Chapter 31: Ailis, Part 2
A couple of weeks passed, and the clans grew antsy with anticipation. Ailis' patience was legendary, but with preparations ready and nothing left to do but watch as the clans stayed alert, she did begin to feel restless herself. Working on fighting skills seemed to be the only thing the visiting clans could do, and there was only so much one could do in a day. One day, after a quick morning spar, Ailis watched her clansmen continue after her and then later join in with the other clans. Ailis wanted something to take her mind off things, but couldn't find peace of mind in anything she did. She watched as Black Curls finished a round of brawling that always broke out when he was involved, and when pushed to the sidelines, he walked briskly to her side.
"Save that sort for the real battle!" he shouted back at them. He grabbed his ribs and flinched as a result. "They're bruised," he mumbled.