(Aria)
I watch Kael leave the training grounds and know I should follow him. My body aches in places I didn't know existed. Every muscle protests when I move. But I can't bring myself to stop yet. It's night now and I was still out here by myself.
The other warriors have gone inside for dinner. The sun is setting behind the trees. I am alone on the field with practice dummies and weapons scattered around.
I pick up my sword again. The weight feels wrong in my hands now. Too light or too heavy. I can't tell which. My arms shake when I try to hold it up.
"Just one more round," I tell myself.
I attack the practice dummy with everything I have left. Strike after strike until my vision starts to blur. The dummy doesn't fight back. It just stands there taking the punishment I wish I could
