Sparring Partners

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters and all that jazz.

Note: This is my first multi-chapter Arslan Senki story. So far, I have at least three chapters planned but I don't think it's going to be too long. Anyway, I've had this idea for a while and I'm glad I have some time to write it down.

I can't say when I'll be able to post the next chapter. I'm not even sure I can do that before the year ends.

But for now, take this as my little Christmas present to the fandom.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

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"Are you sure this is a good idea, your Highness?" Daryun asked skeptically, his brow knotted in concern.

"Don't look too worried, Daryun," the prince reassured his soldier and protector, "I am confident that I will be fine."

Daryun still looked unconvinced and looked to Narsus for some support. All of Prince Arslan's closest companions were gathered in his tent and consulted about his latest plan. Narsus, Daryun, Elam, Alfreed, and Farangis all carefully considered the risks involved in Arslan's unexpected suggestion.

Prince Arslan had proposed that as part of his additional combat training, he would ask the Lusitanian soldier, Étoile, to be his sparring partner.

While Arslan and his friends were no strangers to defying conventions, this might have seemed like a step too far. Understandably, Daryun and Narsus were wary of the Lusitanian girl, not least because she had tried to kill the prince on a couple of occasions already. But since the Lusitanians had been traveling with them on the road to Ecbatana, Étoile had not shown any violence or hostility towards the prince.

Having spent some time in the headstrong soldier's company, Farangis, Alfreed, and Elam attested that she was beginning to see the prince in a new light and thus any animosity towards him seemed to have been quelled. Étoile would never admit it but Farangis was certain that the girl was even beginning to admire Arslan.

"I understand your concern, my friends," Arslan told them, "but I really think that this would be a good opportunity to reach out to the Lusitanians who are traveling with us, as well as for me to be acquainted with other styles of fighting."

Daryun and Narsus exchanged amused looks while Farangis merely nodded enigmatically. Elam and Alfreed likewise exchanged knowing glances. They were all able to see the reason in Arslan's arguments but they knew, probably more than the prince himself, that he had another, deeper reason for choosing Étoile to help him fight.

Arslan wanted an excuse to spend more time with her. That much was clear to them all.

They had all observed the way the prince behaved around the brash but well-meaning Lusitanian knight. Despite her rough treatment of the prince, behavior bordering on rudeness, Arslan was never offended by her. And though this could easily be attributed to his gentle nature, there was something else.

"They are drawn to each other," Farangis thought, "They share a powerful connection, stronger than either of them is aware of."

The consequences of any deepening interaction between the prince of Pars and a Lusitanian knight were bound to lead to complications. But the others silently agreed that they saw no immediate danger.

And what was clear to them all was that being around Étoile made Arslan happy, happier than they had ever seen him.

"I suppose it could be worth a try," Narsus concluded at length, "At the very least, it will be an interesting experience."

"But we are going to have to discuss it with her first, of course," Farangis said, "and I am certain that her reaction will be quite interesting as well."

The priestess was right, of course.

.

.

.

"Have you lost your mind?" were Étoile's first words upon hearing the proposal.

She stared incredulously at Arslan who merely smiled at her in that way that so exasperated her. He seemed convinced that this was a good idea and Daryun, Narsus, and Farangis unbelievably seemed to agree.

Étoile looked questioningly at the three advisors of the prince. But their serious expressions confirmed that they supported him in his ridiculous plan.

"This is ridiculous, you're putting yourself at such great risk," Étoile argued, "Have you forgotten who I am?"

"Of course not," Arslan replied amiably, "And it's exactly because you are Lusitanian that I ask this of you."

"It just doesn't make any sense," Étoile protested, "You would really trust me enough to do this?"

"Yes, I do trust you," Arslan replied with such sincerity that Étoile was unable to respond quickly. She simply continued to stare at the prince who never ceased to confuse her with his actions.

"While His Highness may trust you enough not to kill him during these sessions," Narsus explained, "We will still be taking certain necessary precautions."

"You will not be using real swords, for instance, only wooden ones," Daryun explained, "and every sparring session will be closely monitored and supervised by at least two among us."

"Don't think we will give you an opportunity to seriously harm His Highness," Farangis said and her calm tone did not disguise the seriousness of her warning.

"At least you are making some sense," Étoile remarked with a sigh. She turned to look at Arslan again.

"But why me?" the blonde soldier asked with genuine curiosity.

"Because I know that you're a very capable fighter and that I will be able to learn much from you," Arslan replied quickly.

"I'm hardly the best fighter in the Lusitanian army," Étoile admitted.

"I'm sure you're just being modest," Arslan said cheerfully, "Besides, like I said, I trust you. All things considered, we've known each other for quite some time now."

Étoile blushed slightly at this and looked away, a reaction that didn't escape Daryun, Narsus and Farangis' notice.

"But I will not force you to do this," Arslan said in a milder tone, "you are free to refuse if you wish. This is all just my suggestion for a productive use of our time while on this journey."

He waited with some apprehension for Étoile's answer. Arslan had been thrilled about the idea when he had first presented it to his friends but seeing Étoile's doubts made him falter. Despite all his well-rehearsed arguments, the prince knew that the this project was his way of trying to spend more time with Étoile, to get to know her better.

Now that their paths had crossed again for a significantly longer time than before, he wanted to make the most of it. He wanted to see where this path would lead. And he was hoping that she might share the same interest.

Étoile considered the matter carefully. She turned to look at the prince once more and saw the expectant expression on his face, this boy who constantly challenged and confused her. He continued to be a mystery to her, and maybe this was a chance to somehow make sense of him at last.

"You're sure about this?" she asked hesitantly.

"Absolutely," Arslan replied.

"Well, then," Étoile said with more conviction, "When do we start?"