"So he was good in a fight?" Sunset asked.

Upon hearing her guest's words, Adagio looked to her with a raised eyebrow and, after a few moments of silence, actually started laughing in a clear display of amusement. Sunset waited for her to stop, and when she did, the Siren shook her head a little before again turning in her direction.

"Good? Good? Good does not even begin to describe how proficient my son was in combat. I have witnessed many fighters in my time, and not one of them ever impressed me as much as he did in that moment."

Looking away, Adagio's expression morphed into one of thoughtfulness.

"It was astonishing to witness, friend. To see my son, so capable, so strong...it was like seeing him for the first time."

Looking down at her glass, Adagio took a quick sip of it before starting to once again swirl the remnants about.

"After that fight, Forte was determined. He would pursue his abilities as best he could. And before long, he got that opportunity. You see, word of his little scuffle had reached rather influential ears, and it wasn't long before we found ourselves approached."

The Siren turned to Sunset, who bore a look of slight concern, and while Adagio herself was confused by this, all became clear when Sunset finally spoke.

"He didn't get into trouble, did he?"

Adagio put on a sly smile, shaking her head before replying.

"Hardly. Forte was, to my everlasting surprise, actually invited to join the city guard. They were always on the lookout for those with talent, and he eagerly accepted."

Her face became one of pride as she remembered those days.

"His training was the fastest they'd ever remembered. Sword, lance, shield, bow, there was no skill-at-arms that he practised with that did not come as naturally to him as breathing does to you or I."

Briefly, her smile widened.

"In time, his posting got us a nice little apartment in one of the cleaner quarters of the city, and soon afterwards, he took to his position in earnest."

Sunset took on a look of curiosity.

"I take it he was good at his job?"

Looking to her, Adagio chuckled once more.

"Oh, I would say so. He encountered many an unsavoury character in his time, and all of them he sent packing. Thieves, gangs, they all tried their hand, and not once did they ever lay a scratch on him."

For a moment, Adagio's expression softened.

"And he never killed. That was what shocked the people of the city so often. No matter what threat came his way, he always managed to defeat them without ending their lives."

Looking back to the nearby sword atop the pedestal, Adagio regained her look of amusement from earlier.

"You know...I honestly don't think that blade ever touched a drop of blood in the entire time my son wielded it."

Sunset sat there, looking astounded by such a tale.

"Well...I certainly wouldn't have wanted to be his enemy."

A smirk crossed Adagio's face at that.

"Indeed, as many a brigand learned at their expense."

Her expression soon become one of pride.

"There were even days when my son proved his worth in times of war. The city would, on occasion, come under assault by bands of raiders from the nearby steppe. Archers on horseback, very deadly. Many in the city would often retreat behind the walls, rather than engage them."

A smirk grew once more on the Siren.

"But not Forte. He strode beyond the city gates, meeting them in the open field. He always stood his ground, never falling back like so many of his fellow guardsmen. And time and again...the raiders' arrows failed to bring him down."

To say Sunset looked impressed would have been an understatement, as she sat with mouth agape at this story. But, as always, she stayed silent as her host carried on.

"Eventually...my son's work was rewarded. Every year, the king of the city would host a great tournament. And the prize? A place amongst his personal honour guard. It was a position coveted by all who could wield a sword, but few ever measured up in the end."

Narrowing her eyes and growing her smirk, Adagio continued.

"That is...until Forte entered it."

The sun was high in the sky, and it's heat was beating down on all below. In the heart of the great city, just below the sights of the tall palace at it's centre, there was an open space, large and barely used, at least on most days. Today, however, it was most definitely being used, as almost everyone of note in the city had gathered here to witness the feats of strength and arms that took place at this time of year. Many of the crowd took to chanting the names of those who they thought would finally win, but, time and again, they found that their chosen champions would simply walk off, defeated. Sometimes, it would even get worse than that, as quite a few would either limp away or have to be carried off, very much worse for wear.

As for right now, there was a fight still raging, as one of the many guardsmen of the city was in the middle of a duel with none other than the Captain of the honour guard. This older man, clad in impressive-looking armour, blocked blow after blow from the young swordsman. But the younger fighter, while having failed at every attempt, nevertheless tried one final assault. Exhaustion had taken it's toll at this point though, and the Captain made quick work of him, disarming him and delivering a high-kick to his face that sent him flailing backwards. The crow all erupted with laughter at the guard's failure, but on the Captain's face, there was merely disappointment.

Nearby, the King himself was present, sitting high in his balcony, looking down at the fights that had come and gone before him. He was a figure that, perhaps, in days gone by, might have been impressive. Nowadays though, this was far from the case, as he had been reduced to a bloated, balding mess of a man. He was, however, being watched from among the crowd, as none other than Adagio herself regarded the man with scorn. Folding her arms, she let out a scoffing sound.

"Hmph! A man as pathetic as that has no right to call himself a King."

But, her expression softened when she felt a gentle hand upon her shoulder.

"He is still the King regardless, Mother. It would do us well to remember that."

Sighing, she turned, looking with a smile upon her son. Though the years had seen him grow ever taller, with him now looking down on her slightly, he nevertheless remained a handsome sight, especially when he smiled to her. Raising a hand, Adagio placed it upon her boy's cheek.

