"So if I hurt you, if I let you down, just remember we were close, we were down. I found life, I found this, and it's all of your strength that got me through it." -Amity affliction, greens avenue
The king heaved himself forward after barely staving off a blow from Walter's sword, his own weapon raised to come down upon the larger man before him. A chuckle and a blow to the ribs his only reward.
"Come now my king, I thought that you were quite skilled the last time we dueled, perhaps it is your lack of training that is dampening your skills eh?" Walter chuckled, once again leashing a sideways blow at Logan's hip. Metal clashed on metal, the sound echoing through the room as Logan successfully blocked his attack, though not without faltering in step and being unable to block the next strike that landed itself squarely on his metal encased abdomen. The king jarred at how close to death he could have been had Walter not measured his blow, had his armor not spared him his life yet again. Stepping back a few paces Logan squared himself, though his side ached with what was sure to be a pleasant bruise he stood tall, towering above Walter with his sword held at the ready. "You're looking very regal today Logan, shall we continue or would you like to be painted in that pose?" Walter jested, regaining his own stance, though not as picture worthy it was more practical.
"We will continue, unless you are getting tired, it must be hard to fight while constantly battling your beard for dominance." Logan countered, a smile fighting it's way onto his stern features. Silence followed for a moment before being overblown by laughter, the two men doubled over on themselves, weapons hanging loosely at their sides.
"Well then, let's continue my King." Walter finally managed to say between boughts of laughter, the old man's face red, eyes rimmed with tears. Logan straightened up, returning his sword to it's former position, ready for an onslaught. Walter smiled, readying his own weapon before he lunged.
The sounds of steel clashing on steel filled the halls as the young princess walked along in search of her brother, wishing to spend at least some time with her brother today. She sighed, the soles of her shoes patting against the carpeted floors as she made her way to the training room, having been directed by a servant that she passed by. Cold green eyes perked up as she heard a curse and the clatter of metal on tile followed by a thud. She worried for a moment before hearing Walter's thunderous laugh echo through the hall. She tilted her head to the left, wondering what had happened for a few moments before pressing her hand against the thick wooden door and pushing it open. Inside she found Logan on the floor, upper body exposed, armor laying on the floor on the other side of the room, hair dishelved and stuck to his forehead with perspiration as his chest heaved. Propping himself up on his elbows he looked over to her and a faint smile bloomed on his red face.
"Hey young one, what are you doing up here?" Walter chuckled and she turned her attention to him, a smile finding it's way onto her pale lips. Walter sheathed his sword, moving over to her and placing his hand on her head, petting her hair softly. She tilted her head a pout working it's way onto her serene features as he continued to treat her like a child though she was still one she supposed. Only 14, she thought, sigh working it's way out of her mouth before Logan decided to speak up.
"Walter, can I have a minute alone with Aia, I need to speak with her." He mumbled, looking over to the side, towards his sword. Walter removed his hand, looking over at Logan with a serious glare that spoke volumes to the king even if he was unable to see it, he felt the waves of disappointment radiate from the old man but didn't speak again until he heard the doors slam shut behind them. Soft footsteps caused him to turn around, brown eyes searching hers for forgiveness that she had already given, hours ago having come to terms with his impending absence, only now wondering where he was to go, and how long he would be gone.
"Where brother?" She asked as she sat down beside him, bumping his leg with her arm, her smile still on her face, obviously clouded with sadness. She never hid her thoughts from him, so it pained her to know that he could keep such a thing from her so easily but she would never hold it against him, he had his reasons. She could understand that being confined to the castle was not the most exciting life to lead, not when he so obviously craved excitement. He smiled at her, moving so he could hug her but seemingly thinking better of it when he noticed how damp he was, training with Walter was never an easy thing.
"Aurora…It will be a fairly long trip, I may be gone for almost a year…" He began, worry etched onto his features at her reaction, green eyes open wide, mouth slightly agape. He rushed to redeem himself, "I wanted to bring you with me but we have no idea what we are to find over there and I can't put you in danger, I need you here, I need you safe." She settled back into her calm mask, mulling things over in her mind for a moment before standing up and offering him a hand which he hesitantly took. She pulled him to his feet, making sure that he was settled before she walked over to the rack of weapons before her, pulling out a small sword with a dull edge and not noticing Logan's questioning gaze.
"Sister?" He questioned, silently making his way over to her as she began to fiddle with the buttons of her coat, shrugging it off of her shoulders.
"If you want me to be safe then perhaps you ought to teach me how to fight." She stated, her lilting voice clear to leave no room for questions. She turned to look at him, her smile returning as she tossed her coat over the weapon rack, standing before him in commoner clothes that would be easy enough for her to move around in. She had planned to sneak from the palace to get her brother a gift for his voyage but this would certainly do. He shook his head and chuckled. She was right of course, but that did not mean that he wished for her to begin training just yet, he had wanted her to wait until he returned so he could oversee the process, knowing that Walter often took his sparring sessions too far and the last thing he wanted was to see was her injured in his absence. He leaned over to pick up his weapon and watched her as she brandished her sword, her stance was terrible but it caused his heart to skip a beat, her serious face staring at him, bright green eyes following his every move. He chuckled, walking over to her, grabbing hold of her arm to correct her posture, using his leg to adjust her stance, and walking behind her to pin her hair up out of the way so it would not become a bother while she fought. He smiled as he returned to his position, readying himself for her to make the first move.
