“HA!” I cried as the practice blade in my hands struck the straw target down mercilessly. Endless days of training and recovery blurred into one long nightmare. I pushed myself into a series of attacks, counters and stances. Sweat trickled down my neck where my back tingled as I felt the eyes of my Paladin bore into me.

Always there.. Always watching, for what I don’t know.. I arced my blade into a uppercut as I spun to the left, dodging an imaginary blade coming for the opening I had created. There is nothing wasted in a battle. Each stride.. strike.. breath is measured in seconds. Lose one and it’s over. A flick of my wrist nicked the dummy along the ribs as I pulled back; my breath short as I ignored the dull ache along my own ribs.

“Cade.” His voice was low but firm. I closed my eyes as I straightened, my jaw tightening. Of course he could tell. He’s more hawk-like than human. “You’re pushing yourself.. Again.”

I looked down at the blade in my hand and spun it in slow circles. I didn’t bother trying to explain why. Every argument was shot down by his iron-clad reasoning. Every bloody logical reason that I knew in my own head was like fire coming from his seraphic voice. I didn’t hear him come up behind me but his hand covered mine as he eased the blade from it. My fingers quivered as I fought the urge to snatch it back.

“I’m fine, Jade.” My voice sounded breathy; even to myself. “Besides, the Commander doesn’t want me babied; remember?”

He chuckled as he strode to the weapons rack. “He also said that it was my call to make since I’m your Paladin.” I scoffed. A fact he won’t let me forget. He glanced at me before letting his shoulders drop and walking off the practice ring.

I stared after him, my mind blank until a shove from behind jostled me back into awareness. A clap of a hand on my right shoulder, while a deep throaty chuckle filled my left ear had me clenching my teeth together.

“Cade, Cade, Cade.” His tone admonished me as he dragged me off the practice field. I tried to throw off his arm but it was like a steel band on a wine barrel. I chewed the inside of my cheek as he pulled me into a semi concealed corner on the training fields.

Blonde, flowing hair slightly covers a round, wild face. Smart grey eyes watch me impatiently. Tribal marks in the form of one stripe under his left eye marks his heirship but, more importantly leaves a fascinating memory of restored honor. This is the face of Alen Moonfall, a true protector among high elves. He stands big among others, despite his tough frame. There’s something captivating about him, perhaps it’s his tenderness or perhaps it’s simply his humility. Nonetheless, people tend to be curious about him, while secretly despising him. “You really ought to give the poor guy a break. He’s only doing his job.”

I scoffed; “What are you? My conscious?” I drummed my fingers on my knee as I resolutely stared at the ground. I knew I was being childish but Alen seemed to always draw it out of me quite easily. He crouched down in front of me and said the words I really hated most.

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"I'm just trying to help." With a sigh he straightened up again and turned to the entrance of the cove. "It's been eight weeks and you're not doing yourself any favors by shoving your Paladin away like that." He lifted his shoulders casually as if he wasn't trying to give me advice. "Not that I should care." I frowned at his retreating back.

That's the problem. You don't care.. so why are you trying to show that you do? I shook my head and rubbed my face; trying to wipe the weariness I felt, away. I didn't want to admit that my Paladin was right. I didn't want to take it slow or easy. My throat felt like it was closing up as I brushed against those painful memories.

Tarin... Darren... I'm so sorry. I hung my head as I swallowed the shards of regret and sorrow that clung to me. Familiar feelings since their fall. I made it a point to go to the sapling grave every week, I couldn't help it. Being there... made a little of the ache go away for awhile. In that little corner of the training fields, I stayed; half wishing I could vanish into smoke like some of the others could. I, of course; didn't have that kind of power - I didn't have an affinity for the Grey magics. Tarin had Grey magic, it was what made him a good scout while Darren was his anchor; wielding Dark and Green magic. Neither wanted a Paladin assigned to them as they didn't want anything more than a scouting position in the army. Having a Paladin meant bending to the Royal's will at any given time - no power to do anything but obey. My eyes wandered to where Jade had moved off to; I seemed to always find him. His back was turned towards me as he was talking with someone else, I couldn't see who it was. Tall and broad he seemed to tower over me, but around others it was like he shrunk just a little but there was no mistaking his calm confidence. He was able to soothe everyone around him with just a glance. I couldn't tell if it was just him or his magic affinity, not that I knew what his affinity even was. His stance was stiff as a brick wall. His shoulders seemed to tense and flex with every shuffle as he shifted from foot to foot. What was making him, the literal definition of calm; uncomfortable?

~♥~

He's staring again. Jade tried to focus on what a new recruit was saying; but it was near impossible as those hazel eyes burning into his skin. He shifted under the unrelenting gaze of his ward, Cade continued.

"-nally, I was able to recover enough to seek you out. I've heard that you're almost on par with Lady Sasha's healing abilities. Is that true?" the recruit excitedly babbled.

Jade withheld a sigh as he curled his fingers. Another believer of the rumors, it was almost comical if it wasn't annoying to deal with. "I only do what I can. Lady Sasha is a power all her own. No one can compare." He dully replied as he shuffled again, trying to block out Cade's gaze with not much success. It was like trying to stop the sun from shining. Jade moved away from the awestruck gaze of the recruit. He could ignore those gazes without a second thought; they didn't bother him. He rolled his shoulders while brushing off dust from his practice tunic with futility. Wish I didn't have strict instructions to not use my wild ability, I would like to know what he's thinking. I may have Light magics but the singular wild ability of thought reading made me invaluable to Princess Lucina. He shook his head. Best not dwell on that. Jade sighed heavily as he finally returned Cade's gaze. I see you. I will always see you.