The Leonheart training yard echoed with the rhythmic clack of wooden swords. Eleven-year-old Aveline stood in a practiced stance, her light blue hair tied back with a simple ribbon as she faced off against her instructor.
"Remember, my lady," said Ser Jarold, adjusting her grip on the practice blade, "the Thunder Clap comes not from the arms, but from here—" He tapped his stomach.
Aveline nodded seriously, her tongue poking out in concentration as she prepared to attempt her family's signature technique again. Nearby, Cedric sat cross-legged in the shade, polishing a set of daggers. Though only eleven himself, his hands moved with practiced efficiency—one of many skills he'd learned in his months with the Umbra.
A spark flickered along Aveline's practice sword—then fizzled out.
"Blast it all!" she growled, stomping her foot.
Cedric wisely said nothing.
Expected Guests
The arrival of the Stirling procession was announced not by gaudy fanfare, but by the crisp ringing of silver bells—their house's traditional announcement.
Aveline perked up immediately. "They're here!"
Cedric blinked as she suddenly shoved her practice sword at him. "Who—?"
"The Stirlings, silly! They visit every season to discuss trade routes with Father." Aveline was already running toward the main courtyard, calling over her shoulder, "Come on! Vivienne brought new storybooks last time!"
Cedric hurried after, trying to reconcile this excited Aveline with the usually tsundere heiress.
The Stirling Arrival
The courtyard was alive with orderly activity as the Stirling caravan unpacked. At its center stood Duke Aldric Stirling—a tall, handsome man in deep crimson robes, his auburn beard neatly trimmed. Beside him stood his children, including eleven-year-old Vivienne, who waved eagerly when she spotted Aveline.
"Godfrey!" Aldric clasped arms warmly with the Leonheart lord. "The northern passes are clear earlier than expected this year. I've brought the silks you requested for Eleanor's birthday."
Godfrey's usually stern expression softened slightly. "You remembered. Thank you, old friend."
Aveline and Vivienne were already whispering together like conspirators when Cedric approached.
"And this must be your new attendant!" Vivienne said brightly, smiling at Cedric. She had her father's auburn hair and a smattering of freckles across her nose. "Aveline wrote to me about you. I'm Vivienne!"
Cedric blinked, startled both by the friendly greeting and the revelation that Aveline had written about him. Aveline's face turned nearly as red as Vivienne's dress.
"I-I only mentioned him in passing! Don't get the wrong idea!"
Exchange of Gifts
In the great hall, the Stirlings presented their traditional gifts:
For Godfrey, a set of rare Dwarven whetstones
For Aveline, an illustrated bestiary from the southern kingdoms
Even Cedric received a small parcel—a set of finely stitched leather bracers
"For your training," Vivienne explained kindly. "Aveline said you're learning dagger work."
Cedric handled the gift with awed care, unused to such generosity. "Th-thank you, my lady."
Aveline huffed. "Don't spoil him, Vivienne. He's troublesome enough as it is." But there was no real heat in her words.
Shared Meal
The evening feast was a lively affair:
Aldric and Godfrey debated trade routes and border security with easy camaraderie
The Stirling boys challenged Hugo to increasingly ridiculous eating contests
Vivienne excitedly told Aveline about her latest archery lessons
At one point, Vivienne leaned toward Cedric. "Do you like stories? Aveline always loved the ones about knights."
Cedric hesitated. "I... don't know many stories, my lady."
Aveline suddenly shoved a book into his hands—the bestiary she'd just received. "Then learn some, dummy. You can't be proper Leonheart staff if you don't know a griffon from a hippogriff."
Her tone was sharp, but her actions... thoughtful.
Evening Revelations
Later, as the Stirlings retired to their guest quarters, Cedric found Aveline back in the training yard, attempting the Thunder Clap again under the moonlight.
"You should rest, my lady," he ventured. "Tomorrow is—"
"I know what tomorrow is!" she snapped, but without her usual fire. After a moment, she added quietly, "Vivienne's father is negotiating with mine about... the monster attacks. They're worse near the trade roads."
Cedric understood. This wasn't just a social visit. The Stirlings were here to help.
Aveline's practice sword sparked—then released a small but proper burst of blue energy that sent a nearby bucket clattering.
"I did it!" she gasped, momentarily forgetting to be aloof. Then, remembering herself, she scowled at Cedric. "Don't just stand there! Go... polish something!"