A quick slice at a downward angle surprised him, but he was able to parry her blow rather easily, shifting himself into a better position to counter, but his blade met air. She stumbled over herself to regain her balance, adopting the same lopsided stance that he had corrected earlier before she came at him again, a sideways glance at his midsection that he easily danced out of the way from. She marveled at his movements, lithe body gliding out of the reach of her blade, muscles moving beneath skin pulled taught by exertion. A silver blur caught her gaze and she dropped, landing on her knees as the tip of the sword barely missed her shoulder. Thrusting herself up she discarded her sword, instead opting to tackle him to the ground. Her thin body collided with his and from the sheer shock he fell for the second time that day, sword still clenched in his hand as his back made contact with the floor. He looked up at her, her eyes were wild, black hair a mess, tendrils falling from the makeshift bun he had created and framing her small face, breathing ragged. He admired the sight for a moment before she stood, adjusting her shirt quickly before reaching back down to her brother who had overcome his shock. The blunt edge of his blade collided with her leg, with a soft tap.
"Never stop until your opponent is unable to fight back. Had we been truly fighting that would have taken off your leg." He warned, pushing up with his arm to stand up on his own. She adverted her gaze, looking towards her discarded sword and making a mental note of all of her mistakes. Logan chuckled, returning his sword to the rack and picking up her jacket, settling it on her shoulders before he pulled her toward him for a soft hug. "Your blows are weak, but you evade rather well, perhaps you should practice while I'm away, then we can duel again on my return." He smiled into her hair as he thought over his return, exactly how long would he be gone? He shook the thought away, placing a kiss to the crown of her head before retreating from the embrace. She turned to him smiling and nodding her affirmation that she would train in his absence. She found that she rather enjoyed the exercise it was something new.
"Would Walter train me?" She questioned, green eyes looking up at him hopefully. He sighed, of course Walter would train her, he may be a harsh teacher but she would learn from the best. His weary smile met her eyes as he nodded, her arms wrapping themselves around him as she buried her face in his still bare chest. He chuckled, patting her head softly as he searched the room for his armor, parting with her only to readorn his chest piece.
A knock at his door pulled the king from his paperwork as he called for whoever it had been to enter, thoroughly engulfed in his duties and unable to spare the time for a proper welcome. Three men entered, but he paid them no mind until he had finished reading the document that he was focused upon.
"My king?" Jaspers soft voice reached his ears causing Logan to finally spare him a look, behind him were two men, of a heavier set, one bore a large beard while the other stood bald head shining in the light of the room a small writhing creature within his arms. Logan smiled, setting the papers down on his desk as he stood from his chair.
"Jasper, you were successful? I knew that I could count on you." The king stood before him then, looking over the small animal as Jasper beamed past his tired expression. "May I hold it?" Logan asked the burly man before him who immediately nodded and handed over the pup.
"He is barely ready to part from his mother my King, but he has already been trained a bit. I hope that he is to your expectations. " Jasper smiled as the bearded man described the dog. Logan nodded, taking in the information as he looked over the dog's paws. The pup looked up at Logan, shiny grey eyes contrasting greatly with it's dark black fur that was speckled with grey. It's large paws held in thick black claws, and it's tail thumped against his leg so hard that it stung but Logan was more than pleased with this creature, even as it's tongue lolled out of it's mouth, drool dropping on his covered arm. Logan chuckled, raising his gloved hand to pet it's floppy ears, shifting the long fur upon it's neck.
"His parents are fighting dogs, they were bred to be the perfect companion." Jasper added onto the man's commentary that Logan had tuned out while focused on the animal in his grasp.
"Fighting dogs?" The king mused, petting the soft fur of the dog as he tried to imagine the small thing fighting by his sister's side.
"Yes sir, so I'm sure that this dog would make a lovely guardian for you should you run into trouble in your travels." Jasper continued, a note of pride clear in his voice as he shifted on his heels, hands clasped behind his back. Logan looked the older man over, brown eyes scrutinizing him before a laugh bubbled forth from his chest surprising the men before him, even causing the bearded man to retreat a few steps. Was he really so intimidating?
"Jasper, this pup is not for me, he is for Aia, I wished for her to have some company in my absence, father so loved his dog, I figured she would be the same." He held the dog out at arms length, hands holding it gently beneath it's arms as it panted, he grinned.
"Ah, that makes sense as to why you would want a puppy rather than a war dog." Jasper cleared his throat as he had realized his mistake, he had only searched based upon loyalty and fighting prowess, not at all thinking about his young princess being the master. This dog would grow quickly, and while his king may be able to handle the great beast he was quite sure that Aia could not. Uncomfortable, he shifted from foot to foot, worrying his lip as he thought of a way to tell his king the news.
