Speed

Ferra doesn’t move.

Victor looks at her in confusion, his shield up. Glancing over at you, he hesitates. “I…I said begin? What’s happening?”

Ferra tilts her head slightly. “I’m letting you move first, so I don’t accidentally hurt you.”

You chuckle. “Ferra, I know you’re trying to be polite, but that sounds very arrogant. Victor, I apologize, I haven’t spent much time explaining this sort of thing with her.”

Beside you, Melora stifles a laugh. She seems to be watching as well, despite her blindfolded eyes. Victor seems to notice, and nods, rolling his shoulders. “Very well, I’ll go on the offensive, then.”

He looks at Ferra for a moment more, and then charges, leading with his shield. Swinging it in a bash, he connects with…air. Ferra is no longer there. She sweeps past him with a twirl, one of her blades snaking in to slice cleanly through the haft of his axe. In the same motion, she slaps the back of his knees with the flat of her other blade, sending him sprawling onto the ground.

It all takes less than five seconds, and Victor looks confused, holding the severed handle of his axe as Ferra stands over him, her blades morphing back into hands. She offers him a hand back to his feet, and he looks at her with a newfound respect as he dusts himself off.

Melora turns to you. “That is…incredible! Victor is one of the best fighters we have.”

You smile. “Ferra is special, like I said. The only one I’ve seen even land a hit on her is my aunt Uzume, and she’s a literal war goddess.”

Victor walks over with Ferra. “The speed and strength she has. You’d never know by looking at her. Thank you for letting me have the attempt, however.”

You nod as Ferra moves to stand beside you and takes your hand. “Of course. I’m just glad no one got hurt. Now, if you’re still interested, I think I’d be a more even fight for you.”

The panther man laughs. “Maybe another time. I don’t think my ego can handle another beating today. Besides, we need to talk, the four of us. Well, five, it looks like.”

You glance over and see Alex has finally awoken, though she still looks sleepy. As she approaches, she seems to notice the amused looking Melora beside you, and a smile lights up her face.

“Ohh, look at this, cozying up to my bondmate! Can’t say I blame you…”

With a giggle, she leans in to the seer and whispers, loudly. “If you want to get him alone, just let me know!”

Victor chuckles, and you shake your head. You can’t help but notice a slight blush on Melora’s cheeks, however. You cough to get Alex’s attention. “Calm down, miss matchmaker. I need to teach both of you some manners…”

Alex giggles, and even Ferra smiles a little. The efreet winks at you. “I look forward to that lesson, maybe we can do it tonight!”

Now it’s your turn to blush, and Victor laughs.