Chapter 5 - Battle Reflections

The duo had just arrived in Lyn's tent after a fierce battle against the group of bandits. They were both exhausted and weary from their ordeal.

They found a place to sit and rest on some cushions. Sitting together in sync, they both sighed at the same time, releasing some of their tension.

After a few minutes of silence and rest to pay respect to their own bodies, Lyn turned to Astrid and thanked him again.

"Astrid, thank you for helping me defeat those bandits. You were a great help." She nodded gratefully at him.

Astrid just nodded back and replied. "Don't mention it. I'm just doing what I can to help the people and my friend."

Astrid watched Lyn's face as she thanked him for his help. He could see the gratitude and respect in her eyes.

He then changed the topic to their teamwork tactics. "We did well as a team in this battle. We covered each other's backs and coordinated our attacks well."

He gave her some suggestions for improvement. "However, we can still improve our teamwork by communicating more clearly and trusting each other more fully."

He gave her some examples of their teamwork in action. "For instance, when we faced their leader together, we used our speed advantage to flank him from both sides and distract him with feints and strikes."

He praised her for her contribution to their teamwork success. "You did an excellent job of keeping him off balance with your swift movements and precise slashes."

He also acknowledged his own role in their teamwork success. "I did my best to support you with my magic and keep him at bay when he got too close."

Lyn and Astrid continued chatting, recollecting about the events of the battle. They discussed about the bandits' tactics, weapons, and motives, which seemed to be a sore point for Lyn.

"I really underestimated their leader." Lyn said gloomily. "He was stronger and smarter than I expected. He almost killed me."

Astrid tried to lighten up the mood. "You shouldn't beat yourself up over it. We defeated him that's all that matters." He gave her a reassuring smile.

"No… No, I was reckless… I–"

"No. Stop it. You're tired. You need some rest." He interrupted.

He then added with a more serious tone. "But if you want to improve your skills, I can give you some feedback. You have great speed and agility, which are your main strengths. You can strike fast and move fluidly on the battlefield."

He paused for a moment and continued. "However, you also have some weaknesses that you need to work on. You lack power and defense, which makes you vulnerable to stronger enemies. You should work on your strength and endurance, and learn how to parry and dodge better."

He smiled at her again and concluded his advice. "You have great potential as a swordfighter, Lyn. You just need to polish your skills and balance your strengths and weaknesses."

Lyn listened to Astrid's feedback carefully, nodding in agreement as he spoke. She appreciated his honest assessment of her skills and was grateful for his willingness to help her improve.

"Thank you, Astrid. I will take your advice to heart and work on my weaknesses. I want to become stronger and more skilled, so I can protect my people and my friends."

She looked up at him with determination in her eyes. "I won't let my recklessness endanger anyone again."

Astrid smiled at her and nodded. "I have no doubt that you will improve, Lyn. You have the courage and the dedication to become a great warrior."

The two of them sat in comfortable silence for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts. Then, Lyn broke the silence with a question.

"Astrid, can I ask you something?"

"Of course." He replied.

"What brings you to the Sacae Plains? You said you were traveling, but I'm curious about your journey."

Astrid hesitated for a moment, as if considering how much to share. Then, he spoke vaguely.

"I am on a journey of sorts. I am traveling across Elibe to learn more about the world and its people."

Lyn looked at him with curiosity in her eyes. "That sounds interesting. What have you discovered so far?"

Astrid shrugged. "Not much yet. But I hope to find some answers soon."

"I see. Well, if you ever need any advice or guidance, don't hesitate to ask." Lyn nodded, understanding his need for privacy.

"Thank you, Lyn. I'll keep that in mind." Astrid smiled at her appreciatively.

As they continued to talk, Lyn's stomach grumbled loudly, causing her to blush in embarrassment.

"Oops, sorry about that." Lyn said, placing a hand on her stomach. "I haven't had much to eat today."

Astrid chuckled. "I know how that feels. Fighting can be tough on the stomach."

Lyn laughed lightly, feeling more at ease with Astrid's easy-going nature. "Yes, it can. But I think I know just the place to satisfy my hunger."

Astrid smiled. "Actually, Lyn, I have a proposition for you. As a thank you for caring me when I was unconscious in the plains, I would like to cook you a meal tonight."

Lyn's eyes lit up. "Really? That would be amazing! You don't have to do that, but I would be grateful for the gesture."

"It's the least I can do. I owe you my life after all. And I'm a decent cook, if I do say so myself. Do you have any preferences?"

Lyn thought for a moment. "Hmm, how about something with local ingredients? I'm always interested in trying new dishes from different regions."

Astrid grinned. "I think I have just the thing in mind. You won't be disappointed."

He swiftly got to work.

As Astrid started to prepare dinner, Lyn watched him in fascination. He moved with a fluid grace as he chopped vegetables and prepared spices. The aroma of the ingredients filled the tent, making Lyn's mouth water.

Few minutes later…

Astrid served Lyn the dish he had prepared, a hearty stew filled with vegetables and chunks of tender meat. Lyn took a taste and her eyes widened in surprise.

She was delighted by the flavors and textures that exploded in her mouth. The meat was tender and juicy, perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices. The vegetables were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, complementing the meat perfectly. The rice was fluffy and fragrant, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

"This is amazing, Astrid!" she asked.

Astrid smiled, pleased with her reaction. "It's a traditional dish from my kingdom. My mother used to make it for me when I was a child."

"Well, she must be proud of you." Lyn said, savoring another bite of stew. "This is some of the best food I've ever tasted."

Astrid chuckled. "I hope she is. She always told me that cooking was a way to show love and care for others."

Lyn took another bite and savored the flavor. "I can see why. It's delicious. Thank you for cooking this for me."

Astrid nodded, grateful for the opportunity to repay her kindness. "It's the least I could do, Lyn. You saved my life, after all."

They continued to eat in comfortable silence, enjoying the warmth of the fire and the taste of the stew. As they finished their meal, Lyn couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Astrid.

"Thank you for the delicious meal, Astrid. That was amazing." Lyn said with a satisfied smile.

"It was my pleasure. I'm glad you liked it." Astrid replied with a smile of his own.

As the night grew darker and the wind outside grew colder, Lyn started to yawn. "I think it's time for me to get some sleep. You can stay here for the night if you want. There's plenty of room."

Astrid nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Lyn. I appreciate your kindness."

Lyn smiled at him. "Of course. Sleep well, Astrid."

"Goodnight, Lyn." Astrid said, feeling grateful for the warmth and comfort of Lyn's hospitality. He settled down onto the bed, feeling grateful for the food and the company.

As he drifted off to sleep, he felt a sense of calm wash over him, grateful for the respite from his journey.

Or did he?

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Woo! First power stone! ^_^

Although more stones will motivate me...

:3

👉👈

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