Lightstar Family/Xarnelf/Roleplay 64
Bloody Pates
Xarnelf grinned coldly after hearing about the movement in Pates. He looked at Mathias, who had delivered the news, and winked; in response, the captain just shook his head and left to inform the men to pack up soon. Come sunrise, blood would be spilled again....
The hero smiled as he walked into his cousin's small camp to ask her to join him on his latest planned excursion into enemy territory. At the moment, she was training her swordfighting with her captain. Xarnelf paused about ten feet away to observe the lass, who was quick and agile but fought much too defensively. Her captain made several heavy-handed, overhead slashes, but the girl sidestepped them all. She had quite a few chances to strike back after each dodge, but none of them were ever taken, to the hero's keen eye.
Finally, the captain feinted another powerful downward slash but anticipated his opponent's dodge and turned his wooden blade to strike out behind and to the side of him with one hand. The practice sword hit the girl's padded side, and she cried out in surprise and minor pain. Xarnelf shook his head and sighed, for his cousin had much to learn. As the two combatants saluted and left the training circle to take a break, the duke stepped forwards.
"You are hesitating too much to strike when the opportunity presents itself, little Ada..."
This remark elicited a sharp gasp from the lass, who was caught completely unawares by her cousin's appearance.
"Xarn--m-my liege! Heh heh, why, hello there! What brings you over to my side of the field?" she blurted out with a shy smile, brushing aside stray strands of raven-black hair from her eyes.
Xarnelf grinned in reply and asked her to walk with him. After a few moments of silence, he spoke.
"I will be attacking Pates at sunrise, and I would like for you to join me. You have not seen battle up close before, have you?"
Adaria's eyes widened in shock, while she could only shake her head negatively.
"Well then, come along with me, and I will show you firsthand how to lead a fine infantry charge!"
