Esteria and Celene thanked her, watching as she walked away, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over them. They lingered by the pond for a moment longer, absorbing the tranquil atmosphere, then decided to head back to their room to reflect on their newfound skills.
As they entered their quarters, a sudden noise from a nearby room jolted them both to attention. It sounded unmistakably like Alariel's voice, raised in what seemed like a heated discussion. The tone was urgent, sharp enough to slice through the quiet of the early morning.
Esteria and Celene exchanged startled glances, their earlier sense of calm evaporating. "What is she doing?" Esteria whispered, her heart quickening.
"Let's see," Celene replied, creeping toward the door to listen more closely. The muffled words were hard to make out, but the tension in Alariel's voice was palpable.
