Mica has been teaching Dorian swordsmanship ever since his father,also a former soldier, died three years ago. A tense moment passes before the two rush each other. The crack of wood against wood fills the air as the two combatants square off. Mica's gracefull movements are met by Dorian's strong and purposeful movements as the two combatants fight for position. Dorian steps into Mica, closing in with a strong yet balanced thrust followed by a downwards slash,pivoting to bring his whole body into the swing. Mica parrys the thrust but is almost too slow to catch Dorian's follow-up as he barely catches the sword above his shoulder. Mica retaliates sending a quick flurry of jabs and slashes towards Dorian. But with surprising speed parrying blows until he feints a parry for an incoming thrust, sliding down the blade and pivoting into a horizontal slash as Mica tries to jump away from the blow. He jumps back, but is a hair too slow as the sword smacks into his ribs,making him exhale sharply. This display goes on for the better part of half an hour until both combatants sink into the grass, huffing and nursing their bruises.
"Not too shabby Dorian you have really come a long way since you started almost three years ago."
"You didn't think I would just slack off did you now?"
"No I suppose not. You may like your sleep, but you have always taken something to heart when you pursue something."
"Well I've got some errands to run before I go home for Alice so I suppose I better get going."
"Alright young man take care of yourself."
With a nod Dorian trudges back up the hill back towards the Town center. The first place he stops by is the local market where he buys the carrots,potatoes and peas his sister will use in their stew tonight. And finally he stops by Hans, the town's butcher. The smell of fresh meat fills the air again as Dorian enters the shop.
"Oi Dorian my lad what brings ya to my shop this afternoon," Hans asks in a gruff yet friendly tone.
"Alice is making her stew and she asked me to pick up some meat on my way home."
" Mmmm your sister's cooking is the best...I've got something you two might like." And with that he disappears into the back room. A short time later with a rather decent sized package under his arm. "Here we are, one beef roast for your stew."
Dorian's eyes widen. "Hans you know we can't afford something as good as as a roast,let alone beef."
"Think nothing of it lad remember the boar you brought in that I told you I would finish compensating you for... well consider us even now," he says with a wink.
"Thanks Hans... Alice is going to love this."
"Tell her ol Hans sends his regards." With a nod, Dorian collects the bundle and strides out the door. A spring in his step.
The short trip back to the little cottage flys by as Dorian's good mood helps things along.
Stepping in, Dorian shouts," Hey sis I'm home and I've brought ingredients for the stew.
Popping her head out from around the corner Alice beams as she sees her brother, but sighs as she sees the state he is in. "Practicing with Mica again I see." Her eyes then hover down to the sizable package under his arm and her eyes widen as she sees the stamp on the package. "Brother you didn't spend all your earnings on that did you?"
Smiling he sets down the package, along with the vegetables and stock for the stew. "Nah Hans gave it to me as compensation for the boar I bright him a little while back," he states while juggling the remains of his earnings.
With a smile Alice scoops up the ingredients as Dorian gathers a change of clothes and his soap as he heads the stream behind their house. The water is a bit chilly, but oh so soothing on his aching body. He takes his time, knowing food wouldn't be done for awhile, after which he grabs a few arm loads of lumber to replace the wood used tonight. After several hours the stew is finally done. They dig into it, savoring every bite before turning in for the night. Sleep comes easily for him, but doesn't last long as Alice shakes him awake, a look of panic on her face. "Dorian quick the village...it's under attack!"