Pride lighted in my fierce gaze at Tesseract spoke of my parents. That was my truest hope, that I could honor their memories and make them proud of me from wherever they might gaze down upon me. When I had concluded my speech, I studied him for the first signs of his reaction to my proposition. And as the chortle rose in his throat, I had to physically make an effort to soften my features. I was so stuck in this severe state of mind, his laughter was not at first recognized for what it was. It took me not but a moment to offer a smile to him as he spoke, glad to know he supported me in my campaign. “Words cannot deftly express my gratitude. I think there is much that I can learn from you.”

His movement welcomed me to join them, and as Cersei moved to stand beside her father I stepped forward to stand opposite to her at his other shoulder. As we were about to move together into the pack lands, Tesseract paused, and so too did I. His gaze lifted from his daughter to me, with a curious look upon his face. I raised a singular brow, my own curiosity spiking. His words made me smile and I stepped forward so that I might meet the younger girl’s gaze. I nodded to her and her father in turn. “I would like that quite well,” I said. It was a unique opportunity which I had never previously been afforded. Always throughout my training I had faced opponents who were more skilled than me, with more experience than myself. It could be quite interesting, and increasingly educational, to face a partner with the same level of experience as myself – or perhaps slightly less. I was unsure of Tesseract’s training regime here, but surely she could be no more well educated than myself. Perhaps he wished to beget upon us both a new lesson. To face another on an equal playing field that encouraged learning for both parties would be something new entirely. And I liked the idea.

Surely, however, the borders of the pack lands were no place to engage in a lesson, though, and I moved to restart our progression into the territory. A thought occurred to me then, and I decided to voice it. I glanced across to Cersei before I spoke. “A spar, princess? Perhaps you would like to choose the location for such an occasion.” I had received advice from Alcide when I was younger, about choosing your battlefield when given the chance. If you brought the fight to your opponent, you could pick a location that gave you the upper hand from the get go. Today I gave that opportunity to my dueling partner, for it was a chance for both of us to learn.