A Jack of Hearts

Hao watched the two of them fondly, an elbow using his knee as an armrest s he leaned his cheek on one hand.  ”Ah, but then you would be the only one responsible for his late-night tantrums and his picky eating habits.”  A chuckle emitted from the younger lord, the upward turn of his lips never faltering.

"Do you think so?  I agree with you for the most part, although I often see Lai when I look at him."  Yuanzong mused as he took in his child’s features for a time uncountable by human means.  "I suppose we will just have to wait and see, hm?"

A son like Paoyu…  It was an interesting thought and not unpleasant in the least.  ”And if you yield a child in your likeness?  That would make for three of you, and I do not know that a single clan could handle so many clones of one person.”  The joke came out hummed and light upon the air, his expression brightening even more.  ”I wonder how Lai would handle such a son, though?  Having a shut-in brother is one thing, a shut-in child another, I would think.  Who knows — maybe it would help her develop some tolerance for you?”  Though it was likely that any other children born to him would come from other women, the only image the prince could summon was with his soon-to-be wife.

It would be nice, really, being able to share and cultivate a love of literature and poetry with his own child.  Perhaps the one Jiwei held would come to appreciate such pursuits himself?  The future was such a mystery, and one that he awaited with hopeful patience.

The voice of Sun Quan’s heir pulled aureate hues to settle on sparkling greens, his expression softening further.  Paoyu appeared honestly happy and relieved, and it sent a feather-light feeling coursing through Hao’s veins.  A small, heavy weight sat in the pit of his stomach at the mention of his beloved uncle being in pain, but to have been of assistance to the young man at all was enough to help him push the feeling into the background.  Deep tones came out quietly and filled with warmth as he responded:

  A silent smile fell over his lips, eyes sliding to their corners to gaze at the soft-expression that held fast to his nephew's face. It was so strange... the two of them had sat so silently in their youth, staring across from each other and doing little things here and there. Yet it was in their older years that they were beginning to get along so well. To really know one another. 

"I would like your company on most days. The ministers seem to respect you a touch more. I could use the instruction." The jest was soft on his voice as he held the child, leaning down a little further to allow the silken strands to land in those grabbing hands. He didn't mind the pull; he'd gotten much worse from his sisters in his youth, after-all.

"You know, it's funny," he began, turning to rest a proud glance upon Yuanzong's visage. He was such a good man to those around him, such a good father to the young boy in his arms. Someone that even Jiwei would look up to. "If I were to relinquish my claim to the throne to anyone, I am certain it would be you."

He shifted, settling the infant upon his lap, head still bent forward to allow him to play with the dangling crimson strands. The look on Jiwei's face was content, glowing even, and certainly reminiscent of the Wu Emperor, Sun Quan. 

"If there was any other man I could follow... Yuanzong. I could follow him, I think. I could get behind the gentle ideals he has placed forward to help the people he once knew. But for now... I think I am more than happy simply making those ideals reality. Bearing the burden for one who has had too  much happen in such a short amount of time." Green eyes moved to settle upon Hao's face, a kindled gentility held within their depths that shed light upon all who looked. "I only hope I can truly do those ideals the justice they deserve." 

He supposed that his uncle may have had an extra-demanding day, though the imperial ministers nipped at the heir apparent’s heels so often with propositions and demands that any day spent in their company for even a short time could easily be deemed as exhausting.  How was Paoyu supposed to get any of his own work done if he was interrupted so often?  In truth, Hao did not envy his position in the least, though he wished that there was something more he could do to help.

Jiwei’s expression seemed to brighten up then, and the request that came forth was not one that the proud father could deny.  Gladly, Yuanzong held the small, red-headed child out, Fan’s neck and head supported sturdily.  ”Mm!  Of course.”

“Hello, Fan.” He cradled the infant very carefully, pulling him toward his chest to look down at the gentle, yet radiant features of the one who would share his father’s eyes. That light-colored hair that could be seen in the prince’s brother, Sun Taixu, and the pale skin that even he sported. “It’s been a while. You haven’t forgotten me, have you?” 

His nose gently pressed to the infant’s cheek, red hair cascading over him with little care. The crimson strands blanketed him before drawing back, emerald orbs focused in on his little features. 

"You better be careful, Yuanzong! One day I might not give him back." His lips spread into that gentle smile once again, the lines in his face— while very unused— beginning to show near his lips. "He looks so much like you. It’s amazing, really." 

