A Weekend Well Spent

“Well, well, well, look who finally decided to show up,” Soren said as Nyssa approached the intersection between the two noble districts.

“How are you here before me?” she asked, looking surprised.

“Unlike you, I know how to arrive on time,” he said with a smirk.

“Yeah, right. You don’t even know the meaning of on time, mister.”

“Says someone who arrived after me.”

“Oh, wow. Just one day of you being early,” she said, laughing.

“One of many,” he said with a smile.

“We’ll see about that,” she said, still laughing as they walked to the academy.

At the academy, they made their way to the sword training hall’s changing rooms and changed into their training clothes. Afterwards, they headed to the outdoor training grounds. A few students were using the other grounds for magic and sword training, but Soren and Nyssa found one that was free.

“So, today we’ll be working on improving your agility,” Nyssa said as Soren picked up a wooden sword from the rack near the training ground’s entrance.

“That would be great, but I’m not the only one who will be improving today,” Soren responded.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“You also need to work on blocking someone with superior strength.”

“Well, I could always just redirect the attack like I did with you, right?”

“Then what happens when your opponent is faster and much stronger than you?”

“Or what if you’re put in a situation where you don’t have time to redirect?” Soren asked.

“Huh…”

“I guess you’re right.”

“It seems like we’ll both be benefiting from these training sessions,” he said.

“Well, we can start with you for now.”

“We have to work on you changing direction and recovering your position quickly, since you struggle with that.”

“Alright, I’m ready,” Soren said as he took a stance.

“Put your sword back. I want to see something first.”

Soren looked at the sword in his hand, then back at her. “I thought we were training.”

“We are.”

“Without swords?”

“Your sword isn't the problem.” Nyssa stepped several paces away from him. “Your feet are.”

Soren frowned but returned the wooden sword to the rack.

Nyssa stopped near the centre of the training ground and turned to face him.

“All you have to do is keep facing me. Don't let me get behind you.”

“That's it?”

“That's it.”

Soren smiled. “This might be easier than I thought.”

Nyssa smiled back. “We'll see.”

She moved to her left.

Soren immediately adjusted, turning with her and keeping his shoulders facing hers.

Nyssa changed direction.

He followed again.

She stepped forward, forcing him back, then suddenly moved to the side. Soren reacted quickly enough to keep her in front of him.

“See?” he said. “Easy.”

Nyssa didn't answer.

Instead, she accelerated.

She moved right, immediately cut left, then darted diagonally toward him. Soren reacted to each change, but the movements came faster than before. When she suddenly changed direction again and moved around his right side, he planted his foot and turned sharply after her.

His upper body made the turn before his feet properly followed.

Soren stumbled a step sideways before catching himself.

Nyssa stopped.

There was a brief silence.

“Easy, huh?” Nyssa said with a smirk.

Soren straightened.

“I didn't fall.”

Nyssa covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.

“That's your defence?”

“I'm still standing.”

“Barely.”

“Still counts.”

Nyssa laughed before walking back toward him.

“That's what we're fixing. You're fast when you know where you're going, but when you have to change direction suddenly, you put too much weight into your first movement.”

Soren looked down at his feet.

“So I'm moving too fast?”

“No.” Nyssa shook her head. “You're committing too much.”

She stepped beside him and demonstrated slowly. She moved forward, shifted diagonally, pivoted, and returned to her original stance without her feet ever crossing.

“If I change direction, I don't have to stop myself first. You do.”

Soren watched her repeat the movement.

“That looked annoyingly easy.”

“Because I'm better than you.”

“At this.”

“Sure,” Nyssa said with a grin. “If that makes you feel better.”

Nyssa returned to her starting position.

“Watch my feet this time.”

She stepped forward, shifted diagonally to the right, and pivoted. Her rear foot followed the movement naturally, leaving her facing Soren again.

“Your turn.”

Soren copied the movement. He stepped forward, shifted diagonally, and turned before settling back into his stance.

Nyssa tilted her head.

“Again.”

“What was wrong with that?”

“Nothing.”

Soren stared at her.

“Then why again?”

“Because doing it once doesn't mean you learned it.”

“You could've just said it was good.”

“Again, Soren.”

He sighed and repeated the movement.

They continued until Nyssa was satisfied with his footing. At first she allowed him to move slowly, giving him enough time to think about each step before increasing the pace. Soren adapted quickly when he knew which direction he needed to move.

Nyssa noticed it too.

“Alright. Now stop.”

Soren returned to the centre.

“I'll call the direction. You move.”

“That's all?”

“You said that last time.”

Soren's smile disappeared.

