Before Tau can set another strike, Hirana steps between him and the split log. Her amusement sharpens into purposeful mischief, though the buried pulse has left her watchful.
Hirana Yuna
No more dramatic finishing blows for now. We are going to discover whether your confidence survives when the sword is not allowed to rescue your feet.
She nudges one half of the log aside with her slipper, clearing a narrow lane across the mist-damp ground. Her dress remains immaculate; her stance becomes unexpectedly precise.
Hirana Yuna
You will cross from one mark to the other while I press you back. Guard high, keep your balance, and do not plant both feet when you feel challenged.
Hirana draws a chalk line through the pale dust, then another beside it. The exercise leaves little room for power, only timing, distance, and the patience she keeps demanding.
Hirana Yuna
The Competition will judge every step, Tau. And if you leave us for the royal guard, I would prefer your feet to carry you safely there.
Hirana Yuna
Now, champion. Show me how impressive you are without splitting anything in half.
✓ Quest Accepted
Demonstrate disciplined footwork to Hirana
“I grin at her and raise my sword, ready for what she has in mind. “Bring it on princess.””
SUCCESS (Superb Melee Combat, rolled -1)
Tau Heathsburough
Bring it on, princess.
Tau grins at Hirana and raises his trusty Steel Sword into guard. Its familiar balance settles his stance, the blade steady without needing a dramatic flourish.
Hirana Yuna
There is the confidence I expected. Let us see whether it survives contact with good instruction.
Hirana advances along the chalk lane, slipper sliding over damp dust. She reaches toward Tau's sword arm, applying measured pressure to test his guard rather than overpower it.
Hirana Yuna
High guard, champion. Keep your eyes on my shoulder, not on the sword you are so fond of rescuing you.
The first press meets a firm, controlled defense. Tau's Steel Sword turns her touch aside cleanly, and his feet remain planted in the narrow lane exactly as she instructed.
Hirana Yuna
Well held. Perhaps I may call you champion without embarrassing either of us.
““Perhaps” I say, as I smile at her. “Any tips about how to survive in the royal palace once I become a Royal Guard? You have experience among the court and the royal family, princess””
FAILURE (Fair Reasoning, rolled -1)
Tau Heathsburough
Perhaps. Any tips about surviving in the royal palace once I become a Royal Guard? You have experience among the court and royal family, princess.
Hirana’s smile falters for half a breath. She eases back from the chalk lane, considering the question with more care than her teasing usually permits.
Hirana Yuna
Survive? Do not mistake courtesy for kindness, or confidence for permission. In court, everyone listens for the promise beneath your words.
She taps the end of her practice wand against the dust, then draws a small circle around one of the chalk marks.
Hirana Yuna
When someone asks you a question, answer only what was asked. Then ask whose interests the answer serves. That habit will protect you better than a polished sword arm.
Hirana Yuna
As for the royal family, I cannot teach you every danger from a training lane. But I can show you which doors are safe to enter, if you are willing to learn before you start calling yourself champion.
Her instruction leaves the palace no clearer, but one practical path opens: Hirana can teach him its safe doors and the questions that guard them.
Quest Complete
Demonstrate disciplined footwork to Hirana
Skill Upgrade: Melee Combat Superb→Legendary