The evening had grown cooler across the plain and, thankfully, the Yecine family's training area. Qatrand moved through the final forms of their sword style alongside Navuill and three other young cultivators that were participating in the events.
Heavy blades caught the torch and lantern lights from multiple sources as they followed the elder's ritual cadence. The elder's stern voice carried clearly to their small group.
"Again. Your recovery is still too slow."
Qat felt the truth in the critique - her muscles had grown a touch heavier after hours of repetition. The raven-haired swordswoman adjusted her grip and concentrated on maintaining proper form despite the fatigue.
Her cousin put away his amusement at the determination in her pigeon-blue eyes. Navuill's own swings had grown similarly labored, though he hid it just as well as their 'heir'. The others showed much more obvious signs of wear in their stances.
Slightly long chapter. I just couldn't justify to myself breaking up any of the wondeful scene!
(shameless self-brag)
But really, I usually enjoy their intimate moments, but this one actually overwhelmed Qatrand despite how 'quick' it was. And that... is just special to me~
I can't recall if I ever mentioned it in an AT, but my perception of the setting is something like a magic-cultivator pseudo-Victorian era theme for the most part.
Because of that, I suggest looking up Victorian Hair Embroidery. It was a real thing (though perhaps not specifcally on little ribbons). Women even made jewelry, picture frames... crafty people with no materials find a way!