The sun was high over the kingdom, casting golden light over the garden where Masha and Sir Aelric had set up a small training area. Wooden dummies, practice swords, and targets were neatly arranged.
Masha's eyes gleamed with excitement. "I've always wanted to try this, even just for fun!" she said, adjusting her grip on the wooden sword.
Sir Aelric, standing tall in his polished armor, smiled slightly, a rare softness in his usually cold expression. "Then let's see what you've got. Remember, a knight's strength isn't just in the arms, but in the mind and stance too."
Masha swung, laughed at her own clumsy start, then tried again, focusing more carefully. Aelric demonstrated a few defensive moves, showing her how to hold her balance and redirect force. "Good, good… but lower your guard here," he instructed, moving her arm gently.
As they sparred lightly, Masha's eyes sparkled with joy and determination. She might not have been a knight yet, but for these moments, she felt the thrill of her dream coming alive.
Every swing and block was playful, yet serious enough that Aelric couldn't help but notice her natural talent.
After lowering their wooden swords and taking a breath, Masha wiped the sweat from her forehead and smiled. "Thank you, Sir Aelric. That was… harder than I thought, but fun!"
Aelric nodded, sheathing his practice sword. "You have potential. With time and discipline, you could really become a fine knight."
Masha's eyes softened. "I don't want to be a real knight… not yet. I just wanted to feel it, you know? Just for a day."
Aelric looked at her thoughtfully, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly. "It's good to test yourself. Strength isn't only in battle; it's knowing your limits and pushing them."
Masha laughed lightly. "You sound wise… for someone so cold all the time."
He gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Perhaps. Or maybe I just know how to stay alive."
For a moment, they stood in comfortable silence, the soft rustle of leaves and distant laughter of Mira and Lori filling the air. Masha tilted her head, curious. "You really enjoy helping people, don't you?"
Aelric's gaze turned distant, thoughtful. "I do what I can. Sometimes that means training, sometimes it means protecting, sometimes… just guiding."
Masha smiled, a quiet warmth in her expression. "I like that about you, Sir Aelric."
He simply nodded, returning her smile with quiet respect. For now, the day's training had done more than test her skill, it had opened a small window into understanding each other.
The little rented house smelled faintly of herbs and fresh bread from the nearby market when Masha tied an apron around her waist. Sir Aelric, still in light armor, looked at her with a puzzled frown as she handed him a wooden spoon.
"You've trained me with the sword," Masha said with a grin, "so it's only fair I train you in cooking."
"I… don't cook," Aelric replied flatly, eyeing the vegetables on the table as if they were enemies in disguise.
"Exactly why I'm teaching you," she teased, pushing him gently toward the counter. "Don't worry, it's easier than fighting."
With a reluctant sigh, he picked up a carrot. "And what do I do with this?"
"Chop it," Masha instructed, showing him how to hold the knife. He copied her motions, stiff at first, but slowly getting the hang of it.
Mira peeked in from the doorway, giggling with Lori at the sight of the usually serious knight fumbling with potatoes. Kael leaned against the wall, amused but saying nothing, enjoying the rare scene.
"Careful, not too thin," Masha corrected, guiding Aelric's hand. Their fingers brushed for a second, and he looked up at her. For once, his cold expression softened.
"This is… strange," he muttered.
"What is?" she asked, stirring a pot.
"Being taught. I'm used to teaching, not learning."
Masha chuckled warmly. "Well, even knights should know how to make a good soup. Who knows, maybe one day you'll need it on the road."
By the time they finished, the small table was covered with steaming stew, fresh bread, and roasted vegetables. Everyone gathered around, the smell filling the room with comfort.
"Not bad," Kael said after the first spoonful, impressed.
Mira grinned at Aelric. "Sir Knight, you're not only scary, you can cook too!"
Lori smiled shyly. "It tastes… warm."
Masha nudged Aelric's shoulder with a proud smile. "See? You're not hopeless after all."
For a fleeting moment, even Aelric allowed himself to smile, the warmth of the food and the company breaking through his usual coldness.