Chapter Six: Love is a Double-Edged Sword
"Where have you all been?" Rain cried. All four of the guys (Saisachi, Domon, Chibodee, and George) gave her a half-hearted smile and sank to the grass, falling flat on their backs exhausted. Alia grinned wickedly.
"Big babies. Don't worry, Rain, we just went after Shai-Halud."
"You took those guys riding?"
"Yes! I had so much fun! You know, Saisachi squeals like a little girl." Saisashi stuck out his tongue at her. "And Chibodee can't speak proper English."
"Say's who? I ain't some moron from-"
"'Ain't' ain't a word, Chibodee." Alia retorted, looking smug. "And Domon… he actually did pretty good. So did George, now that I think of it."
"Thanks a heap, Di.
"Merci, mademoiselle." George murmured, and stood up.
"Man, George, how can you even blink after that? I'm exhausted." Chibodee cried.
"I have fencing practice."
"Do you have a partner?" Alia asked him.
"Well, my butler, Raymond, but if my eyes are working he's asleep. Why?"
"I'll be your partner… if that's okay."
"Certainly." Nodding, Alia went to get her rapier, but stopped.
"George?"
"Oui?"
"Please call me Alia."
"I… as you wish."
"Thank you." George found himself staring after her, captivated by her grace, the dignity with which she moved. Her hair blew in the slight wind, and he marveled at his reaction to Mademoiselle Alia Hunter. Ten minutes later…
"En guarde!" The two blades met with a clash, then sliced away. For every thrust George threw at her, Alia would parry and then counterattack. George's arm became tired, but he kept at it. The Wild Diamond was surprised at his endurance. Her own arm began to waver. She ignored it, until a sharp sting in her forearm made her whistle through her teeth.
"Mademoiselle! I apologize."
"Don't, it was my fault. I need to pay more attention to what I'm doing. Don't worry about it."
"But, Alia-"
"George… ow! Gosh, that stings! Hmph… anyway, it's no big deal." It was a shallow cut, tender, but not really bleeding. "I've had worse. Come on, back to work."
"But, I'll feel as if I have an unfair advantage."
"I'm ambidextrous. I'll use my left hand."
"Are you sure?"
"George," Alia said, "you are too chivalrous for your own good. Now, en guarde!" For another ten minutes the mock duel went on, Alia artfully dodging the blows her opponent's rapier might inflict.
"If you're this good with a sword, I'd hate to face you with a knife."
"All my blades are double-edged, so I fight almost the same with all of them." She replied. George looked surprised. "To me, fighting is like being in love. Love is a double-edged blade, and my weapons are double-edged blades." The blades clashed together, then George caught hers with his own. "No fair, de Sand." Alia murmured softly. "I'm trapped."
"I do not mean to take advantage, but the opening presented itself."
"True enough, and it seems we are both caught. Shall we call it a draw?"
"No, I never settle for a draw." He said.
"Very honorable… George, I…" They both lowered the thin, steel swords and sheathed them.
"Well met, Alia." She couldn't resist the way he was looking at her, searching her face with those sweet lavender eyes. I love those eyes of his. She didn't expect him to kiss her, but the moment his lips touched hers she forgot being surprised and concentrated on staying upright. It was a sweet, closed mouth kiss, but for some reason, Alia's skin tingled as if with thousands of mini lightning bolts. George looked shocked, took a step back.
"Mademoiselle… I… I apologize, I was out of-"
"George de Sand, as I said before, love is a double edged sword. I know that better than most."