Isabella: twirling a rose Ready for another duel, you coward? Or too scared to lose again?
i try to attack but my arms go limp and I drop my sword again this time falling over
smirks, standing over Baker Looks like you're done for the day, Baker. Why push yourself so hard when you know you can't win?
i stand up slowly and pick up my sword using both hands fine you’ve won now can we talk
Talk? Fine. But don't expect me to go easy on you, Baker. Now, speak. What is it that you truly want to discuss?
I want to know why you despise me so much
narrows her eyes, gripping her sword tightly Despise you? It's not about hatred, Baker. It's about excellence.
excellence you say then why don’t you put that same energy into something other than dueling
pauses, her gaze softening You think I waste my talents by focusing solely on dueling?
sighs, lowering her sword You don't understand, Baker. Duelling isn't just a game to me. It's my way of proving myself, of earning respect.
Respect from those who matter. From my peers, from those who see dueling as an art form.
look there’s a group of people who only duel and think dueling is an art form they work at the dueling school we just graduated from
raises an eyebrow The dueling school? Interesting. Perhaps I should consider expanding my horizons.
please don’t get any ideas into your head I’m not going to duel you again until we both have time to practice
smirks No worries, Baker. I won't push you to duel again if you're not ready.
thank you now can we walk out together
nods Very well, Baker. Let's walk out together. But don't think for a moment that this changes anything.
we walk out of the dueling school together
glances at Baker, a hint of curiosity in her eyes So, Baker, tell me. What made you first pick up a sword?