The next morning, Markon awoke with a renewed sense of determination. The weariness that had weighed heavily upon him after the previous day's training had evaporated, giving way to a fervent eagerness to resume his sessions, particularly those shared with Astraa.

  He hurried through his morning meal, his mind alight with anticipation for the day ahead.

  As he made his way to the training grounds, vivid scenarios played out in his imagination, each one revolving around the hope of drawing closer to Astraa, especially during their cherished breaks. His excitement was palpable as he neared the familiar training grounds.

  "Markon, you’re here quite early," observed Sir Leon as Markon arrived. "It seems you are eager to train and grow stronger. That is truly commendable, young man."

  Markon expressed his gratitude with a faint grin, one that hinted at the deeper reason for his early arrival. "Thank you, sir. Have any others arrived yet?"

  Sir Leon shook his head, casting a curious glance at Markon. "No, it's just you and me for the time being. It seems I’ll be enjoying your company until Sir Skarsnay arrives."

  As the minutes ticked by, Markon found himself growing increasingly weary of their one-sided conversation. He had anticipated the morning might be somewhat uneventful, yet his patience began to wane.

  Just as he was beginning to succumb to boredom, a glimmer of hope appeared in the distance: Astraa had at last arrived.

  In an instant, Markon's expression shifted from one of mild irritation to a beaming, ear-to-ear smile as he watched her approach.

  "Astraa, you’ve finally arrived! What kept you?" Markon greeted her with playful reproach.

  Astraa arched an eyebrow, a smirk dancing on her lips. "What kept me? I’m perfectly punctual. What brings you here so early?"

  Markon chuckled, his lighthearted banter disguising the excitement within. "Ah, just ensuring my dedication to training matches yours. I couldn’t let you outshine me by arriving late."

  Astraa shook her head, her smile teasing. "Alright, Markon. Has Sir Skarsnay arrived?"

  Markon shook his head. "No, he’s yet to make an appearance. What say you to a bit of practice until he arrives?" He held his breath, hoping Astraa would agree, his heart quickening at the prospect of some time alone with her.

  "Sure, Markon, that sounds like an excellent idea," Astraa replied, blissfully unaware of Markon’s underlying hopes.

  "Truly? You would train with me?" Markon asked, his voice betraying his surprise.

  Astraa looked at him, puzzled. "Why wouldn’t I? Is something amiss, Markon? Or are you being sarcastic again? I’m not quite following."

  Markon quickly composed himself, not wanting to betray his true feelings.

  "Oh, it’s nothing. Shall we then? Should we practice our forms, or would you prefer to spar?" he asked, deftly steering the conversation away from his initial response.

  Astraa paused, her thoughtful gaze resting on Markon. "You know," she began, "I think we ought to focus on practicing our forms today."

  "Indeed, you’re right," Markon replied, captivated by her smile—a sight he longed to behold for many days to come.

  "Markon, Markonnnn! Why do you keep drifting off?" Astraa asked, breaking through his reverie.

  "I... I was just lost in thought. Let's begin our practice."

  "You really are peculiar at times, you know," she remarked, her tone light and teasing. Markon returned her smile, albeit nervously, as they began their practice.

  The two stood facing each other on the training grounds, diligently rehearsing the forms Sir Skarsnay had imparted. Astraa's movements were a captivating blend of grace and determination, each step and swing of her sword executed with meticulous precision.

  With Skarsnay momentarily absent, Markon seized the chance to discreetly admire Astraa. He couldn't help but notice the intense focus in her eyes, the unwavering resolve etched upon her features. Each time she drew a deep breath, it seemed to momentarily steal his own.

  As Markon mirrored Astraa's movements, his thoughts lingered on the depth of his affection for her. He was prepared to be patient, willing to wait as long as necessary for Astraa to recognize—and perhaps reciprocate—his feelings. For now, he cherished these moments alone with her, free from the distractions of the outside world.

  Sir Skarsnay’s voice suddenly pierced the air. "Ah, what diligent students I have, commencing your training without me," he remarked, his gaze first settling on Astraa, who had taken the lead in their practice, before shifting to Markon, who had been earnestly following her example.

  "But Astraa," Sir Skarsnay continued, his tone growing more stern, "your forms still exhibit discernible openings and imperfections. And Markon, by mirroring Astraa, you’ve merely repeated her errors. Given that you began your training earlier, you should have known better."

  Astraa and Markon exchanged contrite glances and responded in unison, "We apologize, sir."

  "Very well," Sir Skarsnay instructed, "position yourselves close together. We shall commence today's training. Remember, practicing flawed forms is more detrimental than not practicing at all. Henceforth, defer your practice until I arrive."

