Sweat ran a slow, cooling line along Nyssara's cheek before slipping under the edge of her jaw, the last visible trace of the work she had just poured into the drills.
She stayed where she was, not moving right away. Her spear was lowered, but her posture still carried that sharp readiness that didn't ease until given permission.
Thalynae's eyes stayed on her, not just weighing the number of strikes landed or the precision of her stance, but reading something quieter beneath it.
Whatever she saw earned a single nod.
"Good," she said. "Keep this shape. Next time, we add movement against multiple targets."
Nyssara dipped her head once, stepping back with that same composed pace, her attention sliding toward the twins in the courtyard.
They were still in motion under the shifting shade of the Life Tree, each exchange between them like a silent conversation in strikes and counters.
