By the time the two old men made their way back to the manor, the sun was already low.
They had spent most of the day in the boxing club, fighting and watching.
The general's coat was slung over one shoulder, and his hair was damp from a quick wash he had at the club.
His stride was a bit straighter than the one he had when he went there.
But he was also slightly limping. It was barely noticeable; if you looked for it, you could see it.
Vell did.
"You're walking like a man who won more than just a fight," Vell said.
"I did win more than that," the general replied. "Spirit counts. I feel fresh; I feel young."
They passed through the gates of the manor, being saluted by the guard.
The front doors opened to the scent of cooked vegetables and roasted meat. Evening supper was nearly ready.
The general's daughter was in the hall and looked at them with a raised brow.
"You look like you got thrown off a horse."
"That's because I was throwing him off me in the boxing ring," the general replied.
"You fought each other?" She turned to Vell. "I'm sorry. A mage and scholar like you shouldn't have to brawl with an old man."
"He's not just a mage," the general said, walking in like he'd returned from war. "He's quick. Clever hands. Shame he's got no uppercut, though. And I don't think I'll ever get him to fight seriously."
They headed to the dining room. The general's daughter all but ordered them to sit and eat.
A maid poured hot tea as everyone gathered: the general, his daughter and her husband, Vell, Sonder, and Cadre.
"Where have you been, grandfather?" Cadre asked curiously.
"Exercising," the general stated.
"Fighting," Cadre's mother corrected him.
"And who were you fighting against?" Cadre asked.
The general jerked his thumb at Vell.
Cadre looked at him, surprised. "You?"
"I was drafted," Vell said in jest.
"Drafted?" Cadre repeated.
"Peer pressured," Vell clarified, "aggressively. But I'll admit it was fun."
"Were you showing off?" the daughter asked.
The general snorted. "I'm just maintaining what I built."
"Your ego?"
The table laughed.
Cadre turned to Vell. "Did you actually punch him?"
"Lightly," Vell said.
"Liar," the general muttered. "He gave me a bruise shaped like a lecture."
While they ate, Cadre asked Sonder. "Do you want to box?"
"I don't think so," she declined.
"Come on, why not? Can't you just heal yourself if you get hurt?"
"I don't really know how to heal."
"Do you want to learn?" Vell asked.
Considering that Sonder wanted to learn all kinds of things, it was easy for her to say, "I'd like to."