415 Training (1/2)
The wind swept over the training fields, bringing a welcome refreshment from the warmth of the spring sun. The men took part in many forms of practice, one on one, and with dummy forms. Some spun and slashed with real swords, fighting a unseen foe as they accustomed themselves to their blades. Near the Shade tree, a smaller form than the rest was moving through the motions of sword play.
Each motion was slow and deliberate as her skirt and hair swished around her, bringing the blade to flash with sunlight. Two men stood nearby, one called out a string of numbers, and each number seemed to guide the girl through a carefully choreographed dance, the aim to teach her to move fluidly with the weapon. Her little face was filled with concentration, even as she put her heart and soul into every motion.
”Very good, Princess. Kyera will be proud of you.” Lazren praised her and Raina smiled back, looking over her shoulder at her teacher. He smiled and nodded ”why don't you go for a run, Princess, once around the field.” He ordered, not wanting her to tire her arms out before the rest of her body was well worked. Raina nodded and slid her sword back into its sheath. She took off at a rather quick jog.
”Pace yourself, Raina.” Mordrin reminded her as he watched her change her speed to match his warning. Lazren walked to his side frowning.
”A gold for your thoughts, Prince Mordrin?” Lazren asked holding a single coin up between thumb and forefinger. Mordrin glanced back at him for a moment chuckling and taking the coin. He flipped it over in the air a few times, catching it as it fell back toward his hand.
”There has been no word from Kyera in nearly three weeks. It isn't like her not to have some sort of contact. They were going into dangerous territory… something doesn't feel right.” Mordrin replied, keeping his eye on the Princess as she ran the perimeter of the fields. The men were mindful, and he knew she was safe but it was better to keep eyes on her, just in case she had trouble.
”Kyera wouldn't have gone if she couldn't handle it. They are probably enjoying some time as newly weds. Come on, they barely had time to get to know one another before they married, and they didn't have much of a wedding night. Maybe they are taking a moment for them and lost track of time?” Lazren offered, trying to be optimistic. Mordrin shook his head, his concern and disbelief in that theory clear on his face.
”Lazren, they are late. It's been nearly a month since they left. She intended to be gone a week to two at most. When have you ever known her to fail to alert when she was going to be later?” Mordrin asked and Lazren sighed. Once again, he was reminded that out of everyone here he had known Lady Kyera the shortest. Mere months, and most of that was spent with him being a patient.
”Yea, we would win, I mean our army is like six times the size and once you control the three farm lands you just have to starve them out. However, that being said, Raina would be upset too. Little thing has a soft heart.” Mordrin agreed as she came up the back stretch.
”Umm no, she is what we call normal. You however, Prince-heart-of-ice… are your own breed.” Lazren replied through a bright, fake smile. He couldn't help but grin as Raina turned toward them. Her little feet picking up the pace.
”Push, Finish Hard!” Mordrin cupped his hands around his mouth to shout to the child. She was looking winded and tired, perhaps close to giving up. However his words seemed to help her find that little something extra she needed to push through the end of her run. However, just before she reached them another form rushed her, sweeping her up into his arms and spinning around tossing her in the air.
Lazren ran in the direction of the man who had picked up his princess, but Mordrin just stood back and sighed. He began walking down that way, listening to the Princess shrieking. ”Dad, you should really try not to scare the hell out of the child's guardians.” Mordrin told him while Lazren stopped and watched as Emperor Mordakai tossed his prize in the air and caught her again.