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"But your shoulders looked better!"

Great A twelve-year-old was kicking her ass and trying to lared at Mala "Can we take a break now? I think I need to ice this leg"

An unfaet better if you keep taking breaks"

Ava turned to stare The woman was tall and dark with olive skin and black hair that strea about her--froer!" Ava stepped in front of Brooke, but the girl shot out from behind her and rushed forward

"Renata!"

"Ciao, bellaout her ar her in an eirl?"

Mala signed quickly, and Renata lifted one hand, signing back while still holding Brooke with her other ar the silent conversation "She’s fro in Istanbul when Damien met her She’s not Turkish"

Renata said, "I was thinking Persian, actually Welcome to Sarihöfn, Ava"

"Thanks" She lowered her staff and stepped forward "Your name is Renata?"

"Yes" Renata eyed Mala "Are they done for today?"

Mala shrugged, then signed soo, because Renata turned and started toward the door with the girl still curled under one arm

"I’ll see you later, Ava"

"Bye!" Brooke called

Ava lifted her hand in a wave, then started toward the bench where she’d left her jacket, only to be stopped by a staff across the belly Groaning, she lifted her eyes to Mala

"Let uess I’m not done yet"

The corner of Mala’sto read her expression

Not even close

She wanted nothing more than a bath and a bed by the tie Mala had drilled her for another three hours after Renata had shown up and taken off with Brooke Luckily, Ava was picking up soet better And so, despite her reservations, were her attacks Mala was a patient teacher and seeling By the end of the session, she was parrying with a fair a off blows And, if she’d read Mala’s signs correctly, the next week they were going to add daggers

Ava liked daggers

"Wash up," Da tea and I’llto a sing There will be a dinner before at the house" He glanced at her "I’ll get you an ice pack, too Do you need two?"