Water Training

Princess Kamiko offered a hand. Sevir dug his fingers into the edge of the lake, hauled himself over the edge, and collapsed to the ground face-first, feet still dangling over the lake. Tightness rose into his mouth, steam forced its way out of his lungs, directly into the wet mud under him. Someone roughly threw a cloak over his semi-nakedness he had forgotten all about. He had no strength to breathe, let alone move or look. He barely croaked a “thanks,” unsure if anyone heard it. His heart was beating too loud for his own good and the implication of what he had realised swam in his head.

“This is astounding progress.” The booming pride and praise in the headmaster’s voice filled every corner of the little lakeside clearing. He opened his eyes to the half sky, half forest. Only the line between them was the petite woman and her fierce expression. He closed his eyes again whispering to himself, “indeed.”