My Dragoon is Better than Your Dragoon
As it turned out, watching trainees fighting with wooden swords was very dull.
I thought that, had they of been working with Magistrix Frida, than I may have been more entertained.
However, that would also mean that Leon would've been more limited.
Like with swordsmanship, you could use magic without the skills gifted by the gods, but you would always be doomed to grind out for even a tenth of the ability of those who were gifted.
On top of that, magic took an even longer amount of time to learn then learning the sword.
As it was, Leon was actually holding out quite well against the other cadets when it came to the sword.
Despite not having a skill to aide him, he was keeping pace with Warren, who seemed to rely on power more than actual form.
Ryan was also one that had talent in swordplay, while also using proper forms in his fight.
In fact, it seemed that only Ryan and Lillian had any clear talent in their practice, whereas the others seemed determined to run on instinct and muscle strength alone.
Well, except for Benson who looked absolutely terrified of his stick and actually fled when Cintry came after him.
I tried not to laugh but I wasn't overly successful.
"That boy needs to grow a spine..." Sighed Jarzan, surprising me. I half expected a comment like that from Neumic, or maybe even the cold-toned Parthus, but Jarzan had given me the impression of a somewhat more open minded dragon. "It's not like he will get that hurt against his own teammates."
"It is true that Benson's swordsmanship is lacking, but his true talents are in the magics.
" Stated Grysbok, watching his dragoon floundering against the highly aggressive Cintry.
He seemed unconcerned that his dragoon was both running away, and not up to par in this field.
"You are simply sour that Ryan falls short in comparison with his own magical studies. "
"Tch. Ryan falls short in no subject!"
"Er, anything I should know?" I asked, not really wanting them to get into a fight. Then again, it might have been more interesting to watch.
"They always argue over who is better in what.
" Sighed Flux as he settled down on the earth some distance from Parthus.
"Both Ryan and Lillian could be considered the most well rounded in terms of skills and talent within our team.
Though my Cintry, and Jarzan's Warren, have more raw power.
Benson is by far the best in their magical studies.
He may make a poor showing here, but once he starts casting magic it is like his is a whole different person. "
"Oh? I would like to see that." I said honestly. Other than my own forays into wind and earth magic, I hadn't had the opportunity to see much magic up close. I wondered what skills the skittish Benson had been given, and just how well he casted.
"What? You don't have anything to brag about your Leon?
" Snickered Neumic. I supposed that both he and Jarzan could be more polite than their dragoons, but they were also horribly competitive on top of it.
It was giving me a bit of whiplash given their general soft spoken-ness just a few moments before.
I blinked at the boastful dragon before looking at Leon.
He had just knocked Warren to the dirt and was standing over him, breathing heavily but unharmed.
"I'm pretty sure he's perfectly capable of flaunting his own skills without my senseless crowing.
Or did you think a creature such as myself would simply roll over for nothing more than a pretty face and a royal title?
" I asked frankly. Despite the fact that all of them were larger than me, I liked to picture myself looking down on them and their feeble bragging.
That's right boys. My dragoon had good looks, a good family, and talent. All of that without all the fancy skills their rider's were so proud of! Ha! May they all wilt beneath my excellent choice in partners.
I took great pleasure in their dumbfounded faces.
After a few seconds Grysbok broke into loud laughter, drawing the attention of our two footed companions.
Looking a little confused, but also amused, Leon smiled and walked over to us, whipping sweat from his brow as he did.
Behind him Lillian and Neumic began to face off.
Poor Benson was prone on the ground with the Magistrix standing over him, making sure he wasn't dead, I was sure.
"What is so funny?" Asked Leon, patting my nose and watching Grysbok still chuckling nest to me.
"They are simply dumbfounded with my greatness." I stated, enjoying his warm palm on the thinner scales of my snout. "I'm sure they've never seen a being as wonderous as myself."
Leon laughed, his eyes sparkling. "I'm sure that is exactly true. After all, they can not see what does not exist."
I snorted, pleased at his blatant flattery once more. It was almost shameful how he managed to pull it off every time while sounding absolutely sincere. If anyone else had said it, I was sure it would sound like baseless flattery.
"You did well." I stated, deciding that he deserved a little praise himself for his victory.
"Ah, well, I wouldn't want to embarrass you." He said with his typical charming smirk causing me to chuckle. "Are you making friends?" He asked, glancing at the other dragons, offering them a slight bow of the head as he continued to pat my nose.
"Well... I am not making enemies. Apparently there is a large age gap."
This time it was Leon who snorted. I had a feeling that it was frowned upon for a prince to make such noises... Hm, maybe I was a bad influence?
"You act far older than your age, so I am sure you can get along well. Perhaps your elders can teach you some flight maneuvers?"
I narrowed my eyes at my new dragoon while the other dragons watched blatantly, not even bothering to pretend not to be snooping. "Are you saying my arial capabilities are lacking?"
They were. They absolutely were lacking in each and every way. It was a wonder I could even get off the ground.
"I would never say that." He said, despite the teasing smile telling me the exact opposite.
I let out a small rumble and poked him on the head with the tip of my nose that he had just been petting.
His head jerked back slightly but he laughed.
It was good to see him so happy. Being a part of this group was very important to him, and I could tell that he hoped that I could get along with the other dragons, just as I was sure that he hoped to be on friendly terms with the other dragoons.
"Go back and play with your silly sticks." I told the prince, nudging him back toward the others.
"If you like, we can go flying." Stated Grysbok once Leon had gotten out of listening distance. "They will be at this for a couple hours, and with the captain gone, there isn't much for us dragons to do while we wait."
"What do you normally do?" I asked, stalling.
In all honesty, I could do with some flying lessons, and joining them in the air sounded more entertaining than just sitting around here.
But, I didn't want to make a fool of myself in front of these prideful dragons either.
For one it would be embarrassing, but also, I couldn't guarantee that I wouldn't bite the tail of anyone who dared laugh at my attempts.
It wouldn't be a good start to our lives as cadets if I started fights with the other dragons on day one.
Grysbok laughed, his large blue eyes shining against his milk chocolate scales.
"Argue mostly. We may not be wild dragons, like yourself, but even us bound dragons are not entirely meant to be crowded together like this.
Dragons are solitary creatures by nature.
So, if left to our own devises, we tend to just bicker and try to outdo one another. "
"Well, I already know that I am the best, so arguing about it seems pointless... Very well, let us fly. I haven't had as long to practice as I would like, so this will be a good opportunity."
I pretended not to see the dumbfounded looks on the other dragon's faces. I felt a little disappointed that they didn't have a rebuttal to be honest. I guess I really was the best dragon after all.