章 49: The Prodigious Nim, Part Eighteen

{Melisa}

Melisa panted, lowering her sword. 

She felt like her body was on fire.

She and Raven had been training for a few hours. They'd gone over various stances and swings and blocking techniques and footwork and spacing and... 

[Oh gods, my arms are about to fall off.] 

Raven noticed Melisa's fatigue. Her cold, grey eyes assessed her and then the woman nodded to herself. 

"I think that's enough for today," she said, sheathing her own blade. "You've made good progress, Melisa. We can pick this up again another time."

Melisa nodded gratefully. 

[SALVATION!] 

The two of them began to gather their things. 

"Hey, thanks for taking the time to do this for me, Raven. I really appreciate it," Melisa stated.

"You are welcome," Raven replied casually, without glancing her way.

As Melisa got ready to go, her gaze lingered on Raven.