Chapter 3: The Thrill of the fight

Keshi had quickly gone to retrieve her weapons and luckily, had a maid close by to help her into her armor quickly. By the time she got to the main staircase, Aymeric was there to meet her, in all his fantastic sheathing and his grand sword. He struck an imposing figure with his loyal guards marching behind him.

"Shame the others aren't here right now," she thought of her close friends and comrades, all of whom were attending to their own personal businesses and adventures, "still…means more fun for us, right?"

Aymeric's face didn't give anything away, but there was a sparkle in his eye.

"I'm sure we can talk some sense into them."

"Last I heard they were threatening to burn the place down to the ground and drag me and you out."

"They also said we'd be dead," he sighed, and they began to walk down the staircase together, his guards following, "If only everyone could just communicate their issues better."

"Some people are just stubborn. And some people," she placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, looking straight ahead, "need a good kicking."

She heard his low, deep chuckle and got goosebumps at his voice.

"You have a very poetic way with words. If you like, we can continue what we were talking about after dinner, later?"

"We weren't talking, we were dancing and-oh," she suddenly felt a little giddy, remembering what exactly his intentions were, "yes. I think we can tidy this up quickly."

The idea of battle was not as appealing as what was going to happen after and when the gates opened and she saw the sight of people charging toward them, the fire in her blood wasn't just to beat the snot out of them but to get back to her nice evening!

Xx Aymeric xX

Aymeric used to detest fighting some days but since they'd spoiled his plans with Keshi, he took out his anger and frustration on anyone that was stupid enough to run toward him. Everyone was strong and skilled, but he was an expert and unfortunately for them, his side, of course, had an unfair advantage.

The group of 'revolutionaries' were rebels who believed their world was better the way it was before. People under the subjugation of a higher power. Fear spreading throughout. Danger at every corner.

He wouldn't let that happen again.

He didn't realise the impression he was leaving on Keshi as he fought. She caught glimpses of him and the way he moved, with his elegance and precise swordsmanship just spurred her on. There was a ferocity in him that he hid well, but it radiated off from him when he fought, like a fire bursting behind its grate.

Likewise, when he found himself able to look at her, he was again captivated by her natural skill. The burst of magic from her. Her swiftness and her own ferity.

As the revolutionaries decreased in number, his guards chased off those that ran.

He looked at her again, fighting one last tricky individual, and was reminded of her fight with Raubahn. That had been the moment he had become infatuated with her. He knew she would do well but had been surprised by her grace.

He'd also remembered the feel of flames against his skin and despite the flickering, spitting pain on his skin, the pain in his heart had been worse. He'd wanted to help her but felt powerless and could only watch.

His mesmerisation mixed with frustration.

At last, her opponent fell, and she smiled triumphantly. She turned and eyes flickered hurriedly around at the unconscious (but no dead) bodies strewn around before she evidently found what she was looking for.

Him.

Her smile widened and she waved to him.

"Do you want that hot chocolate now?"

He smiled back and only had one answer.

A short while later…

"I won't lie to you," Keshi stretched her arm high above her head, wiggling out her tired muscles, "that was fun. But I think I've had enough for tonight."

"Oh," Aymeric stopped short of walking into the dining room again, trying to hide his disappointment, "would you care to go to your rooms and rest then? I can escort you back now?"

She turned to him, tilting her head, and squinting in confusion.

"No…Oh," she realised her choice of words and waved her hand, trying again, "I mean the fighting. I like a good fight, but those guys didn't fight fair nor did they really…satisfy me?"

He blinked at her a few times.

"Satisfy?"

She'd purposefully chosen those words and chuckled lightly, her teeth gently biting her lower lip.

"Well, a good opponent can usually leave you feeling," she raised her hand, putting up a finger for each word and clearly annunciating each word, "exhausted, but energetic…sweating…heart pounding…legs feeling a little like jelly. Has anyone ever made you feel that way?"

Aymeric was feeling a little hot under his collar right now. But he saw the game she was playing and had an idea of his own.

"A good opponent can indeed make you feel all those things. But a great one can bring you to your knees. How about we have that hot chocolate and then, if you're feeling up to it, a sparring session?"

"Actually," she stepped closer to him, her hand yet again resting on the hilt of her sword, "I don't even like hot chocolate."

"Funnily enough, neither do I."

They may have both been lying about the hot chocolate, but they were both in agreement about how fast they were walking to the nearest combat training room.