  Astraa and Markon nodded in agreement, their spirits alight with the anticipation of absorbing the sagacious wisdom of their venerable instructor.

  "Indeed, it seems both of you are gradually finding your rhythm within the practice, though the path ahead remains long and arduous," Sir Skarsnay remarked, his gaze both critical and encouraging.

  Now, take this opportunity for respite, for it is well-deserved. After your break, we shall embark upon our sparring session," he proclaimed with a sense of finality.

  Markon and Astraa exhaled deeply, their relief palpable as the weight of the grueling training momentarily lifted.

  While Astraa eagerly anticipated the relaxation and nourishment of a repast prepared by Lady Moula, Markon was positively exhilarated at the prospect of sharing a meal with Astraa beneath the beloved shade of their favored tree.

  "Come, Markon, take a seat. I have prepared lunch for you, precisely as you enjoy it," she said, her countenance radiating genuine warmth.

  Markon's heart soared at the thoughtfulness she had shown, for it was a testament to her care that she remembered his preferences. In that moment, he found himself envisioning a future rich with shared moments such as this.

  Yet, before he could further engage in delightful conversation with Astraa, a loud voice abruptly shattered the tranquil atmosphere.

  "Astraa!" came the exclamation, prompting both Astraa and Markon to turn in unison to behold Lykaa approaching.

  “Astraa, what brings you here?” Lykaa inquired, her eyes alight with delight upon spotting her friend.

  Astraa shrugged with a playful grin. “What do you mean? I am here for combat training, naturally.”

  “Remarkable!” Lykaa exclaimed with enthusiasm. “Does this signify that you have mastered advanced absorption?”

  “Indeed,” Astraa affirmed, her pride unmistakable.

  “Greetings, Markon,” Lykaa said, her gaze falling upon him with a touch of surprise.

  “I did not notice your presence. How have you fared?”

  “I have been well,” Markon responded. “But tell me, why was your absence notable yesterday?”

  "Lady Hermiosa bestowed upon us a day of respite yesterday, and we resumed our training today. And Astraa, you shall be astonished once I complete my training!"

  "I eagerly await that moment," Astraa replied, her anticipation palpable. "Come, join us for lunch; Lady Moula has prepared an abundance sufficient for all."

  With delight, Lykaa accepted the invitation and settled down alongside Markon and Astraa. She inquired about the whereabouts of their fellow trainees—Minosa, Gargus, and Flanco.

  "They have yet to master the technique," Astraa explained. "However, I remain hopeful that they shall arrive shortly."

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Yet, Markon, barely above a whisper, murmured to himself, "I sincerely hope not," harboring a secret longing for additional moments alone with Astraa.

  As the days of relentless training under Sir Skarsnay progressed, Markon found himself enveloped in a profound sense of contentment. Despite the relentless and exacting nature of the sessions under Sir Skarsnay’s vigilant supervision, it was the solitary moments spent with Astraa that truly warmed his heart. These precious interludes, often marked by shared meals during their brief respites, became the most cherished highlights of his days.

  During their rigorous training, Astraa remained a paragon of unwavering determination and focus. Her words were few, reserved for the brief intervals they enjoyed together.

  Yet Markon cared not in the slightest. He treasured each fleeting moment in her presence, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to stand by her side and witness her growth and fortitude with each passing day.

  Occasionally, Lykaa would grace their brief intervals with her presence, infusing their conversations with a fresh and lively energy.

  Yet, it was primarily Astraa and Markon who savored these fleeting moments together. For Markon, these stolen intervals were akin to the realization of cherished dreams, and with each passing day, he found himself more profoundly captivated by the bewitching charm of Astraa’s presence.

  Following a week of arduous training, Markon perceived a subtle yet significant shift in his relationship with Astraa. She seemed more receptive to conversation, her demeanor less guarded than when they first met. This newfound openness kindled within Markon a glimmer of hope that a deeper bond might be within reach.

  He recognized that to dissolve the remaining barriers between them and draw closer, he would need to venture beyond the confines of their training grounds, seeking an environment unburdened by the demands of their rigorous exercises.

  At last, one morning, Markon awoke with a newfound resolve, certain that the time had come to summon his courage and invite Astraa. The very thought set his heart racing, caught between anticipation and trepidation, as he fervently hoped she would accept.

  As Markon approached the training grounds, he was greeted with an unexpected delight: Astraa was already there.

  With a playful glint in her eye, she remarked, "It appears I have bested you today. Does this signify that my resolve now eclipses yours?"

