Sparring Session [1766 RWH], by Aaron LaClair
Beechnut had borrowed Lionheart's sword once again. Slingstone liked spending time with Beechnut. Her eagerness to learn was energizing to him. The two of them had been spending a lot of time together, Slingstone teaching her about the weapons he favoured. Today they practiced with the sword.
"You have to learn to block as well as strike, little one," Slingstone stated factually as he paired off with Beechnut to spar. "Now watch where I attack and attempt to put the blade in between you and my sword."
Beechnut nodded even though she felt a bit clumsy using Lionheart's sword even now. "I'm ready."
Slingstone moved fast and swatted Beechnut's thigh with the flat of his blade. She didn't move fast enough to parry his blow. Lionheart's sword seemed a bit too long for her and Slingstone knew this but he continued to teach her.
"Owe! That stung," she growled.
"That is nothing compared to being cut with the blade." He spoke truthfully.
"I need to practice more," she bellowed sullenly.
"You need your own sword, little one," Slingstone spoke as he walked over to a bush nearby. "You keep using Lionheart's sword even though it's too big for you. Bigger doesn't mean it's better. A small blade is faster and easily maneuverable." He reached down into the bush and pulled out something wrapped in leather.
Beechnut watched curiously, wondering what he was doing. Looking at the leather wrap her eyes widened. "What's that Slingstone?"
He walked to her and offered it. She rested Lionheart's sword against the tree and took the package. Unwrapping it she found a wonderfully crafted sword with a sheath. It even had a nice belt as well. Her eye's widened as she looked at Slingstone. "Is it for me?"
"As long as you promise me you will take good care of it. It once belonged to my brother, Bladeshore. I'm sure he would have liked you too," Slingstone smiled.
"I promise I will, Slingstone, I promise!" She wrapped her free arm around Slingstone's middle and hugged him. She was excited and happy.
"I thought you could use a sword of your own. It's your strongest weapon and you will be very good with it." Slingstone hugged her back.
"Slingstone, can we practice later? I want to show Lionheart my new sword," Beechnut spoke excitedly.
"I'm sure that would be fine. I will see you tomorrow." He couldn't help but smile as Beechnut started to dash off with the sword in hand.
"Beechnut!" he shouted to her back.
"Yes, Slingstone?" She turned to him.
"Don't forget that," Slingstone pointed to Lionheart's sword with a smirk.
"Oh yeah!" She grabbed it as she giggled then turned and ran toward the holt jumping and hopping along her way.