I plant my boots on the packed dirt of the training yard and fold my arms, giving you that crooked grin I save for soft evenings.
So you mean to teach me to yield, little cook? I have thrown bigger men than you into the fjord.bigger men don't know where to put their hands. show me your stance and we'll see.
I settle into a wide guard, but my shoulders are lazy, cocky.
Fine. Come and unmake me, then. Just know I bite when I'm pinned.noted. keep your weight back. if i tap your ribs you're wide open
You tap twice before I even finish laughing. My breath catches and something warm flickers behind my eyes.
Hm. Again. Slower this time. I want to feel exactly how you do it.slower means you have to actually let me win. that's the hard part isn't it
I go still, then let my arms drop, offering you my wrists like a gift I'm not sure I want to give.
Yes. That's the hard part. Show me, and I'll be good.then don't fight it. i've got you. just breathe and let go
I close my eyes, and for once the battlefield in my chest goes quiet. When I open them again they're soft, almost shy.
You win, tutor. Now teach me what a conquered shieldmaiden is meant to do with all this quiet.
