Picking up from last week’s post. Senzu brought Wellhym a knife and they were discussing its uses.
Wellhym laid his sword on the ground next to the knife. “Look at it,” he said softly, “and tell me what you see.”
She slowly lowered her gaze from his blue eyes to the two objects on the ground, studying them intently for a long moment, then looked up at him. “It’s just a big knife,” she said, staring at the sword again.
“Are you afraid of knives?”
“No. They’re just tools. You use them to cut things.” She looked up at him. “So a sword is just a tool?”
He nodded. “Just a tool. And like anything else, it can be used to help or to hurt. And the best way to not get hurt with something is to practice with it. And that is all that Kordelm and I were doing.”
She stared at the two blades for a moment longer. “It’s awfully big,” she said finally. “Maybe you two should practice some more.”
“You heard the lady,” Marsden said, laughing. Reaching forward he pulled her onto his lap, holding her as Wellhym picked up his sword and backed up, saluting her with it.
“Kord? I haven’t tired you out yet, have I?”
Kordelm snorted. “I can outlast you any day.”
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This is my favourite out of all of your stories, yet. Just beautifully written, PT.
Thank you!
I’m not sure who is most eager, the teacher or the student. Very nice snippet.
Senzu loves to learn. (She decided she wanted to read every book in the library.) And Wellhym is just a natural teacher.
A sword does not make a convenient tool for cutting unlike a knife.
Depends on what you’re cutting.
I really enjoyed this scene – the patience of the man, the way he was explaining to the child…well done.
Thank you. (I try not to have favorites, but Wellhym is one one of my favorite characters.)
I’m wondering how old Senzu is (if that is indeed the girl). She sounds rather young, and they talk to her as though she has much to learn.
Senzu is five years old, and these are the first humans she has ever met — and the first time she saw swords being used.
Fun little exchange…enjoyed the snippet.
Nice. Looking forward to reading more.
I like how he explained things to the child so she will not be afraid. Also loved the banter as they begin their practice once more.
This is a lovely scene with each character’s personality suggested through action and dialogue. Very nice!
Really enjoying this one. Great snippet.
Loved everything about this snippet! Great job.
I’m really enjoying this – lovely writing, great characterisation, and a nice gentleness to it, too. Can’t wait to read more 🙂
I felt the characters’ chemistry in this snippet, Paula. I don’t think I’ve read any other snippets from it–so that’s speaks volumes that you could convey that in those few sentences. 🙂 Nicely done!
That turned out great. I wonder if she will want to practice too some days.
I love Senzu! I know I’ve mentioned I will forever love this scene, and I definitely will. Beautifully done. Love the joke at the end as well from her and Wellhym.