The rain had stopped, and the morning sun had dried the ground firm enough for their afternoon sparring.
Kim stood at one end with his staff, steady and calm. Tara, sleeves rolled up, stepped opposite him, her staff held steady and ready.
Therese and Mira sat on the wall nearby, bruised and tired from their own practice, but unwilling to miss what was about to happen.
Kim inclined his head to Tara. "I will not go easy."
"Nor will I," Tara replied, her voice even.
They began slowly, circling, testing each other's stance. Kim struck first, a direct swing aimed at Tara's midsection. She stepped aside neatly, her staff snapping up to deflect the blow. The wood clashed, echoing across the yard.
"Good block," Mira murmured.
Kim pressed harder. He moved with quick strikes, alternating left and right, forcing Tara to shift her feet. Each time, her staff turned at the right angle, redirecting the force instead of absorbing it. Her balance did not falter.
