The Way of the Sword

4E 201 | Late Hearthfire | Thirty-Five Days Since Arrival

S'vashni accepted the Blade's katana with both hands.

She drew only a few inches, enough to reveal the insignia near the guard. Her ears lowered.

"This weapon served the Dragonguard before it served the Empire. You protected it instead of claiming it."

"It was not mine to use."

"Yet," S'vashni said.

They trained beneath the ruined tower.

S'vashni's style differed from Getsumeiryū. She used deceptive angles and altered distance with short bursts of speed, but restraint governed every strike. She corrected Tsukihana's tendency to read the blade instead of the person holding it.

"Your feet reveal your decision," S'vashni said after tapping her forehead with a practice sword. "Against bandits, it does not matter. Against a master, you announce your own death."

Tsukihana adjusted.

They continued until sunset.

Atop the tower, S'vashni spoke of the scattered Blades, dragons returning to Skyrim, and an order reduced to fragments. Tsukihana spoke only enough to name the Seven Calamities and admit that her master had died to them.

Two students. Two surviving sword schools. Two teachers who would never see what remained.

When S'vashni departed, she offered her hand.

"Until next time, Tsuki."

Tsukihana blinked. "You have known me for one day."

"I know."

"You use that name quickly."

S'vashni smiled. "You did not tell me to stop."

Tsukihana considered it.

"No," she said. "I did not."