Matt's face broke into a wide smile, pride radiating from his eyes. "Do not worry," he reassured her. "He simply gave me a remarkable fight."
Nina's eyes widened, darting between her husband and son. "Really?" she gasped, before a smile of her own blossomed on her face. "Zoh, you're amazing!"
The praise warmed Zoh's heart, fueling a fresh wave of determination despite his exhaustion. "Of course, Mom," he grinned, his chest puffing out slightly. "Don't forget, I will become a knight someday!"
Nina's laughter, like the tinkling of bells, filled the small dwelling. "Yes, I remember," she said affectionately, guiding him toward his sleeping mat. "Now, let's get you to bed to rest."
With gentle hands, Matt and Nina helped Zoh onto his sleeping mat. The cool fabric felt heavenly against his overheated skin. As he lay there, his body aching but his spirit soaring, his parents sat beside him, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the oil lamp.
"Son," Matt began, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity that made Zoh's heart swell. "I must admit, you're becoming quite skilled with the sword."
Zoh felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. His father's approval meant more to him than any accolade or recognition ever could. "Thank you, Dad," he replied, a contented smile playing on his lips. "It's all thanks to your guidance."
Matt shook his head, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and wonder. "You possess immense potential, Zoh," he said, his voice soft yet firm. "If you continue on this path, you will become a remarkable knight."
Determination coursed through Zoh's veins, cutting through the exhaustion. "I will, Dad," he vowed, his young voice carrying the weight of a solemn oath. "I'll protect our village and our family."
Nina, watching the exchange with tender eyes, reached out to brush a lock of hair from Zoh's forehead. "We believe in you, Zoh," she whispered, her touch as gentle as her words.
The weight of the day's exertions began to pull Zoh into the embrace of sleep. His eyelids grew heavy, and his breathing deepened. Before surrendering to slumber, he caught a glimpse of his parents' faces, filled with love and pride, and knew that he would do anything to be worthy of their faith in him.
"Goodnight, my little knight," Matt whispered, his voice a soothing melody to Zoh's tired mind.
"Goodnight, my brave son," Nina added, her tender words the last thing Zoh heard before drifting into a deep, peaceful sleep.
As Matt and Nina quietly exited the room, carefully closing the door behind them, they shared a look filled with a mixture of emotions. Pride, wonder, and a touch of bittersweet nostalgia.
"I can hardly believe how fast our little boy is growing," Matt mused, his voice soft to avoid disturbing their slumbering son.
Nina nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears of pride. "Indeed, he is," she agreed. "And with his training, he will be capable of protecting our village and our family."
Matt wrapped an arm around his wife's slender shoulders, drawing her close. "Yes," he whispered, planting a gentle kiss on her temple. "It's astonishing to witness his growth. I am so proud of him."
"As am I," Nina replied, leaning into her husband's embrace. "He will become a magnificent knight one day."
Matt's expression softened further. "And he will make us immensely proud."
They made their way to the main room of their modest dwelling, moving with the comfortable synchronicity of a couple who had spent years learning each other's rhythms. Nina busied herself with preparing a soothing herbal tea, while Matt sank onto a cushion by the low table, wincing slightly as his muscles protested the movement.
"He's strong," Matt remarked, rubbing his right arm where Zoh's wooden sword had connected with enough force to send him to the ground. "Stronger than I anticipated. That last strike of his had real power behind it."
Nina glanced over her shoulder, a smile playing on her lips. "Did he actually knock you down, or did you let him win to boost his confidence?" It was a gentle tease, but there was genuine curiosity in her question.
Matt's face took on a mock-offended expression. "Let him win? Me? Never!" The exaggerated indignation melted into a chuckle. "No, he caught me fair and square. I underestimated him, stepped wrong, and he seized the opportunity with remarkable speed." Pride colored his voice as he added, "He has good instincts, Nina. The kind that can't be taught."
Nina brought the steaming cups to the table, setting one before her husband before taking her place opposite him. The familiar scent of chamomile and mint wafted between them, comforting and homey.
"He reminds me of you," she said softly, blowing on her tea to cool it. "That same determination, that same fire in his eyes when he talks about becoming a knight." A shadow crossed her face momentarily. "Sometimes it worries me."
Matt reached across the table, his calloused fingers gently entwining with hers. "What worries you, my love?"
Nina sighed, her gaze drifting to the closed door of their son's room. "The path he has chosen is not an easy one. Knights face dangers that most villagers will never know. And after what happened to you in the royal guard..." She trailed off, the memories still painful even after all these years.
Matt's face darkened briefly at the mention of his past. The betrayal, the false accusations, the dishonorable discharge that had driven them from the capital to this remote village. It had been a difficult time, fraught with uncertainty and fear. Yet, they had built a good life here, found peace and acceptance among the villagers. And they had Zoh, their greatest blessing.
"Zoh's path will be different from mine," Matt said firmly, squeezing Nina's hand reassuringly. "I will make sure of it. He will learn not just how to fight, but when to fight. He will understand that true strength lies not in the sword, but in the heart and mind that wield it."
Nina's expression softened at her husband's words. "I know you will guide him well," she acknowledged. "And he has a good heart, our Zoh. Kind and brave and true." She took a sip of her tea, letting the warm liquid soothe her maternal worries.