Eve
The next session was awareness training. Kael stood in front of me with a padded training stick, twirling it dramatically like it was some ancient weapon of legend.
"Your job is to dodge and block," he explained. "Think fast. React faster. And try not to get smacked, because that'll be embarrassing for both of us."
"Got it," I said, raising my hands.
The first few swings were slow, deliberate, giving me time to adjust. I dodged left, then right, my movements tentative but improving with each pass. Kael's running commentary didn't let up.
"Good! Now keep your eyes on me. Don't look at the stick—unless you want to give it a hug, in which case, by all means."
I laughed despite myself, narrowly dodging a swing aimed at my shoulder. "You're supposed to be helping, not distracting me!"
"Multitasking," he said cheerfully. "It's an advanced skill. I'll teach you that next week."
