That one rude revelation

Aelorin sat cross-legged in a chair that felt sturdier than the cold, hard floor he had been confined to previously. He still wasn't sure if the improvement in seating was a show of kindness or part of a more nefarious plan by his teacher, ShiVak. Across from him, ShiVak stood in an unyielding stance, clutching a small wooden bat that looked harmless but had already proven to be an instrument of pain.

"What are we waiting for? We've been in this position for a while now," Aelorin muttered, his voice low, but evidently not low enough. His thoughts echoed only for himself—or so he believed.

Without warning, the wooden bat descended like lightning, striking his skull with a sharp thwack.

"Gah!" Aelorin clutched his head, feeling the throbbing pain as he glared up at ShiVak, who regarded him with a stern expression.