A Father's Last Gift

The explosion of fire in front of him sent Aran skidding to a halt. Without his helmet, he wasn't willing to risk sprinting through the flame. If he had not stopped when it first hit, he might have had the momentum to make it through unscathed, but it was not worth it now. The window was too far away for him to enact his plan, but there were others in the room that he could use. No doubt Chloe had been trying to deny him a path to more cover, and she might not expect what he had planned next. Seeing the fireballs heading towards him, a second plan formed in his head, and he backed up as though he was altering course.

As the fireballs neared him, he raised his shield at the last second, blocking the first before dropping to a knee as the other one soared over his shoulder. He felt the heat of the fireball as it curled around the edges of his shield, warming the center of it. He knew it would be able to take many hits before becoming to hot for him to hold, so he knew he needed to time his blocks carefully. Pushing off from his legs , he began jogging toward another cover across the room, far from his intended destination. From the look of things, he hoped she would think he was sprinting as fast as he was able. So far, he'd yet to break a sweat, and things like this were the reason he trained himself every morning.

He chuckled to himself, wondering who would be able to keep up their antics longer. Magicka was different then stamina, but both could wear on you, and he was a gambler with aces up his sleeve. Of course, he'd been trained to last throughout an entire battle if need be, running for hours in his armor around Norvos, with other Servants meeting him every lap and fighting him. The first few months of that had been brutal, but he knew it would pay off in the future. This was one such time, and he hoped his feint of tiredness would pay off in his favor.

Mentally, he made a note to get himself some blunted arrows that he could use to fire at her. She didn't seem to be moving around much, and that could be fatal in an actual fight. There was no way for him to simulate other people, but if he had his way, Chloe would be a master at one-on-one combat by the time they reached Norvos. In a few seconds, he was nearing the next place of cover he had been aiming for, and readying himself. All he needed to do now was wait for her to cast a spell. . .

Aran had not expected her to cast lightning, and abandoned his plan of making a quick turn to head away. Knowing that blocking the magic with his shield would sent him convulsing to the ground, he threw himself against the floor, scrambling back to his feet as the lightning passed over him. That one had been too close, but he wondered if Chloe was beginning to tire yet. In an instant he had his shield up to block the next attack, but when it didn’t come, he ran full sprint for some cover behind a window. He wasn’t sure where Chloe had went, but it was good that she had finally moved.

While he couldn’t see her, he reached the cover of the broken pillar, looking around the edge for her. The hall way was wide, and while there were many spots to hide on the other side of the room, he knew she couldn’t be on his side. The space between cover was too wide for anyone to sneak around it without invisibility, and she would have to stick her head out eventually. He considered if he should try reaching her yet, but there was still enough daylight from the setting sun to keep practicing.

And practice it was. Only other master swordsmen would be able to move as quickly as he did in his armor, but bandits and vagabonds might be even faster. No matter how quick he was, he was still encumbered by the armor, and before too long he might begin to feel it. Without the bond, it would be harder for him to force himself onward, but that was all the more reason to make sure Chloe was at her best.

Ducking out from behind his cover, he crouched low, inching slowly towards one of the windows, and keeping his shield raised. Looking carefully out from one side, he tried spotting her amongst the pillars. Wherever she was hiding, he wouldn’t be able to see her until she revealed herself, or he’d risk being caught in the open with no cover to hide behind. He chuckled to himself, silently wishing he’d brought his cloak to even the odds.

The first fireball slammed into Aran's shield, and as the second neared him, he rolled to the side, setting off the frost rune. He was stunned for a moment as his body went cold, and he couldn't raise his shield, his arm nearly frozen. It had taken the brunt of the cold, and he barely had time to lean against a pillar for support before the fireball slammed into his shield. His hand was warmed, far less then normal, and he was surprised to find they were smaller then the previous ones. The Frost Rune had been a complete surprise to him, and Chloe clearly knew more magic then she let on. A bandit might've been dead by now, but he'd managed to keep the fireballs at bay so far. As the fourth fireball left her fingers, Aran reacted as fast as his armor would let him.

