Kyle
I don't understand why he hesitates. I know Sir Seth has sparred with Lady Eirika before; I saw them on more than occasion during the war. She was diligent about practising her swordsmanship between battles and we knights were always eager to help.
He accepts after a prolonged pause with an apology to the princess who looks rather abashed now. I'm sure he meant her no insult, but it's not like Sir Seth to be distracted like this. I wonder if something's troubling him.
As they take up their positions a shadow flits over the courtyard and I glance up to see a pegasus: Princess Tana out for a morning flight. She and Prince Innes arrived two weeks ago to attend King Ephraim's coronation and to discuss matters of state. I had hoped Syrene would be part of the delegation, but I'm told she's been occupied rebuilding Frelia's outfit of pegasus knights; they took heavy losses during the war. I'll have to keep my promise soon and pay a visit to Frelia.
The other delegations left several days ago, but the Frelians remained a while longer for the sake of further negotiations. And I wouldn't put it past our king to have delayed matters so that he could spend more time with Princess Tana– much to Prince Innes's irritation. The Prince came to the courtyard this morning as the troops were gathering– to watch them train I suppose, though he seems just as interested in glaring at King Ephraim who's been up on the battlements for some time.
"Are you ready, my lady?" Sir Seth asks the princess.
"I am."
There's a collective holding of breath as Sir Seth and Princess Eirika remain perfectly still for an instant; the knights, the soldiers, it seems almost as if everyone has stopped to watch. Over in the corner Lute is staring. And then Princess Eirika strikes, nimble as a pegasus stepping lightly over the earth. Sir Seth's blocks and counters are effortless. I know how well he fights and he knows just by the set of his opponent's body where he– or she– will strike. The princess has become quite skilled, there's no doubt, but she's not reached the level where she can shield her movements from an expert eye. And Seth's expertise is legendary.
Princess Eirika seems almost to prance in her efforts to sidestep Seth's attack; she knows to use her speed to her advantage. "Keep your guard up, my lady," he says. He could have ended it there; instead, he tutors her– and at once his earlier reluctance puzzles me. There is none better than he to teach her and his control over his sword arm is such that he can instruct without fear of injuring her. Wooden practice swords are useful learning tools and have their place, but they're not the same as a real sword and there comes a point in one's training when one needs to spar with a real blade.
Why, then, did he hesitate? If not for fear of injuring her then what? I've known Sir Seth since I became a squire and still there are times when I can't fathom what he's thinking. He has been an inspiration to me certainly; he's a sterling example of what a knight should be. His calm and composure in the heat of battle are well known and a worthy example to his soldiers and his fellow knights alike. He is humble before our liege and courteous to all around him as a proper knight should be. And during the war, his devotion to Princess Eirika, his commitment to her safety was nothing short of exemplary. So why that hesitation?
As the match continues, the shadow of Tana and her pegasus flits over the courtyard once again. My thoughts turn once more to Syrene and, as I imagine her smile, her laugh, her eyes, I must admit that my thoughts aren't all very knightly.