Have a Heart

"I'll be curteous. I'll give you an hour to make out your will." Ellona snapped before pushing past him.

"You're really in for it man."

Bowan had an odd look on his face, not sure if he should be concerned for Ellona and be concerned for himself.

Gregory made the decision for him. "I'll make sure your body gets sent back to your family." he stated solemnly.

"I wouldn't let it go that far," said Daniel. "But he'll get a good thrashing."

"That's what you think," Bowan replied stubbornly, straightening his posture. "I respect Princess Ellona, and therefore I will not hold back."

"You think she will?" Gregory snorted

"No," Bowan replied. "So where are we fighting at?"

"Courtyard. Really only place to fight in the castle." Gregory replied.

"Alright. I'll head down there then," Bowan replied, starting to walk away. He paused, and turned back to them. "Where is it?"

Gregory laughed. "Let's show him." He smiled at Daniel.

Daniel nodded in agreement and led the way, giving Bowan a friendly pat on the shoulder as he passed. The blonde Hero straightened up and tried to look more manly.

"So, have you fought her?" Bowan whispered to him.

"Yeah," Daniel replied. "I beat her, but it was a tough match."

This seemed to make Bowan a little more wary. He and Daniel had spars now and then, and Daniel usually won. "So, you love her yet?"

Daniel found the question awkward, even though it shouldn't have affected him. "It's a bit early for that. I can say that I admire her."

"That's not too far off then," Bowan noted with a sly grin.

Daniel let out a huff, otherwise keeping silent.

"She broke a dowel rod over his back and was too shocked to move when it didn't drop him." Gregory stated.

Bowan laughed. "That's our Daniel. Sturdy as ever."

"Like a brick" Gregory grinned. "Only one to ever beat Ellona b'sides Kasey"

"Kasey?" Bowan asked.

"Her old tutor," Daniel answered, stopping as they arrived in the fighting area. "Well, we're here. Pick your poison, I mean weapon."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Bowan answered dryly, going over to look at his attacking options.

"You don't want anything that'll put her too close to you" Gregory warned with a smirk.

After checking out his options, Bowan decided to pick a mid-size sword typical for knight matches. Daniel wasn't sure if he was trying to be brave despite Gregory's warning, or was sticking to his speciality for safety.

Gregory looked to Daniel with a morbid expression. "He just signed his death warrant. Sword fighting is Ellona's specialty."

"it's his specialty too. Maybe he'll live," remarked Daniel with a smirk. In truth the upcoming match was making him somewhat nervous. He didn't want either of them hurting each other badly.

"You saw Kasey and Ellona fighting that day didn't you? I know you did. Let me explain to you what Kasey can do. Kasey killed a freaking dragon when I was five. He single-handedly fought and killed a demon with one of the thirteen cursed swords and killed it, I had to break the blade afterwards, and Kasey KILLED A FREAKING DRAGON, like, BY HIMSELF." Gregory emphasized "And Ellona can hold her own against him. Can you not see the worry here? Your bosom buddy is gonna die."

"Shut up you little troll. If he wants to die, that's his prerogative." Ellona stated, stepping out of the corridor leading inside the castle. "I'm not complaining."

Bowan kept a straight face as he took his place on the field.

"We'll be here to make sure it doesn't go too far," Daniel replied.

Ellona pulled out an obviously dull sword. "There, you happy? Now I won't hurt him... As much." she snapped before taking up her own position."

"We can only hope." Gregory stated dryly.

Bowan grew annoyed. "There's no need to hold back on me because of their poor opinions of me. I want this to be a proper duel."

"This is the only thing I'm holding back. And at the end, you'll be thankful" Ellona smirked, taking up an offensive position.