  Markon, rising to the playful challenge, replied, "It’s merely a single day. We shall see if this trend persists."

  His heart quickened at the realization that they were alone; neither Sir Leon nor Sir Skarsnay had yet made their appearance.

  Markon perceived this solitude as the ideal moment to convey his sentiments.

  He began tentatively, acknowledging the unusual stillness, "It seems it is just the two of us here. Even Sir Leon is absent."

  Astraa responded with a touch of surprise, "Indeed, it is unusual.While Sir Skarsnay’s tardiness is expected, Sir Leon is typically punctual."

  Markon understood that he could not let this moment slip away.

  Steeling himself, he hesitated for a brief instant before continuing, "Astraa, throughout this past week, you have generously brought me sustenance. It has been an immense aid in enduring Sir Skarsnay's demanding training regimen. But I have yet to find the opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude."

  Astraa interjected with a gentle laugh, "What has come over you, Markon? Are you suddenly adopting a formal tone?"

  Markon stumbled over his words, striving to articulate his thoughts. "No, it’s simply that..."

  Yet Astraa, her smile imbued with warmth and understanding, kindly interrupted him, "Do not fret, Markon. I take pleasure in providing food for my friends. There is no need for thanks."

  Markon felt a surge of relief as Astraa addressed him as a friend—a modest yet meaningful advancement in their relationship, which emboldened him to press forward with renewed resolve.

  Summoning his courage, he ventured, "Astraa, given your generous habit of sharing meals with friends, do you not think it fitting that your friends should reciprocate?"

  Astraa's eyes sparkled with amusement as she replied, "Markon, are you suggesting you intend to cook something for me?"

  Markon chuckled heartily. "Oh, I would not dare. I am quite certain that my culinary endeavors would be more akin to a torment than a delight."

  Astraa’s laughter rang out, her face alight with a playful grin. "Then what, pray tell, is your alternative plan?"

  Encouraged by her mirth, Markon gathered his courage and proposed, "I was contemplating the notion of inviting you to dine out, perhaps at a fine establishment."

  Astraa's smile dimmed ever so slightly, for she was no na?f; she understood precisely the implications behind his words.

  Yet, wishing to avoid hasty conclusions, she responded with diplomatic grace, "Certainly, Markon, we may go out for dinner. I am certain that Lykaa would also appreciate such an invitation, especially after her strenuous training."

  Markon, resolute in his intentions, sought to clarify, "No, Astraa, I meant exclusively the two of us."

  In that moment, Astraa grasped that her initial assumptions were indeed correct.

  Markon's affections for her were becoming increasingly manifest. However, their friendship had been built on a foundation of mutual respect, and thus she chose her words with care.

  "Markon, I do not believe it would be proper for just the two of us to dine together. While we may perceive our relationship as one of friendship, others might not share that viewpoint. Recall the incident with Minosa? I would prefer to avoid a repeat of such misunderstandings."

  "Of course, I understand," Markon replied awkwardly, though his heart sank, burdened by the quiet hope he had held that she might accept.

  An uneasy silence descended upon Astraa and Markon, the effortless camaraderie they had cultivated over the past week now tinged with an uncomfortable strain. The friendly banter that had flowed so naturally between them seemed like a distant echo, replaced by a tension neither of them knew how to alleviate.

  Astraa, caught off guard by Markon's unexpected proposal, found herself hesitant to break the silence, unsure of what to say. Meanwhile, Markon, feeling exposed and vulnerable after her gentle rejection, was reluctant to speak, fearing he might only deepen the awkwardness.

  Both silently wished for a timely interruption, a reprieve from the growing discomfort, yet neither Sir Leon nor Sir Skarsnay arrived to rescue them from the heavy quiet that lingered in the air.

  As the minutes stretched interminably, the silence between Astraa and Markon grew ever more oppressive. They stood together, each desperately seeking some means to dispel the weight of the moment, yet all their efforts proved in vain.

  Suddenly, the stillness was shattered by a familiar voice.

  "Markon! Astraa! When did you two arrive?" Gargus inquired with cheerful oblivion, entirely unaware of the heavy atmosphere that had taken hold.

  Gargus, accompanied by Flanco and Minosa, arrived upon the scene, their demeanor light and unaffected by the palpable tension that had settled between Astraa and Markon.

  "At last, you've come," Markon replied, his relief clearly visible, and Astraa, with a hint of reproach, added, "You certainly took your time."

  Minosa, her curiosity piqued by their apparent progress, asked, "And when did you begin your combat training?"

