Tommen, to his credit, made the first move, charging Bran. However, his form was way off, and Bran easily blocked the blow. However, instead of capitalizing on his advantage, Bran took a step back and spoke calmly.
"You have to keep your weapon close to your body," Bran said, using his own sword to demonstrate. "If you don't, you lose the power of your swing." Glancing over at Ser Rodrick, he saw the old knight had raised an eyebrow but was not interrupting.
"Ummm, so like this," Tommen replied nervously, bringing his blade closer to him.
"Yea, now try again." Tommen did as he was bid, charging him again. While improved, Bran was still able to block it, giving Tommen more pointers. It took him at least ten more tries, but he eventually got it, striking in a way that did not offer Bran a sizeable advantage.
"Good work boy!" Rodrick cheered, letting loose a hearty chuckle. "We'll make a knight of you yet!" Looking up, Bran saw his mother smile and retreat into the castle.
"Yea, good job, you're really improving," Bran added, much to Tommen's delight. Bran got the feeling he was not used to positive reinforcement, and he grinned with uncontainable glee. "Now let's work on your shield."
They practised for another hour before Rodrick called the training to a halt. While Bran did not improve, Tommen was doing much better. He still had a long way to go, lacking stamina and still learning the basics, though he was coming along well. He clearly had a natural aptitude for the sword, perhaps passed down from his father Robert. After finishing up, the boys retreated to the armory to remove their armor and return their weapons.
"Thank you," Tommen said meekly as they entered the room.
"No problem, my lord," Bran replied, tossing down his shield and sword.
"I don't really have any friends my age to spar with," Tommen admitted, undoing the straps of his armor. "They are all scared off by Joffrey." Bran pitied the young boy. His brothers had always loved and supported him, while Tommen's had only made his life worse.
"Well don't worry, you can spar with me whenever you want," Bran replied, trying to cheer up the prince.
"Really!?!"
"Really."
"Would you..." Tommen hesitated for a moment. "Would you want to be my friend?"
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