The city feels quieter than usual, though Eska knows it's just her perception after the chaos of the past week. Three days have passed since the hive battle, and while her body feels rested, her mind remains restless.
The events linger in her thoughts—the Queen, the Thaxil, the faces of those lost.
She adjusts the strap of her bag as she makes her way toward the training grounds. The morning air is a bit cold but comfortable.
She takes a deep breath to clear her head.
As the training grounds come into view, Eska immediately spots a familiar figure training against one of the wooden dummies.
Kaz, as sharp and unbothered as ever, swings his sword towards the dummy. His dark green coat is a stark contrast against the earthy tones of the grounds and his messy hair looks like he just rolled out of bed.
He looks up as she approaches, his sharp eyes narrowing in mock scrutiny. Around the training grounds, a few onlookers glance toward Kaz as he approaches Eska.
Most roll their eyes with a knowing, almost amused expression. A couple of them exchange faint smirks, clearly used to his antics and the inevitable clash of words that always seems to follow when Kaz is involved.
"Well, well," he says, pushing himself off the dummy with a lazy grace. "If it isn't our little hive hero. Didn't think you'd bother showing your face so soon." There's a teasing edge to his tone, but it lacks his usual venom.
Eska raises an eyebrow but says nothing at first, stepping closer until she's standing a few feet away.
"And here I thought you'd have found a better hobby by now," she retorts, her tone light but her eyes scanning him for any hint of genuine malice. Despite herself, she can't help but feel a strange relief at seeing him. Amidst all the uncertainty, Kaz's consistent arrogance is oddly calming, even if it is infuriating at times.
He smirks, flipping the blade in his hand and catching it effortlessly. "Oh, trust me, Eska. You've made things a lot more interesting around here. The whole city's been talking about you."
His smirk fades slightly as he studies her more closely. "But let's see if all that talk means anything. You here to train, or just to soak up the glory?"
Eska squares her shoulders, meeting his gaze with a steady confidence she couldn't have mustered on their first encounter.
"You'll find out soon enough." Her tone is calm, but there's a fire behind her words, one that even Kaz seems to take note of. He steps back, gesturing toward the sparring ring with a dramatic bow.
"After you, hero," Kaz says, his usual smirk still present, but there's something different in his tone. It lacks its typical bite, carrying a subtle weight that feels more genuine than mocking.
The word doesn't feel like a jab—it feels almost like an acknowledgment, though Kaz would probably never admit it outright.
As they step into the ring, the crowd of trainees and hunters around them subtly shifts their attention. Kaz unslings his usual equipment—a sturdy, wooden buckler shield with faint scratches from all its uses and a wooden short sword
He twirls the blade once, testing its weight, before holding it at the ready, his stance casual but poised. Across from him, Eska ignores the weapons rack at the edge of the ring, lifting her hands upward as if clasping something unseen above them. Her palms hover in an unusual stance.
Her yellow eyes remain locked on Kaz, their focus unwavering as she readies herself for the fight ahead.
The contrast between them—weapon against flesh—draws a few murmurs from the onlookers, but Kaz doesn't seem fazed. If anything, the faint smirk tugging at his lips suggests he's more intrigued than ever.
Kaz's grin widens as he raises his wooden sword.
"So you still think you can take me on without a weapon?" he asks. His stance shifts slightly, the subtle energy of someone ready to strike radiating off him.
Without hesitation, Kaz charges at Eska, his wooden sword slice aimed for her neck.
Eska's movements are fluid, her hand snapping up with precision to backhand the strike, deflecting the blade with an ease that sends it back the way it came. Kaz, unfazed, pivots smoothly with the momentum, turning his entire body to bring his buckler shield into play.
The shield rushes toward Eska's side in a swift follow-up.
Eska sidesteps the strike, her body twisting just enough to avoid the impact as her yellow eyes remain locked on Kaz. She catches the faint glint of determination in his gaze—he's better now, fast, more adaptable but still not quite fast enough to break through her defenses.
