The first and second days of travel are tedious.
The only interesting thing that happens is that I convince Ignis to teach me some swordplay. I just need to show him I can wield a sword, nothing more than that.
Yet, he's especially careful with everything around me. He doesn't let me get off the carriage alone in fear I trip and twist an ankle. He opens every single door for me so that I don't slam into them.
When he accepts to play, I'm quite surprised.
«Show me what you can do,» he says, offering me a wooden stick.
Oh, this is not a sword. But I guess it's better than nothing.
Now, if I can disarm Ignis even once, he'll be forced to admit I do know a little of...
«Don't lose your focus,» he exclaims while the stick flies far from me.
When? How?
I haven't even noticed him moving, yet I've already lost.
Oh, I don't stand a chance against him like this. He's too skilled. But it's unfair to compare us: he's trained the sword his whole life while I've been using it for a few years only.
It's normal that he's better.
Yet, I wasn't expecting this much better.
«Veronica, if you don't focus, you can't win. A sword is a weapon, not a toy. And your opponent wants to kill you. You can't waste time thinking: you need to protect yourself first.»
Oh, damn it.
He offers me the stick back, and I return on guard.
This time, I don't waste time thinking. Better give up on my impossible dream and just observe his elegant moves. My eyes will thank me even if I do lose every single time.
When he attacks, I back away. I just step backwards by instinct, and he nods, approving.
I didn't have time to react just now, so retreating was the only thing my body could achieve in this fraction of a second.
«This is better,» Ignis comments. «If you aren't hurt, you have a chance to get out of it alive.»
«Realistically, how many people can fight like you?» I inquire. «I can defend myself from the average bandit pretty well. But you're a trained guard. It's different.»
«Don't overestimate me, Veronica. Tobin is way more skilled than me.»
I sigh. Staying in between skilled people makes one feel useless.
But, once far from the capital's knights, I'm sure I'll recover a little of my self-esteem.
Ignis is one of the best swordsmen I've ever seen, and I want to believe he's the best among his peers as well. It would be unfair if he wasn't. And it would mean that I believed in the lie that I'm not that bad with a sword.
«Keep the sword higher while on guard,» he says. «Protect head and chest. You can jump away if your legs are targeted.»
«The instructor said to be careful about the legs,» I point out.
«You're faster than you're strong, Veronica. Even if they target your legs, you won't be able to stop the blow with your strength. Especially if the angle is bad. You need to be more cunning than strong and faster than brave.»
«You sound like some sage living in a mountain and delivering advice to us humans,» I giggle.
«Don't tease me and focus,» he rebukes, pouting. «You need to learn how to defend yourself. I might not be by your side when you need it.»
«Are you planning to leave?»
«Life is unpredictable. Better have a skill you won't use rather than lack it when you need it.»
«Do you remember what I said about the sage?» I giggle.
«You shouldn't laugh about this. It's important!»
He lowers the stick he's using, and I tilt my head. Is it over? Are we done training? I was just getting in the mood... And I was starting to figure out how Ignis's swordplay works.
«I will teach you more about this,» he says. «You can't stand a chance against a real assassin if you keep defending your honour. It's not a battle for the King's entertainment. It's life and death.»
«All right,» I sigh. «I will try my best.»
He steps in my direction and offers his hand. I hold it while walking towards the woods.
Aida and Tobin are resting near the carriage. They don't pay much attention to us, but I guess they're both on alert. With different techniques, they're observing the surroundings and listening to any sound revealing traces of humans.
Tobin with his ears and eyes, Aida with her magic.
«However, if you have the chance, you should always run away from danger.» Ignis continues with his predicament.
His face is solemn, and his tone is so serious. It makes me want to laugh and hug him. Yet, it's better if I keep some decency.
When we're far enough from the carriage, I pull him by the hand to make him stop the walk. I stand on tiptoe and leave a peck on his cheek.
A few seconds later, we're hidden behind a tree, kissing with so much passion and the need of lovers.
This time, I'm clothed. Hence, the wood pressing in my back doesn't bother me. The hand in my hair is firm yet gentle, and the stone-like body pushing me against the tree is hot like lava.
Oh, dear. It's been two days already. We didn't even kiss for two days.
How could I resist for so long without going mad?
While Ignis's tongue explores my mouth, I lean my whole weight on the tree and my hands on his chest. I don't move a muscle and let him direct me as he pleases.
Feigning surrender, I kiss Ignis back until we're both satisfied, giving my best to be as smooth as he is. Oh, but I'm learning.
Judging from his contented grin when we split, I'm learning fast enough.
«I may suck in swordplay,» I comment with a smug grin. «But I can still learn a lot of other things.»