Aednat

Chapter 1.

CHAPTER ONE

There was a sword at my throat.

But not for long. Before he even had chance to take a breath, I knocked Thawrin to the ground. 

"Rookie's mistake," I grinned. There was a sword at his throat. 

He did his usual cocky grin and stood up. It was our first day back at The Academy and we were already at each other's necks - oh fae I had missed this. 

"Aednat, I am second in the rankings," he retorted. 

The two of us regained stance, as simple a task as it was, it was Thawrin's weakness. He was well built, yet long and gangly at the same time; never quite finding stable footing. It was amusing to watch but could be the death of him someday, especially if the fragile peace was broken. The four quadrants of the realm had been at an on again off again war for the past few millennia. We were currently off. 

That didn't mean we were at peace though, rumours were constantly flying around about mass murders, random killings and the destruction of whole villages. But they were never anywhere that was considered significant, or important. Or at least no where considered important to the magistrate. Luckily I was a human (the magical variety), so I was... how do I put it nicely? The main priority. There are so many different types of fae in our realm and yet the majority - 75% - are overlooked. It's unfair, it's the way it is, but. It shouldn't be.

I took a deep breath and cleared my mind, concentrating on the matter at hand. 

We both nodded our heads at each other and the tango began. Even without swords, a duel is exciting to watch. Unless you are Mel. Ah Melody, one of the 'Golden Trio', that's what she liked to call us. I think it's a mortal culture reference, (I can't really keep up with it). Duelling however, well I'm pretty sure it's the only thing I'm good at. That and Casting. I like to think that my spells are top knotch. Clearly pronounced and well executed.

I wish I could say the same for the Thawrin's footwork. 

Unlike him I was great on my feet and thrived in the rhythm of it. It was not unknown to catch me singing as I moved. I'm a terrible singer, please stop me if you hear me. 

We were only a minute in when I was just about to lunge for his... area when a squeal saved his sorry ass. A grin grew on my face as I whipped my head around to see none other than our resident worrier. Mel. Her short, now pink hair, a spiky mess sticking out in all directions. I wish I could say it was an accidental look. (The spikes, not the colour - I think I am beginning to have a soft spot for the colour. Eugh.) 

Mel's jaw dropped dramatically and her paled face as she realised how close my sword was. She stared on in horror for a moment longer, before gathering her wits and stumbling over to us. Her tall boots squeaking as they scraped across the marble floor.

"We're just sparring," I said with a light shrug, only just turning around quick enough to stop Thawrin. 

"Besides, there's no wound a spell can't fix," Thawrin said, missing me again. He is a good fighter by the way. It's just that I'm better. 

"It's completely safe, we used protection charms first," we didn't this time and why should we? We almost never did and we were fine. 

I caught Mel just glaring at me and twiddling with her ring, as she always did when she couldn't think of anything to say. 

And the duel continued. Lunge. Stab. Jump. Trip. (Him not me). Strike. Our pace quickened. We jumped on tables. Ran round pillars. Danced in between other fuels. He cornered me against one of the large windows. Slowing down and only being slightly gentle because of the stained glass. I took advantage of the moment of weakness. I ducked beneath him and returned the favour. Trapping him beneath my grasp. We struggled against each other. Dropping our swords we began hand to hand combat, punching and swearing at each other like we were sworn enemies.