65 - Combat Training

65 - Combat Training
Two days after Reverie had come to Frey’s office, Clare found herself gazing at a silver fox. She was a little confused at first, still half asleep, when she recalled that Reverie would send her familiar for Clare’s first combat training lesson.
“Lady Reverie awaits your highness.” The fox declared as it watched Clare curiously.
“Right… I guess I’ve got combat training today.” Clare murmured, mostly to herself. “Lead the way then.”
The fox bobbed its head in what Clare assumed could only was agreement before scurrying off. Clare quickly followed suit as the fox ran through the hallways, Lav soon appearing at Clare’s side.
How Lav did that, Clare could only wonder.
Still, she was glad she had gotten used to Lav suddenly appearing out of nowhere. It was scary at first but now Clare didn’t even jump when Lav appeared.
When they got to the training grounds, the first thing Clare saw was Reverie sitting on one of the benches waiting for them. The older Fae was wearing what Clare could only assume was training attire.
“Change into those clothes and meet me here in five minutes.” Reverie stated as the fox jumped onto her lap.
Reverie petted the fox and Clare headed over to her, grabbing the clothes Reverie had for her. She headed to the changing rooms Reverie pointed to, Lav following behind her.
“Hold it, Sword.” Reverie called out, making both Lav and Clare pause. “You’re staying here.”
“But I-” Lav started.
Reverie however interrupted her. “Save your cries for someone that cares. You’re going to stand over there silently or I’m going to jail you. Decide now or I will.”
Lav gritted her teeth. “Understood, Lady Reverie.”
She gave the other Fae a small bow before walking off to the corner. Clare wasn’t sure why Reverie was acting this way but knew there had to be a reason.
Thus, she continued to the changing rooms and quickly got into the training uniform Reverie had given her. It was a similar style to Reverie’s but was purple instead of red.
As she returned to the training grounds, Clare noticed Reverie was missing but the fox was sitting in her place. Confused, Clare looked around her to find the other Fae when she suddenly heard a whistling noise.
Next thing Clare knew she was half dazed on the sandy grounds, coughing in pain. Someone was screaming but Clare couldn’t make out the words, not sure what was going on.
“You’re really weak.” A voice stated as Clare slowly got up. “Even children can dodge such an attack.”
Clare noticed Reverie standing above her, arms cross with a scowl on her face. Clare silently groaned as she got up, facing the other Fae.
“I didn’t realize training was starting so soon.” Clare retorted.
“You should be prepared for anything. Even attacks from us Swords.” Reverie narrowed her eyes. “You can’t trust anyone here and should expect any attacks. Your Swords won’t always be there to save you.”
As she said those words, Clare turned to find Lav struggling in vines, one gagging her. The sight angered Clare, making her glare at Reverie.
“Let Lav go!” Clare cried out, her blood boiling.
She never agreed to this! This wasn’t how combat training was meant to go. Reverie had no right to treat Lav this way.
“You think I wanted to do this.” Reverie rolled her eyes. “She’ll only interfere if I attack you. And I need to attack you so you can learn how to defend yourself.”
“But you don’t have to do this!” Clare shouted. “If you explained this to me, I would have instructed Lav not to interfere.”
Reverie raised a brow. “You clearly don’t know Lav that well.”
She snapped her fingers, the vines disappearing from Lav a second later. As they did, Lav’s sword appeared in her hands and she charged to Reverie, sword raised. Reverie made a staff appear in her hands, deflecting Lav’s attacks as if they were nothing.
“You call yourself a Sword.” Reverie gloated at Lav. “You’re pitiful. Common Fae would do better than you.”
“Shut it!” Lav hissed. “How dare a mere Sword attack a future queen like that?! You’re just taking your anger out on the wrong people.”
Clare felt her eye twitch, frustration clawing across her chest. The whole situation was annoying to say the least and she couldn’t stand Reverie’s attitude.
Her job was to train Clare not take her anger out on Lav. Whatever was happening between them should have stayed out of this.
“Stop of it both of you!” Clare yelled, done with the fight. “I’m here to train so Lav please don’t interfere with my fights. As for you Lady Reverie, stop antagonising Lav. You don’t have any right to do so during my training sessions.”
Reverie immediately stopped and smiled at Clare. “Of course, your highness.”
Lav stopped too, frowning at Reverie as she kept her sword raised. Reverie didn’t spare her a glance as she made her staff disappear.
“First thing we’ll need to do is improve your senses.” Reverie mused as she turned her attention to Clare. “I’m not sure if it’s because you’ve been in the human realm for too long but your sense are dull, almost as if you can’t use them.”
Clare wasn’t sure how to respond to such a comment, deciding to wait for an explanation to the words. Lav, however, growled, probably still upset about the whole thing.
Not that Clare blamed her.
She was going to have to put some ointment on herself when she got back inside. And hope Xavier wouldn’t lose it. Thankfully, there was no blood or broken bones.
Seemed even with Reverie attacking her, she had held back, not wanting to seriously injure her.
“I take it you don’t use magic to heighten your sense?” Reverie asked, breaking Clare’s train of thought.
“I don’t…” Clare answered, wondering if she was meant.
No one had taught her about using her magic to make her sense better. Perhaps it was advance magic that she hadn’t been taught but Clare was unsure.
“Thought so.” Reverie murmured before pausing for a moment. “Guess I’ll teach you and we can practice you using it for today.”