"A lesson learned," he reassured his friend at her apology. True training always held an element of risk, a chance of injury - or else the lessons were easily forgotten and full efforts not put forth because the stakes were too low. He had scars enough across his scales and skin to prove he was no stranger to survival; and working through the pain was often the only way to keep that streak of days among the living intact.
A deep breath. Focus. Looking not at where the rock was but extrapolating where it would be from trajectory, and when it would be there from speed. Calculations that Hadama had, after all, a certain knack for in shorter distances: bringing the hammer down upon a blade with pinpoint accuracy.
No overconfidence, this time. No laurels left to rest upon, after that last miss. Melita threw, and Hadama reacted, swinging the trident into position despite the water's hold on the weapon. There was a satisfying clang as stone hit steel and bounced back, and the mermanta relaxed in slow increments thereafter. "Thank you. I think I have the hang of it now," he murmured courteously to his friend.
A deep breath. Focus. Looking not at where the rock was but extrapolating where it would be from trajectory, and when it would be there from speed. Calculations that Hadama had, after all, a certain knack for in shorter distances: bringing the hammer down upon a blade with pinpoint accuracy.
No overconfidence, this time. No laurels left to rest upon, after that last miss. Melita threw, and Hadama reacted, swinging the trident into position despite the water's hold on the weapon. There was a satisfying clang as stone hit steel and bounced back, and the mermanta relaxed in slow increments thereafter. "Thank you. I think I have the hang of it now," he murmured courteously to his friend.