He knew that it would hurt, but pain was only a reminder that you were still alive, even if this was just practice. He doubted there would be any serious damage, and he'd suffered worse burns, but he focused himself and spun when the fireball neared him. Where his shield had been a moment ago, his frozen arm now lay, and the fireball slammed into his arm. Steam flourished from the ice, and his arm was quickly thawed away, and perhaps even burnt a little. His whole armor seemed to be warming, and as another fireball reared it's head, he dove out of the way again, closer to the window where he had been inching.

Rolling onto a knee, he titled the inside of the shield to the side, bouncing the light from the setting sun straight towards Chloe's face. He could see the beam heading for her, and decided if she had a few spells up her sleeve, he would use a few of his own. As he directed the light at her eyes with his one hand, a his other hand sent three charm spells in quick succession heading towards her. She might not see them coming until it was too late, but it was a risky maneuver. Chloe certainly hadn't stopped sending fireballs at him, keeping the pressure on, and her latest one struck him in the chest, sending him skidding back against the wall. It was a good thing he was wearing armor, but even so he thought he smelled the smoke of singed cloth.

Aran pushed himself to his feet as the barrage of fireballs stopped, wondering if one of his spells had connected. The pain was more like the irritation of a bite-me more then anything, but he took a moment to regain himself.

"Aran, I'm sorry!"

He found himself both amused and ecstatic that his plan had worked as she moved out from cover, and prepared another charm spell. He didn't know how much longer the spell would last, but as he sent another, Chloe seemed to come back to her senses, she got back into the cover before the charm spell could reach her. His slight moment of victory passed, Aran wasted no time in trying to sprint across the open corridor to her side of the room for her. He was exhilarated, and had not been this challenged since he had finished his training with the destruction an'Kin at Norvos. Even so, Chloe seemed to be able to last at least as long as the an'Kin, perhaps even longer, depending on how much longer their bout lasted.

As a lightning bolt shot around the pillar, Aran barely had time to react. Had he not been moving toward where she was, and standing where he had been earlier, the bolt most likely would have caught him full in the chest and sent him sprawling to the ground. He had been hit by lightning magic before, and where the cold was unpleasant and fire was painful, he felt that shock magic was the worst. He skidded to the side to avoid it, almost losing the scabbard off his back, and went sprawling ungracefully to the ground. As he slid across his chest, he sent another charm spell at the pillar where Chloe was taking cover, to buy himself some time and scramble to a pile of rubble that he could hide behind. He staid there for a moment, catching his breath, before sprinting out of the side and shooting to more charm at her while he made for closer cover. He might not have a repertoire of destruction spells at his command, but he was definitely going on the offensive now.

As Aran darted from his cover and headed for her, sending off two more charm spells, he caught the lightning bolt on his shield, and it sent jerks through his body. The second spell reached him and crashed into his shield, covering the entire thing with ice. Had it not been in the way, he'd likely have been frozen to the spot, but the shock alone was enough to send him sprawling, with the shield skidding away as it was torn from his grip. He managed to push himself back to his feet, regaining his balance with the help of his focus, before resuming his sprint towards her.

He thought Chloe had said something, but the ringing in his ears distorted any noise. That electric blast had definitely messed up his senses. He could see her opening her arms with a smile he'd never seen before, but it was quickly replaced by a frown and a twitch. He wasn't sure exactly what had happened, but the look on her face told him another spell was heading his way. Dropping to his knees in a slide, the ash was sent scattering into the air as he place his hands together. Both his hands formed the magic, and he knew he would not be able to cast another spell of that magnitude after it left his hands. As the flames burst from Chloe's, the strengthened charm spell left his, and he barely got his arms up in time to shield his face from the flames.

