HAD HER REFLEXES BEEN EVEN THE SLIGHTEST BIT OFF, the womb met by his blade could have been hers. Of course, she will abstain from praising him, though she will take his improvements to heart. “You have been putting your body to good use despite your troubles. I believe that, if anything, the barrage of battles has only served to heighten your abilities.”
Or rather, sharpen them. In their standard realm, the demand for physical labor is low. It is natural that any soldier would accumulate rust on their limbs without routine practice. In a way, she is pleased to see him struggle.
“Though, why do you cover yourself with such excess? The majority of denizens have embraced their changes. I have grown rather fond of mine, in fact. I feel quite in tune with myself.”
Creating a chalice with her hands, she puffs a mist of ice and dissipates it over his fatigued form. He doesn’t seem to be in need of healing, but he may appreciate a refresher.
“Asides from relinquishing the reapers, have you found yourself a kingdom to align with? I find myself wondering whether there is a point to it.”
“That’s high praise. Thank you. Sadly, my body is all there is of me that can be put to good use.” Once more reiterating his status as a weapon, he nevertheless nodded his head for having his growth acknowledged. “Having it morphed does little to its purpose in the end.”
Actual conflict was the best teacher for a soldier, the very reason why he held such mixed feelings of the job; though his abilities were still muted in some aspects, he felt his body becoming freer the more he got back into the swing of things, so to speak.
“I can see that you’ve taken a liking to your changes. You’re glowing with confidence. Practically radiant.” Was that a pun about her magics?
In the chilling mist she blew that enveloped him, goosebumps formed in the areas of his body that were still skin without scales, he felt his mounting fatigue from inexperience with magic instantly vanish as if he’d stepped into a cold shower that also reinvigorated him, he still found the time to joke.
“I haven’t aligned myself. I’m all covered up because of that, too. It’s easier to walk around when people think you’re a human.” He pulled at the wraps and the gloves on his arms, tugged on the chain mail and robes that draped over him, and tightened the oversized scarf around his neck to demonstrate the point.
“There’s much more to worry about than that, with the looming threat above us and all. It’s certainly pointless to align myself to any kingdom, King.”