"He is perfect, Aia will love him." Logan stated, pulling the dog back into his arms where it resumed it's wriggling eager to be let down to explore the new space and take in the scents. "How much do I owe you gentleman?" He questioned, looking past Jasper and his strange reaction to his news and focusing his eyes directly on the two large men behind him. The bearded one chafed under his gaze, but the bald man smiled wide and told the king that he need not worry over the payment for jasper had already taken care of it. Logan nodded and excused the two, shifting the puppy into one arm after they had exited, he leaned in and hugged Jasper in a showing of affection that was quite rare when not directed at the young princess. Jasper's voice caught in his throat as Logan expressed his gratitude before walking away and leaving the old butler alone within his chambers.
Pup in his arms Logan made his way to Aia's room, where she was likely studying alongside her tutor yet again. She seemed to spend a lot of time alone with the elderly woman who looked upon her like a daughter. He raised his hand and knocked upon her door softly, waiting just a few moments before the large door swung open and he was greeted with the wrinkled face of her smiling tutor, her grey hair held up in a bun and books held up to her chest between thin fingers. She was on her last legs of life but she gladly spent every day with his sister and for that he was grateful, he had made sure that the woman was well taken care of, living within the castle and being tended to as though she were of the royal family. He smiled at her as she glanced down at the puppy in his arms.
"Why look at you, you're the spitting image of your father with that creature in your arms." She laughed softly, her voice strained under the weight of the books which he ushered a servant to help her carry as she passed by. The tutor walked past him, hand holding onto the servant's arm as the young man offered her his help back to her quarters. "She learns so fast my King, I fear she will no longer need me." She chuckled, not waiting for an answer as she gladly accepted the servant's offer and began retreating down the hall. Logan smiled at her, sadness clear in his brown gaze, as he walked into the room and glanced about ot find his sister reading beside the fire, sitting upon the ground, book in hand. He leaned down, setting the pup upon the floor and watching with restrained joy as the creature ran over to Aia and bumped her book with it's snout. Tail wagging and tongue lolling to the side. Logan could not argue that the pup was adorable. Hearing the commotion of the puppy's excited gallop she looked up from her story, setting aside the image of lush green fields to stare in surprise at the fluffy animal before her. She dropped her book in surprise, knowing that she would regret it later, but at the moment throwing caution to the wind as she scooped the pup up in her arms, smile growing on her face till it strained her cheeks. She looked over to her brother, standing and running to his side as she held the pup gently in her arms, feeling it's tongue brush against her neck, lapping up the salty aftermath of their spar from earlier. Logan quickly pulled her into a hug, asking her if she enjoyed her late gift as he held her head close to his chest, feeling her arm wrap around his back.
"I love him. He's adorable Logan. Just like Manru." She smiled, looking up at him, eyes squinted. Logan couldn't help but feel his heart swell, both in the memory of the large dog that they spent their childhood doting upon in it's old age but also at the knowledge that he had been correct in his assumption that she would enjoy a companion.
"What will you name him?" He asked, and she pulled away, looking the dog over and pursing her lips as she racked her brain for a good name, finally deciding upon a name from the book she had been reading.
"Fenrir." She smiled, thinking of the man she envisioned in her mind whilst reading.
"Fenrir?" Logan asked questioningly, looking her over as she held the dog close again. "Where did that come from Aia?" he chuckled, reaching out to pat the newly named dog on it's head, ruffling it's long fur.
"He's a villain in my book. He stole the queen's daughter and holds her hostage in exchange for safety for his brood of wolves." She tells him excitedly, small hands scratching behind the dog's ears as she hears Logan question her choice of naming the dog after a villain with disbelief in his voice. She looks up at him, green eyes going soft as she tried to think of a way to explain her decision. "He may be the villain of the book but he's the best man in it, under all that tough exterior he's just a man that doesn't want the only creature's he's ever cared for to be slain without cause, so he does the only thing he knows how to do, he uses force." Logan looks at her questioningly, smile growing as he hears her words, but falling almost immediately after she tells him of the fate that he befalls at the hands of the queen. Her acceptance of his terms had been a ruse to have him imprisoned and later slain.
"Fenrir is a good name, but let us hope that he does not kidnap any princesses now shall we?" Logan chuckled, patting her shoulder as she sat the small dog down on the plush carpet and watched as it ran about, sniffing everything within reach of it's small stature.
"Of course he wont Brother, he's a dog." She laughed, holding onto him with a force he did not expect. "Thank you. He will make your absence less disheartening, but nothing could stop me from missing you Brother." He nodded, knowing that his actions were only meant to numb the pain, not erase it, though he wished that he could a small selfish part of him was happy that someone would miss him in his absence.
"Would you like to have dinner with me before I have to leave?' He asked and was rewarded with a stunning smile the likes of which he had never before seen.
"Of course brother."