Chance meeting

After another wonderful breakfast, Kael makes ready to head out, planning another training session. As he’s getting ready, he feels Evie’s eyes on him, and turns to see her watching him with curiosity. As he looks at her, she meets his gaze and smiles.

“Master, I have a question. More of a request, actually.”

Kael nods. “Go on.”

She looks a little bit nervous. “Would I be allowed to come with you? I’d like to watch you train. I’ve never seen anyone fight before, I’ve only read about it. I want to watch you, if…if that’s allowed.”

Kael thinks for a moment. The training grounds are theoretically open to anyone, though in practice they’re only really used by the champions and the palace guard. Kael doesn’t recall any spectators being there before, but it’s not forbidden, or even actively discouraged.

He nods. “I don’t see why you couldn’t. Just remember that some people might not be as nice about your presence. Especially if they don’t know you’re with me.”

Evie nods. “I know, master. I’ll stay out of the way.”

He leans down and kisses her, and her bright smile reappears. “We’ll be leaving soon. I’d like to get started.”

“Yes, master!”

Evie rushes off to get changed, and is back much faster than he expected. She’s now wearing a simple sundress, which leaves her looking beautiful while not drawing too much attention. Smiling, Kael takes her hand.

“Wonderful. Shall we?”

The two of them make their way through the streets towards the palace once again. Kael can’t help but notice that everything seems brighter, more colorful. He wonders how much of that is because of last night, and because of the beautiful elven girl who is happily walking beside him, her hand firmly clasped with his. Kael certainly feels happier, and he knows it’s due to Evie. He only hopes that he’s having the same effect on her.

The palace grounds are quiet as they head through the courtyard. Kael nods to the guards, who glance curiously at Evie, but make no comments. There’s a few people in the halls already, with preparations underway for a potential war, but no one seems to pay that much attention to them as they head to the training grounds.

When they arrive, Kael groans. Standing in the center of the training field are Ria, Orin, and Koa. Orin has clearly just finished a night shift, and is about to head out, while Ria and Koa are in training attire. All three look toward Kael and Evie as they walk in.

It’s Ria who speaks up first. “Well hey there, big guy! Come to join the party? And is that the famous Evie?”

Kael feels Evie’s grip on his hand tighten, and she moves a bit closer to him. He smiles at Ria. “I suppose I have, and yes, this is Evie. She wanted to watch me train today.”

Orin yawns. “Of course you bring her by when I’m too tired to be my usual charming self.”

Kael rolls his eyes. “Probably for the best.”

Orin’s eyes narrow, and he puts on a mock scowl. “You’re lucky I just got off shift. I’d hate to beat you down in front of your elf and your ex.”

Kael laughs. “So confident for someone who failed so spectacularly last time.”

Orin laughs, shaking his head. “Luck. I’ll get you next time.”

He looks at Evie. “I see why you’ve been so happy at home, Kael. Well, I’ll hold my tongue, because I don’t want to pick a fight right now, but…hell with it, if you ever get bored of her, send her my way.”

Before anyone can say anything to that, Orin grins and walks away. Koa steps forward, shaking his head. Crouching down, the big man extends a massive hand towards Evie.

“Orin has no manners, little miss. Please don’t take what he says to heart. I am Koa, and I am pleased to meet you.”

Evie nervously reaches out to shake, his massive paw completely engulfing her delicate hand. Kael knows that Koa has a similar relationship at home, with a pair of slaves he calls his ‘little loves’. They’re little only to him, orcish sisters named Reina and Dalia, who absolutely adore the gentle giant.

Koa steps back, and Ria takes her turn, a smile on her face as she looks between Kael and Evie. She puts her hands on her hips, and shakes her head.

“Well, it’s good to finally see you, Evie. And I apologize for what I’m about to say to Kael.”

She turns to Kael, her smile widening. “You got laid last night, didn’t you.”

Kael’s eyes widen, and he blushes in spite of himself. “I…we…well…”

Ria laughs. “That answers that question! You’ve always been shy about that stuff, at least in public.”

She turns back to Evie, who is blushing as well, although there is a small smile on the elf’s face. “So…how was it?”

Kael looks at her in surprise. “Ria!”

Ria just grins, and Evie actually giggles. “It was…amazing!”

Kael looks between Ria and Evie, seeing them both smiling. What is happening here? Ria laughs again, walking up and shaking hands with Evie. “You’ll have to give me more details later. I want to be sure this oaf is treating you right.”

Evie giggles again. “Master has treated me wonderfully! But I’d love to talk to you more.”

Ria raises an eyebrow. “Master, hmm? Interesting. How about dinner? Tonight?”

Evie nods excitedly. “I’d love that!”

Kael sighs. “I don’t suppose I get any say in this decision?”

Ria looks at him with a quirk of her eyebrow. “Not this time, master’.”

Something in the way she says that makes Kael shiver. Ria laughs, and puts her hands on her hips. “So, are we here to train, or flirt?”

Kael shakes his head. “Well, I’m here to train. I can’t speak for you, Ria.”

The smiling redhead shrugs. “Some of us can multitask. Fancy another bout? Maybe the audience will up your game this time!”

Kael turns to Evie. “Go relax in the shade. There’s a bench over there if you’d rather sit.”

She kisses him on the cheek and smiles, before walking off to where the benches are. Kael blushes at the display of affection, but is smiling as he turns back to Ria and Koa. “I’d love another round. You don’t mind, right, Koa?”

The giant shakes his head. “Go ahead. I’ll train solo for now.”

Ria grins at Kael. “Okay, big guy, how are we doing this?”