The Name of Names

~Ten: a Spar between Friends~

Kaldar took off the ground as soon as they exited, Vanya urging him to go ahead while she cleared her thoughts. As she walked, the quiet talking of the elves reached her ears, as well as other sounds, such as clanking of a hammer upon a hot sword, bending it into the desired shape. Vanya glanced around for the sound of that noise, and saw Rhunon the elvish smith hammering, making a sword.

Before Rhunon caught her looking, she turned away, deciding she didn't want a rude comment in return. Rhunon's behavior was truly strange compared to most of the elves, but she was ancient, and the best elven smith in all of Alagaesia. She had forged each of the Rider's sword, with certain ways that she refused to show anyone else how to do.

I'll need a Rider's sword. Vanya suddenly thought, wondering how she would get one. Should've asked Arya that. She reflected, but not wanting to go back and ask the queen.

Her feet padded on the grass floor, and she enjoyed the beauty of Elesmera; the city made of the trees. The city which was as much a part of the forest as other places, such as the waterfall, or the open clearing where she used to come when she was a child.

She smiled at the memory, moving on quickly until she reached the house, where she retrieved her sword, I'm going to go to the training fields and spar with one of the elves there, she informed him. You may come along if you wish.

I will, Kaldar spoke, before exiting the house again. I will meet you there.

Strapping the sword and its sheath to her belt, Vanya left the house again, beginning to run swiftly to the training fields.

She was delighted to find Vanir there, looking like he just finished a round. His sword was resting down, touching the ground, and he wore a slight smile, which only came from having finished a fight well.

Vanya approached him, unsheathing her own blade, "Up for another one?" she called out.

Vanir looked up, nodding, "I suppose I could beat you again," he seemed to think for a little before saying, "Whenever the Shur'tugal is ready?"

Vanya's eyes narrowed, her lips turning up at the friendly teasing. "Oh, we'll see who is lying on their back with a sword pointed at his neck."

"I supposed I will," he took another friendly jab at her before raising his sword into a 'ready' position.

Vanya went on the attack immediately, swinging her word horizontally, but at the last second flicking it up.

Vanir blocked her swing, before thrusting his own sword in an attack, which Vanya parried easily. The fight continued along, each thrusting and blocking in turns.

"You have grown slower, old friend," Vanir announced, as she stepped to the side to avoid a jab which she couldn't bring her sword up in time.

"I'll see who's slow." the challenge seemed to set her fuse, and the intensity of the duel was raised significantly.

The two were like a pair of fitted blades, lunging, ducking, rolling, and slashing each in turn respectively.

Vanya's hair whipped around, pieces falling into her face as she fought, but she couldn't spare the time to brush it away.

Both elves' faces were locked in concentration as they fought, each looking for an opening in the other's defense.

They separated after a particularly vigorous set of blows, and began to circle each other, waiting for the slightest mistake in the other's movements. A small misplaced footwork, a small distraction. Anything would suffice to help in their defeat.

It came soon, when Kaldar roared loudly.

Both were startled, and then a second later, Vanya realized there was no urgency in his roar, and attacked Vanir, her blade headed to rap his ribs.

His blade barely got down in time to block hers before he stepped to the side, bringing his blade with him. A loud 'shrrrrring' grated on their eardrums as the two blades slid across each other, and Vanya winced slightly, but not hesitating when she saw the opening in Vanir's defense. She stepped forward, and brought her blade up, tapping his neck, just as she felt cold steel against her own.

Her face broke out into a smile as she realized it was Vanir's blade, and the match was a tie.

They each lowered their blades, and Vanir extended his hand afterwards. Vanya looked at it, rather confused, until Vanir explained, "It's what the humans do, after a good match. They shake hands."

Vanir showed her how to place her own hand, and she shook it firmly, laughing at the absurdity of the gesture.

"What does it even mean?" she asked, laughing brightly.

Vanir joined her laughing, "I'm not even sure, to be completely honest. They do it after they meet each other as well."

"Thank you for a match well played, then." Vanya smiled, sheathing her blade.

"It was an honor to fight with the Shur'tugal." Vanir looked completely serious, but the corner of his lips twitched, showing Vanya he was teasing.

Vanya raised an eyebrow, before returning to Kaldar, who sat at the edge of the battlefield, looking rather smug at his own show.

Thanks for the scare, mister. Vanya playfully punched Kaldor's scales, before instantly regretting it as her hand throbbed. Shaking it to relieve the pain somewhat, she spoke again, this time in a question. Why did you do that? I think you also scared all of the elves on the training field.

Kaldar laughed in the way dragons do, You two were just circling each other doing nothing. And I was curious to see how you would react.

Well, now you know. Vanya climbed up on his back, and by unspoken consent, Kaldar flew into the sky, circling over the forest at a leisurely pace.

Tomorrow we leave. Vanya stated, trying to think whether that was a good thing or bad thing.

Kaldar said nothing, tilting his wings to adjust to the wind.

After several minutes, Kaldar began to descend in lazy circles, watching as the city came nearer.

Swinging both her legs over the side, Vanya stepped off into empty space.

Kaldar's alarm spiked, before Vanya murmured a word in the ancient language to keep herself in the air.

WHY did you do that? Kaldar demanded.

To see how you'd react. Vanya grinned as she sensed Kaldar's annoyance, and slowly let herself down through the air, matching Kaldar's rate. Besides, we need to get you a saddle. Your scales are rough against my calves.

It would be nice, I suppose. Kaldar commented, just as his feet touched the ground.

Vanya released the spell, dropping the feet that were left to the ground. Once they were both situated in the house, the sky released a burst of colors as the sun met the ground, signaling the end of the day.

They watched, leaving the screen to the outside open to the fresh air.

Vanya sighed contentedly, leaning against Kaldar's side. Tomorrow we leave.

Yes. Kaldar said, watching as the colors in the sky faded to black.

I'm going to bring my map, and work on it some on the way. She said absently, seeing the room well still in the dark, as her elven eyes adjusted quickly.

That seems wise. Kaldar's reply was small, and Vanya could tell he wanted the conversation to be over.

You want to sleep don't you?

Yes.

Vanya laughed, but stopped talking.

Hm, it's been awhile since an Ismira chapter, hasn't it? ;)