The training bout between the two began at the start of the day, and continued throughout.
While Dramix had strength, Gulliver had speed. Dramix had his wings, his tail, and range. Gulliver had experience and training.
In the end, the two of them were looking at each other. Both were exhausted and panting in their own ways.
In what would likely be the final bout, Dramix noticed the gathered crowd. Not only the survivors of Gile, but the elves and many clerics were there as well. This bout had became far to public to finish, so Dramix left his pose for combat and set the end of his staff into the ground.
“I could use a drink my friend.” (Dramix)
Gulliver saw what he was doing, and smiled as well before putting the sword away.
“I’m parched too.” (Gulliver)
Dramix moved toward him and they took the others arm in friendship before Dramix took Gulliver under the arm.
After a few minutes, the group started to dissipate, as they sat at a table with some wine. Dramix easily finished his first drink and called for another one for both them, as Gulliver finished his first.
“It’s been some time since I’ve had a proper challenge. I forget the thrill of fighting with a worthy fighter. I also thank you for holding back.” (Gulliver)
Dramix smirked.
“Holding back? You jest, my friend. I gave you everything I had. It’s only that I tire slower than you with heat.” (Dramix)
Dramix then turned serious.
“My combat skills have become a lot greater since we found one another beside that river.” (Dramix)
Dramix watched as his mug was filled to the brim before Gullivers.
“You never did tell me why you saved me that day.” (Gulliver)
Dramix took a deep breath before speaking.
“I had a choice. I ask myself that question every day with every decision that I’ve made since. The question that I ask myself is, would I regret it? In more accurate terms, would I regret not helping you if I’m in a similar state one day? The choices were to either save you, or leave you to be recaptured. I loathe my spirit some for giving me these choices because I can’t look back with regret, even if they would better me or not, because it was me who made these decisions.” (Dramix)
Dramix then chuckled.
“The wine is getting to me already.” (Dramix)
Gulliver offered his drink to be tapped, and wasn’t left holding it for long, as they both grabbed the drinks.
“I regret a little having my sister train you instead of myself. It was the actions of a short sighted man. Secretly, I hated you for having my sister as well.” (Gulliver)
Dramix shook his head.
“It was her choice. However, accepting it was mine.” (Dramix)
Gulliver nodded.
“I have come to realize that. I know that she’s a frail child who has never known the warmth of another. You must remember that back then you were still of your house.” (Gulliver)
Dramix nodded in understanding.
“Perhaps the one thing I regret the least. However, I might have lost my temper during the discussion, but my spirit was ultimately right. I couldn’t abandon her. Not after being as close to her as I have been. Not after accepting your quest as my own to stop this god.” (Dramix)
Gulliver seemed reassured by that, as he finished his wine, and Dramix did the same.
“You know that we mean to return to my homeland after this quest, do you not?” (Dramix)
Gulliver nodded.
“I do. She told me about your plans after your time together earlier this week. You know I can’t promise you a boon, and must see to the rebuilding of my kingdom before anything else.” (Gulliver)
Dramix smirked.
“I know. I don’t ask for one either. I know that a few watch us, but I don’t know their reaction to this story of ours. Still, I hope to return as a hero, but we may have to vacate as outcasts again.” (Dramix)
Gulliver smiled before responding.
“Your skills are uncanny Dramix. I could use a replacement counselor to take over since Towward.” (Gulliver)
Dramix shook his head.
“I much prefer returning to being a simple tailor. Less headaches that way.” (Dramix)
As the summer turned into fall, Gulliver had the few people he commanded to leave a few active soldiers as guards. During this time, they also trained on occasion.
The few officers left kept their command as always.
Dramix woke up one day to find it raining rather hard, and something instantly didn’t seem right to him.
He woke up Naleeit hours before normal, and made her battle ready, now in better fitting armor.
They then armed themselves and went outside.
What seemed to be a lightning bolt came from someone’s hand toward him, then he blocked it by pure instinct with Zwilander. He discharged the sparks into the rain, before Dramix angrily roared.
The attacker then vanished and several people saw what had happened as Gulliver came out.
“An assassin?” (Gulliver)
Dramix looked around some before relaxing.
It would be easy to mistake it for that, as he began his fire breathing exercise and then lit Zwilander on fire. The rain caused the steam to rise as the rain evaporated around him.
“Leave us. He’s after me.” (Dramix)
