Worthy Match
Sparring was something Gibari and Savyna usually did once they settled into an inn or were in the hospitality of a friend. Fighting each other helped keep the mind alert when they fought enemies on the way. Out of everyone else, Gibari was the only one up to par with Savyna's tact, even though he was a humble fisherman, compared to her military training.
She tried to avoid the blows of the paddle, trying to pace herself evenly. He was too lax when he moved. His blows lacked effort and precision.
Gibari winced in uneasiness as she gave a knuckled blow.
"Savyna, easy...!"
Savyna gritted her teeth, still swinging her arms.
"When we face the enemy, do you think they'll go easy on us? You must always be alert and focus, no matter where you are."
They continued to spar on. Gibari could have asked for a break to rest himself after what she said, but he kept on fighting. He seemed to be more in tuned, sharper and more agile.
"I must say..." began Savyna. "For a fisherman, you're not a bad fighter."
Gibari chuckled. "Being a fisherman helps me keep in shape."
"The way you move looks like you've been trained," she said as she threw a punch. "Have you had any training before?"
Gibari's smile weakened. "You... could say that."
Awkward topic. The Knights of Diadem had the finest academy on the island. Loss of a partner? Could be. Savyna knew how common that kind of loss was, what with her time at Alfard's military and the Mad Wolves.
Gibari broke the silence.
"Savyna, why are you so serious on the battlefield, even when we come across wild animals, if you don't mind me asking? I know being alert keeps us alive, though watching your back that much... Not everyone's out to get you."
Her lips tightened. Out of everyone else, Gibari asked the most questions. When everyone wouldn't give her a second glance, Gibari was practically at her side all the time. It was the first time anyone did that for her...
She paused.
"I'm always prepared to die," Savyna began. "The military has been my entire life ever since I could remember. We were taught to kill and to be prepared for death at a moment's notice. Give it your all with all the strength you have... You have no chance of victory if you aren't willing to die for your cause."
She was about to throw a punch, though all of a sudden, she felt herself caught off balance and being hurled midair. She found herself on the ground, dirt and leaves on her skin. Opening her eyes, she saw Gibari had his paddle right in front of her nose. He must have caught her off guard when she was talking. She cursed herself. She should have seen it coming. The conversation was only a distraction.
"I know you're willing to die on the battlefield, but do you have the strength to live for a cause?"
Her insides harden.
Strength to live... for a cause.
The words echoed through her eardrums as a mere second seemed like hours. All this time... dying and dying. Yet, she never truly lived.
Gibari extended a hand, Savyna gently lifting herself up.
Once she finished dusting herself off, Gibari said, "If you opened up yourself a little more to everyone... maybe you'll even enjoy it. I love having you on the team, Savyna, though if you freeze up every time you're around us... it's really gonna affect the whole team."
Savyna smiled, and glanced at the fisherman. "Looks like I've found my match in you."
She began to walk away.
"Thank you for showing me."