A punch caught Joseph squarely on the shoulder, and he stumbled back. He grimaced, but reset into a guard position. Jeph was facing him, in a similar stance.
Joseph had to keep back a grin. He was finally learning what to do with himself. Jeph was proving to be a competent teacher, and himself a fine student. Ever since the hunting trip, Jeph was determined to make sure that Joseph knew how to defend himself, both with fists and weapons. Even Dane would drop in every once in a while to show a few punches and kicks.
After a few more rounds, Jeph signaled for a rest. Both of the men sat back on the packed dirt. Joseph sipped from a waterskin, while Jeph told him of his progresses. "You've done well, my boy. Your stance is firm now, but your kicks need work." Joseph nodded and sat back.
Jeph took out a flask from his tunic and uncorked it to take a swig. When he had sufficiently wetted his mouth, he saw Joseph watching from beside him. The scent of alcohol was strong from the flask, and unmistakable to the young man.
Despite being a grown man, Jeph felt a twinge of regret when he saw the young man watch. He looked away and corked the flask, tucking it beneath his tunic. Nothing was said for some time.
"I don't trust the water around here," Jeph said finally. "I-"
"I understand. It's not my place."
Nothing more needed to be said.
Despite being a grown man, Jeph felt a twinge of regret when he saw the young man watch. He looked away and corked the flask, tucking it beneath his tunic. Nothing was said for some time.
"I don't trust the water around here," Jeph said finally. "I-"
"I understand. It's not my place."
Nothing more needed to be said.