The class covered the fundamental theories of swordsmanship—measure, timing, leverage, angles, and centerline—alongside teamwork and compatibility.
If I'm not compatible with an enemy, switch with an ally... Huh.
Oswald scratched his chin under the sky turning dark, standing outside the school's gate.
I didn't know there was theory in sword-fighting. I thought I'd only be swinging training swords. Well, the more you know. Tomorrow, though, I'll be hitting dummies.
"So, where ya stayin' at, my cloaked friend?"
Zharrak looked at Oswald, his head tilted, eyes blinking sideways.
"I don't know. I mean, I don't have a place to stay nor the money to be in an inn. To be frank, I'll be freeloading until my first guild job, and..." His gaze shifted between them. "I want to do it alone before completing one with you guys. It's a selfish desire, I know, but I need to learn how to acquire a quest, complete it, and get paid—all on my own."
"Yeah, I get ya. Gotta suss out the process before you dive in."
"Verily, the lesser quests bear no peril, and thus giveth no cause for disquiet."
Oswald pointed at Aelindor. "Right, hence the decision for going solo. Get paid and pay for an inn... speaking of an inn. I uh..." He scratched the back of his head, his gaze lowering. "I don't live here in the kingdom and none of my relatives as well. Nor do I have the money for an inn, so, um... Care to lend me a bed?"
He asked with a wince, his gaze shifting between his friends.
"Sorry, kid. The whole house is taken by the hatchlings. No room for ya."
Korrin's koala ears touched his hair, head slightly lowered. "Sorry, mate. Can't give ya a spot—the siblings've already nabbed the space you'd need."
"No, it's alright." He turned to Aelindor with anticipation.
Aelindor pinched his chin, his eyes closed. After a pause, they opened. "I shall grant thy petition."
YES! LET'S GO!
"I shall conduct thee unto an inn kept by mine own kin. There mayst thou take thy rest, until thou findest for thyself a proper lodging."
Wait, kin? Family? Is he a businessman—er, a business elf?
"Thanks, man. Well, you two. I'll see you tomorrow. Take care!"
With their farewells, Zharrak and Korrin went their separate ways, while Oswald trailed Aelindor to his family-owned inn.
* * *
An hour into their journey, the sky had covered itself with a blanket of stars. The bustling activity of the day was replaced by the soft glow of lanterns, working men and women of all races headed back home or to their night shifts.
I don't know if I should ask this. I mean we just met and became friends this morning but... I really want to get this off my chest.
Oswald took a deep breath, then turned to Aelindor. "I... have an odd question—its oddity comes from personal experience. Do you ever sit with family, desiring to have a conversation, but nothing comes out your mouth? Your mind goes blank, and your vocal cords seize."
"Naught of the kind."
Man.
Oswald rubbed his temple."Haaah. I swear, I have this mental block each time when I want to talk. I just don't understand, and it doesn't happen when I talk to you guys. I mean... you saw my rebuttal, right? But when it's time for family, my mind takes a break from working."
He let out an exasperated sigh, the frustration propelling his foot to send a rock clattering against a nearby wall. After a pause, Aelindor answered.
"In mine own conceit..." He met his gaze. "Thou shouldst begin with gentle pace. First, seek knowledge of their daily cares; then let discourse take its course. Ere long, thou shalt find thy words flowing as merry converse 'twixt companions."
"Huh... I see..."
Start small, then go big. I've been trying to do that... but maybe the addition of hobby was a 'big' ask. So I begin by asking about their day. Yeah. I'll do just that when I return.
Silence fell between them for the rest of the walk to the inn.
* * *
"We are come hither!"
They stood before an old, vine-drooping building, double doors as the entrance and a wooden sign above them bearing the inn's name in Elven glyphs.
Boy, how old is this building? It's gotta be a millennium old or even more!
"Well then," Aelindor turned to Oswald. "shall we?" he gestured his hand toward the door in a you-go-in-first.
"Sure."
He pushed the doors open, finding himself amidst the soft murmur of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the rich aroma of spiced wine and roasted meat. Most patrons were elves, their elegant attire and melodic speech added to the atmosphere.
The two walked toward the receptionist—a male elf in a brown long coat and trousers—writing in the inn's register, a thick book with pages faded to orange.
The receptionist gazed upward to look at the patrons who entered—his face beamed when he spotted Aelindor. He stood up and gave Aelindor a hug over the counter.
Huh, he wasn't lying about this being owned by his family. I mean, the hug says it all.
The two conversed in their tongue, occasional laughter bubbling between them—a shared secret from which he was excluded.
Maybe I should start learning the Elvish. His reaction would be a blast.
"Thou shalt abide in the second chamber from the stairs."
Oswald walked backward while looking above at the second floor. Through the wooden balcony railings, he spotting his room.
"I guess, I'm staying over there."
He turned to Aelindor and bowed. "Thank you, man. I will repay you back, I swear."
"Tut, there is no cause for such ado, for the inn's trade doth already prosper mightily."
You say that, but I'm gonna do it anyway.
"Again, thank you. I'm gonna head to sleep now. See you tomorrow."
Oswald waved as Aelindor said his farewell. From the top of the stairs, he saw his elven friend leaving the inn.
I guess he has his own place to live. Speaking of which...
He entered his room.
"Well, it's... simple. A bed, a study, a bookshelf full of unreadable books, and two bedside tables with no lamps. As far as humble abodes go, this is humble. Alright. Time to hit the hay."
He plopped onto the bed, and sleep took him instantly.
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