The Outer Training Grounds – Sunset
The sun dipped lower over Arcadia, bathing the stone training grounds in molten gold. The shadows stretched long, and the air smelled faintly of steel, leather, and dust. From a distance, the faint clashing of real steel against steel echoed—knights still drilling in the far fields—but here, tucked into a quieter corner near the old walls, it was just the two of them.
Evelina adjusted the loose tunic she wore, brushing a stubborn strand of hair away from her face. She shifted the wooden sword in her hands, feeling the weight, the balance. Not nearly as sharp as the weapons she was used to, but enough for tonight.
Across from her, Damian rolled his shoulders, already bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet, sword angled with casual confidence.
"I haven't sparred in weeks," Evelina said, narrowing her eyes at him. "Be gentle."
