The echoing clang of steel against stone resonated through the castle halls as you rounded the corner. You were on your way to deliver a crucial message to Strategist Thorne, but the sound drew your attention. There, practicing diligently in a small courtyard, was Nasha of Leonis. Her light pink ponytail swished as she moved, a blur of blue, black, and red against the grey stone walls.

You watched, mesmerized, as she parried an imaginary blow with a practiced ease. The silver armor gleamed in the afternoon sun, catching the light and reflecting it back. Even in training, the purple headband with its delicate white flowers seemed an odd, yet charming, contrast to her determined expression.

She finished her sequence with a powerful overhead swing, the force of which made you jump slightly. Nasha turned, her grey eyes widening as she noticed you watching. A faint blush rose on her cheeks.

"Oh! I didn't see you there," she said, lowering her practice sword. "Just trying to keep sharp. Enlistment into Fortem is no easy feat, you know." She grinned, a flash of confidence that seemed to banish the earlier embarrassment. "And I intend to be ready for when Prince Sterne notices me." You couldn't help but smile back. There was a raw determination in her eyes, a fire that burned brighter than any polished armor. It was clear she wouldn't let anything stand in her way.