Chapter 11

Hadrian opens a trunk with two staff and with smile tosses one of the staff,towards Nuala who grabs it,while Hadrian says"I felt,it is best to learn to defend yourself."

Nuala frowned and replied"I don't like fighting."

Hadrian smiled and said"I know, but this may help you,if a time ever rises you will have yo defend yourself because your enemies won't hold back because your women."

Nuala nodded,she was shielded from the outside world by both her father and brother.But it doesn't mean she was naive and didn't know of the horrors that occur in the outside world.

Hadrian and Nuala tentatively turn to each other,Hadrian could tell has some experience with weapons or observed Nuada fighting as her stand was similar to her her brother.

Nuala both throws the first strike, a formal move,which Hadrian quickly blocks.

But soon Hadrian strikes and it connects with

her shoulder,Nuala frowns slightly from the pain.But she quickly ignores it which surprised Hadrian,then remembers the scars she had probably got because of the connection with Nuada.

The bout goes on, slow at first, each taking turns strike,block, strike, dodge.

As Hadrian said"Pay attention to how I move."

This time Nuala swings and hits Hadrian's shin before he can jump.

Nuala's intensity escalates with each blow each a little

faster and harder than the one before.

The she unleashes a flurry of attacks on Hadrian. He struggles to parry,She jabs her staff into his gut as he doubles over,but was able to quickly recover and said"That was really good.It seem you have picked some kind of muscle memory from your link with your brother.But it seems to tire you our,since your muscles are not conditioned to fight like this."

Nuala was really sweating and tired from the fight,Hadrian smiles,re-engages in the fight,but this time puts her on defensive and both stopped inches away from each others face.

Nuala never takes her eyes off him as he moves

toward her, backing her toward the tree.

She leans back her face is illumined by the moonlight.

Hadrian was dazed muttered"I wondered what you would look like

bathed in moonlight ... Beautiful."

Nuala was surprised by the comment,but soon blushed.Her face betraying that she can hardly believe what she's hearing.

The bright, full moon in the sky.Then suddenly, a huge grey cloud drifts across the traing ground and both slowly leans forward hesitant at first,but Hadrian kisses her and she does not resist.It was sweet kiss and soon their lips part.

Both sat down to rest with Nuala leaning over Hadrian's shoulder,they were content and happy.Nuala asked"Do you really want to court me?"

Hadrian turned to look at her in the eyes and replied"Yes,I am sure your brother or father would reject it."

Nuala smiled remembering her brother was okay with it and even her father was slightly happy about whenever he saw them together,Nuala said"They won't."

But what they didn't know was bloody war was about to start soon.