A Path Illuminated Towards The Future(Freyja/Al'in)

Adapting to the CIty of lights had been a fluid transition for the Sternritter coordinator. The Solheim family had handled everything from her living arrangements to her personal assistants and maids who would tend to her whenever they found it necessary for her to unwind. It was a relatively peaceful day in her manor. The grand sun in the sky shined brilliantly over her face as she rose from her bed and walked towards her balcony, gazing at the scenery.

Moving her fingers between her blonde lock of hair, Freyja smiled softly as she allowed the graceful winds moving about the air to grace her body. Wrapped within that pleasant atmosphere, the woman so bound by her duty and her loyalty to the Vandenreich felt somewhat curious about entertaining the idea of enjoying this day since it presented such fine weather.

Though it was well within her habit to seek a mission of some sort or keep herself notified should something arise, she felt amusingly comfortable with the idea of spending a day to enjoy what this day had to offer. After all, she was told she ought to enjoy life more, to relax and forego this obsession of always upholding her honor towards her family.

Allowing her hair to flow freely such a beautiful day, she would dress within an outfit that alternated between graceful yet casual enough that she wouldn't attract too much attention. The war maiden would smile softly, gazing at the mirror before exiting her house. Walking towards the City Of Lights, Freyja would travel through the city, her azure gaze wondering about in search of something of interest. Who would she cross paths with today, she wondered?

"It seems the wheel of fate has turned and yet our paths are still intertwined."

Al'in had watched the familiar maiden approach from afar, brilliant emerald eyes picking her out from the crowd with a practiced ease. She was identifiable, certainly, as much as he was when it came to standing out. They carried themselves with a different sense of purpose to that of the average man, even beyond their outward appearances it was clear that they were simply meant for more. He spoke with such comfort, that feeling that he had known they would cross paths again in this city.

"I trust the day finds you well, Freyja? Any plans for the next few hours? Some company, perhaps?"

His face flashed with the whites of his teeth, a playful grin spreading wide across youthful features. He was half-interested in what she might have been doing, but it was a mere passing concern. It was good to have people he knew in the city, they could pass the time with something interesting rather than just floating around like a loose balloon.

A familiar voice, even amidst the hustle and bustle crowds of people in the city, danced throughout the woman's ears. How could such a voice be mistaken for any other? A soft eastern accent with each word wrapped within such earnest and playful curiosity that it could not be mistaken for any other. Al'in Mir Azizi. Unexpected though certainly not unwelcomed, the desert prince had graced her presence once more. Fate was an ephemeral concept to one such as herself, yet their paths had crossed yet again.

From the day they met, she had certainly grew to admire his purpose, his will, and an adamant heart that sought to embrace his duty towards the Vandenreich's cause, regardless of the conflict. It was an admirable path. One she would wholly support him on whenever he required. To share his company yet again, it would seem that the day of fine weather brought on another event pleasing to her sensibilities. Bowing before him as she approached him, gazing up at him with azure eyes.

"Indeed. The day has found me well, Al'in - though I would be remiss to say it hasn't elevated itself tenfold now that the Desert Prince has graced me with their presence. There are no plans on my end thus far, yet your company is one I would never turn away if offered. How have you experiences been thus far concerning the city?"

A tan hand swept through his dark brown hair, pulling it back with a cool grace. Tenfold was quite an increase in one's wellness for but a few words, spoken with the best of intentions still but he did not wish to mislead the good woman. He should be flattered, and he was really, but Freyja was not the type of lady that he wanted to treat so flippantly. A light bout of laughter rolled off his lips, which remained curled upwards in a wide smile.

"I am glad to hear that, perhaps then you might join me for some training? I have been meaning to stretch my legs, so to say. Adjusting to this environment has cut my usual practice time down and I have been meaning to rectify that issue."

Turning on his heels, Al'in made to walk to her side so that they might continue their conversation on the move. He was hardly the type to enjoy standing in one place for too long, stagnation was his nemesis after all those years in the wastes. Freyja seemed of a similar mindset, in work ethic at least, and he was grateful to have someone such as her in his corner so soon after arriving.

"They have vast warehouses dedicated to training here, you know? With specialised equipment and support staff too. That level of infrastructure is so alien to me, but it would be rude not to make use of it, no?"

Training was not the first option she'd imagined filling her day, yet considering the type of woman that she was , bound to the precepts of honor and maintaining a firm grasp on one's skill, she certainly held no qualms toward engaging the man in the activity. Perhaps it was to be expected from a man of his nature. He hardly strikes her as one who would lounge about. There was a determination that seemed to burn within him. Who was she to deny him that? Her wear was far from suited for training but that was a minor hiccup at best. The training facilities would likely possess alternate outfits she could wear.

As they begin to walk beside the other, a graceful smile would form in the woman's countenance as she gazed up at him, maintaining their conversation. As always, he was a pleasant man to share company with. His radiant aura was infectious. A playful envy formed that for someone so stringent as herself, she could only ever hope to carry herself in a similar fashion.

"Indeed. There is no harm in tempering's one skill, especially with the vast resources at our disposal. I am often told I train too much," she'd remark, a playful comment made in jest. "Nevertheless, I am more than honored to join you in a training session. It should be interesting to see the display and extent of your talents."

True. She was curious to behold what this radiant man had to offer. There was a theory that a warrior's personality could commonly illustrate their fighting style and the way they approached battle. Freyja never questioned the school of thought but if Al'in's skills in combat were every bit as radiant as his determination and bright-spirit, she was in for a resounding performance.

