Islay grinned. "I can picture it now: 'All hail Islay, the slayer of Kzern the Untouchable!'"

"Untouchable? Now you're really laying it on thick!" Kzern replied, rolling his silver eyes dramatically. "What's next? Are you going to say I'm invincible?"

"Only until I manage to prove you wrong!" she shot back, her voice filled with mock seriousness.

"Alright, alright, enough of this!" he declared, raising his hands in surrender. "Let's settle this once and for all."

Islay's eyes sparkled with excitement. "You mean it? You're ready to face the music?"

Kzern nodded, his expression turning serious, though a hint of mischief lingered. "Fine. One duel, no holds barred. May the best fighter win."

"Agreed!" she exclaimed, raising her dagger in salute. "And just remember: I won't go easy on you!"

"Wouldn't dream of it!" he shot back, mirroring her gesture with a mock bow.

With a swift motion, Islay launched herself forward, and Kzern met her attack with a graceful parry. The sound of metal clashing filled the air, punctuated by their laughter and playful taunts. They danced around each other, a flurry of movement and skill, each trying to outsmart the other.

"Nice footwork!" Kzern called out, executing a swift sidestep. "But you might want to work on your balance!"

Islay grinned, feigning a stumble. "Oh, you mean like that?" She pivoted, thrusting the dagger toward him again.

He barely blocked it, laughter bubbling up as he regained his footing. "No! No more tricks!"

"Tricks are my specialty!" she replied, determination fueling her movements. With each clash, their camaraderie grew stronger, the friendly competition blending seamlessly with their deep bond.

After a flurry of attacks, they both stepped back, breathing heavily, a mix of exertion and exhilaration lighting their faces.

"Okay, okay! Let's take a breather," Kzern said, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. "I didn't realize fighting could be this much fun!"

Islay grinned, her chest heaving. "See? I told you training with me would be worth it!"

He shook his head, a smile spreading across his face. "Fine, I admit it. You're not half bad... for a chatty wildcat."

She nudged him playfully. "And you're not as invincible as you think, my friend."

"Careful, Islay," he warned, a gleam of challenge in his eye. "Next time, I might not go easy on you."

"Next time?" she echoed, smirking. "Is that a promise?"

"More like a threat," he replied, his tone teasing.

"Bring it on, Kzern. I'm ready for you!"