Lizzie and Josie's grunts echoed off the trees around the lake. Lizzie dodged and ducked to the rhythm of her father’s swings. Josie hung back, eyeing their movements and waiting for the right moment to strike. She waited a little too long.
“A little assistance, Jo?” Lizzie asked in a huff, sweat beading on her forehead. 
“On it.” Jo swung low, towards Alaric’s feet, as Lizzie swung high towards his head. It was an impressive move that would’ve knocked anyone else on their back, but Alaric saw it coming. He knew all their moves.
“Nice teamwork,” he said, rolling out of the way. “Follow through on your swings.”
“We don’t want to hurt you,” Josie laughed. 
Alaric gave his own laugh. “If I can survive Hope’s swings, I think I can handle yours.”
Lizzie felt her blood turn hot at that, face scrunching up as she swung as hard as she could. Alaric blocked it just as easily as her light swings.
“That’s it. You’ve got it.”
“You know,” Lizzie panted. “We could very easily magic up a win.”
Alaric tilted his head in a mock scolding. “That would be cheating.”
“Patere, Lizzie?” Josie asked and grinned. 
Lizzie pushed back against Alaric’s latest attack, laughing at her sister. “I’m thinking Icaeus.”
They casted in unison, knocking their father off his feet and onto the dock. 
“You are both cheaters,” he grunted. The twins only laughed at that and helped him to his feet. “That was good work.”
Josie nodded eagerly. “Should we go again?”
“I have to save some energy for Hope’s training session.”
“I’m sure she could take one day off from punching someone.” Lizzie rolled her eyes. 
“We could do group training,” Alaric countered. It wasn’t the first time he’d made this offer, and he knew it wouldn’t be the last. But he also knew Lizzie’s answer before she opened her mouth.
“No thank you.” And another eye roll. She looked at Josie expectantly.
“Yeah.” Josie stood straighter, nodding along. “No thank you.”
Alaric passed them their water bottles, smiling patiently. “Then I don’t want to hear any complaining about me splitting my time.”