muscle builder’s club || ephraim & ike
Ike had been having trouble getting used to the monastery. The place was a particular blend of ancient and clean that made him feel like he didn’t belong. He’d stayed at ancient abandoned forts and freshly repaired villages but whenever the mercenary found himself somewhere this old and this well taken care of it was almost always a prelude to one of the worst days of his life.
Luckily he always had a way to unwind and forget his anxieties: Beat a training dummy into splinters. So he’d done just that. And then, just as he was winding down, he was asked one of the most random questions of his life from a complete stranger.
“A…bear?” Strange as this unfamiliar warrior was, Ike found himself more endeared to the idea the more he thought of it. Stalking a beast through the woods with nothing but his sword arm and a trusty partner…Yes. A test of will and a bonding experience all in one.
And the stranger could definitely fight! Ike could tell at a glance that this was a true warrior worthy of his respect. How could he possibly refuse? “Sure. I’m Ike. I’ve got everything I need already so we can leave immediately.”
Some might think he should ask more question before following an armed and armored man to an undisclosed location deep in the woods with no witnesses. But Ike could immediately feel a sense of kinship with the king. This was a brother; In spirit if not in blood.
Ephraim knew as soon as he laid eyes on the guy that he was perfect. He was all muscles and seemed immersed in his swordplay. It seemed like they already had the same thought - to hone their training, to perfect their craft and weaponry.
Ephraim only just spoke to him but he had the feeling this was the beginning of a comradery. He needed someone he could bond with over things like this.
And the stranger took the idea immediately. They did not need any more spoken words between them. There was the mutual connection of the thirst for strength. Ephraim felt himself madly grinning. This was perfect - just what he was looking for. Someone who understood what power meant. Someone who wished to train for the fun and stealth of it.
They would surely become comrades on this trip - no pleasantries needed. This was how warriors spoke, and Ephraim could surely tell that this man was a true warrior. One could recognize the other. He carried himself with the silent grace of a man who’d fought endless battle. For a moment, Ephraim was mesmerized, and then tried to remember that he, too, was an accomplished fighter. Nobody could outdo him with the lance.
“Yes, a bear.” Ephraim responded. “I’m Ephraim, by the way.”
It was good that Ike had everything he needed. No need to waste time. Ephraim was relatively ready to go as well. Mindlessly, he wondered if Ike was interested in the bear meat at all. Or why Ike did not ask more questions. That was good though. They only needed to focus on their blades.
“I’m ready as well. Let’s head to the gates, then, shall we?” Ephraim asked, leading the way.
