There truly is no better fencer in the Empire than Noel. Fencing consumes his entire existence, and today is no different.

He barely said a single word to you this morning, much less notice your absence when you left the manor. It's only when the setting sun reminded him of the unfamiliar silence when he notices that you're not visiting him with your usual offer of a towel and glass of water.

"My love?" he calls uncertainly, his breath coming out in short pants from his recent training.