Nyssa laughed.

“Ready?”

He lowered his stance slightly.

“Ready.”

“Left.”

Soren moved.

“Right.”

He changed direction.

“Forward.”

Another step.

“Left.”

He pivoted.

“Back.”

Soren recovered his stance.

Nyssa continued, gradually shortening the time between each command. Soren followed the first several without much trouble, but as the directions became less predictable, his movements began to lose their smoothness.

“Right.”

He moved.

“Left.”

Soren planted his foot and changed direction.

“Forward.”

He pushed off.

“Back!”

Soren immediately tried to reverse the movement. His front foot caught against the ground as he shifted his weight backwards, forcing him to take an extra step to regain his balance.

“Too much,” Nyssa said.

Soren reset his stance.

“I know.”

“Then stop doing it.”

“Wow. Great advice.”

“You're welcome.”

Soren shook his head.

“Again.”

Nyssa grinned. “Left.”

By the time they stopped for their first break, Soren's legs were beginning to feel heavier than he'd expected.

He took a drink of water before dropping onto the grass.

“How long have we been doing that?”

Nyssa sat beside him. “Not that long.”

“That isn't a number.”

“Because you don't need to know.”

Soren narrowed his eyes at her.

“You're enjoying this.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Lies.”

“Okay, maybe a little,” she admitted with a grin.

Nyssa stood and brushed the grass from her training clothes.

“Get your sword.”

Soren looked toward the rack.

“Finally.”

“You're going to regret saying that.”

“You've said that twice today.”

“And I've been right once already.”

Soren retrieved his wooden sword.

Nyssa picked up her own and walked back onto the training ground.

“Attack me normally.”

“Are we sparring?”

“Not exactly. I'm not going to attack you.”

Soren raised his sword.

“Then what are you doing?”

“Making sure you can't hit me.”

Nyssa settled into position.

Soren pushed forward.

His wooden sword cut toward her shoulder, but Nyssa stepped outside its path rather than blocking. Soren stopped the swing and turned after her.

She was already moving again.

He followed and attacked.

Nyssa slipped away.

Soren recovered faster this time and immediately pursued her.

For the next several minutes, the pattern continued. Every time Soren attacked, Nyssa changed her position and forced him to recover before pursuing her again. His speed allowed him to close the distance quickly, but whenever he put too much force behind an attack, Nyssa gained enough time to move around him.

Eventually Soren stopped.

“You're doing this on purpose.”

Nyssa lowered her sword. “Doing what?”

“Waiting until I put more power into the attack.”

She smiled.

Soren stared at her for a moment.

“That's annoying.”

“It's also working.”

After several more attempts, his movements began to improve. They were nowhere near as smooth as Nyssa's, but he was starting to understand how much unnecessary force he put into every change of direction.

Every time he committed too heavily to an attack, Nyssa disappeared from where he expected her to be.

After what felt like the hundredth failed attempt, Soren attacked again. Nyssa moved to his right, expecting him to follow his usual pattern, but Soren stopped the strike early and pivoted with her.

For once, she remained directly in front of him.

Soren grinned.

“Got you.”

“You didn't even hit me.”

“Still counts.”

Nyssa rolled her eyes. “Once.”

“That's one more than before.”

“Alright, don't get too excited.”

“It’s your turn next,” Soren said as they took another break to catch their breath.

Soren spent the next few minutes correcting Nyssa's stance. Unlike the way she usually redirected his attacks, this time he wanted her to take the force directly without losing her guard.

He started with lighter strikes, gradually adding more strength whenever she successfully blocked.

The first few barely moved her.

That didn't last long.

Their wooden swords collided again, and Nyssa slid backwards across the ground before quickly regaining her footing.

“Again,” she said.

Soren raised an eyebrow. “You sure?”

“Again.”

He attacked.

The impact drove her several steps backwards, but this time her guard remained intact.

Nyssa looked down at her sword and smiled.

“I blocked it.”

“You got pushed halfway across the ground.”

“Still blocked it.”

Soren laughed. “Now who's making excuses?”

“Mine actually counts.”

They continued training for a while longer, alternating between Soren's movement exercises and Nyssa's blocking until exhaustion finally convinced them to stop.

Soren returned his wooden sword to the rack.

“Food?”

Nyssa looked at him.

“You mean the meal you owe me?”

Soren sighed.

“I was hoping you'd forgotten.”

“Not a chance.”

After bathing and changing back into their clothes, they left for the restaurant in the common district.

“Hello, welcome to Darla’s Diner,” a waitress said as they entered.

“Hello,” they greeted in unison.

