Naruto smiled happily at his friend, Boronecthel, from across the sparring circle. The pair were circling each other in their hands were wooden swords, but Naruto also had a wooden shield. Boronecthel lunged forward with a straight jab with his left hand. Naruto blocked with his shield while pushing his friend's wooden blade to the left. Naruto also swung his sword in a method that would take the opponent's head if it had been real combat. Boronecthel ducked the swing and rolled around to get behind Naruto, trying to take out his legs. Naruto smirked as he realized what his friend was trying to do…he had been practicing a new counter-move. Boronecthel saw Naruto's legs shift, then out of no where Naruto preformed a round house kick, catching Boronecthel by surprise as the kick connected with his chest. Naruto saw Boronecthel fall to the ground Naruto took advantage and used his shield to bat Boronecthel's wooden sword away while positioned his own sword at his friend's neck. "Looks like I win again." Naruto stated as he removed his sword from his friend's neck. "But, you have really improved." Naruto smiled while he holding out his hand for his friend to grasp.

Boronecthel shook his head, grabbing Naruto's hand, letting Naruto help him to his feet. "One of this days my friend I will be able to beat you." Boronecthel chuckled as he looked at the his friend and the nephew of his master. Boronecthel and Naruto turned as they heard someone walking towards them.

"Well, what a surprise- the warrior wins again." The comment came from a boy around their own age. The boy had on a tunic with the Rohan's white horse embroidered on the front. The boy had long blond hair that had beads in it. His name was Ceolwulf. He was a transfer noble's son. Gondor and Rohan would trade noblemen's sons for a few years so as to keep relationships solid between the two nations. The trade had not been done in many years, but Boromir had proposed that they start up again and his efforts ended up with Ceolwulf coming to Gondor.

"Well that is true, my friend. Boronecthel has yet to beat me but, neither have you." Naruto says while he noticed Boronecthel's smirk and Ceolwulf's scowl.

Celebrennil who was waiting/watching her brother and secret crush spar intervened before there could be a fight. "Please calm down, you guys had a long spar and Ceolwulf did just come from a long lancing practice." Celebrennil noticed Naruto and the group look her way and she blushed slightly when she looked back at Naruto.

Naruto noticed the slightly red cheeks and decided that something was wrong. "Hey, Celebrennil. Are you sick? Because your cheeks are really red." Naruto asked with innocent concern while Boronecthel and Ceolwulf tried to cover up their amusement (they were not completely dense in this situations, unlike Naruto).

Celebrennil look aghast at Naruto before stating in a strangled voice that she was fine. However, Naruto did not believe it for a moment. Walking up to her, he placed his hand on her forehead. Celebrennil felt her face heat up even more from the contact and attention.

"Really, you are burning up….I better get you to your master." Naruto practically dragged her by the arm to the healer's chamber. "I think Celebrennil is sick" he announced. "She is all red and really warm." Naruto told Celebrennil's master.

Celebrennil looked at her apprentice with a knowing smile before speaking. "Don't worry, young lord. She will be fine after a moments rest. Now, run along." he said as she pushed Naruto out the door. She then turned to Celebrennil. "Some day you will have to tell him how you feel." Celebrennil nodded weakly.

Okay, this is a little short but it is just setting up before the time skip to their teen years and the War of the Ring.