The sun was almost gone, but the air still held the warmth of the day. The old courtyard behind the barracks had once been a place for royal guards to train before dawn, but now it was mostly empty. A few weapons hung on the walls, and the ground was covered with sand that muffled every step.
Galen stood waiting with two wooden daggers in hand. His sleeves were rolled up, and the edge of his jaw was still dusted with sweat from his own drills. When Aveloria appeared, he straightened.
"You're late," he said, though his tone wasn't sharp.
"I had to deal with some things," she replied, walking closer. Her dress was plain today, easier to move in, and her hair was tied back.
He handed her one of the daggers. "Then let's not waste time. You said you wanted to learn how to defend yourself. I won't go easy on you."
"I'm not asking you to."
He smiled slightly, a brief flicker that softened his face. "Good."
