“<b>No one has claimed you a novice,” Allassiel retorted, as they once more circled each other. He'd managed to parry each of her blows, though it shouldn't have been possible. This annoyed her and she narrowed her eyes, adding, “I too bear scars. Tis hard to avoid them.” Still not tired, she considered what his next move would be. He did have quite a bit of skill, more than most humans. To her mind, the spar had been productive. She knew more about the new sword, and had tested the mettle of Thorgan. He was indeed a worthy companion on this trip, one that could fight. <br/>
<br/>
Instead of a new attack, he chuckled. <i>'It seems we are missing supper.' </i>Allassiel lowered her sword and turned, noticing for the first time the circle of spectators watching as they ate. “It does seem,” she agreed, sheathing her dagger and bowing to Thorgan. “A good spar,” she offered, keeping the rest of her thoughts to herself as she went to resheath the sword and grab her bowl. <br/>
<br/>
Pegawen blinked at the sudden end of the match, her gaze following Allassiel. She could almost feel the frustration and confusion pouring off her cousin. “I should go see to her,” she told Lotharn and set her bowl aside so she could stand. Watching Allassiel head towards a rock to sit, Pegawen hurried after her.</b><br/><br/>“<b>I'm fine,” Allassiel stated as Pegawen approached. <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>And as a healer I'd say you're not.”</b><br/><br/><b>Allassiel snorted and looked up from her bowl. “He's good.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Yes, I did notice that,” Pegawen responded.</b><br/><br/>“<b>He's almost as good as ...” Allassiel paused, stabbing at the food in her bowl.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Hadron?” Pegawen offered, crouching down to still Allassiel's hand.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Yes.” Allassiel nodded. “I had wondered if he could fight. It seems he can.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>But that's not what's bothering you,” Pegawen urged.</b><br/><br/><b>The breeze blew past them both and Allassiel took a bite of her stew, stalling. Pegawen didn't say a word, simply waited for her to continue. “He is as good as many elves I've sparred with, better than some. He holds himself well, is strong, fast. Intelligent. But he is a man.”</b><br/><br/><b>Pegawen nodded, understanding Allassiel's words, perhaps better than she did. “You're afraid.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Don't be absurd.” Allassiel's hand tightened on the spoon.</b><br/><br/><b>Pegawen grinned at Allassiel's bowed head, though her expression was also one of worry, and stood. Leaving her alone to her meal, and thoughts, Pegawen returned to sit with Lotharn. </b>