  Astraa, her expression graced by a modest smile, responded, "Markon was the first to master the art of advanced absorption, and I followed in his footsteps a mere two days later. For more than a week now, we have been diligently honing our skills."

  Gargus, clearly moved by the display of dedication, spoke with sincere admiration, "As always, the two of you prove yourselves to be nothing short of extraordinary."

  Flanco, however, with a knowing smile that hinted at mischief and a sparkle of amusement in his eye, could not resist addressing the unspoken undercurrent that had lingered since his arrival.

  "So, it was just the two of you, training together, all alone?"

  Markon, sensing the playful barb in Flanco's words, let his shoulders droop ever so slightly as he replied, "Indeed, we were compelled to begin on our own, given that the rest of you were in no particular hurry to join us."

  Flanco and Gargus were quick to notice the subtle shift in Markon's demeanor.

  Sharing a glance filled with unspoken understanding, they decided to pull him aside, determined to uncover the cause of his sudden withdrawal.

  "Apologies, ladies," Gargus said to Astraa and Minosa, his tone courteous, as he and Flanco gently steered Markon away from the two.

  "We haven't had the chance to speak with him for some time."

  "Markon, we never intended to create any discomfort for you. We were simply eager to catch up, as it's been quite a while since we last saw you."

  "We thought that spending the entire week with Astraa would have been a wonderful opportunity for you both to bond. But it seems something has shifted."

  Markon let out a weary sigh, feeling a wave of gratitude for the understanding of his friends.

  He began to unveil the events of the past week, sharing how his feelings for Astraa had deepened and how he had mustered the courage to invite her on a date, only to be met with a gracious yet firm rejection. Gargus and Flanco listened with rapt attention, their expressions filled with sympathy as they offered their unwavering support.

  "Markon, I am truly sorry that things did not unfold as you had hoped," Gargus said, his voice reflecting genuine empathy for his friend’s plight.

  Flanco added thoughtfully, "You took a bold step, and that is to be commended. It is a truth often overlooked that even when two individuals share a strong rapport, they may not always find themselves aligned in matters of the heart."

  Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the training ground, Minosa was immersed in an animated conversation with Astraa. Upon learning of Markon’s proposal, she could not contain her astonishment.

  "He asked you out? Within merely a week? Given your temperament?" Minosa exclaimed, her eyes widening with incredulity. "That is quite a bold move."

  "It was unexpected, to say the least."

  "You did nothing amiss by declining if your heart does not align. Simply continue being yourself, as you have throughout this past week, and in time, all will return to its rightful order."

  Astraa managed a grateful smile in response, feeling fortunate to have such a supportive friend in Minosa.

  Yet, despite her encouragement, Minosa could not shake a pang of disappointment upon learning that Markon had expressed his affections for Astraa.

  Deep within, she had long harbored suspicions of Markon’s feelings for Astraa, but she had never anticipated he would act upon them, particularly since she herself had confessed to him.

  Nevertheless, she recognized that neither Astraa nor Markon bore any blame for this circumstance; it was simply a matter of emotions and the whims of timing.

  At long last, Skarsnay made his grand entrance, acknowledging Minosa, Gargus, and Flanco with a nod of recognition.

  "Impressive, all of you. You have arrived," he remarked with a tone of approval.

  "Now, let us witness your advanced absorption skills."

  The trio stood united, activating their speed runes without the necessity of a water source, thereby demonstrating their remarkable proficiency.

  "Excellent," Skarsnay commended them. "We shall now commence your combat training. Since Markon and Astraa have already embarked upon their own training, you three shall receive individual attention."

  He then led them to the weapons room, echoing the manner in which he had previously introduced Astraa and Markon to its depths.

  Astraa and Markon stood in companionable silence, each lost in contemplation of their distinct training sessions.

  Markon found himself ruminating on the course of events, pondering how things might have unfolded differently had he not unintentionally made the situation awkward by his earlier proposal to Astraa.

  As they awaited Sir Skarsnay's return, Astraa broke the silence with an unexpected proposal.

  "Markon, might we agree to set aside what transpired this morning? Can we return to the way things once were?"

  Markon, taken aback by her suggestion, responded. "Truly? "

  "Certainly, Markon. You did nothing amiss," Astraa replied, her cheerful demeanor restored. "So, what do you say?"

  Feeling a wave of relief and gratitude, Markon responded, "I would like that very much as well."

  As the time flowed onward, the bonds between Astraa and Markon rekindled their former warmth, growing stronger with each passing day. Markon’s heart remained ensnared by deeper feelings for Astraa, yet he resolved to ensure that his emotions would not obscure the clarity of their renewed camaraderie.