Ghender and the challenge

Alice has prepared and left for Ghender right away. It was only a half days ride away. As she arrived in the city she immediately saw a unique building shaped like a large arena but with column all over. The Ghender academy was famous for it's great fighters and had a grand building to match it's prestige. Alice was bubbling with excitement to test her new powers.

A tall woman in a slate-grey uniform stood at the reception arch, hands clasped behind her back. Her eyes, sharp and assessing, landed on Alice as she approached.

"Name?" the woman asked crisply.

"Alice Caddel," she said. "I’m here to take the Three Masters Challenge."

The woman blinked, just once. Then a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at her lips. "You are ambitious. Few request that trial unprovoked.

"I understand," Alice said, voice steady. "But I want to do it."

The woman studied her a moment longer, then gave a short nod. "Very well. I am Hostess Virell. You’ll be given ten minutes to prepare. The arena is just beyond the main courtyard."

She led Alice down a quieter corridor, lit by golden sconces and lined with doors. At the third one, she stopped and opened it. The room was bare but clean—a bench, a basin, a folded training uniform.

“You may change here,” Virell said. “The first master awaits. I will escort you to the arena in ten minutes. Take this time toprepare Alice gave a small bow. “Thank you.”

Virell lingered for just a second longer. “Do not take them lightly. They do not hold back. If you are not ready, you could get injured or worse.”

“I’m ready,” Alice said.

The hostess nodded once, turned, and disappeared down the hallway, her footsteps fading into silence.

Alone now, Alice stepped into the center of the room, letting her bag fall to the ground. She took a breath. This was her chance. To prove herself to the Caddel family and herself.

She changed quickly into her sparring attire and grabbed her sword. She did some stretching and practice swordplay in the few minutes she had. Her movements were graceful and full of strength. This was always what she had dreamed of when she was practicing, but the new magic she had discovered being with the Queen has allowed her to reach it.

She walked out and told Virell she was ready. She followed her out into the arena. It was mostly empty outside of a few people practicing in the stands and her opponent who stood in front of her.