“Let’s get you two seated,” she said, leading them past round wooden tables crowded with food and customers.

“Will this table be fine?” she asked, gesturing to one by the wall.

“Yes, it will. Thanks,” Soren replied.

“So, what can I get for the lovely couple today?” she asked, holding a pen and paper ready to take their order.

“Couple?” Soren asked, surprised.

“Oh, no… we’re just friends,” Nyssa said with a brief, awkward laugh.

“Oh, sorry about that,” the waitress said.

“So what would you guys like to order?”

“So, I can order anything, right?” Nyssa asked Soren with a grin.

“Well, yeah, I guess,” Soren said with a chuckle.

“I’ll have your most expensive dish, please,” she said with a smirk.

“Most expensive?” Soren asked, his expression changing slightly.

“I guess you want me to end up working here to pay back a debt.”

“I’m just playing,” she said, laughing.

“I’ll just have the roasted lamb with mashed potatoes, please.”

“Alright, what about you, sir?”

“I’ll have the small meat pie, please,” Soren replied.

“Alright, coming right up,” the waitress said before heading to the counter.

“Roasted lamb, huh?”

“Well, if you’re too full to walk, don’t expect me to carry you,” Soren said with a smirk.

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.”

“If you say so.”

“So, how was yesterday with Liora?” Nyssa asked.

“It was great.”

“She chose a dress she really liked, and she was so happy when I let her get both ice cream and cake.”

“Look at you being a nice big brother. Didn’t know you had it in you,” she said with a smirk.

“Funny you’d say that, considering I was like a big brother to you throughout our childhood when you’d follow me everywhere,” he said, laughing.

“Yeah, well, I used to think you were cool back then. Quiet and mysterious,” she teased.

“Hey, I’m still cool.”

“You’re about as cool as a lukewarm cup of water.”

“Well Lily thinks I’m cool,” he said confidently.

“So did I when I was her age,” she said, laughing.

“I’ll show you I’m still cool.”

“And how will you do that?”

“I don’t know yet. I’m still working on that.”

“Right. Good luck,” she said with a grin.

The waitress returned with their food and set the plates on the table. They dug in, but neither was in a rush. Around them, some tables began to clear while others were quickly filled by new customers. Before long, their empty plates were taken away and they ordered drinks.

After talking for a while longer as they sipped their drinks, they finally decided to leave.

They made their way through the shopping district and into the noble district as Soren accompanied Nyssa home.

“Don’t forget we’re training again tomorrow,” Nyssa said as they arrived in front of her gate.

“I won’t forget,” Soren replied as Nyssa went inside.

“Alright, then, see you tomorrow,” she said as she waved.

“See you,” Soren said, waving back before starting his walk home.

When he got home, he noticed a light coming from the dining room and followed it. Inside, Marcellina was sitting at the dining table reading a book, with a covered plate in front of her.

“Oh, you’re back,” Marcellina said with a relieved look as she placed the book on the table.

“Yes, aunty. I’m sorry I came back a bit late. I lost track of time.”

“Oh, it’s alright, as long as you’re home safe.”

“I saved you a plate from tonight’s dinner,” she said, gently pushing it towards the seat in front of her.

“Thank you, aunty,” Soren said as he sat down across from her.

“Liora also tried to stay up and wait for you, but she ended up falling asleep right there in that same chair,” she said with a laugh.

“Really?”

“I’ll have to thank her tomorrow,” Soren said with a smile.

“Yes, you should. I’m sure she’ll be whining about you coming back late, though.”

“Yes, she will.”

“How was training with Nyssa, though?”

“It was good, aunty.”

“Also, I forgot to tell you.”

“In two months, there will be an evaluation for early entry into the New Order,” he said cheerfully.

“I’ve heard about that.”

“Is that why you’re training with Nyssa again?”

“Yes, aunty.”

“I want to get selected. That way, hopefully Uncle can see that I’ve been working really hard.”

“And it’s also the first real step towards becoming Captain of the New Order.”

“Then I can finally get Uncle’s approval,” he said with a smile.

“Oh, Soren,” she sighed.

“That shouldn’t be your only motivation for becoming Captain, though.”

“It’s not, aunty.”

“But it’s also very important to me.”

“I see,” she said, a slightly worried look crossing her face.

“But I do agree that being selected for early entry would be a really big step in the right direction.”

“I believe in you too, and I see how hard you’re working.”

“I’ll be cheering for you.”

“Thanks, Aunt Lina. That means a lot to me.”

“Now finish up so you can go to bed,” she said as she picked up her book.

“Alright, aunty,” he replied as he started eating.

