Redsand Canyon ornatus

Malila did think he was harsh. But she did not hold it against him. Even in her youth, she saw that it was because he needed to be. Any well disciplined general training the newest recruits had to hold nothing back. To point out errors, to expose weaknesses. All so they could be refined. Corrected. If Malila wanted to defend herself, and more so, fight, then she needed to know her strengths and weaknesses.

And, as he clarified, have a clear game plan. Her size worked against her. Her plotting was too obvious. Instead of looking dejected, she tipped her chin up in a miniscule show of pride. "I will remember that. All of what you showed me today." Moving to exit the arena, she paused, seeing if she might be dismissed. But she also inched close to place a nudge of deference at his jaw, should he allow it. "Thank you."