Moving her eyes upward, she spotted a figure at the top of the hill.  Though their features were partially obscured by the angle with which she could view them at from this distance, the red hair illuminated from the sunlight was all the confirmation she needed to know that her party had appeared, although she had not quite expected him to arrive up there.

Raising an arm and casting a wave in his direction, the dark-haired noble turned and untied her horse from the tree, then swung herself up into the saddle with finesse, taking the reins and turning her steed in the direction of the hillside, urging the creature forward.

The walking path up the slope wasn’t difficult for Hua Tian to traverse, though a slow and steady pace had to be applied with the narrow and uneven terrain all the same.  Inwardly, Zhui felt a bit of guilt over taking so long making her way up the hill, though there wasn’t much to be done about it.

Rounding a final, sharp corner, they made their way up a gentle slope, Sun Paoyu coming into sight nearby.  She guided her horse onto the flatter, grassier hilltop, and halted a few feet away from him.  Hopping down and offering a crisp salute, head bowed, eyes closed, and a smile playing across her features, she sounded her greeting with confidence, volume clear and not lacking in professionalism:

She was always so formal, wasn't she? A pretty face, but unwilling to relax... even with all of her intelligence, he could never understand why so many people insisted on treating him so different, now. If he had his way, he'd be among the rest of them-- where he was supposed to be, with his mother. 

He raised a hand to wave her off regardless, readjusting himself upon his saddle before replying, "Zhu Zhui, you don't need to address me in such a way. I wouldn't have agreed to come out here if it was to be a formal event. We are out of sight of the palace officials; you are allowed to address me by my name." It was so strange, having people call him 'your highness', 'majesty' or so many other cliched terms from fairytale books. 

Still, as he watched her with wandering green eyes, he found himself reveling in her beauty. The dark hair that tumbled over her shoulder in those jeweled cusps... the fullness of her figure... and the way the light hit the portrait so perfectly. 

It was at that point in the afternoon when things had quieted down for the day, the quiet lull of early spring filling the courtyards and gardens, as well as the corridors directly connected to them.  Yuanzong himself was done with his tasks, and had subsequently decided that the weather was nice enough and the sunlight not so harsh that it would bother his infant son.  The auburn-haired prince had thus prepared Sun Fan for the outdoors and gathered him up, and before long they were slowly making their way through the imperial palace, headed for one of the quieter gardens.  While every fond look and compliment directed at his child sent Hao brimming with pride, today he wanted little more than to enjoy some peace and quiet with the boy away from eyes prying to see the youngest prince of the Sun household.

Topaz eyes caught a glimpse of a familiar figure, however, head turning curiously and feet slowly stopping in their tracks.  He could only see the back of the older prince’s head, but something seemed very off about the aura silently radiating off of the man.  Turning towards him, Hao looked down at his young son and whispered apologies that their plans were changing slightly, though he noted that there was still plenty of light to be had.

He approached quietly, shoes making little more than a small scuffling as he descended the stairs to stand next to his uncle.  Readjusting the infant in his arms, Yuanzong’s voice came out soft and honeyed, both unwilling to upset Fan’s placid mood and concerned for the red-headed man that now sat to his side.  ”It is a rare sight, indeed, to see you sitting out on your own these days.”

It was funny though, wasn't it? The most unlikely prince being chosen.. the only one left to choose. The red-head never wanted the throne, nor could he find any real claim to it. 

Regardless, Jiwei gave a shrug in reply, gesturing to the step beside him, "Sometimes being alone is a reward after being stuck in council all day," He replied, his words a tad slowed in comparison to how he'd normally carry his charisma. 

Green eyes stared up at the child-toting male for several moments, crimson strands falling forward to dust across his nose. There was something about the way Hao carried himself that Paoyu so envied. That control... a sense of purpose as he carried around his child. Part of him lit up at the thought of having his own children one day. Little red-haired boys and girls that would run around playing princess and prince-- and actually be living their game. The woman he'd had his eye on would carry them, birthing them into life and bringing them up right. He would choose an heir and allow his nephew and sister the ability to rest off in the countryside. The Marquis of Wucheng could always work from where he lived unless an audience was absolutely necessary, no? 

A smile worked its way onto Jiwei's lips then, his hands reaching out toward the little child. Yes... he would have them one day. Several of them that could crawl all over him and produce the same smile that Yuanzong carried so often. He was sure of this. He would live to see them grow... and possibly even his beloved grandchildren. All with her. 

                                  He would be a good ruler.

