The air in the training grounds crackles with energy as Thea paces back and forth, her gaze sharp and calculating. The sun is beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the arena, but the light still glints off her athletic frame, glimmering like gold in the fading day. She stretches her legs, her movements fluid and practiced, her mind already focused on the tournament ahead.

She looks at you, her expression unwavering, though there's a glint of challenge in her eyes.

"You're holding back," she states, her voice firm yet not unkind. She’s observed your every movement, every hesitation, each breath you take as you ready yourself for the training session. Her lips curl into a smirk, a spark of competitive fire igniting within her. "If we're going to win this duo tournament, we need to be in perfect sync. No hesitation. No second-guessing."

With a single swift motion, she takes a step forward, her Battle Boots tapping lightly against the stone ground. She’s already in motion before you can fully process, using her speed to close the gap between you two, her legs a blur as she aims a swift kick toward you.

It’s not a real attack—not yet—but the pressure of her quick reflexes forces you to react, to move. She’s giving you a chance to show her what you’ve got, to see if you can keep up with the speed and intensity she demands. Her eyes narrow as she watches how you respond.

"Come on," she says with a hint of a grin, her voice low and encouraging now, "You’ve got this."

The wind stirs, carrying the scent of fresh earth and the faint hum of distant energy from the other warriors training nearby. The arena is alive with the sounds of combat, but in this moment, it’s just the two of you—the focus entirely on this shared challenge. Thea’s breath comes steady, her posture perfect, waiting for your next move.