Months had passed since Vivian had begun her training with Gerald. She had spent countless hours practicing, honing her skills and building her strength. She had gone from being a clumsy beginner to a formidable swordsman.
Gerald announced that today they'd have a sparring match. Vivian was both excited and nervous. She knew that this would be a true test of her abilities as Gerald was no easy opponent. She lost count of how many times he's defeated her in a match but that didn't deter her from trying.
The courtyard was filled with a tense atmosphere as Vivian and Gerald took their stances. The wooden swords clanged together as they exchanged blows. Vivian was surprised at how well she was holding her own. She had learned to parry Gerald's attacks and counter with her own.
Gerald lunged forward, his sword aimed at Vivian's chest. Vivian ducked under the attack and swung her sword upward, striking Gerald's arm. Gerald stumbled back, surprised by the force of the blow.
Vivian pressed her advantage, attacking Gerald with a flurry of strikes. Gerald defended himself, but he was clearly struggling to keep up.
Finally, Gerald managed to block one of Vivian's attacks and counter with a powerful thrust. Vivian parried the thrust, then disengaged.
"Impressive," Gerald said, panting. "You've come a long way."
Vivian smiled. "Thanks."
They took a moment to catch their breath, then resumed their sparring. This time, Vivian took the initiative, attacking Gerald with a series of feints and thrusts. Gerald defended himself, but he was clearly on the defensive.
Vivian feinted to the right, then lunged to the left, her sword aimed at Gerald's chest. Gerald tried to block the attack, but he was too slow. Vivian's sword connected with his chest, sending him stumbling backward. Gerald fell to the ground, his sword clattering out of his hand.
Vivian stood over Gerald, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She couldn't believe she had actually defeated him.
"You did it," Gerald said, panting. "You're a skilled swordsman."
Vivian smiled. "Thank you," she said. "I couldn't have done it without your training." She extended her hand to help him up from the ground.
Gerald nodded. "You're a natural. I think you're ready to go to the knights' trials."
Vivian's heart pounded with excitement. She had been waiting this day.
"Thank you," she said. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Gerald smiled. "You're welcome. I'm proud of you, Luke."
As Vivian walked away, she couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. She had come a long way since the day she had first stepped into Gerald's inn, and she had so much further to go.