Sword Dancer's lament
Hello everyone, welcome again. Animeman73 here, with another journey into Inessa Burnell’s #BASwordtember challenge.
For day 17 we have quite the poser. To be precise the subject/word is: Dual.
Quite the challenge, but here’s what I was able to come up with. Enjoy.
Quick thrusts, the swing of one sword to his right the other to his left. The man flipped into the air then landed on his feet as he crossed his swords in an x-shaped pattern. The man let out a sigh only then noticing how sweaty he was, along with his heavy breathing, and his pounding heart.
“Here master,” said the young elf dressed in the garments of an apprentice.
He presented the elf male dressed only in long trousers a waterskin.
The older elf placed his swords in the sheaths on his belt then took the waterskin. He drank of the contents. Letting the cool liquid wash down his throat. He gave the waterskin back to his apprentice.
The young man then fetched a towel from a nearby rock. He handed the cloth to the older elf who dried himself. “Thank you, apprentice,” he said in appreciation.
From another nearby rock the young man fetched the older elf’s boots and shirt. The older elf donned the attire. The two then looked out on the beauty of the open grassy plains before them.
The apprentice turned to his mentor. “Master Windrazor? How is it you’ve become one of the best dual wielders among the Sword Dancers?” the boy elf asked.
The older elf looked on his prodigy. “It wasn’t easy lad I can tell you. I had to practice for long hours. Honing the art of the two-sword fighting style is never easy.
"The lack of a shield can provide problems if one isn’t careful.”
The apprentice stated. “I did notice that. How can one become a true Dancer without having to use a shield for defense?”
Master Windrazor looked on the blonde-haired boy.
"That Yarghan, is why I insist you hone your agility. Because the two-sword style doesn’t allow a shield it becomes necessary to hone one’s body. Hone it to the point where any and all melee and projectile weapons cannot touch us.
"The mortal body is a wonderful thing. But also, it can be frail. By understanding we are not invincible helps us to become better at what we do.”
“So, the mortal body isn't invincible but can become a weapon?” Yarghan asked.
The older elf nodded. “Correct, understanding that mortality and humility will save you from overconfidence. All too often I’ve seen apprentices fall into that trap. They paid for it by becoming crippled or dying.
"The life of a Sword Dancer isn’t easy.”
Yarghan looked on the blades. “Master Windrazor, I am curious, who made those magnificent swords for you?”
A sad look crossed the older elf’s face.
“It was a woman of exquisite beauty and intelligence. Her skill in smith work was extraordinary. She and her brother made many magnificent blades.”
Yargan asked, “Master, I’ve been doing reading of the Blade Dancer code. I know that marriage and family aren’t forbidden among our order. But why did you not marry this woman? I can sense that your feelings for her run deeper than friendship.”
Master Windrazor looked out on the vast world.
“Because… Because apprentice sometimes fate can play cruel tricks on us mortals. A wise sage warned me that if Tianna and I had children, one of them would be the destroyer of the world. That I cannot allow to happen.”
“But how could any offspring of you ever become so cruel and destructive? It makes no sense and doesn’t seem fair.” Yarghan noted.
Master Windrazor nodded. “Aye indeed. But the world can be a cruel and mean place sometimes, one must accept this truth."
A hard look came over the young man’s face. “I mean no disrespect Master Windrazor. But that seems too harsh and cruel a fate, you deserve better.
"You saved me from those Elf Hunters when I was a toddler. I’ve learned so much about the sword from you and the other Sword Dancers. You deserve better than this lonely fate.”
Master Windrazor turned a sad smile on his apprentice. “Young Yarghan, your heart is genuine and pure, and I appreciate the sentiment. But some things you must accept as they are.”
But Yarghan shook his head. “I respect and honor you Master. But I cannot except this measure of cruel fate for you! On my word as your apprentice, I will find the truth of this prophecy, and a way to break it if it is true!”
Yarghan looked out on the land as a new sense of determination filled his heart.
I will master the two-sword style. I will challenge fate if need be. But I will bring my master some happiness.