A comforting rustle filled the small, plainly-decorated room as fabrics of light green and cream shades were carefully brought together and tied cleanly.  Dark locks of hair were tied back in their usual fashion, long strands flowing from a simple ribbon, the heft of it bunched together artfully about the back of her neck.  To anyone familiar with her appearance, certain objects of formality were missing from this section of her attire, such as modest hairpieces and a ribbon made of higher-quality.  It didn’t make much sense to the young lady of the Zhu household to wear or bring such things along on an outdoor ride and walk outside of the palace, however, and so she had summarily decided to do away with pretensions of that nature altogether out of respect for her chosen activity of the day.

A few moments were spent making certain that there was a level of presentability suitable for the company of a prince, and, finding everything to be in order, Zhui retrieved her satchel and began making her way toward the stables.

——

The weather proved to be pleasant, and arrival to her destination came quickly, or so it seemed.  At the base of a walking path not too disagreeable of a distance from the palace gates, the young noble stationed her steed at a tree, feeling as confident as one could that no one would come by and steal the beast.  She was familiar enough with this area to know that not many people seemed to come by at this time of the year, and the entire area was patrolled well enough that brigands were little to worry about.  Of course, there were always exceptions, but the lightly-forested base of the tall hill was easy enough to see through from most angles of the path down to where she had tied her horse.  The outlook point near the top was a different story, though Zhui did not anticipate that she and her pending company would linger there for long.

He'd dressed in his usual attire that morning, using one hand to pull back the crimson locks upon his head until they were smoothed out in their normal crest. He fitted his gauntlets upon his hand and strapped his sword to his side, his gait casual and comfortable whilst making his way to the stables. 

Léi Shēng seemed to be in good spirits that morning, allowing Paoyu's fabric-fastened hand to slide over the strong muscles in his neck. He was a tall horse; one the prince never once used in his practices in fighting. The stallion was saddled and bridled and soon had his rider draped regally across the leather seat, the tips of his boots in the hanging stirrups. 

"Zǒu," The word left him and his horse was off at a gallop through the stall, the dust trailing up behind him as he made his way down into the trees, standing slightly for better footing on the stirrups. Scarlet locks bounced in place, his back hunched ever-so-slightly to peer through the woods. He could feel Lei Sheng's hooves sinking down into the soft terrain, kicking up the chocolate colored soil that rested around the ferns. 

Features dappled by the sunlight that hung through the canopy, he drew back on the reigns to pause in his movements, a few snorts of confusion soaring through the air from his irritated steed. He listened for the sounds of another animal or person, turning his head up toward the hill at the west. 

"Zǒu," The prince commanded once more, tapping gently against the stallion's sides to set him into a slow walk, heading toward the sun-bathed hill. It took a few minutes to get all the way up, his mind carrying him to different tasks he would nee to perform throughout the day. One included a council with his father, the other with his nephew-- he who had so comfortably bestowed the term brother upon him-- and another being that he would see to someone heading out into the country to inspect living conditions. 

As he stood upon the top of that hill, however, he looked down at the woman that waited below, a golden light enveloping where he stood, Lei Sheng's legs kicking and pounding at the ground, neck lowering to taste the vegetation. 

The mention of his brothers drew Yuanzong’s attention.  ”Mmh, a little younger, but about that age.  My brothers and sister were all exemplary children, and have not changed for the worst.”  Inwardly he felt a pang of melancholy for how Taixu was affected by the tragedies in their family, but that was not a subject to be conversed about, and regardless, he held his brother in high regard.  ”Qian is….seclusive, to say the least, but he is quite pleasant when outside of stressful situations.”

"I suppose that helping my parents to raise my siblings gave me a developed fondness for children, for the most part.  I do not exactly deal with them often, but I hold no doubts in my capabilities as a parent."  He knew that being a brother and being a father were two very different roles, even if they shared similarities, but Sun Hao was prepared for that.  Already he had begun putting his budding anticipation to work setting up a nursery in one of his unused chambers, though he knew that it would be a while after the child was born before the room was put to extensive use.

Yuanzong was familiar enough with Zhu Ran, even if it wasn’t on a personal level, although he didn’t know much about the man’s children outside of Cao Youmei.  Still, a joining of these households seemed like something that would be more than welcome, especially with someone such as the Crown Prince.  The younger swordsman noted the way his conversation partner rambled slightly, though it was far from unwelcome.  The two of them seemed to be opening up more than Hao was accustomed to, at the very least, and it was a nice change to experience a relaxed conversation such as this.

