august
—« “Remember, pain is not a test. Knowledge is not enough.”
»
I
t’s over in minutes, but unlike the last two times he’s fought it feels too quick. He finds he’d like to go longer - that the exhilarated feeling, blood sparkling like champagne, is not limited only to instances where his life is at stake. For a while, after the island, that hadn’t been the case. He’s relieved to discover otherwise. Though there is plenty for him to brush up on before next time. His already-aching body offers suggestions, much in line with Aspara’s; be quicker. More clever.
The palomino regards her with new interest, noting her clean confirmation and lean, strong muscles. Only now does he consider her parents. It’s easy to think she will one day be great, and he will tell someone, I knew her when…
Oh, but he’s not old yet, and not done with his own adventures.
“Thank you,” he says, arching a brow as he takes the sword from her grasp, “Aspara.”
August had almost said kid. He’d almost said princess. But neither of them were exactly true (though they were close) and both of them belonged to another girl he used to spar with, back when he was a different version of himself. One he couldn’t retrieve.
It is time to become something else.
“I look forward to it,” he tells her with a sideways little grin, then turns to give Morrighan a deep nod before walking from the arena.
