Private Tales Given the Chance

[Pawel Wilhart]

Pawel was sure to do exactly as was told, raising his fists in front of his face in a manner that struck a small measure of fear in his heart that she was about to punch him. The relief when she moved away to get some padding was not a feeling that could be measured, although it did make him feel like somewhat of a coward.

He'd not been one for fighting if his ethos hadn't made it apparent. Even in his youth, the only time he'd gotten into a scrape with some children from the Gutters, his sister had been there to dish out a heavy hand. There'd never been much bother again after that.

Still, he did his level best to oblige, and while physically, he was not weak, Pawel could only imagine all the criticisms that were about to be levelled at his poor form. He threw a right fist that hit the pad with a loud slap, his feet lacking the movement of a practised combatant.

"Ah, that sounds..."

It wasn't painted in the most incredible light by Livia. The way she described both forms of her magic was more akin to a tool to be used by somebody, whether it was the Academy or her father. Even if it opened her eyes, so to speak. Wilhart couldn't find a way to put a positive spin on it, so a punch from his left followed in place of the conclusion of his sentence with a second slap.

"Are you happy, Livia?"

 

[Livia Quinnick]

Livia frowned.

No one had asked her that question... perhaps no one other than Maseno.

Her brows furrowed, arms dropping when she saw he would not move to strike the cushion she held up. "Why do you ask that?"

The question was enough to unravel many layers of what she had been forced to set aside, to deal with another day, but the days kept adding on and on. Liv made sure none of this was revealed on her expression, not needing another person to pierce through her defenses. "Are any of us truly happy, Wilhart?" She knew he preferred his given name, but if she had to admit anything, it was that using it would sound too trusting.

She dropped the cushion to the ground, her expression that had tried to keep neutral now frowned deeply.

"You are asking a Dreadlord if they are happy?" Liv gave a derisive laugh. "I thought politicians were smart."