"There is no need to apologise to me.  Such a binding of houses would be welcome, would it not?  I cannot imagine why the proposal would be rejected."  From the sound of it, either Paoyu and Lady Zhu had met, or he had perhaps simply taken notice of her and inquired after her household status.  Hao supposed that there were other options, though those two seemed the most likely.  It wasn’t any of his business, and not something that he would normally give a second thought to, but it was interesting seeing this side of his young uncle.

The other’s mood suddenly seemed to shift, and Yuanzong thought he heard a mumbling of words.  His brows creased, and while he normally wouldn’t press the subject, it felt wrong not to ask.  ”Brother…?”

The word left him before he realised what he had said, topaz eyes dropping and darting to the side quickly.  The auburnet was more concerned with what was going on with the man before him than his wording, though that didn’t erase the fact that he had titled him improperly.  They weren’t brothers, at least not yet.  Despite this obvious fact, it was the only name that seemed to feel natural in the moment, for reasons unknown to the younger Sun.

"Yes, I never really got to play much with Lu when she'd been born. She's the second siblings under me, you see. It's quite amazing to see her grow when I, myself, seem to stay the same." The prince replied, listening in on the many bouts of wisdom the younger seemed to absorb. 

He knew Hao must've had a horrible time in Guzhang, but he had also had the nightmare of his life when in Xu Chang. He felt that, perhaps, this is where the two of them had become to grow closer; silently hurting and understanding the other's pains. If he'd been old enough at the time to really understand what was going on inside of the courts, he was certain that he and his sister both would have stood up against their father's decision. They would have outed Luban. Together. 

He'd silently been wondering if Yuanzong resented him for not stepping up at that age. For not being able to speak out against his father and save his older brother. 

Just as he was about to speak, though, that word slipped from Yuanzong's mouth, drawing wide, green eyes to stare at him in both shock and awe. It had been years-- long, lonely years-- since he'd heard any man dare to say that title toward him. 

It was a warm, welcome experience. 

Those musings came to a halt upon the utterance of the following sentences, eyes widening subtly.  Hao was certain that he could feel the beginnings of a blush on his face, and he cursed his body for having such a reaction.  It wasn’t that he was embarrassed about anything, but suspected, rather, that the response was due to the newness of speaking on the matter with much of anyone else.  He wasn’t sure if those he spoke to avoided the subject out of respect for Hao’s and Lai’s privacy, or if it made them uncomfortable.  However, the younger tiger also suspected that part of his reaction was in relation to the comment about bruising.  Despite thinking better — that Paoyu probably meant something altogether different and far less enjoyable — his mind momentarily drifted back to that first night.

"Ah- not so much!" Hao replied, voice higher and slightly louder than he had planned.  The muscles in his face felt as though he were smiling much too widely, meant only as a way to cover up any traces of redness on his cheeks and as a distraction from his thoughts.  ”I mean, of course every person needs some time to themselves.  That is perfectly natural and healthy.  But I suppose that I genuinely enjoy your sister’s company to the fullest.  I don’t often find myself wishing that I were somewhere else or that I needed to get away.

The younger Sun stepped forward at being beckoned and made his way to pick up the requested tunic.  Eyes drifting at the sounds of the armour being removed, Yuanzong briefly caught sight of a few astoundingly alarming marks.  Judging by their colouration, he held no doubt in his mind that the once-missing prince had received them during his absence from the palace.  Though profoundly perturbed, he resolved not to say anything, especially upon looking up and catching the look that was cast in his direction.  There were many things that both of them knew about each other that neither spoke of, and for Hao, that was most welcome.  There was something reassuring and calming about being in the presence of someone who understood some of your darkness without every having to speak of it.

Tunic retrieved, the auburn-haired man crossed back over to where his party stood, expression calm as he handed the article of clothing over.  ”Uncomfortably, for her.”  A sigh escaped him as he shook his head in defeat.  ”There really is nothing that I can seem to do to ease it most days, and I suppose that is just the nature of things.  However, I am quite excited.”

Well that was an odd reaction. It was no secret that he and his sister had shared more than a simply sibling bond, though it appeared that such was all 'over an done with' as of now. She'd moved on once to the strange, wannabe-physician and now to the cousin not a year later. Part of him wondered if this was part of her coping mechanism; after-all, Lai took the death of their mother much harder than he, despite her vehemence in stating otherwise. 

