Love comes in many forms.
Speaking about it, imagining it, and melting at the mere prospect of it can leave you giddy with its richness.
But defining it, expressing or experiencing it - that's a different game.
Elijah - the heir to the throne of...
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A warrior knew what he had to do when he entered the battleground, sword raised and his eyes trained to be even sharper as he slit every throat that dared to threaten his resting blood.
Some warriors didn't realise, that the courage, needed for their shadows to even graze what was beyond the borders, proudly came at a cost. It didn't sprout from nothingness, and it definitely wasn't ever a simple constant, that could simply be dragged up when required.
It demanded their own blood and sweat. Many were willing to pour it out, but some weren't prepared to accept a repeated cycle of it. It was important to realise that succeeding the first time fails to mean anything if one doesn't succeed the next as well and every time after that.
Drained breaths combined together, all of them storming around violently at different paces, as continuous droplets of sweat poured down their necks. I had ordered some of them to practise their sword fights, stressing the significance of dedicating an equal amount of balance when it came to holding the shield and the sword.
"Lendon, stop performing the same style over and over again. You're practically teaching the enemy how to defeat you within seconds. Forward, backward and sideways. Do it in different sequences." I had started to pay particular attention to those like Lendon, that had let their facade of power and strength reach their heads, infecting their sense of humility in the process.
He wiped the sweat off his brows quickly, trying his hand at different sword movements to what he was doing before, though it didn't look progressive at all.
"What seems to be the matter, Lendon? Please do not tell me you require a spatula to help you train further," Aaliyah leisurely walked into the training grounds, harshly scrutinising every soldier present.
Vladimir, who stood next to me, to assist me with the training today, released a subtle smirk at Aaliyah's comment.
It was clear that no one was being awarded enough time to even rest their eyes for more than what was a few blinks.
I turned to look at my sister, who was wearing a grey dress that lacked the usual tresses sluggishly swiping across the floor. "What brings you here, Aaliyah?"
"There's someone here to see you, brother. I had to bring her in myself, as the guards won't let her in otherwise."
"It's a female?" I questioned, confused as to why there would be a female asking for my attention.
"Yes, she's standing near the doors leading to our palace chambers. You should go, brother. Vladimir seems to have it under control and I'll take over for you from here." Aaliyah winked at me, as she went and stood next to Vladimir, rubbing her hands together as she looked at Lendon and the other set of soldiers training with him.
Doubt morphed my thoughts for a second, before I shifted my attention towards the exit to the training areas, as the tall cream pillars seemed to delicately hold someone between them.