But as Cedric turned to leave, he caught the proud smile she couldn't quite suppress.
Morning Preparations
The Leonheart estate buzzed with activity as servants rushed to prepare for the day's hunt—a traditional event whenever the Stirlings visited.
Cedric adjusted the straps of his new bracers (Vivienne's gift) as he followed Aveline through the bustling courtyard. At eleven, he was still small for his age, but the leather fit perfectly.
"Tch. Stop admiring yourself," Aveline snapped, though she'd been the one to insist he wear them today. "Just because Vivienne has decent taste doesn't mean you can slack off."
Before Cedric could respond, Vivienne's cheerful voice rang out:
"There you two are!"
The Stirling daughter bounded over, her auburn curls bouncing. Unlike Aveline's practical hunting attire, Vivienne wore a riding dress of deep crimson, the hem embroidered with golden thread. "Cedric! Those look wonderful on you!"
Aveline's eye twitched.
The Hunting Party
The group assembled at the forest's edge:
Duke Godfrey and Duke Aldric led the party on massive stallions
Aveline and Vivienne rode smaller, swifter mares
Cedric, as Aveline's attendant, walked alongside her horse
"Remember, children," Aldric said with a chuckle, "this is just a friendly hunt. No need to show off."
Vivienne grinned. "Unless Aveline wants to lose again."
"I let you win last time!" Aveline hissed.
Cedric wisely kept silent.
The Offer
As the party entered the forest, the adults fell into discussion, their voices low but carrying.
"—truly remarkable, given his background," Aldric was saying, glancing back at Cedric. "That level of adaptability is rare."
Godfrey grunted. "The boy has potential."
Aldric stroked his beard. "Name your price. Vivienne's taken a liking to him, and we could use someone with his... skills."
A beat of silence.
"My daughter would set the stables on fire," Godfrey said dryly.
Aveline, overhearing, nearly fell off her horse.
Vivienne's Play
When the party stopped to rest near a stream, Vivienne cornered Cedric near the water's edge.
"You know," she said sweetly, "Father could give you a proper position in our house. No more fetching Aveline's hair ribbons or listening to her grumbling."
Cedric froze. "My lady?"
"Oh, don't look so shocked." Vivienne laughed, tossing a pebble into the stream. "You're clever. Clever people are valuable. And I always get what I want."
Behind a nearby tree, Aveline's grip on her waterskin turned murderous.
Aveline's Revenge
The hunt resumed with a vengeance.
Aveline took down three pheasants in quick succession
Vivienne, distracted, missed an easy shot at a hare
Cedric, caught between them, prayed for the ground to swallow him whole
During a break, Vivienne sighed dramatically. "Cedric, be a dear and fetch my dropped handkerchief? It's just back near the oak tree."
Before Cedric could move, Aveline snarled: "He's my attendant. Fetch your own stupid handkerchief."
The two girls glared at each other, the air between them crackling with tension.
Aldric chuckled. "Ah, youth."
Godfrey pinched the bridge of his nose.
The Return
As the party rode back to the manor at dusk, Vivienne trotted her mare up beside Cedric.
"Think about my offer," she whispered, pressing a small silk pouch into his hand. Inside clinked a handful of gold coins. "Aveline doesn't own you, you know."
Aveline, seeing this from ahead, yanked her reins so hard her mare reared.
"CEDRIC! Walk. Beside. Me. Now."
Cedric had never moved faster.
Evening Confrontation
That night, Aveline stormed into Cedric's small chamber near the stables.
"Give it here," she demanded, holding out her hand.
Cedric wordlessly handed over Vivienne's coin pouch.
Aveline upended it onto his bed, counting the coins with a scowl. "Hmph. Stingy. You're worth at least twice this." She paused, realizing what she'd said, then turned scarlet. "N-not that I care! But Leonheart standards are higher, that's all!"
She threw the coins into her own purse and shoved the empty silk pouch back at him. "Return this tomorrow. And tell Vivienne if she wants to buy people, she should visit the slave markets, not my house!"
As she flounced out, Cedric stared at the empty pouch, utterly bewildered.
From the doorway, Hugo Leonheart—Aveline's older brother—leaned in with a grin.
"Just so you know," he whispered, "she cried for a week when her favorite stable cat had kittens and Father gave one to the Stirlings."
Cedric buried his face in his hands.