"She's not spoken to me about it, no. Though, I have no real reason to seek her out because of it. She's a grown woman and can do what she wants. When she starts hurting other people, then I'll get involved." Jiwei remembered the fights that often broke out between his aunt, Sun Shang Xiang, and father over her habits and tendencies. If he could avoid such a relationship with Baofu, it would be enough for him. 

Upon hearing that he was excited for the pregnancy, however, brought a soft smile to the swordsman's face. "You must have much experience in dealing with young children. Your youngest brother is nearly twelve years younger than you, no? I only remember speaking with Sun Taixu once, but he does seem a pleasant sort of fellow." 

"I should...," Taixu began with a soft sigh, "Probably begin looking into a political marriage for myself. I'm sure there is something that could come of it. I am currently considering asking my father's best friend for a betrothal to his oldest daughter, Lady Zhu. She is often seen studying in the palace and would be given the least amount of displacement, should I choose to do such. I am... admittedly over-confident that Lord Zhu Ran wouldn't disagree with my proposal."

Ah-- well he'd gone off on a bit of a tangent, now hadn't he? As accidental as it was, he turned his gaze away, buttoning the clasps on the tunic he'd been given once it had been slid over his arms. "Sorry about that; I don't know why I've begun rambling." 

It was true that Jiwei had become increasingly comfortable around Yuanzong, despite the distance between them. He figured that it had been something dealing with their new proximity in the courts or perhaps the fact that they'd actually begun talking. He wasn't quite sure, but he was positive that he enjoyed the male's company. 

Inwardly, he had to wonder if Zixiao would be proud of him having this strange role. 

...Inwardly, he found himself wondering if Yuanzong resented him.

  Ah, he’d been caught.  It wasn’t that Yuanzong had been trying to hide — nothing of the sort, really — though he had wished to wait to greet his uncle when the young man hadn’t been in the middle of anything.  It was chance to have run into the older red-head, and Hao was more than willing to forego one of his private walks to speak with his relative.  Since the Crown Prince’s return, neither of them had spoken much, and while other duties keeping them away from such things were more than acceptable, it still left something to be desired.

"Good afternoon," he returned, approaching.  "Well as always.  And what of you?  You seem quite busy — I hope I haven’t interrupted?"  Hao wasn’t sure how ‘well’ he ‘always’ was, but there were more things to lift his spirits these days than otherwise.  Beyond that, he had no right to complain of anything else, should he even know what to say to begin with — which he certainly did not.  How would he even begin to explain the sorts of things that plagued him?  He couldn’t.

Now why on earth would this have been an interruption? Paoyu never thought of anything his family members sought him out for as a bother, so he couldn't imagine those words every having come from him. Perhaps Lai had been beating things into the poor young man's head. 

"You're never an interruption, Yuanzong. But well as always? Come now... anyone who is living with my sister for so long must have quite a few things they'd wish to get away from. I've seen many a man who've attempted my sister come out with more bruises than their flesh is worth on the market." He gestured the male over, reaching around to undo the clasps on his breastplate. He slid it off with deft hands to rest beside the sword that had been nothing but a blunt edge, turning to better dust himself off. "Can you hand me that, there?" The prince threw his head toward a simple black tunic nearest the chest, clean and unworn. 

He lifted the tight training shirt up over his head, vambraces giving a soft 'pop' as the material was pulled out from under them, and pale, gaunt flesh was exposed. Even after returning, he'd still not fully recovered from the ordeals he'd kept secret to all. His body was nothing to boast about as most of his muscles were in his arms, but a few things did stick out. There was a large, unhealed bruise around his abdomen that looked like blunt trauma, as well as a strange circular pattern of marks that happened to look like the indentations of one's teeth on his neck. 

  Was that the reason? She was happy to at least hear the truth, granted she was going to have to get over her aversion to harm. Her twisted sight of the world had to be fixed… It was already shocked into her when that day happened.

Thank goodness not many knew of how she has those scars from several swords.

"I see… Thank you for telling me. I normally don’t have them come so near, let alone climb up just to reach me. I usually am hiding when I do the rear guard. So, when they do notice us, we just vanish somewhere and shoot them… But… That is a good point…" Weifeng balanced the sword in her hand.

"It isn't about besting Lai," Paoyu replied, raising himself up into a standing position. Nothing in this world would be gained from simply winning or losing. If it were as simple as a true game then no one would ever get hurt, no? 

Running a hand through the fiery locks upon his head, the prince drug himself toward the weapons rack once more, settling his decorated blade down against a nearby seat. 

