Sparring and talking

Kael attacks first, a low sweep with his axe that Ria nimbly evades. She counters with a thrust towards his midsection, and Kael swats the weapon aside with the haft of his axe. They circle, still smiling.

Ria darts in to make a cut at his head, which he ducks, and she springs back before he can make a return attack. She laughs, shaking her head. “Too slow, big guy. Use up all your energy in bed?”

Kael brings the axe around in a cross cut starting at her shoulder, which Ria parries with a clang of metal on metal. “You talk a big game, for someone struggling to beat an injured man!”

Ria laughs, feinting a low thrust and following it up with a cut at Kael’s face. Kael reads the move, ducking under the slash and thrusting the butt of his weapon into Ria’s muscled stomach. She recoils with a grunt, but recovers quickly with several rapid thrusts that **** Kael on his heels. Kael once again swats her weapon aside, moving inside her guard and throwing a punch at her head. Too late, he recognizes the trap she’s laid, as she ducks and follows up with a vicious knee into his injured ribs.

As he reels, it’s a simple move for her to sweep his legs, sending him crashing to the ground. As his axe falls from his hand with a clatter, Ria leaps onto him, thrusting her sword into the dirt next to his head and pinning him down, sitting on his stomach. She grins at him, leaning in closer to his face.

“Gotcha.”

Kael chuckles, looking up at her. “Yeah. Well fought.”

They don’t move for a moment, before Ria seems to recognize her position atop him. With a wink she stands, helping Kael to his feet. After a moment of hesitation, she gives him a friendly slap on the shoulder.

“Not bad, big guy. Almost like new.”

She’s always used the name ‘big guy’ as a term of endearment for Kael. Even after they stopped seeing each other romantically, the name stuck. Just another sign that there’s still something between them.

Kael nods. “Almost. But almost isn’t enough.”

Ria laughs. “Don’t worry, you’ll be full speed in no time. Now, time for an interrogation. Spill it, big guy.”

Kael chuckles. “Well, her name is Evie, and she’s an elf.”

Ria raises an eyebrow and crosses her arms. “An elf, hmm? Orin finally get to you?”

Kael shakes his head. “You know me better than that, Ria. No, she was given to me by Lord Greyheart. She’s…special.”

She smiles, nodding. “I can tell. There’s a bunch of rumors, and Bernal won’t tell me anything! Orin is useless for this, he’s still bitter I won’t fuck him. But he can’t help but run his mouth. So tell me, is he right? Is she in your bed?”

Kael actually blushes a bit. “Well…not like he means it…”

Ria’s eyes go wide. “Oh crap, she is! Kael!”

He shakes his head. “It’s not like that, Ria! She’s sweet, and cute, and…look, other than one time, I haven’t even touched her like that!”

Ria laughs. “Other than one time, hmm? Look, I know you, Kael, you wouldn’t be so flustered if you were completely innocent. But I also know you wouldn’t take advantage of someone. So…is this happening? You and this elven girl?”

Kael nods. “It is. Don’t spread it around, but yeah.”

Ria’s expression is a mix of jealousy and happiness. Kael’s unsure if she’s jealous of him, or of Evie. Regardless, she gives him a hug.

“I’m happy for you, Kael. You can’t hide from your demons all alone. Just…introduce me some time, yeah? I’d like to meet this special elven lady.”

Kael nods. “Of course. Come over for dinner some time.”

Ria looks at him in surprise. “A dinner invite from the reclusive Kael? How could I refuse!”

They both laugh. Ria smiles and nods. “Count on it, big guy. See you soon?”

Kael grins. “For sure.”

In a surprise move, Ria hugs him again, lingering a bit. When they separate, she smiles and waves, hurrying out of the room.