The forest was eerily quiet by the time Grace trudged back to camp, muscles screaming from hours of practice. She felt like she'd managed to polish up her skills, which had been the point, but she wasn't too sure she'd be able to maintain her newest technique through any potential distractions.
[Maybe I should just stick to my sword tomorrow. Less chance of it disappearing mid-thrust. "Sorry, water goddess, my magical toy just vanished inside you" isn't exactly smooth.]
As she approached their tent, Grace heard giggles. Multiple giggles. Female giggles. The kind that definitely didn't come from discussing ancient texts or battle strategies.
[Wait a minute...]
She pushed open the tent flap and froze.
