(60) Dagger

                                    

                                          
[[Some p.o.v hopping.]]
Keith's p.o.v:
  Their personal guards hung around nearby as he and Marzi watched the water flow out of the fountain, once again spending their time out in the garden since it'd be a waste not to. Especially since everything was currently in full bloom. He pulled his attention away from the fountain to observe the others, wondering when exactly he should break the news to them that he's expecting another pup. Allura already knows since Lance had told her, but do their guards know? Were there already rumors being spread about another heir? Guards do like their gossip after all.. Well- the guards and Allura.
  Alrid stood nearby as Calyx and Ria sparred, smiling all the while as he watched them. Though the guard had nothing to do at the moment, Alrid could probably be content anywhere doing anything so long as Calyx is right there beside him. They've become rather close and are just about joined at the hip lately. His eyes met with Griffin's when he had turned to check on him and Kosmo, the both of them sharing a nod before going back to watching the other three and their antics. Marzi babbled here and there but for the most part was just quietly enjoying herself, wiggling happily in his arms. Then the sparring match was suddenly cut short, Ria once again on the ground. "Would you just give up already, Ria? I'm quite bored of this." Calyx grumbled, glaring down at Ria who still hadn't made any attempt to get back up after her defeat. "No way! Let's go again! I'm sure to beat you this time! Just- give me a couple minutes!" Ria replied, still panting heavily. Why is she so determined to beat Calyx all of a sudden? Back when he had tested them those two were about 11 levels apart during their solo leveling, it's unlikely she'd be able to beat him anytime soon. Especially since they're all still actively training during their free time.
  Calyx groaned, clearly annoyed and over this. "I'm sick and tired of your cocky attitude, acting as if I haven't beaten you seven times already. And that's just today! You aren't a better swordsman than me- at least not yet. I don't even have to use both of my swords against you, so you're absolutely dreaming if you think you're gonna beat me anytime soon." Calyx stated, one hand settled on his hip and the other gripping his sword as he glared down at Ria who was now sitting criss-cross on the ground wearing a smug expression on her face despite all the mean words he had just spouted at her. "Calyx, the whole goal of sparring with someone is to try your best to beat them! If not.. What's the point? -And yeah, I might not be better than you when it comes to swordplay, but he is!" Saria replied, pointing over at Alrid who seemed quite caught off guard by the comment. "I- wouldn't say that...'' Alrid mumbled awkwardly, fidgeting with his hands. "Al, It's okay. You are a better swordsman than me, I accept that. But she should be sparring with people closer to her own level." Calyx stated, gesturing to the woman who still hadn't gotten back up yet.
  "I'm done sparring with you for today." Calyx added coldly as he slid the sword into the other sheath on his back, then put his hand out for her to grab onto. "I don't need your help." Ria said matter of factly. Calyx pretended to look offended as she got up on her own and dusted herself off, sheathing her own sword before heading towards the fountain. "Ah- Ria, stay still for a second!" Alrid ordered awkwardly, quickly making his way over to her side and started carefully untangling a branch from her ponytail. Her face flushed, seemingly embarrassed that she hadn't noticed it herself. To be fair, her hair is quite long so it's not that surprising that she hadn't noticed it. "Thank you.." she mumbled, turning away from them as she started to run her fingers through her light green hair in an attempt to fix it. He wished he had a brush with him to offer her. Once she was done she reached out for Marzipan and the pup did the same, leaving him no other option other than to hand her over. It was too cute to refuse, his daughter is really attached to Ria. Kosmo suddenly teleported to Keith's side, then started growling at something or someone coming towards them. All of them watched as Rithriel ran into view, getting a bit closer before stopping completely and doubling over. Clearly she was trying to catch her breath after running all the way here.. But.. Why was she here exactly? And.. Seemingly without Allura? Something isn't right..