The Infernal Devices Reimagined

Twisted Every Way

"Oh, he's cross with me, Agatha," Sophie muttered as she peered out of the training room.

"No he's not! Why would he be?" Agatha said, shaking her head, "You didn't say a damned thing!"

"Precisely!"

"Why should you care if Lightwood's cross with you or not?" said Thomas.

"She can be fussed about whatever she pleases, you miserable tyke."

Sophie bunched her hair in her hands. How could she have been so rude to him? She knew he liked her and if he liked her then she had to smile at him when he smiled at her. Had she already forgotten what happened when she didn't do that?

"Stop that! You will hurt yourself," Agatha pried Sophie's hands off her scalp.

"I'm sorry," Sophie said.

Agatha patted her shoulder, "Never-mind. You mustn't let this eat away at you. Go busy yourself with something else."

Sophie nodded and turned to the wall of weapons. She recalled Mr. Lightwood mentioning something about getting started on swordsmanship during their last session. As such, she picked the sword that appeared lightest off the wall and swung it a bit, presumably to 'get a feel for it'. Mr. Carstairs and Mr. Herondale described using new blades in that manner. That must mean that every blade, every weapon has a different 'feel' to it - every weapon was different to wield. And if the Lightwoods' purpose was to sufficiently teach self defense to them, that must also include proficiency in every weapon, or a working knowledge, at least. Just taking into account the weapons on display in the training room, this would take a very long time. It could be possible that she would have lessons with Mr. Lightwood for years to come. The thought brought a strange twinge to Sophie's chest. She could not be sure if she enjoyed it.

The three instructors eventually entered the room. Agatha and Thomas immediately went to work on their swordplay. Mr. Lightwood came to stand by her. He plucked the blade out of her hand and smiled.

"A valiant effort, but what you previously held in your hand is a flat knife and not a sword."

Sophie reddened considerably, at which Mr. Lightwood laughed and shook his head.

"There's no need for mortification, Miss Collins!" He removed a proper sword from the wall and handed it to Sophie.

The lesson went on as they usually did: Mr. L would demonstrate a move for Sophie, she would try to replicate it, and then he would correct her if she erred or congratulate her when she succeeded. A while in, dummies were brought out for them to practice on. Sophie quickly got ahold of how the weapon was used. She allowed herself to briefly imagine how sweet the look on Mr. Herondale's face would be if she were to best him with his own weapon.

"Very good, Miss Collins," Mr. Lightwood remarked on seeing her sword work, "But there is a great deal of difference between fighting a wooden man and a man of flesh and blood."

"Then what point is there in fighting a wooden man? Perhaps I should just go straight to fighting a flesh and blood man."

Mr. L quirked an eyebrow. "Who do you mean to fight?"

"Why, Mr. Lightwood, are you not a man of flesh and blood?"

At this he was truly shocked: "Miss Collins, you cannot possibly mean to spar with me after a morning of training with a blade. I have spent my life, for as long as if can remember, in the company of swords. I do not mean in any way to undermine you, but it simply would not be a fair match. Do not be insulted."

Of course, what Mr. Lightwood was saying made perfect sense, and Sophie was touched that he tried to phrase it in a respectful manner instead of outright berating her for being a mundane and servant. However, Sophie wanted very much to spar with him. He had not mentioned her coldness towards him earlier that day, and seemed unable to say one unkind word to her. She wanted to see if his serene temperament was only for the benefit of others or his true self.