Training Break

Forest covered mountains as far as the eye can see, a natural fort of rock and wood. In the center where a vast field once lay now lies a large stone castle, purple flags waving gently in the breeze. On the side, in a large courtyard, two people are sparring.

"Come on Des, we've been at this for a week, surely you can hit me at least once," A man says as he blocks a swing from a young teen with his practice sword.

"I'm trying," Des responds as he jabs his sword at the man. He takes another ten swings to no avail, either missing or getting blocked. The last swing being blocked, the man takes the chance and swings at Des, hitting him on the shoulder.

"If this was a real fight you'd be dead right now," The man says as he lowers his sword, "We'll continue this after we eat, come on," The two leave the courtyard, placing the swords on a nearby weapons rack as they head into the castle. Walking threw a long hallway, light flowing through arch holes in the outer wall, the two walk past several soldiers who are on there ways to their barracks.

"Sedar, sir?" Des asks.

"Yes?" He replies glancing at him.

"Why don't we train with the other soldiers? Wouldn't it help to train against different people?"

"Those soldiers all fight and act the exact same way. If their faces were covered you wouldn't be able to tell them apart," He says with slight disgust, "Training with me you get more experience since I myself have a lot more fighting experience than any of them, that's why Getron had me be your trainer," He puffs his chest up a bit.

"Ok,"

The two make a right down another hallway and then shortly make a left into the great hall, a large room with two very long tables made up of several smaller tables spanning the length of the room. At the opposite side of the room there's a doorway at the right side and on the left across the rest of the wall is a hole with a wooden counter showing the kitchen. Two people can be seen moving around in the kitchen.

"Dammit," Sedar curses under his breath, "She figured out my plan. Whatever, come on," He says to Des and the two start heading down the hall.

One of them is dressed in a dark purple robe with black markings, their long wavy hair is almost the same shade of purple but a bit brighter. The other one has nothing but a leather strap that goes from their right shoulder down to the left attaching to a belt around their waist. Only seeing the back alone of the person, which is pretty big and defined, it's easy to tell you wouldn't want to take a punch from them.

As Des and Sedar near the kitchen the person in purple turns around as they're moving something. Her face lights up.

"I, knew it!" She says with triumph, "I knew you were the one sneaking in here after everyone's left!"

"Congratulations Cheral," He says, giving a slow clap, as they enter the kitchen, "You caught me, now if you'll excuse us we're going to grab a quick bite and then get back to training," The two start heading to a wooden cabinet.

"Now wait just a minute!" She blocks their way, "I've been dying to meet the kid ever since we got him, and now that I finally get the chance I'm not going to let you take the opportunity away from me," She says sternly. Sedar glares at her with annoyance, unable to break her determined spirit.

"Fine," He says, "This is Des. Des, this is Cheral, a high ranking mage and primary chef,"

"You mean only chef," She states.

"What about me?" Someone off to the side says. They all turn to look at the other person, a large muscular man in light brown shorts and sandals with short brown hair.

"I love you darling, but last time I let you and Sedar cook you guys put peppers into the food instead of pepper," Cheral answers, "And I'm not even gonna bringing up how under and over cooked the food was," She says glancing at Sedar.

"Hey, you didn't give us enough time!"

"Sure, but that's not what's important right now. What's important is me saying hi to Des," She holds out a hand, "Hi, the name's Cheral,"

"Des, nice to meet you," He replies, shaking her hand, her grip firm and a bit tight.

"Aw, so well mannered," She says putting a hand against her cheek, her face lighting up with happiness. The man walks over to him, seemingly towering over everyone, he has to bend down a bit as he holds out his hand.

"The name's Rwel, husband of the chef," He says with a small chuckle.

"Nice to meet you," Des replies, shaking his hand. Though the grip is firm, it's not as tight as Cheral's was.

"I think I know why Sedar's been keeping him hidden from everyone," She says, looking a bit mischievous, "It's cause he looks like a younger you ain't it? Makes you look like an old guy,"

"What?!" Sedar exclaims, "I'm not old, hell, you're older than me,"

"By a year, and even so, I don't have a young doppelganger making me look like I'm forty or even fifty, which do you think he makes Sedar look like honey?"

"Um, I don't want to get involved in this soon to be a screaming contest about looks," He replies, "I'm going to finish up cleaning the kitchen. Hey Des, wanna help me?" Des looks to an irritated Sedar then back to Rwel.

"Sure," And the two head over to the other side of the kitchen as they Sedar starts talking about how young he looks.