The next morning, Liora came downstairs wearing the dress Soren had bought her and found him sitting on the couch in the living room, reading.

“Good morning, big brother,” she greeted him.

“Good morning, Lily,” he replied, looking up at her.

“Look at you. You look so pretty.”

“I know, right?” Marcellina said as she walked in and took a seat on the couch across from Soren.

“Thank you, big brother.”

“See, you got it right this time,” she said with a smile on her face.

“Yes, I learn, you see,” he said with a laugh.

“I’m glad,” she said cheerfully.

“Also, happy birthday.”

“Thank you, big brother.”

“I’m eight now, so I’m no longer a kid.”

“Well then, only kids get treated to ice cream and cake, so since you’re not a kid anymore, I won’t have to do that again,” Soren teased.

“No fair.”

“I’m still a kid then,” she pouted.

“I’m just playing. I’ll always take you out for dessert,” Soren said with a smile.

“And food,” Liora added.

“And food,” Soren repeated.

“Yay,” she said cheerfully.

“Also, Mom and Dad are taking me to the theatre for my birthday,” she said excitedly.

“Oh, yes. You told us you wanted to go for your birthday, and we’d love to take you,” Marcellina said.

“I can’t wait,” Liora said as Eryndor and Sena entered as well.

“Happy birthday, Liora.”

“Look at you, looking all cute,” Sena said as she gently smoothed Liora’s hair with her hand.

“Thank you, big sis.”

“And I love that dress, it’s so pretty.”

“Thank you. Big brother Soren took me shopping and got it for me,” Liora said as she turned around to show off the dress.

“Oh.”

“Why didn’t you ask me to take you?” Sena asked, her expression changing.

“I wanted big brother Soren to take me,” Liora responded with a smile on her face.

“I would’ve taken you too, you know.”

“I know. But I wanted to go with big brother Soren.”

“Oh.”

“Alright, then.”

“Well, I’ll see you guys later. I’ll be spending time at the royal castle with Princess Elanora,” Sena said before leaving the living room.

“I think it’s time we go too. We have a lot to do today,” Eryndor said as Marcellina and Liora followed him out.

Soren met Nyssa at their usual spot later that morning, and they returned to the academy grounds to continue where they had left off the day before. His legs protested almost immediately, much to Nyssa’s amusement, but yesterday’s exercises were already starting to feel slightly more natural. Nyssa had improved too, though Soren still had little trouble forcing her backwards whenever he increased the strength of his strikes.

After finishing their training for the day, they returned to the same restaurant. They did not stay as long as they had the day before, finishing their meal and leaving early enough to avoid getting home late again.

On their way back to the noble district, Soren noticed a young boy blending into a small crowd as he approached an elderly woman buying something from a vegetable stall. When the boy got close enough, he gently bumped into her.

“I’m sorry, ma’am,” the young boy said.

“It’s alright. I just hope you’re alright too,” the elderly woman replied.

“I am,” the boy said before hurrying away.

“Oh, young kids these days. Always in a hurry,” the elderly woman said.

“You saw that, right?” Soren asked Nyssa.

“Yep,” she replied.

“That kid just stole her wallet,” she continued.

“Let’s follow him before he gets away,” Soren said as they hurried in the direction the boy had gone.

They manoeuvred their way through the small crowd as they tried to catch up to the boy. He was not slowing down either, disappearing into an alley ahead. Soren and Nyssa followed, both increasing their pace. The boy glanced back, realised they were following him, and broke into a run. By then, however, it was already too late. Nyssa accelerated after him, closed the distance, and caught him before he could turn the next corner.

“I got you,” Nyssa said, grabbing his wrist as Soren caught up.

“Hey, let me go!” the boy said as he tried to break free.

“Give me the wallet first,” Nyssa said, tightening her grip slightly.

“What wallet?” the boy asked as he used his free hand to try to pry Nyssa’s hand away.

Nyssa caught his other wrist as well. “The one you took from that old lady.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Alright, then. I guess we’ll just take you to the guards and let them deal with this.”

“Wait!” the boy said, panicking.

“I’ll give you the wallet, but please don’t tell the guards. I won’t do it again,” he pleaded as his eyes began to tear up.

Nyssa released one of his hands. “Alright, then.”

“Here it is,” the boy said, pulling the wallet from his pocket and handing it to Nyssa.

“Why are you going around stealing from people?” Soren asked as Nyssa handed him the wallet.

“Please, just let me go. It’s not like you’ll do anything about it,” the boy said as he tried to break free again.

“I guess we’ll just take you to the guards, then,” Nyssa said.

“You said you wouldn’t if I gave you the wallet.”

