Valaka made for a wonderful sparring partner as well, the huntress matching my agility and skill as we clashed, blade for blade.
Both Eyoli and Valaka helped me work up a sweat as we alternated sparring, each of us taking turns.
A large crowd eventually gathered around us, both young and old, warrior or civilian.
Some began to join us, grabbing whatever weapons were available and partnering up with someone and sparring amongst themselves.
The familiar burning in my muscles as we went on for an hour or two of straight combat was incredible, and many of the Arese around us wore grins as they honed their weapons skills against one another.
The air around us was filled with the stench of sweat and crisp coldness as snow began to fall slowly to the ground, though none of us felt the chill.
In fact, each of us had our bodies emitting steam as we worked out, the intensity of the spars makings itself known.
Many of the civilians watching looked on with a mixture of pride and desire, whispering amongst themselves as they showcased their mates or pointed out the warriors they found valiant.
Oya and her sisters were present as well, the older sister looking on with a serious, yet pleased face, while Poepa and Quarta giggled as they bragged to the women around them, anyone who listened to them rolling their eyes at their proud tone.
When it had all come to an end, I was soaked and exhausted, but my screaming muscles made me wonder if this was what Jahi and Anput found so addicting; there was something rather enjoyable about knowing how much I had just worked my body out, especially since I knew that it came with positive gains for myself.
Laughing aloud with glee, Eyoli grinned at me as we finished our last bout, her black skin streaked with sweat as she rested the club on her shoulder.
"That was a good workout Katherine! It's been awhile since I felt my muscles burning this much! Haha!"
Her hearty laughter made me chuckle, while Valaka nodded beside her, a small smile on her lips too.
Many of the others stopped as well, each grinning and bantering with one another; some bragged about winning more bouts than their partners, whilst others poked fun at poor techniques or blunders made.
Seeing that, the civilians surged forwards to find their friends, family, or lovers, congratulating or comforting them, all with loving smiles on their faces.
The civilians also carried herbs and salves with them, applying them to any bruises or small cuts the fighters might have sustained.
Oya gave Valaka a one over, inspecting her body for anything that needed treatment, while Poepa and Quarta fussed over Eyoli with dramatic, goofy flair as they tried to search under her sleeves and shirt, with one of them even being so bold as to reach into Eyoli's pants.
The large teddybear warrior was flustered at her mischievous mates, earning many chuckles from the fighters around us, some even whistling suggestively at the three women.
Chuckling at the awkwardness of Eyoli, I watched as Oya came over and yanked her two younger sisters ears, making them yelp as they pouted at their sister.
"Come now you two. Let Eyoli and Valaka go wash up. We still need to prepare for tonight..."
That made the two sisters stiffen before grinning widely as they nodded like chicks, following Oya as she made her way out of the crowd after placing a chaste kiss on Valaka's cheek.
Eyoli blinked as she mulled over that departing line, while Valaka took a deep breath, her lips pulled into a tight line as she watched Oya leave.
"Well... whatever. Come on, let's wash. This sweat is..."
Scrunching her nose, Valaka shook her head slightly as she gestured for me to follow her, only to frown as I said "Go on ahead; I'll wash at the house."
Looking me over, Valaka let out an 'ah' before nodding, understanding clear on her face as she turned away.
The warriors all began to stream away, walking and joking as they made their way to a large stone building, while the rest of the civilians began to filter away back into the city.
Joining them, I returned to the house and cleaned myself off with the help of my ever useful Water Magic.
Plopping down on my bedroll, I yawned as I decided to rest for a moment, crossing my legs and closing my eyes as I began to meditate.
Focusing on my Core, I pulled the Water, Wind, and Ice Mana from the air and refueling myself.
Apparently I had been out for a long time, as eventually Oya shook me awake and placed a bowl in front of me, a hearty stew with chunks of meat floating around the soup.
Blinking a few times, I looked up at Oya and smiled as I took the stew, only to sigh as she said "Have a good sleep? It's been a few hours now..."
"I... didn't mean to sleep, but... oh well."
Sighing again, I picked up the bowl and began to eat, filling my completely empty stomach with a savory, slightly spicy stew, while the chunks of mammoth were rubbed with a sharp tangy seasoning.
"When you finish, if you want to, get dressed and come outside; the bonfire is lit again and everyone's celebrating."
Oya smiled softly at me, and I noticed that she was wearing a nice yellow dress that hugged her frame generously.
My mind slowly woke up, and I smiled back at her as I realized that tonight would be the announcement night for Oya and her sisters being partnered with Eyoli and Valaka.
Nodding, I slurped down the stew, refilled the bowl and finished that up with some bread before moving to get changed into the dress that Oya placed on the table.
Leaving the house, Oya left me alone as I swiftly donned the red dress, the simple cloth surprisingly comfortable as I finished strapping it on.
Then I took the fur cloak she left and draped that over my shoulders before stepping outside and joining them, moving towards the raging bonfire surrounded by laughing, drinking Arese.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from fre𝒆webnove(l).𝐜𝐨𝗺