Clang.<br/><br/>Another slash from Johnathan's blade met his forearm and Motto nearly dropped his sword.  It was all he could do to keep his hand steady and ride out the fresh pain.  Only it didn't come.  Just as before, the knight felt a gentle coolness touch him and the injury seemed to grow quiet.  There was no time to think on it as he was focusing on his close friend's rhythm.  Soon Johnathan's barrage of strikes would ease, and there would be an opening.<br/><br/>Clang clang clang!  Sparks flew and ladies of the court gasped as the two exhausted knights hastened into a blurred exchange; the sun's heat was not the cause of the distortion.  It was the stirring of magic.  Motto saw Johnathan's unguarded left and bashed it with his hilt.  That was the intention at least.  As always, his childhood friend seemed to predict the attack and evade it at the last moment; pivoting himself and letting Motto stumble past.  The wild-haired knight would not fall prey to a humiliating counter strike and he swung wide; risking his balance and possibly the Spring Tournament Trophy.  The bold maneuver paid off however, and Johnathan received the flat of Motto's sword on his thigh.<br/><br/>A trumpet blared and Motto blinked in confusion.  It appeared Johnathan shared the sentiment, and the two knights lowered their swords before looking to the source of the sound.   "A Draw."  The Sword Master's expression caused Motto to wince.  He was not one to be trifled with.  With a frustrated heart, Motto raised his shield to the crowd and bowed his head.  How long had they battled?  He felt strange and ...more tired than he'd ever felt before as well.<br/><br/>"Ah.  Kate came to see my victory."  Johnathan nodded towards the fence where Motto saw a woman.<br/><br/><span style="color: #00FF40">"Kate?"</span><br/><br/>"Did I not mention her?  She is my dear sister.  Come!"<br/><br/>Motto eyed his friend wearily.  Johnathan was in high spirits for someone who just lost a trophy....and since when did he have a sister?  With the little energy he had left, Motto made his way over to where Kate stood.  His helmet under one arm and sword resting at his hip, Sir Motto came to stand with his friend at the fence.  Motto wasn't as tall as his companion but he made up for the difference in sturdiness.<br/><br/><a class="postlink" href="https://i.imgur.com/Aw7zWUz.jpg">[ img ]</a>