"It's about doing what you can. Feeling every piece of yourself fill in the moment to protect what you love most. That is what the defense of war is. When someone attacks your home, you defend it to keep those you love safe. To defend your way of life. Your freedoms and their lives." The prince drew a heavy blade that suited his needs, though much more blunt than the one he'd normally used. He tucked his arms and turned toward the girl, free hand pressed against his abdomen. "You have to feel it here. It has to fill you and swell up so much that you can't contain it. Courage and strength that make your limbs shake and ache from needing to move. From needing to protect." 

Determination was written over the green-eyed man's face, feet standing shoulder-width apart as he grabbed hold of the hilt of this new, unfamiliar blade. He held it professionally, inhaling at an even pace. 

Once ready, Paoyu began, "My brother, Zixiao, loved his family so much that he died without a fight. He spared them over the war that would have come to protect their lives with his own. He died by his own hand-- by the ministrations of my eldest sister, Luban-- and was ripped away from us by the same means as Ziwei." 

Once those jade optics had settled on Weifeng, he positioned himself to show that he would be sparring with her as practice. His brows were furrowed, though not in anger, and his face was as still as stone. 

"It is true that you did not know brother Zixiao for very long... but...!" 

  Was that the case? She hadn’t known… She was just so used to being in the back and supporting from far away. It was why she is a fine sharp-shooter. But, she certainly didn’t know the need of a different kind of blade.

Sadly, her only excuse for grabbing that blade was because it looked familiar, and she was pressed for time.

"I am… I was trying to practice without her watching… She was… Not really kind and understanding. But, I was expecting that, so it is alright…" she stated, trying in a slight vain to cover-up as much of the inner turmoil that was still right there.

After all, it was not at all hard to miss that Lai really didn’t like her.

Weifeng took hold of the handle and felt it, it was a little bit lighter… yet it sure felt odd in her hands, “I see then… I am not at all used to this kind of thing… I was only wanting to do archery… But… I guess I need to be to his approval before anything else.”

"Practicing without instruction would be a bad idea. You could be learning yourself in techniques that will get you killed," He explained... though, knowing Lai, she probably hadn't even gone over the basics of why it was important to learn frontline combat. Though, Weifeng was only a child, as well. Things like this would have to be explained. 

"My sister doesn't like people who aren't willing to learn to protect themselves. It stems from an issue that occurred a long time ago; it's better if you don't ask." Paoyu replied, placing one hand on the scabbard attached to his waist. It was ornately decorated with black and gold, the green-eyed young man easily able to carry it with little exertion. 

"When you are an archer at the back, what happens when there is a rear attack?" He asked, hoping to shed light on this, "You must be able to defend yourself; my sword could easily cut through any bow you wield. A spear will not give you the time needed to cut through an enemy. Why? Because..." 

Paoyu settled himself on a nearby bench to continue talking, strands of red hair rushing forward to pool in his lap. "Your teachers... those people you love that have begun teaching you how to fight. You know how you stated...they are kind and understanding? The people you meet on the battlefield aren't like those people. They will not play fair. They won't give you a moment to breathe or regain your footing. Five or six of them will attack you at one time and, if given the chance, they will kill you." 

There was a moment of silenced held between the two of them, lips pursed into a thin line as the air became tight and unbearable. He despised the wrong ideas of his sibling being passed around, and as such he felt himself unable to contain the words pushing at the inside of his mouth. 

  She was tired, it was a success that she was able to try practicing alone, without Lai watching her nor beating her to the ground. It was not easy… Nor did it make real sense either. Regardless, she could discern one from the other, raising her head and hand in a small wave, gripping the scabbard tightly.

"I've certainly been better, though I can't exactly complain." Green eyes filtered over the girl's appearance, one hand perching on the bone of his hip. She looked tired; most likely from the rigorous training he'd heard his sister was putting her through for the frontlines. While their teaching styles were significantly different, he had to admit that Lai's style was better suited to training men, as ironic as that would seem. 

"You look tired." He commented, making his way forward before letting his eyes fall to her grip. "Mmm... I can see why my sister is giving you a hard time. That sword's not meant for your size. You must be having a hard time balancing when she hits you, hmm?" 

The red-head made his way over to the racks nearby, one hand raising to finger through the choices offered. None were particularly great, but... 

"You know, I was taught by her too. Originally we were meant to train together, but she surpassed me too quickly to stay in the same classes. I found myself more interested in poetry and literature. I can tell you now how big of a mistake that actually was." Finally deciding on a saber with a guarded hilt, he took it by the blade and offered her the handle.