"The phrase 'You're doing too much.' is usually a complaint by those unable to keep pace, though perhaps there is a lesson to be learned too. You can never be too sharp, after all."

Another laugh escaped his lips, that she too was also overzealous in her training did not exactly surprise him. She was similar to him in that regard too, and it was becoming rather amusing that they had so many similarities to say that they had lived such vastly different lives. Throwing his hands behind his head as they walked, elbows pointed outwards, Al'in gave off a rather leisurely impression as they weaved through the streets together.

"Now, you accepted my request without asking what kind of training was on the table, so I suppose I should ask what exactly you had in mind? There's a lot that we could do together, you know."

And again he was looking at her, the tables having turned rather quickly. Was he on the offensive or the defensive? Were they even playing that kind of game? The choice was hers, he supposed, though it was also his and an answer was not so forthcoming in his mind. It was all rather fun and games, so rushing toward a decision did not seem exactly fitting.

Freyja would gaze back at him with curious azure eyes observing his expression. It was true. She had indeed accepted his offer to train without even a breadth of hesitation, in spite of the fact that her outfit was far from wear befitting a spar. As he said, there was much that they could do together, though she wondered what would suit them the most.

Al'in was a man who was somewhat considerably taller than her and observing his appearance with a glance, she could gleam that he was a man of a strong build though his leisurely impression may have told otherwise.

An unbidden thought rose through her mind for a moment, foreign in it's nature, as she quietly reflected on of his handsome appearance with each glance. Such a thought was nullified as quickly as it formed, the blonde-haired woman softly blinking her eyes before turning her gaze towards their surroundings.

"True. I accepted the request without hesitation. My current wear isn't exactly ideal for training but I suppose I could indulge you in any form of training you feel the desire to improve in. Hand-To-Hand Combat. A clash of our respective spirit weapons? Truth be told, the day is still young so you make take as long as you like to come to a decision. Rare though it may be, my schedule is an open door teeming with possibility today."

"Oh? Well, we should see to your clothing as a priority then. It would be most unbecoming of me to ask that you perform in unsuitable attire, nor would I wish to have an unfair advantage should it come to friendly competition."

As carefree as ever, Al'in did contemplate exactly what to do about that current predicament. They could always spar in their undergarments, as had been custom amongst the nomads when luxurious training equipment was not on hand, but even he was quick enough to pick up on why that might cause a little more fuss. No doubt there would be proper gear at the barracks, so that was probably where they should stop by first. Diverting from his original course of simply wandering forwards in whatever direction took his fancy, he began to head in the direction of the main training facilities.

"I am not one so lazy as to delay my answer though. Hand-To-Hand combat sounds interesting, especially because you suggested it."

A polite yet equally mischievous laugh followed his decision, he would never have been as bold as to propose a direct confrontation right out of the gate but perhaps that was the kind of woman Freyja was. He couldn't say that wasn't at least a little intriguing.

Freyja would follow Al'in's lead as he set his pace towards the main training facilities. A soft smile formed in reply to his chuckle as she walked beside him. Was it such an odd suggestion? She wondered. She was more swordsman than an archer, yet still relatively capable of forming a bow if necessary. Curiosity compelled her to imagine what type of fighter Al'in was. Did his upbringing in the desert influence his fighting style? Would hand-to-hand combat be advantageous to him? Why was it interesting because she suggested it? Was it confidence or merely something else at play? Freyja found herself exceedingly curious about it all.

"Oh? Well, it is my sincere belief that a quincy ought to be prepared for any form of battle. We pride ourselves on our archery and that is a remarkable skill in and of itself, but one should always account for an enemy who is capable of nullifying that advantage. Of course, if you wish for us to clash with our spirit weapons, once I am outfitted with proper wear, I shall happily oblige."

The Sternritter coordinator's eyes would observe the countless training facilities until her gaze had set itself upon the barracks. Freyja would bow before Al'in before quickly striding towards one of the dressing rooms, requesting a standard-grade training outfit that offered ideal comfort and flexibility. Her elegant dress would be stored in a locker until their spar had concluded. Exiting the dressing room, she would return, azure eyes now imbued with focus. Turning her determined gaze towards the man of the desert, Freyja would smile with a small tinge of confidence in her posture, excited for the battle ahead.

"Have you come to a decision, then, Al'in? I must admit, I am quite excited to see you in action, to witness a firsthand display of your skills."

"Quite correct, one should never be afraid of adapting to changing circumstances."

Watching Freyja head off in search of proper training attire, Al'in mused as to whether he should do the same. Unlike her, he had no qualms with fighting in his usual garments. They were what he had worn in the wastes and they had served him well then, so it stood to reason that they would not inhibit him here. The robes were tightly bound anyway, clinging to his slender form so that they might offer him as much freedom of movement as they did protection.

He had set himself up by the door to one of the training rooms by the time she returned, leaning against the wall with one leg propping him up from behind whilst the other remained on the ground. His mind was elsewhere, his eyes gazing wistfully into the distance until he took note of Freyja once more and a smile quickly returned to his lips.

"A decision, yes. Fighting with our spirit weapons is not quite what I would call hand-to-hand. They can be used as such should you be in a dire position, but there are times when even that is impractical."

His smile twisted once more into a wry smirk as he produced a pair of blunted combat knives. They could still hurt, and even a flat edge was dangerous, but the threat to life was significantly reduced - not that he had any plans for such.