“I never said that,” Nyssa said.

“Did you hear me say that?” she asked as she looked at Soren.

“Nope, I didn’t,” Soren said, shaking his head.

“Let’s just take him to the guards since he doesn’t want to answer.”

“Fine, I’ll tell you, but this time promise you’ll let me go and won’t take me to the guards.”

“Fine. I promise I won’t take you to the guards,” Nyssa said.

“Alright, then.”

“I’m trying to get some money to buy food for my little brother and my mom.”

“My mom is sick right now, so she can’t work. I have to get food,” the boy said.

“I don’t believe that,” Nyssa said.

“Well, we can confirm his story after we return this wallet and he apologizes,” Soren said.

“You promised you’d let me go after I told you my reason, not after you confirmed it,” the boy reminded her.

“Um, no.”

“I promised I wouldn’t take you to the guards,” Nyssa said as they started walking back towards the shopping district.

The boy placed a hand on his forehead. “Why did I believe you’d keep your word?”

“I am keeping my word. I won’t take you to the guards,” Nyssa said.

“Yeah… sure,” the boy said, sounding disappointed.

They made it out of the alley and immediately began looking for the elderly woman. Luckily, she was still at the same stall, searching her pockets for the wallet she needed to pay for her vegetables.

“Hello, ma’am. I believe this belongs to you,” Soren said as he handed her the wallet.

“Thank you so much, young man. Where did you find it?” she asked.

“I believe you have something to say,” Soren said as he looked at the boy.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. I took it from your pocket earlier when I bumped into you,” the boy admitted.

“You did what?” The elderly woman looked visibly upset.

“Why would you do that?” she asked.

The boy told the woman exactly what he had told Soren and Nyssa.

“Is that really true?” she asked as she looked at both Soren and Nyssa.

“We don’t know yet,” Soren replied.

“But we’re going to his home with him to find out,” he continued.

“Alright, then. I’ll leave this up to you two.”

“I guess you’ll decide whether or not to take it to the guards.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Soren and Nyssa agreed.

“Now, take us to your home so we can confirm your story,” Soren said, turning his attention back to the boy.

“Alright,” the boy said with a hesitant sigh.

The boy led them through the same alleyway again. After a few turns, they emerged onto a street lined with brick houses ranging from single-storey homes to medium-sized three-storey buildings.

They passed several more houses before the boy led them to the door of a single-storey house on their left.

“We’re here,” the boy said as he reached for the door.

Inside, what looked like a cooking area sat to their left, with several pots resting on the floor. To their right was a bed where a woman lay beneath the covers, while a younger boy sat beside her with his head resting against the mattress.

The woman’s visibly thin arms rested over the covers, one hand holding the younger boy’s.

“It looks like they’re sleeping,” Soren whispered.

“Let’s not wake them, then,” he said as he stepped back outside.

Nyssa gently guided the boy outside with them and closed the door.

“I guess you were right,” Soren said.

“How do we know he’s not still lying?” Nyssa asked.

“Regardless, that lady in there looks like she needs help.”

“If he really is lying, then the guards will deal with him.”

“You promised not to take me to the guards,” the boy reminded.

“I didn’t.”

“She did,” Soren said.

“Also, I’m only taking you to the guards so they can help your mom.”

“I won’t tell them about the pickpocketing,” Soren said as they walked back the way they had come.

“Alright, then. I guess that’s not so bad.” The boy let out a sigh of relief.

“Here’s some money to buy food for today, at least.” Soren handed the boy some coins.

“The guards should be able to help for the next few days, at least until your mom is better.”

“Thank you, mister,” the boy said as he accepted the money.

“Oh, and my name is Elden. What about yours?” the boy asked, looking from Soren to Nyssa.

“I’m Soren.”

“And I’m Nyssa.”

“When I see you guys again, I’ll be sure to thank you properly,” the boy said as they approached two guards stationed near the boundary between the common and noble districts.

When they reached the guards, they explained the boy’s situation. The guards agreed to help and offered to contact a magic user from the temple who specialised in healing magic.

“Alright, then. Bye-bye, Elden,” Soren said as he and Nyssa waved and headed towards the noble district.

The boy waved back as he left with the guards.

“I really hope Elden wasn’t lying about them being his family,” Nyssa said.

“But whether he lied or not, that lady will at least get the help she needs,” she continued.

“Yeah, I’m hoping he wasn’t lying too,” Soren said.

“But at the end of the day, his story still led to that lady getting help, even if he lied about who she was.”

“That’s true,” Nyssa agreed.

After Soren accompanied Nyssa home, they parted ways and he made his way back to his own house.