I spent the rest of the morning letting my 5 year old train me Arnold and even Demelza.
Kicking was fun. And incredibly stamina consuming. I could practically see Ilianna lose respect for me in real time.
My panting did make her laugh, though, so I took it as a win.
We also helped Eli with her choir. She didn't need to do it since Lucian, like the rest, agreed not to fight Emet, but she was always earnest.
As we laughed and only lightly worked. I kept my eyes on the river and in search of a perfect secluded place for me and Zephyr later.
As time went on, I got more nervous, the good kind. Demelza asked Eleanor some probing questions.
" So now that your big sister finally on the right path.." - she wasn't training with her little boy around. ".. how are you going to handle the young Lucian proposal comes to the winter festival?"
" I skipped them for a few years." - she answered without hesitation.
" Why is that? I thought you would be eager to have a double wedding with your sister."
I already knew since she told me about the Zephyr naming celebration.
" Lucian and I are.. great together. But I will follow my sister trail left for me and wait. " - she picked the petals from a flower and let the wind carry them away.
" Besides, I have a feeling my brother in law will be a wealthy man one day. So there's no need to hurry."
I was glad she decided to wait. As long as she is happy, that's all that matters.
" I believe you right. A man of his skills, there always ways to earn more coin. - layed down the grass and let little Arnold crawl all over her.
" My Alexander sure got lucky that day..you know, when he tried to kill him. He gained a reliable brother."
" Lylly sure found someone special.."
Both Demelza and my sister looked at me happy and with a tiniest envy in their eyes.
I had to turn around so they didn't see me smile.
---
Soon after, we took the children home, and I helped mom make a few sandwiches.
Helped cutting the lettuce. But if Zephyr loves it, I fully intend to take all the credit. It was sad, but I I rather not have him know I'm a terrible cook.
Eleanor brought food made by Lucian mother to take to her son, and Alexander with the family tagged along to.
The poor guy was so bored that he helped out with the animals that left. Those for the sacrifice are already separated.
The training yard expanded quite a bit. It was no longer just a flat field like before.
With the help of so many students, they put up a wooden gate around the fighting area and cut down the greenery around it, in a wide circle.
Zephyr was inside sparring with some men I saw him train before.
He expertly side stepped or ducked every kick with a smile. He seemed to be teaching while fighting.
He blocked a kick with his left leg and then performed a powerful kick with his right that landed on his opponent mid section and pushed him several feet away and up in the air. He looked like he was flying for a second.
" This is the front kick. There will be many more techniques in the future that may look cooler or feel more powerful. That is wrong. " - he turned to those sitting around then walked towards the fallen man.
" The front kick is by far the most powerful and in many situations the most useful kick."
He explained as he helped up that poor devil who almost turned into a bird. He sat him among his peers and performed it again this time step by step.
" First, raise the knee of the kicking leg to your waist. Then, by exerting your bodies, wheight be by pushing it forward aimed at the target stomach. It not only pushes the opponent away, creating space for your next move. It can also incapacitate them with enough force behind it."
By Ehlite, he looked sexy teaching all these men who most likely were older than him. The way he spoke, told his experience, and the way he moved showed his skill.
He told them to come back Monday morning, for tomorrow ..he will be busy.
The others went to eat with their wifes and kids like usual.
Looks like all his students returned to learn. Meaning his words got through all of them.
Granny was right.
Ilianna ran into his arms the second he jumped out of the fighting ring. She became less violent with other kids after Zephyr talked to her. I have been asking her for days before that moment but she never listened.
" You look happy, my love."
He greeted Alexander and his family and kissed me on my cheek.
" It's because I am. Zephyr, come! I made you sandwiches." - I pulled to our basket filled with them.
Demelza looked at me with narrowed eyes, but I didn't care. I made him food...
He sat with Anna in her lap and shared some sandwiches with her.
" Sweetheart, this is delicious.. I can't remember you ever making food before." - he looked suspicious, tasting it.
" Hmm..first time but, you can get used to it."
He looked at me with appreciation. I wanted to do things, but I had a job to do.
" Demelza, would you help me a little?." - I got up from the tree trunk I used as a chair and hoped she remembered.
She seamlessly stood up and kissed her husband.
" Of course, we be right back. Let's go."
She led me into the house.
It was smaller than ours, but it only needed to house three. She took me in their bedroom and opened the chest in front of the bed. Soon, she put several..tiny fabrics on her bed.
" Pick one, and it's yours."
" They're very ..revealing, huh?" - I picked one up and examined it with my face heated.
She looked at me with a playful expression.
" Tell me, is there anything you don't want him to see? "
" Of course not..ohh. I suppose you're right. "
She giggled, and I heard footsteps behind me.
I almost jumped on the bed to hide the bathing suits. I didn't want Zephyr to see me so nervous about something simple as ..swimming.
Luckily, it was only Eleanor.
" I came to offer assistance if needed. Lylly, what are you doing?" - she peeked inside the room watching me frozen with my hand pointed forward.
" Nothing.. thanks for the help. I thought you were Zephyr..." - I fixed my position, and just to be safe, I checked behind her.
" He is busy enjoying mother sandwiches. You sold it well as your creations."
I didn't care about her trying to shame me.
" Oh well..adults problems. You have them one day to I'm sure. "
" Hmm.."
" Hmm..."
We spent 15 minutes debating which one.
I ended up listening to myself and went with a black one. It will go nicely with my hair. I tried it on.
" I can't believe how well it fits.. you look sexy Lylly. Zephyr won't know what hit him." - Demelza turned me left and right admired the fit.
I checked myself in their mirror.
Okay, it's not bad.. I always loved my legs.
My face looked like a tomato. I changed out of my first bathing suit. I never felt the need or had the money to have them. Besides, I only ever bathed in the river, when I was sure nobody was around.
Outside the atmosphere was loud and jovial.
Zephyr was done with the sandwiches and watched with Alexander as Ilianna performed a near identical kick like her father.
" I can't believe how much she learned, brother. She will be a warrior when grown." - Alexander was quick to praise her.
" Thanks, Alex. I hope she gets to be whatever she wants."
How can someone so young be such a good father already? Watching his happy smile seeing Ilianna keep practising .. I felt my stomach full of butterflies.
I went straight to him and took his hand.
" Let's go...you look exhausted, Zephyr. Demelza, watch Anna, will you?" - I asked, without looking at her.
" Of course.. Have fun!"
He smiled at with anticipation, and we locked hands.
" Yeah, I feel exhausted.. lead the way, love. "