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[2/2]
You follow through as Mikail ducks under your swing and turn to finish him off. Suddenly you halt, pausing in the middle of your backstroke. You blink at the minor sting of pain in your left leg. You fell for a feint, and a poorly disguised one at that, but in your distracted state you missed the tell-tale signs and instead committed to your lunge and gave him his opening.
It’s the first clean hit your squire has done on purpose with the two of you sparring in earnest and the boy looks like he’s just about ready to explode with pride. But it pleases you to see that he’s disciplined enough not to loosen his stance in the elation of the unexpected score. Mikail is still far from the skill required of an anointed knight, but he's coming along and you’d reckon he’d give some of Father’s greener men-at-arms a run for their wages.
<span class="mu-i">“Hmm, I actually felt that.”</span> Your hand brushes the back of your knee, where even the master-work plate must make allowances in protection for freedom of movement. <span class="mu-i">“Well struck, squire. Let’s finish up for today on that note.”</span>
<span class="mu-i">“Tired already, milord?”</span> Mikail pants, but his grin falters and cheeks go even redder as you glance back of your shoulder.
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> “All fire and vinegar, I see. Bring out my old breastplate. We will see how energetic you are after fighting in that.” It is less the comment than it is the overconfidence that demands chastisement. And you prefer to dispense punishments that come with lessons of their own. [Haughty]
> “Cheeky blighter. Go on, run along then.” You laugh as you ruffle your squire’s hair, granting him this small win. You’ve allowed yourself to become more familiar with the boy, despite your difference in station. [Hearty]
> “…” The relationship is one of master and apprentice, not two mates sharing a drink in the local tavern. For this to work, for you to tap his full potential, familiarity and friendliness must give way to respect and deference. [Idealist]