Even though he had gotten the spell off, he had no time to look for if it had any effect. Whatever had happened, the stream of flames had stopped, but the cloth beneath the gauntlet of his sword hand had caught, and the top part of his wrist blazed in flame. Even with his dulled senses, he could feel his flesh burning, and he pulled off his gauntlet and beat his hand against the ground, trying to smother the flame in the ashes. Even though he was just a few feet from Chloe, he hoped she would see that she had caught him on fire, and save him any further harm.

Aran was relieved when Chloe dropped next to him, his arm still crackling in flame. The healing magic that spread through his blackened hand made him shiver as the burns healed over and the blackened dead skin fell to the ground. The hair on the back of his arm and wrist would have to grow back on it's own, but that was really of no concern to him, even though the putrid smell of burned hair and flesh still clung to the air. With the healing magic having cleared away his wounds, he almost laughed. He had not been able to reach her, and she was far more skilled in magic then he had thought. With lesser skill and stronger spells, she would've likely been able to take on any person one on one, though they would have to work on her footwork at avoiding missiles. It was the best fight he'd had in a long time, and Aran truly felt alive.

That was at least, until he felt Chloe grasping him for dear life and crying into his shoulder. Mentally, he cursed himself for limiting himself to only the charm spell and not assuming something like this would happen. He could throw the spell around frequently, but the effects weren't always what he wanted, and he realized her earlier oddity might have been the connection of another charm spell as well. That being said, it was just practice, but all the training in the world could not prepare you for a woman crying into your shoulder. He nearly leaped away when she started kissing his cheek, and if it weren't for his governance over his features, he would've blushed. The charm spell had definitely taken a turn he had not intended.

"I'm sorry Aran, I'm sorry! I don't know what came over me."

Cursing himself mentally again, he patted her on the back consolingly, hoping it would help and the spell would wear off quickly. "You did nothing wrong Lady Chloe. It was simply practice. You fight very well having not encountered much combat." He really had no idea what to say to console her. "We will say this fight was a draw, if it please you." The charm spell was still in effect, and he could tap her with the scabbard if he wanted, but he was fairly certain that was not the way to handle it. She had lit him on fire anyway, even if his charm spell had her rushing to aid him and crying for the small injury she'd caused him.

As she pulled away from him, he saw how dirtied she had become, and assumed he was in a similar state. he was certain the innkeep would let him bathe before performing, though the man was quite greedy for money. He could not help but feel horrible for her though, even if the emotions were just an effect of his spell. Seeing his master in such a state did neither of them any good, and he cursed him for the third time.

"I need a h-hug. Please. I'm sorry-y-y-y."

Sighing to himself, he stood up, pulling Chloe to her feet and wrapping her in his strong arms. There was nothing to be done but try consoling her until the spell wore off, and he told himself not to go using the charm spell in practice until he was certain she'd be able to avoid it. "You have no need to be sorry, Lady Chloe," he said, as she cried into his chest. "This is simply a spell, and the fight was simply practice. Had you not managed to burn me, you would not be a very skilled mage. You are better then some of the an'Kin in Norvos, if it please you. You should feel pride in your actions, not sorrow." As he held her in his arms, he silently whispered the words of the Calm spell, letting the magicka trickle into her from his fingers. It might not completely counteract the Charm spell, and he didn't even know if it would stop her from crying, but he made sure not to put any more into it then needed so he could stop influencing her emotions. Now that he could control the flow, he only cast the spell enough to last for a few seconds, hopefully enough to snap her out of the charm.

Aran was growing increasingly uncomfortable as she continued to cling to him for another minute. She was his master, and he had been trained somewhat in just about everything, but he silently told himself that it was natural to be uncomfortable around emotions. Emotions were a weakness, and he squashed any thoughts of embarrassment, happiness, or compassion. None were appropriate for a servant, and he was simply helping her practice. There was no reason for him to feel any remorse for causing her anguish, yet try as he might it lingered in the back of his head.

