New Recruits [Harbor]

[Quetzal]

Fasail sounded extremely pleased at the prospect of being so busy. It might sound good now, but Eragon suspected further down the line she'd be less thrilled. Even those who loved being busy longed for just a little free time after so long spent exhausting themselves day after day. There was only so much tiredness a person could take, after all. He tried not to overwork his Riders. Being too stressed and too tired would diminish their performances, after all, and would make them more likely to desert. Aside from that, he genuinely cared about their happiness. Fasail was eager so he would happily pile challenges on her, but should she show signs it was too much he would wordlessly ease off the strain a little. "Of course. Magic is an important part of Riders. The magic we gain from our dragons is powerful, from nature itself. It's vital we can all harness it and use it for good," he said. Every Rider used magic differently, but they all used it. For some, it was just for healing or other things like that which weren't possible otherwise. For others, it was their primary weapon. Others still used it for learning or tricks to aid fights.

Fasail was an elf, so no doubt she'd have strong magic. Chances were she'd been able to use it even before she became a Rider. A good portion of elves could use magic, and they were trained from a very young age. It was second nature to many of them. He detected some apprehension towards training in magic in her voice. That was strange, but he'd get to the bottom of it sooner or later. Fasail must train her abilities, even if she was scared of them. How else would she get over a fear? If she was afraid, that was. It could be something else. He'd learn of it soon enough. She liked using up her energy, and magic was an excellent way of doing that.

Fasail stumbled to one knee. Eragon wasted no time in making the most of it, but she'd predicted that and ducked. He should had predicted she'd do that and been less obvious. No matter, it was done now. He watched her as carefully as he could once she'd regained her balance. He turned round quickly as she rolled, facing her all the while. He saw her swinging, saw her still a tiny bit off balance. Without hesitation his sword went to her neck quick as he could move it. There it froze, blunt edge almost touching the skin. "Dead," he said, pleased with himself and with Fasail. She had put up a great fight. He'd put in a lot of effort to beat her, concentrating hard. He couldn't be seen losing to a newcomer, after all. He could the impression from the way she'd allowed herself to think more about other things during their fight and conversation she wasn't putting in as much effort as he had. Hopefully he'd never have to face her in a real fight. He shook her hand and gave a short bow. "Well fought. You have a lot of skill. You'll do well here, I know it."

~Thread End~