Have a Heart

"Some do," Daniel replied. "Others are just more fun to be with. The older guys are a bunch of stiffs."

"Sounds like you at this point." Ellona commented

"I know," Daniel replied. "I swore I wouldn't be like this. I feel old."

"Whatever" Ellona replied.

"Which is why I enjoy being around my younger siblings," Daniel added. "Reminds me to get some life back into my system."

"You're just weird." Ellona stated. She closed the door in his face when she got to her room.

Daniel sighed, not surprised, and waited outside.

Ellona came back out fully dressed a few moments later. "Still here?"

"Have nowhere else to go," Daniel answered. "Can I watch?"

"If you want" Ellona shrugged.

"Thanks," he replied. He had wanted to watch her battle style more anyway.

Ellona walked past him headed towards the courtyard

Daniel followed, studying the sculptures and greenery along the way.

Ellona ignored him and walked right into the ring. "Okay, who wants to fight?"

Daniel stayed back, seeing who would challenge the battle-ready princess.

A group of trainees turned to each other and started playing sword sheild cross* to see who would have to fight her, the unlucky man cursing loudly before taking up his weapon.

(*Rock paper scissors basically)

Seems Gregory isn't the only one scared of her, thought Daniel, watching the unlucky one take his place.

Ellona picked up a weapon from the shelf on the side. "You're defending wrong." She informed the man before helping him correct his form. "This is how its done boys."

Now that I think of it, I don't know much of anyone whoisn'tscared of her, Daniel thought. Well, besides the king anyway.

"Terrorizing my troops again?" A voice mused. Kacey stepped into the courtyard a moment later. "Step out of the ring, you're not ready to go through that kind of torment just yet. I'll face her."

"Nana. so nice of you to shake your skirts my way." Ellona teased.

"I trained you and I can easily knock you senseless."

Daniel watched the new arrival with curiosity.

"Ah, but there is the error in your logic. You're getting old." Ellona smirked.

"Old? Hardly. I'm still younger than your father." Kacey chuckled, taking up him weapon and moving to take the trainee's place.

"Still older than me."

Daniel impatiently waited for the battle to begin, wanting to know more about both combatants.

It didn't take long for the two to start the combat. The blows were accompanied by snarky remarks and witty insults, but they seemed evenly matched.

Daniel's eyes were locked to the battle. He found it funny that the only match for the warrior princess was another woman. Perhaps that was appropriate.