Hola everyone! Joyance here. I'm new with this whole writing thing, so hopefully my writing will improve overtime.
A few things to know:
The story will switch to different experiences. In example: one chapter may debut Lauren, and the other Katie. They're still in the same world and time period, just different views.
All of the characters are real people, being my close personal friends.
I know I may mix up the time periods, but I'm horrible at history. Advice is greatly appreciated.
Now, enjoy!
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"Katie, hold your sword higher," Richard instructed as he hit Katie with an overhead blow. "Mak! Watch your footwork."
Richard was an excellent swordsman; he moved gracefully, and swiftly. The sword was part of him, not just an extension of his arm. For the past year, Richard had been instructing Katie and Mak in the ways of the sword. However, this had to be done in secret, considering the fact women had very little rights. Richard saw past the borderline of the sexes and agreed to teach them.
Mak blocked several of Richard's attacks and swiped across Katie's legs. Quickly, Katie jumped onto a hay bail to avoid the blow. Richard continued to thwart Mak with multiple attacks, while Katie readied her counterattack. She swung her sword, Mak was preoccupied with Richard and failed to notice the incoming blow. Richard side stepped and blocked Katie's blow. Mak didn't move; she seemed petrified.
"Wow, Katie, that was quite successful," Richard scolded. "If you were trying to kill her!"
"Sorry, Mak," Katie apologized. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I think so. But watch where you're swinging that thing," she reprimanded.
"Mak, why don't you take a breather? We'll resume practice later," Richard suggested. "Katie, you stay here. I want to speak with you." Mak mounted her favorite horse and trotted out of the stables.
"What is it, Richard?" Katie asked the Italian green-eyed man.
"Katie, you and Mak both hold a lot of potential in swordplay. However, I think you need a little work with your form."
"What do you mean?"
"I'll show you. Spread your legs shoulder-width apart and bend your knees."
"Like this?"
"Perfect." Richard slowly moved behind Katie. "Show me how you would hold your sword." Katie raised her sword in her right hand.
"Okay. Now what?"
" Well, that's good, but it could be better." Richard slid his arm down Katie's. "Now if you just hold it up here." Now, Richard's body was completely against the back of Katie's. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end; however, not in a bad way, but a good one. She finally now realized how much she liked Richard.
"I understand now. Thanks for the instruction."
"You know, I don't like this form. Let me show you another one." Richard held Katie's hand as he walked around to her front side.
"Oh really? What's it called?"
"Well, it is rather complicated." Richard moved in towards Katie's face.
"I'm sure I can handle it." Their eyes were a few inches apart.
"You think so?" He moved closer. "Show me." Katie's lips moved into kiss Richard's.
"Uh, excuse me!" Their lips nearly touched, but their desire lip lock was broken when a blond-haired man interrupted their 'fun.'
Katie and Richard jumped apart from one another, acting embarrassed. "How can I help you?" Katie barely managed to speak; her cheeks quickly blushing uncontrollably.
"Sorry to bother you, but do you know where I could find Lady Mak?"
"She just left. If you tell me your name I'll be sure to let her know you were here."
"My name is Elliott."
"Great. Now run along!" Richard ordered. He was desperate to continue his business with Katie.
"Actually, I think I will wait. She'll arrive sooner or later," Elliott assured.
"No, no. You should probably leave," Katie nagged.
"Why? Am I interrupting something?"
Neither responded but ogled at Elliot with awe. Could he actually be that clueless? Elliot seemed intelligent; maybe not the brightest, but not completely idiotic.
"Oh! I understand," Elliot finally noticed. His cheeks turned to a reddish color as he blushed. Katie and Richard still stared at him, noting his ability to be rather oblivious. Elliot's face somewhat cringed and he prepared for a quick exit.
"I'll just be going then," Elliot quickly walked out of the stable, slowly gaining speed into a quick jog. He would have to search for Mak elsewhere.
"Now where were we?" Katie questioned, making sure Elliot was out of view. Her eyes now met the gaze of Richard's.
"You were mastering a new form."
"I can't quite remember." Katie moved towards Richard, hoping for the best.
"Let me refresh your memory." Richard suavely slid his hand over Katie's drawn back brown hair. Katie was memorized by his dark-green, Italian eyes. Richard gazed into Katie's hazel ones, focusing all of his attention on her.
BANG! A shelf of horseshoes had collapsed. Katie's horse, Padraic rose on his back legs, scared and spooked. Katie left Richard's side to stroke the Cleveland Bay.
"Whoa boy," Katie comforted. "Calm down! You're okay!" Katie ran her hand over the horse's dark brown coat, occasionally petting the black mane. Padraic's heart rate seemed to steady.
"Wow, Katie! You have quite a talent with horses," Richard complimented. "I hadn't really noticed before. No one could have done that in Italy." Two years ago, Richard and his brother moved from Italy to live with their mother in England. Richard's father strongly encouraged his sons to enter the family business of fishing. Richard did not appreciate the tight boundaries and convinced his brother to start a new life with him in England.
"Thank you."
"I'm entering a jousting tournament next month, and I would love to have you as the caretaker for my horse. Will you join me?"
"Of course," Katie agreed. Now she could spend time with two things she enjoyed: Richard and horses.
"Great. Now, I believe we have some unfinished business!"
"Richard! Master Richard," A stable boy had entered the stables quite frantically; a look of worry on his face.
"What's wrong, boy?" Richard questioned. "Spit it out!"
"Your brother, Sir," he grumbled. "H-he's," he froze. "Dying."
"What?" Richard worried. All the happiness Katie had brought him vanished. "What's wrong with Paulo?"
"I'm not allowed to say. The Master of my household would not allow it."
"Tell me, damn it!" Tears were forming in his eyes. Most men would have hidden their emotions, but Richard was more sensitive. Katie was beginning to relate to Richard's sadness. As a tear rolled down her cheek, Katie placed her hand in Richard's, offering her condolences. He stood still, remaining completely stunned. However, he pulled his hand away from hers. "You bastard! What's wrong with him?!" He was yelling now.
"It is requested you go to him immediately," the servant instructed.
"Richard, we should go," Katie requested, barely able to speak. Silent tears strolled down her cheeks.
"I suppose so," Richard agreed.
Katie took Padraic out of his stable and attached his saddle. Quickly, she mounted him, and assisted Richard, motioning him to sit behind her. Padraic galloped out of the stable and onto the street.