He was quite relieved when she moved away, clearing her throat. The spell had finally worn off, and she had not ordered him any punishment yet. That was more then he could ask for, and he had to stop himself from grinning. The look on Chloe's face said she might still be embarrassed, but that ship had sailed for Aran. Anything that had happened was because f the spell, he was sure. It had been ingrained in him since he begun his training that a master would never truly care for their servants well being, so it was just a matter of fact for him.

"Sorry for making a fool out of myself there. But. Yeah. I hit you. . . Yay." As she trailed off, Aran had to stop himself from smiling. His face was cold, but the thoughts of her actions made him want to laugh. Perhaps if he showed no embarresement or judgement, she would find nothing to be embaressed about. "Although I think my victory has been marred. . . A little. By crying. At least you're the only witness." He wouldn't call it a victory exactly, but she was his master and could call it whatever she wanted. "I think it's time we head back, think you could lead the way? I'm feeling a little. . . Disorientated."

"Of course, Lady Chloe, if it please you." he said, gathering up his sword, shield, and fastening them back in place. "Your tears were only an effect of the spell, there is no shame in them, if that is how you feel. If an enemy attacks you in a similar manner, the effects may be the same. An enemy will not flinch at such a reaction, so it is important you are prepared." He said it matter-of-factly, hoping his confidence would help convince her nothing was out of place. "Were you a fool, the first spell you took might have had you crawling on your knees. You resist the illusion's well, and are quite strong, if it please you to think so."

Leading the way, he considered offering to carry her, but embarrassment was a slippery slope. He did not want to give her any reason to think the practice had been anything more then such. The kiss on his cheek still burned in the back of his mind, and made him think of his foster mother back in Norvos, idly wondering what she would think of his new master. He tried not to make small talk on the way back to the inn, and the trip seemed much quicker then when they had left. By the time they reached the Slumbering Dragon, his fatigue had left him, and he hoped that hers had as well.

As he entered the room, he was unsurprised to find it with over half the tables now filled, knowing there would only be an hour at the most before he would need to perform, if not less. The innkeep did not let Aran or Chloe take more then two steps upon them, looking at the pair questioningly before shaking his head. Aran was pleased that the innkeep addressed Chloe instead of him, glad that the greedy proprietor had taken the hint.

"Well, there you are. One of the serving maids said she overheard you say something about 'practicing,' so I had water drawn up to your rooms for a bath shortly ago, and I can send dinner up if you prefer to eat there. Water might still be too warm, didn't expect you back to the sun was completely gone. 'Course, the sooner you can manage without your manservant Mistress Labelle, the sooner he can start performing."

Aran wondered if the innkeep had actually expected them back at all, but he'd no doubt done as he said just to keep from incurring any chance of losing money. "Well, I assume you'll both want to clean up, so I'll have them start cooking for you at least, and you can send your man down if you want to eat in your rooms once you're both ready. Oh, and before I forget, there were some guardsmen by asking for you. They wanted you to go speak with the Captain of the Watch, but they didn't say what. When I told them you wouldn't be back for a while, they said they'd be back in the morning, and recommended I tell you both to not try leaving the city without heading in with them to answer some questions."

Aran frowned internally, wondering what crazy ideas the Innkeep had thought up about them while they were out. Likely their current appearance would help matters any, but so long as there was gold involved, it was likely the man didn't care. The innkeep waited around for any commands Chloe had to give him before bustling off to have their food prepared, and Aran followed his mistress up the stairs and to her room. He quietly fished the key to her room out and unlocked the door, handing it to her before bowing respectfully. "Is there anything you need of me, Lady Chloe?" He decided it best to keep using her title, in case she was still feeling a little embarrassed about early. He thought it would be hard to be embarrassed around someone who was sworn as little more then a slave to you, even if she hadn't grown accustomed to it yet.