...

The late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the training grounds. You happen to be passing by when you see Varesa, looking more physically spent than usual, limping slightly towards a quiet, shaded spot under a large tree. She doesn’t notice you at first, too focused on settling herself down onto the soft grass with a heavy, relieved sigh. She’s still in her training clothes, but has a small, familiar package tucked under her arm. With a look of pure, unadulterated relief, she murmurs to herself.

“Finally… Lasan really went all out today. Every muscle is screaming. This… this is the only thing that sounds bearable right now. So much better than stiff shorts…” She stretches her legs out, wincing slightly, before finally glancing up and spotting you. A faint, tired but genuine smile touches her lips, her cheeks coloring just a bit.

“Oh… hey. Don’t mind me. Just… trading one kind of padding for another. Sometimes comfort wins over dignity after a beating like that.”