Chapter 27: Morning Training.

The golden morning light filtered through the trees as Ava made her way back to the cabin on the outskirts of Green Arbor. She swung the door open to find Talon at the stove, flipping bacon while Sarah sipped coffee at the counter. At the sight of Ava, Talon’s face flushed. “Oh, erm, back already? Wasn’t expecting you this early,” he stammered, fumbling with the spatula.

Ava grinned mischievously, sliding into the seat next to Sarah. “What’s on the menu?” she teased, her eyes darting to the plate piled with toast.

“Eggs, bacon, and toast,” Talon replied, his voice betraying the embarrassment of being caught off guard. He flipped another piece of bacon as if regaining control.

Without hesitation, Ava reached over, snatched a slice of toast, and darted toward her room. “Training in 30 minutes!” she called back with a wink.

Talon blinked at the empty space where his toast had been. “What training? I thought we agreed on no more surprise sessions!”

Ava’s voice echoed from her room, laced with humor, “Oh, I didn’t, but Miko told me you dropped my sword.”

Talon groaned, flinging a piece of toast toward her closed door in mock frustration. “Miko and his damn big mouth.”

Sarah chuckled, shaking her head. “You two are like an old married couple... or siblings. Honestly, when I first saw you both, I wasn’t sure, but after talking to Jess, I get it now. You’re more like family.”

Talon gave her a sideways grin, a playful glint in his eyes. “Oh, don’t be fooled. She’s probably plotting my doom as we speak. I’ll need you on standby for medical assistance when she decides to beat the hell out of me later.”

Sarah raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk curling her lips. “Well, I’ve got bandages, but you’re on your own if she takes off your head.”

The banter faded as the sun rose higher, casting soft warmth over the cabin yard. Outside, Talon adjusted his stance, gripping a practice sword as Ava faced him. They stood side by side, and for a moment, their playful teasing gave way to the shared rhythm of their training.

Ava’s voice took on a more serious tone. “Today’s focus is on precision and control. You need to move with the sword, not fight against it.”

Talon mimicked her stance, his brow furrowed in concentration. As they began moving through the motions, Ava’s sword sliced through the air with smooth, practiced grace, her movements as fluid as water. Talon mirrored her, a beat behind, his eyes focused on her every move.

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From the porch, Sarah watched with growing admiration, her coffee forgotten in her hands. The way they moved together—silent, synchronized, each anticipating the other’s next step—was mesmerizing. Ava’s swift, controlled strikes were counterbalanced by Talon’s power, though rough around the edges, his raw energy tempered by her precision. They were like two parts of the same whole, each pushing the other to be better.

“Are they always like this?” Sarah asked aloud, though no one answered her. She could see it now—the bond between them, more than just friends, more than comrades. There was a silent understanding, a trust that had been forged over years of battles fought side by side.

Ava’s voice broke through Sarah’s thoughts, sharp yet patient. “You’re too tense, Talon. Loosen your grip or you’ll lose control.”

Talon exhaled, adjusting his grip. “It’s hard when your mentor is also your biggest critic.”

Ava smirked, her eyes never leaving his stance. “Better that than me letting you get sloppy. Besides, it’s not my fault you dropped my sword.”

Talon shot her a playful glare. “I’ll have you know that was part of a highly complex maneuver. Very advanced.”

“Uh-huh. Sure it was,” Ava teased, a glint of amusement in her eyes as she smoothly sidestepped his attempt to sweep her legs.

Their blades clashed lightly in the cool air, the metallic sound ringing out as their sparring became faster, more intense. Ava’s steps were light, her movements precise and calculated. Talon, for all his brute strength, matched her as best he could, his determination etched into his face.

Sarah chuckled from the porch, shaking her head. “It’s like watching two overgrown kids play-fighting.”

As they finished the round, both breathing heavily, Talon turned to Ava, wiping the sweat from his brow. “How’s Eli?” he asked, his tone casual but curious.

Ava paused, her grip tightening on the hilt of her sword before she relaxed. “We’re good. It’s getting better, slowly. Last night felt like we were finally moving forward again.”

Talon nodded, his gaze softening. “I’m glad, Blondie. You deserve to be happy.”

Ava smiled, a warmth in her eyes. “Thanks, Talon. And thanks for pushing me—both physically and... emotionally. I needed it.”

Talon grinned, his usual playful demeanor returning. “Well, just remember that next time you’re swinging that thing at my head.”

Sarah leaned against the porch railing, her heart swelling with affection for the group she’d found herself a part of. She couldn’t help but feel grateful to witness these moments—moments of friendship, of resilience, of healing.

As they finished, Ava and Talon stood side by side, catching their breath, the silence between them comfortable and filled with mutual respect.

“Same time tomorrow?” Talon asked, his voice lighter now.

Ava nodded, her smile widening. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

Sarah called out from the porch, "Come inside, I'm cooking. Food will be ready soon!"

Ava and Talon exchanged a look, both smiling as they headed towards the cabin. The morning sun shone down on them, casting a warm glow over Green Arbor and promising brighter days ahead.

As they entered the cabin, the smell of fresh cooking filled the air, wrapping them in a comforting embrace. Ava felt a sense of peace and belonging. Here, surrounded by friends who had become family, she knew she was home, she knew she was exactly where she was meant to be.