[On Hold] The Assassin's New Beginning

11

Sweat covered her forehead. She was panting heavily.

Another session done with Ben. She finally mastered the nunchaku. That is, after receiving a few stares whenever she accidentally whipped herself.

Celaena was covered in bruises; not that she didn't already have some.

"We're done for the afternoon." Ben said, dazedly. He seemed to be saying it to nothing specific. "For someone your age, you sure did master it quickly."

Eyes furrowed, he left Celaena, which means she has the afternoon to do anything she wants.

Tiredly, she turned around, but collided with someone. A faint whiff of mint and steel passed over her. Before she could fall, two slender hands steadied her.

She looked up to see a guy only a few years older than herself. Maybe 14 or 15. He was a head taller than her with dark black hair that passed his eyebrows. But he held his stance tall and proud.

He have a sly smile on his face. But what really caught her attention were his eyes. Long eyelashes framed his eyelid. His pupils were blue, not bold as hers, but crystal blue. It stood out under his dark and sharp features.

It was only when he let go of her shoulder, that she noticed she was staring at him for so long. She shook her head as if trying to get out of a trance.

"Sorry about that," she murmured looking away.

"No worries," he laughed. That made her less scared. Dimples appeared at the corners of his cheek

"I'm Celeana," She held out her hand.

"I know. We all know. " he smiled. "Saw your performance out there last week. Really neat."

She smiled back, fighting the urge not to blush. He was nice.

"Did you just finish your training?"

After Celaena nodded, he replied, "let's go take a break together."

She was hesitant.

But then, everyone was giving her the cold shoulder. Maybe it might be good having someone to talk to.

"Sure," she said, looking back at him.

And they headed out of the armory room.

"Hey, I still don't know your name." she said, side glancing at him.

He looked at her as they walked, before tilting his head and grinned.

"Geoffrey, Geoffrey Monclair."