#obviously i'm resorting to blunt objects and my fists

[dane-ffxiv]

Prompt #20: Duel

“You may choose the weapon I wield.”

A small crowd had gathered at the training grounds. During more leisurely periods, their members indulged in sparring to boost morale and, well, for the fun of it. They enjoyed cheering each other on and placing bets towards interesting matchups. Due to the nature of the Alliance, they certainly didn't have time to entertain thoughts of who might be stronger.

As the Warrior of Light, Dane hardly participated. She was undefeated, and not by a small margin; she even emerged victorious when faced with extreme disadvantages. Proficient in nearly every art, as expected from Hydaelyn's Chosen.

Today, someone new had the courage to test her: an Elezen man who joined only recently, learning of these spars by word of mouth. She recognized him as the warrior from Paglth’an who saved multiple lives, nearly losing his own in the process. Despite his stoic and hardened gaze, she knew that he was an honorable man with a good heart. So, she decided to put up a good fight.

Following her usual etiquette, Dane allowed him to choose her weapon. After witnessing her wield a scythe and gunblade in battle, he was curious of her talents striking from a distance rather than up close.

And so, he asked her to participate as a white mage. Elegant and supportive as she was weaving magicks through allies and foes alike, her offense relied on a similar strategy. To create a bigger spectacle and entertain her comrades, however, she tried something new.

Today, he would not witness her from a distance.

The opponent gripped his battleaxe and braced for the anticipated onslaught of stones and light shards, but they never came. Instead, the Warrior of Light appeared before him in a flash and struck his weapon with her much thinner cane. Their clash echoed throughout the grounds, aether dancing around the pair.

The crowd gasped, a combined reaction of both her initiative and unconventional strategy.

He stared at her in shock as she came into focus; the mage’s arrival had been too fast for his keen eye. Another brief glimpse of her smile before she pivoted and kicked off his axe’s blade. She landed with poise, gentle like a feather, and earned herself a few impressed whistles.

His weathered axe left no marks or scuffs on her delicate cane of gold and gemstones. She shifted forward, an air of uninterrupted focus, and waited. Her stance resembled that of a monk, or maybe even a dragoon. Regardless, it didn't lack proper form.

She had full control.

He charged forward, initiating a continuous exchange of blows that lasted several long minutes. Dane had an advantage over the Elezen; his weapon was at least twice her size and weight. She dodged swiftfully, faster than he could strike his smaller target. And he sensed that she delayed those movements, calculating each one. If his attacks landed, it's because she allowed them to.

“I daresay you're acting rather patronizing, Sunforged.” The warrior’s facade faltered, flashing her a similar smile as their weapons connected once more.

“Apologies, I enjoy being insidious with my methods.” She laughed, allowing him to push a bit further. Not a single bead of sweat had formed on her forehead. “A battle is the most authentic way to know someone.”

“As that may be, this conversation feels one-sided.” He anchored himself in an attempt to advance further, but she didn't budge. The tiny Raen truly did call the shots. “Go on, then. Show me how this ends.”

She knew he wanted to continue, but it was also a sincere plea from the fatigued warrior. So, Dane granted it. She withdrew her cane from the clash, the opposite of what he anticipated, and slammed her fist into the axe’s head. Both him and his weapon soared backwards, catching quite a bit of air on their descent. The crowd fell silent; they were far too invested in the match to accept its end.

“I’m afraid it wasn’t one-sided. You read me quite well.” The Warrior of Light approached her sparring partner, offering him a hand and a bright smile. He looked up at her, lying flat on his back in a daze, and accepted the gesture. While she pulled him to his feet and checked for wounds, those who had gathered around began to cheer them both on.

“Let’s do this again sometime.”