"My lad, ever seeing the best. I hope that attitude does not get you into trouble one day."

Forte chuckled at that.

"It hasn't yet, Mother."

Adagio smiled, but, before she had the chance to say anything further, a voice from afar called out loudly.

"The next combatant is required! Forte Dazzle! Step forward!"

The crier's words rang throughout, and at long last, Forte took on a look of seriousness, but not so much so that he couldn't afford to give his Mother one last smile.

"Wish me luck."

Adagio nodded, the flicker in her eyes giving away just how concerned she was, and she watched as her son walked past, stepping into the arena. The old Captain on the other side regarded the youth before him, and for the first time today, he actually cracked a smile.

"Ah, young Forte! I was wondering when you'd do me the honour of turning up to this."

Forte, upon hearing that, returned the smile.

"Captain. Always a pleasure."

The older man bowed his head slightly, and together, both he and Forte turned, looking upon the King high above. The bloated man regarded the two, and the crowd fell silent. In time, however, he raised his hand, before bringing it back down, a silent sign of his wish for the duel to commence. And so it was that Forte, as ever, drew his trusted sword, striking a defensive posture, which was soon mirrored by the Captain. The crowds continued to stay quiet, including Adagio, who watched intently at her son as this whole thing played out. Slowly but surely, Forte and his opponent started to inch closer to one another, taking slow step after slow step. Both of them knew of the other's skill, and both knew how foolish rushing in would be.

Eventually though, the fight began in earnest, for when they had approached a close enough distance, they lunged at each other, the ringing of steel upon steel echoing through the arena. All could see, as this duel continued, that this battle was between two of the city's best. Forte, quick and agile, his skills bolstered by his youth. And the Captain, older, wiser, his experience giving way to more precise strikes. On and on they fought, with their swords clashing frequently. But neither seemed to be able to do anything to the other, which was a state of affairs that left the audience enraptured. The King especially was impressed by this, and cracked a smile as he focused his attention on the two.

As time went on, it was clear that this was the longest fight in the day so far, as nearly an hour passed by without much headway by either fighter. Both of them were panting at this point, but they nevertheless maintained their grips on their weapons, as well as their professional stances. Then, at long last, Forte found an opening, and lunged. The Captain attempted to block, but, finally, he was out-paced, finding Forte's sword too quick to be blocked. Instead, all he could do was take a swift step backwards, watching with shock as the boy swung his weapon. Here, at the end, the blade hit the Captain's chest-plate, slicing a clean cut right across it. All in the audience gasped, except for Adagio, who smirked with a sense of pride over her son's hit.

As for the Captain, he stumbled a bit, looking down at his armour. This was the only real blemish that this old piece of metal had ever had, and it was there, clear for all to see. The boy had struck him, though not so much that he was able to actually cut into his flesh. No real harm had been done, and yet, as the Captain looked up to the lad, his expression softened. In a move that shocked everyone there, he cracked a smile, standing tall and lifting his sword, before finally sliding it back into it's scabbard. Forte was, at first, confused by this, but after a few moments of silence, the older man explained.

"Well...it looks like we have our winner."

At the utterance of those words, the crowd erupted into applause, and Forte, for his part, was equal parts ecstatic and staggered, but not so much that he couldn't afford a moment to give a respective bow to his opponent. The older Captain nodded back, after which he turned to his King, giving a silent gesture. The monarch nodded back, and the gathered crowds watched as he struggled to stand from his chair. But, when he finally did, he looked down at the victorious boy with a wide smile.

"Very fine work, my lad. It has been many a year since I've seen skill of your level."

Sheathing his own sword, Forte gave a bow.

"Thank you, your majesty."

The King nodded.

"Think nothing of it. My honour guard could use you...if you are willing."

To that, Forte went all out, getting down on one knee and looking up to the older man.

"My leige...it would be a privilege."

The king smiled.

"I am glad to hear it. My daughter, naturally, would certainly be pleased to know I had a warrior of your skill looking out for me."

And here, Forte, as well as many others, finally noted the girl in question. Unlike her Father, she had gone largely unnoticed by everyone there. She was a lithe and meek-looking figure, clad in a simple but well-made white dress, and as she stood up, her long and flowing pink hair was swept aside from her face by a single motion of her hand. This revealed her visage, young and beautiful, but nevertheless bearing a look of timidity and shyness to it.

"Congratulations on your victory, good Sir. I hope the honour guard suits you well."

Her voice was hushed, and it was only thanks to the silence of the crowds that Forte heard it at all. But, he nevertheless had heard it. However, for a moment, he stumbled, taken aback by seeing her. Even so, he composed himself, bowing his head once more.

"Erm...yes. I will try, your highness."

The princess nodded back, and it wasn't long before both she and the King began to make their way back into the palace. As for everybody else, they too began to disperse, save for a few of the guards, who stayed behind to congratulate Forte on his success. When all was said and done, however, only one figure remained to be with him; Adagio. She stood there, at the entrance to the arena, ready to greet him. She walked forward, embracing him in a warm hug, which was promptly returned. When the two finally parted, she regarded him with an affectionate smile, and words of comfort.

"That's my boy."