A Footstep Away, An Ocean Apart
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Reviews are always welcome, flames will be ignored unless they are structured critism. Oh and how do you indent? I can't seem to do it.
The morning came to find Eirika up and dressed. Her face was once again a happy mask, no longer scarred with anguished tears. She strapped on her rapier and headed for the practice courts. Eirika knew he'd be there, up and drilling with the rest. After all, he is the Silver Knight, commander of Renais legions. Both of them had hid their pains and continued with life as best as they could. Today, like almost every other day Eirika would join them in training.
Seth would always believe he was not worthy of her. Never mind that his station as the Commander held equal power as her and Ephraim. It seemed like he'd done what she could not, and erased his former feelings. And it was with slight sadness that Eirika stepped into the early morning air. However, once out in public, her discontentment was invisible. She settled into her façade of neutrality. For she was a princess first and foremost, her people looked towards her for hope and guidance.
As Eirika passed sand pits and grassy plains she greeted each soldier, magic user and knight with friendliness. In the distant shooting range Eirika could see Neimi practice her aim on her childhood friend. Whether or not Neimi was mad at Colm Eirika couldn't tell, but if any of those arrows hit their target there would be a lot of bleeding and moaning. Eirika smiled slightly at the thought.
It didn't take long for Eirika to reach a special fenced off area. It was fenced off for a purpose, on the fencing Forde had kindly enough added a sign: "Who ever wants to die in training come here." Eirika leaned on the sturdy wood fencing to watch the current pairs. Kyle was against Gerik and Duessal against Seth. The combatants parried viscously not noticing the royal in their midst. It was Forde who'd finally saw her.
"Your Highness, once again you're here to watch us pitiful soldiers?" Forde commented as he walked to stand beside her.
Eirika grinned slightly. "I wouldn't say you're pitiful. Just in need of improvement." Gilliam and Dozla chuckled at her words.
"I suppose milady would like a spar?" Seth came forward, he and Duessal had ended their battle quickly after they noticed her. Duessal went to fight Syrene. Eirika nodded, like she always did, more out of habit then necessity. The others began to pair and drift off. Seth motioned to the corner of the acre ring they always used.
It caused Eirika's heart to ache abdominally whenever she saw him so indifferent. As if nothing had ever existed between them. Just looking at his loosely flowing hair and kind, genial expression made her want to hug him.
Seth beckoned for her to begin as he got into his defensive position. Eirika drew her sword and lunged at him. Their weapons clanged and hissed as they met, sparks flew from the edges as they blocked each other's attacks. After a while of that they took a break.
"Milady you know I must object to your practicing with us." Seth gently told her.
Eirika gave him a wan smile, while on the inside she was breaking all over again. "Seth, please. I insist, how else would I get better? You've told me before and I conceded, relinquishing that tie. But surely this is not a problem to be concerned with. My people take heart that their princess stays vigilant with her sword." Eirika had tried to reply light and airy, but to her own ears she sounded hoarse and broken.
Seth gave a sad shake of his head. "You've still not let it go Princess. I can tell, however, I'm glad you listened to my wishes and I'm sorry if you're hurt from them. Our relationship would not have been right among other things. I may be stepping out of line with this but, you deserve better then I can offer milady. Please, I urge you to move on."
"You do not give yourself near enough credit Seth. I'm afraid I can think of no one better than you." Eirika retorted as she picked up her sword once more.
'A beacon of Faith arises.'