Quietus

Teach Me

"He insisted, you say?" Heturain chuckled. "Was it something like; you have traveled far too long and it is far too late for you all to head back now?" He asked, mimicking the arrogant posture and facial expressions Lawrence so naturally provided.

Acaila laughed as she leaned over her boots, tightening them around her calves. "That was exactly how he said it," she nodded, wondering to herself how on earth he was able to do such a good impression of the prince, without ever laying eyes on him.

"You realize that saying yes was a major mistake?" Heturain commented. "If he's in his right mind, he'll never let you lot leave." He continued.

"Luckily he isn't. And if it's such a mistake, why did you make it as well?" Acaila countered, getting up from the bench she previously had been sat on.

"Snarky," Heturain laughed as they started walking off towards the training grounds together.

"Thank you," Acaila answered, brushing loose strands of hair behind her ear.

"Is the wind bothering you?" Heturain asked.

"My hair is getting in my eyes, but I'm quite fine." She responded, "I'd never blame the conditions anyway, so you don't have to worry about me using the wind as an excuse." Acaila explained, but just as the words had slipped from her mouth, the wind died down.

"Had you forgotten I was a prince in the Grey?" Heturain snickered, "and by the way, I'm expecting you to return the favor and fetch us some water when we're tired of practicing."

Acaila couldn't help but laugh.

"Are you ready?" Heturain asked, and when Acaila nodded, he made sure to add "and don't go easy on me because I'm blind. Quite a few instructors have made that mistake."

Acaila raised her sword. "All men, I suppose?"

"What are you implying?" Heturain replied with a smirk, as he raised his sword as well.

"Thanks for the warning." Acaila briefly responded, before lunging towards him. He swiftly danced away and, with his eyes looking a bit to her right, he jumped forwards.

Acaila was expecting him to follow his gaze, out of habit, but his blade clashed loudly against her own.

Acaila quickly learned to keep her gaze on his body, not his face, and that simple trick was enough to lead her to victory.

Sweat was dripping from her nose when Heturain finally found himself standing unarmed, his weapon five feet away after being flung out of his hand.

"What do you think about the rumors, were they true?" Acaila panted, fetching his sword for him.

"They were far off from the truth. You exceed your reputation, Acaila."

And it was something about the way he said her name that completely set her off. So much so that she didn't notice he was reaching his hand out for the sword.

She gave it to him and quietly asked, "how do you do it?"

"How I can fight, even though I'm blind?" Heturain assumed, as they started to walk over to the shade of the nearby trees.

"The wind always comes before the blow. I can't really explain it, but I can just feel where the air is going to move." Heturain smiled softly.

"It's quite amazing really." Acaila commented.

"Amazing enough for a rematch?" Heturain asked. "You see, I'd love to visit the White. Maybe you could give me a course if I came?" He continued.

"The royals of the Grey will always be welcome in our kingdom." Acaila politely responded.

"I sincerely hope that's true." Heturain cryptically answered, before flashing another smile and charismatically asking, "so, could I have some water?"