It has been years ever since I started living with Rhythian and the same time has passed ever since I've started training with my bow. In that time, I've gotten better with my aim and my stance. Rhythian still teaches me things I got wrong, but I manage in the end.
Every other day of training has been normal so far. Simple target practice, Close Quarters Combat, and a lot more. Today however, will put everything I learned to the test...
Rhythian stands a few meters away from me in the grassy plains in the front of his house. He summoned the great sword and shouldered the massive blade. He waved his hand a small bit and the tall grass soon shifted into short ones, creating a small arena around us.
"Alright young draconian, this will put your limits to the test, are you ready?" Rhythian spoke out loud as I stood there. I was wearing tight leather armor, accompanied by a cowl and leather gauntlets and boots. Rhythian recommended that armor for me when he wanted to spar. I stretched a little bit before I waved my hand forward, summoning my bow. I then took a different stance, a stance thieves usually use.
"Ready!" I yell out. Rhythian nodded as he went into a battle ready stance as well. A quiet whistle of the wind flew by as we stayed there. In a few seconds, Rhythian dashed towards me. I flinched a small bit before running by the sides of the circle. I nocked a magic arrow in the bow as I looked around for Rhythian. He then appeared in front of me, causing me to stop and shoot forward. Rhythian blocked the arrow and used his fist to punch downward. His punch caused the ground to shake. I knew Rhythian was strong, but I didn't expect this level of his strength.
I rolled to the side and nocked another arrow in. I took a deep breath, I then pulled on the bowstring. Mana flowed from my arms and into my hand. As I kept running, I jumped forward, aiming at the running Rhythian. I let go of the arrow, and what was one arrow, turned into five. The volley of arrows caused Rhythian to look surprised. This made him lose his focus and 2 out of the 5 hit Rhythian.
I grew a smile as I knew I hit him, but the spar wasn't over. Rhythian dashed forward, closing the distance between us. He then slashed up, using both his hands. In a second, I quickly rolled to the side, barely missing the slash. However, in a quick motion, Rhythian switched stances and swiped sideward. I managed to block his attack, but it knocked me back quite a bit. He was fast AND strong...
I knew he wanted to fight in a close quarter combat, so I kept the bow and clenched my fist. I rolled backward to help me stand up. Rhythian stood a few feet in front of me. He kept the great sword and rose his fists. I took a few deep breaths before lunging forward to strike at him and he would do the same.
For minutes, we would be locked in a loop of hitting, blocking and dodging. I knew that I had to break the fight somehow. I then got an idea and waited for Rhythian to throw another punch.
Rhythian threw a straight right jab. In quick succession, I ducked to dodge the punch, punched Rhythian's leg, leg swiped it, and tacked to get him into an arm lock.
Soon after, Rhythian was on the ground, with me giving him a head lock. We both stayed in that position for a few seconds as I puffed out heavy breaths. Rhythian soon stopped struggling.
"Alright, alright...You win" Rhythian says as he just laid there. I grew a smile and released him. I rolled backwards and squatted on the grass. I still breathed heavily as I wasn't accustomed to the armorr yet including the fight Rhythian and I did. Rhythian sat up and turned to me.
"That was impressive young draconian..." Rhythian says as he leaned forward and gave me a thumbs up. It was strange how he wasn't sweating bullets and breathing heavily from that fight while wearing that armor...
"Stop calling me 'young' Rhythian, I'm 21..."I replied as I took off my cowl.
"Alright then, 'Juvenile' draconian" Rhythian teased. We both went silent for a couple of seconds before I giggled a small bit from his weird names. He then placed his hand on my head.
"You've grown quite a bit ever since I've took you in, you've changed into a strong, fine woman. It will be soon that my Juvenile Draconian would meet someone new" Rhythian joked as he gestured in a way that it may seem like a tear was falling down his eye. I grab his hand and thew it to the side. "Come on, stop that! The only man in my life would be you Rhythian..." I giggled and joked back, still liking the way he treats me. What he said about the change was true though. In the past years, I've been a weak and feeble 10 year old, who was abandoned and tortured.
Rhythian changed my life. He protected me from countless dangers, fed me, sheltered me, and trained me. He was my guardian. Now, I am a strong huntress, who has a cool spellsword as a guardian.
I came back into reality and stood up, dusting myself off. I then walked to Rhythian and lent out a hand.
"Come on, let's head back, I'll cook this time" I let out a smile as he took my hand and stood up. We both walked back to the house, gleefully chatting...
The next day, Rhythian went to the town to buy supplies and I was left at home to clean up. Hours have passed and Rhythian came back in a rush. I looked to see what he was so worked up about. He went near me and placed a poster on the table.
I went to read what was on the paper, but it left me in a shocked and confused state.
"Monster's executions!" The paper read. I looked at Rhythian as to why I was to be pulled into this matter.
"Mileena, those 'monsters' are half-dragon...Your parents might be part of it" Rhythian spoke, causing me to drop the broom on my hand...