Kaz presses forward, his strikes relentless as he alternates between his sword and shield, trying to corner her. Eska, however, weaves through his attacks like a dancer, parrying and deflecting with seemingly no effort.
"You've improved," Eska says between his strikes, her tone laced with slight amusement. Kaz narrows his eyes, his grin returning as he steps back momentarily to catch his breath. "Don't patronize me," he retorts, lunging forward again with a quicker combination.
This time, Eska raises her hands higher, catching the edge of his shield mid-swing and using its momentum to twist him off balance. Kaz stumbles slightly but quickly regains his footing, his wooden sword raised defensively.
He smirks despite himself. "You know, I don't think I've ever seen you break a sweat. I would have loved to see you at the hive"
"If you want to be in a siege like that. You'll need to make more progress than 'not falling on your ass' during a fight." Eska says, her words light and teasing, accompanied by a genuine, playful smile. It's a rare softness, free of the tension she's carried since the hive and it catches Kaz slightly off guard.
He pauses for a moment, his grin widening as he lowers his wooden sword and shield. "There it is," he says, his voice warm. "You haven't had your usual smile this whole time. It was starting to feel kind of awkward."
Kaz readjusts his stance, gripping his wooden sword tightly as he prepares for another charge. His eyes glint with determination, a faint grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Alright, Eska, no more playing around. You better stay on your toes now," he says, his voice brimming with focus.
Eska smirks, raising her hands again in her usual unarmed stance. "You're welcome to try," she teases, her tone light but her posture ready.
Just as Kaz begins his approach, a familiar voice interrupts the moment. "Eska," Valen calls, his calm but commanding tone freezing both of them in place.
Kaz raises an eyebrow, glancing between the two of them. "Uh-oh. Looks like I'm being benched," he says with a teasing grin, stepping back and giving Eska a mock bow. "Don't keep the boss waiting."
Eska rolls her eyes but can't help the small smile tugging at her lips as she looks at Valen. "What's so important it couldn't wait until after I embarrassed Kaz a little more?" she quips, stepping out of the ring to join him.
Valen's expression softens just slightly, but there's a seriousness in his eyes.
"It's important," he says simply, gesturing for her to follow him. Kaz watches them leave, his smirk fading as he leans back against the wooden railing, his gaze lingering thoughtfully.
As they move further from the training grounds, Eska finally breaks the silence. "Alright, what's going on? You're looking way too serious for my liking."
Valen doesn't break his stride, he answers with a calm tone. "The Speaker wants a word. The Paladins and Miriel will be there too."
Eska stops in her tracks, her eyes widening in disbelief. "The Speaker? What does he want with me?" she blurts, her voice a mix of shock and unease.
Valen pauses, glancing back at her with a steady gaze. "I'm not sure," he admits. "But we can't make them wait. Come on."
Eska hesitates, her head lowering as she reluctantly resumes walking beside him. "I really don't like that guy…" she mutters, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I know," Valen replies with a sigh, his expression softening slightly. "But there's not much anyone can do about that. Just… stay calm, alright?"
The imposing silhouette of the Cathedral soon comes into view, its spires cutting into the sky like jagged teeth.
Eska's steps grow heavier as they approach. Valen glances at her again, giving her a brief but reassuring nod before leading her up the wide stone steps.
They ride down the elevator. Eska keeps her gaze fixed on the ascending walls, each inch carved with intricate patterns, and prayers. Al illuminated by faintly glowing runes. The elevator finally comes to a halt with a resounding clang.
They make their way down the hallway.
Eska feels a chill run down her spine as they approach the gates to the room, the silence only broken by the distant murmurs of prayer.
Valen pauses for a brief moment, his hand resting on the door, before giving Eska a glance. "Ready?" he asks, his voice steady. Without waiting for her answer, he pushes the doors open, revealing the Speaker's chamber bathed in an oppressive light.