This is a fragment of a story from my fantasyverse, Aelia. Am planning to write and release stories out of order, and as they build up, so will the context. Criticism as always is appreciated!~

Art made by the wonderful  eleacat

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A brief second of concentration was lost, and a loud thump echoed through the garden as a wooden blade connected with Esma's shoulder. She knew better than to cry out in pain, so she relaxed as her instructor began his scolding.

"Esma! Block and parry! You cannot rely on armor to keep you alive in a fight!"

Nodding quietly, the feline woman retook her stance against her human teacher.

The armored man opened with a sideline swing, and within the first few seconds of clashing, Esma was backpeddling and going straight into a defensive panic. Once more, he bested her by sliding his wooden sword down the side of hers, thwacking her hand hard and forcing her to drop the fake blade.

Expecting a second thwack for her poor performance, she closed her eyes tightly. Though one did not come, she was surprised when the man sighed. A long silence followed before he pointed at her and spoke curtly.

"Agatha... It's Agatha. Your form speaks of exhaustion. How late did you burn the oil again?"

Nodding quietly, the feline kept her pose formal. The man acknowledged that she didn't want to appear weak and simply picked up her sword.

"A war is mounting, and all that woman can think to do is burn through your sleep by teaching you parlor tricks..."

Tossing the blade at her, she snatched it before opening her mouth to protest. The man shot her a glare, silencing Esma before she could speak. Though as a moment passed, he then nodded, giving her permission to give her case.

"She has taught me how to use my gifts, Master Denier!"

The hulking armor of a man crossed his arms, and the feline dropped her blade. Only for it to swirl in the air and return to her palm.

"Can you spell-sling a blade through your enemies' hearts? Or shall they see a magic trick and give you coin like peasantry?"

Shaking her head, the cat glanced down. A few moments passed before the man sighed.

"En guard. And focus this time!"

Esma desperately wanted to prove her studies were worth their effort. As she parried his first slash, she channeled all the energy she could muster. A guiding sensation fluttered over her, and magically she twirled her sword and tried to shift the offensive.

The man didn't seem the slightest bit surprised. His armored face was cold as he parried her attacks with ease. Esma lunged, and with a quick duck down, the man blocked her blade and tripped the girl. Slamming her to the grass on her back, his wooden sword to her throat a second later.

"A cheater who lives by their tricks will die clinging to them. If you value my training, you will not try that again."

Esma was stunned as the man walked off with a grumble. Staring up at the cloudless sky, the feline took in a breath and croaked in pain. She was not injured terribly and knew she had gotten off easy. Had the man wanted to hurt her, he could have done far worse without punishment from her father.

Lunch was in sheer silence as both sat on a stone bench overlooking the courtyard. Esma wondered what lay beyond the mountains surrounding all but one side of the castle. Yet had only heard stories from tales and books.

Esma had never seen Denier outside of his armor, but she knew he never ate. He was reading a thick paper telling of local news. The Queen's Inquisition was being scolded by the human king for a 'brazen attack' on a human settlement. All the while, Esma was concocting what she should say to the man. Her magics could be stronger; she knew this. Very few had shown magical prowess at such a young age.

Finally, the man grumbled.

"I know what you're going to say."

Esma blinked, but kept curtly quiet as the man readied his words.

"In truth, I expected less of you. You lashed out, but you did it with restraint. You kept to your training even when cheating."

Glancing over to her, his helmet almost seemed to have an amused expression. While he didn't laugh, Esma could feel him beaming with pride.

"I expect you to use your magics from here on out. And I will scale with you. Don't expect to beat me just because you can utter a phrase or channel any power. I can and will always beat you. When can I not? You'll have no use for me anymore."

Esma bowed her head, unable to hide her smile.

"Now eat. Remember, an army marches on its stomach..."