Rose was acutely aware of Dimitri as he moved around her, dark hues following his every move. The older dhampir could make something as simple as walking look alert and effective, which only added to her admiration of him.
And then there was that approval in his nod, causing butterflies to erupt within. It was almost maddening how one sign of disapproval could ruin her, whereas his pride could make her soar. No one had ever meant this much to her or had such an effect on her feelings of self-worth. Except maybe Lissa, but that was altogether an entirely different experience. Rose was harsh in how she judged herself around Lissa because she felt completely responsible for the Moroi’s safety. Any slip or lapse of judgement could make her lose the one she’d bonded with on a level completely unknown to most, and that was the stuff of nightmares. The dhampir didn’t know what would be left of her if she ever lost the blonde.
“You’d probably be my most valuable weapon around here,” she countered as she glanced around the area once again. Dimitri was effective, deathly and yes, there was the word again– godly in combat. She’d do a lot better throwing him at a Strigoi than a stake for sure. And if there was some double meaning hidden in her earlier statement, it was all up to him to figure that one out.
Now that’s just cheating, she thought, barely restraining the urge to roll her eyes at the mental image of some guardians banding together and waving their guns around like some old western novel –just like the ones Dimitri seemed to like so much. The knives on the other hand did appeal to the brunette. Especially when Dimitri was the ones wielding them.
Despite her more romantic feelings towards the older dhampir, Rose had to admit he was by far the best teacher she’d ever had, and she did actually pay rapt attention to the lesson at hand. “And how long are they usually stunned for?” she questioned as she picked up a knife herself at his offer, trying not to feel too intimidated by that jawdropping demonstration of his. “Are we talking enough time to push aside our charge, or more like we could just go look for a stake and finish ‘em off right then and there?” Seemed relevant. Not that she actually believed the time period would actually stretch that long. But if it just enough time to bring Lissa out of the line of fire, then she needed to know. That way, if it ever happened, she knew just how it would play out and she didn’t end up screwing up and losing her friend because she did things in the wrong order.
Taking the dagger by the tip instead of the handle, so that it could rotate mid-air, she moved her arm back for added speed and force. Rose let the blade hover there though, right above her shoulder as she tried to remember his stance and the swift movement with which he’d thrown the knife. It had all happened so fast.
Rose’s quip about the most valuable weapon earned her a subtle smirk with amusement in his dark, brown eyes. The younger dhampir’s antics never failed to amuse Dimitri, but he had to keep his expression as impassive as ever, keeping her mind focused on the task at hand. Though it might surprise many, there were often times when the guardian found it more difficult not to let the lesson plan go and simply enjoy her company. Rose always found a way to make him laugh –– and when the world felt like nothing more than doom and gloom, she somehow managed to shed light and hope on his surroundings. He was sure that the pair could easily talk away an entire afternoon. Yet as his eyes strayed to her hair, shining with an almost auburn tint in the fading sunlight, he couldn’t help but think they could do more than talk –– -
Yet that wasn’t Dimitri’s way. Since the death of his best friend and former charge, Ivan Zeklos, he learned the hard way that life could be cruel in the blink of an eye. A Guardian didn’t have the luxury of fun. They had to be focused and prepared for anything that the world could throw at them. Seeing the way that Rose loved Vasilisa, he knew that he couldn’t let her learn that lesson the hard way, too. He wanted her to be ready for everything.
When she asked the question, no glib nor sarcasm in her tone, Dimitri was pleased to see her taking this lesson seriously. ❝ I’ve once seen one stunned for up to five seconds, ❞ he answered. ❝ But never underestimate them. They’re clever. They could easily use that moment to their benefit, lulling the Guardian into a false sense of security, dragging on the moment until it’s the best time to strike. The instant the Strigoi is down, you act. ❞
When Rose got into position, his let his eyes scan her form. There was nothing seductive in the way he watched her, but rather studious and focused. ❝ Good. Now unlike throwing a punch, the power doesn’t come from your hips. It comes from your wrist. Keep your eyes on the target the entire time. ❞ He gestured, letting her know she could throw it.
