The Shape of Balance

The sense of calm that had settled over Mia remained as the days passed, guiding her through the next stages of her training. Though her progress was slow, it was steady. Each small success—the shifting of a stone, the gentle movement of the earth beneath her feet—felt more meaningful now. Instead of frustration, Mia found herself filled with a growing respect for the ancient force she was trying to connect with.

Orla’s teachings remained as precise and unyielding as ever. She was never one to offer praise lightly, but Mia could sense a shift in her mentor’s demeanor. There was a quiet approval in the way Orla observed her, though her words remained few and measured.