Aera

During those weeks you and Aera often spent a lot of time together. She'd always request to train with you after a shift on guard and truthfully she was improving, all be it slowly. Then she'd follow up with an offer for dinner, which you did accept twice. It was not lost on you how clearly infatuated this woman was with you, though for the life of you, you could understand why. At the start of your third week you got word that, due mostly to Aera's pestering, that you'd split your time as a trainer for the other guards.

You accepted the news happily and ever day from two to four you'd lead the other guards in training exercises. Most were clumsy, others you were surprised to even see them know how to hold a sword. Yet a few here and there would show you their worth. You figured given an month or so you'd at least have a band of competent guards wandering the city. Another three days past and at the end of your daily training session Aera tossed you a practice sword, "Alright, i'm ready. I think I can get you today."

You let out a little chuckle, "Aera, I was curious why you hadn't asked for some one on one training in a few days."

"I was practicing with the others, I can beat them so I figure I have a chance against you this time." She said with a smile as she tied her deep red hair back into a bun. She then readied her practice sword with a grin, "So what do you say, you think you can take me on?"

You smiled and tossed the sword up in the air and caught it by the handle, "Your move." You said while staring at her intently. Aera quickly moved forward and took a swift swing, you quickly moved your sword and blocked the strike before tossing her sword away from you, "Ah, please don't be so obvious." You said with a grin.

Aera narrowed her eyes and took another step and with a little yell jabbed her sword at you. You evaded the strike to the right then left when she followed up before smacking her sword to the side causing her to stumble a bit, "What's with the yelling, that a tell for your enemy when you are going to strike." You explained, "You may have had me there if not for that." You said, though it was a bit of a lie.

Aera took a heavy swing at your ribs which you quickly blocked, yet Aera wasted no time and spinning around and lowering herself to hit your legs which you just barely managed to avoid. You quickly moved your sword out and pressed it against her neck, "Not a bad move, but if you miss...you are dead." You said with a smile before backing away from her and allowing her to stand back up. She let out a smile to you and twirled her blade while giving a little exhale. "Shall we continue?" You asked with a raised brow,

"Absolutely." She said immediately as she readied her blade once more. Another hour past as you both trained, her learning from her mistakes and making it harder for you do avoid or deflect her strikes. Finally as you bested her again she called out, "I yield!" She took a deep breath and dropped her sword, "I yield." She said again as she wiped her brow.

"You did well today, I'd say that you could best most if not all the guards here." You admitted as you moved to put both your practice swords away.

"Yeah, but I want to best you." She said with a little grin,

"Perhaps you will soon." You replied with a smile, "Just keep at it. I'll see you tomorrow."

"John wait!" She called out quickly causing you to stop. You turned back to her as she walked over to you and without warning pressed her lips against yours.