Chapter 14
CHAPTER 14
Tisera
It had only been a day since Leo’s last session, but he’d improved. He must have been practicing all night. I didn’t know what else nobles had to do, probably nothing, which might explain his free time to train. Yet he was sore today, that much I could tell.
“Your left arm is weaker today, but your form is excellent,” I said watching him.
“Thank you, Master Tisera.”
When I’d told him it sounded odd for him to be calling me ‘Miss’ all the time, he’d taken to calling me ‘Master’ instead. The curious part was, he didn’t say it with any irony or sarcasm. He meant it. Though he did smile in a special way when he said my name.
“This is my one goal, I will do whatever it takes to excel in this, Master Tisera.” That much I believed entirely. He had to be sore from yesterday, but he hadn’t complained once.
“We’re done with review,” I said. I hadn’t intended to move on so quickly. I’d been going to reinforce the basics, what he’d learned yesterday, but he had clearly studied well and deserved a reward. “We’ll move on to some blocks and redirects.”
“Yes, Master Tisera,” he said, relaxing into a ready stance.
“We’ll move through these slowly, as you attack me, so I can show you what I’m doing, then I’ll attack you, slowly, so you can try it.” I set myself. “Attack but keep it slow.”
Leo stepped in and, shifting his full body as I’d shown him, threw a punch at my face. I talked through my block as I did it.
“This is a simple block, but you can do it four ways, depending on what you wish to do next and which arm you use. The simplest version is to push your opponent’s arm away while you step to the side.”
With my right hand I did a slow slap block, pushing his wrist to my left as I stepped right.
“Also, I can grab your arm, if I wish.” I wrapped my open hand around his wrist. “For more advanced moves.” I gave a quick tug to pull him off balance. He stumbled forward a step. I caught him, my hands on his shoulder and chest, his body close. Those sea-green eyes caught mine and his gaze held.
We remained like that for what seemed like an eternity, but it was only the span of a few heartbeats.
“Tisera,” he whispered, and the soft breath of his voice sent a shivering thrill through me.
“Yes,” I replied, just as breathy.
He blinked and the moment was gone. “Ah… sorry… Master Tisera. Thank you. What’s next?”
I regained myself quickly, not sure what we’d just shared. My heart slowly calmed as I continued the lesson.
“You can use either hand and push in either direction. Throw another slow punch and I’ll show you.”
We went through that sequence of blocks, then he tried them and did well in the slow-motion instruction. “Now we’ll speed it up a little.” We did the sequence again as I attacked faster and faster, until we seemed to be reaching his limit. “Now block with just the right arm.” Again, he did well. “Now the left.” That was slower and weaker, but he had the technique down.
I stopped. “You’re doing very well,” I said with a grin.
He beamed. “Thank you, Master Tisera.” He huffed out a heavy breath. “I know you’d do really well teaching women.” Before I could object, he continued. “Would you mind if I brought a few to our next session?”
I grinned. “If you can find interested women, then by all means.” I didn’t think he’d find any. I was fairly certain few women wanted to be tough and strong. Being tough and strong certainly hadn’t been easy for me.
Leo nodded. “I will.”
I went over a few other block and evasion techniques. By the end of our time, Leo was running through simple combinations of attacks and blocks.
I watched with appreciation and pride. So, this is what it felt like to teach someone and have them completely absorb your instruction. I was impressed with Leo. I could tell he really wanted this.
“That’s it for today,” I said. “We should take a break for a few days. I can tell you’re sore and you’re going to be even more fatigued tomorrow. Come back in three days. Until then let your body rest and heal and keep practicing what you’ve learned. You’re coming along well, Leo.”
He bowed solemnly to me. “Thank you, Master Tisera.” He was all formal courtesy and a part of me loved it.
Leo treated me with respect, a gentleman through and through. It was… refreshing. Most men either recoiled from me because I wasn’t womanly enough, or — if they didn’t know me — treated me like they treated most women, which wasn’t well. Then there was Kel, who’d abandoned me. And Daz, who was always so awkward, which was adorable but a bit tiring after a while. Leo was different. For the first time, someone saw me — all of me — and accepted me.
I hesitated then, wanting so very badly to invite Leo back to have a bath with me, knowing I wanted more than just a bath.
But… I couldn’t. He was such a perfect gentleman and student, and I didn’t want to ruin that. I simply nodded to him.
“Tisera,” he said softly. He seemed hesitant, as if he had something to say, but was unsure of himself.
I waited, curious and a bit nervous. What would he say?
“I…” He sighed. “I… really appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I know I can find more students for you. You’re an amazing instructor. Thank you, Master Tisera.”
I smiled. It hadn’t been what I’d hoped, but it was kind and wonderful nonetheless.
“You’re welcome. Would you like to use my bath, to clean up… before I do?”
He smiled. “No, thank you for the offer, but I’ll be well. You go, enjoy yourself.”
I would.
We parted and I headed for the bath. Daz still hadn’t returned, so I’d have to settle for a tepid one, but it was a warm enough day that I didn’t mind.
While I bathed, I fantasized about a school of combat for women, where women came from all over to train with me. They were all perfect students, like Leo, and learned quickly. I was truly helping people and making a good living out of it, which didn’t involve the possibility of dying… nor killing.
And that was truly a wonderful thought.