The next morning, Darion was in the courtyard practicing alone.
The sun was just beginning to rise, casting long shadows across the stone floor.
The workers were still asleep in their tents, and the castle was quiet. He had the manual open on the low stone wall, the sword in his hand, and he was working through the sequences on his own.
He had been at it for about twenty minutes when he heard footsteps behind him. He turned, half-expecting Garren, and found Seren standing at the edge of the courtyard.
She was dressed in her usual practical clothes, her bow slung across her back. Maybe she was up for an early morning hunt?
She watched him from the edge, her arms crossed, her expression curious. She didn't interrupt. She just observed, taking in the scene.
"Morning," Darion said, lowering the sword.
"Morning," she replied, stepping closer. "What are you doing?"
