A week has passed, and every fiber of Sonder's being throbbed with discomfort.
The mere act of raising her hand felt as though she were lifting a boulder. She had never considered that an undead could experience such muscular fatigue.
Yet, her ordeal wasn't over. Hrygo had assigned her the task of uprooting the rampant weeds that had taken over the front yard of her abode.
She was roused back to the aching world as Hrygo had called her name.
When Hrygo summoned her, Sonder was thrust back into the realm of discomfort. She inhaled deeply, ready to respond to her Hersir's call.
"Yes?" She questioned, raising her gaze.
Hrygo scanned their surroundings, surveying the yard.
"That will suffice," she declared. "Today, you rest."
Although Sonder was thankful for the reprieve, it felt more like a command.
"Six days of strenuous training and one day of rest. This cycle will continue until your master returns. A Simerian would have become as tougher than steel long before he arrives, but you are both the blacksmith and the iron, so your progress depends entirely on you."
Sonder nodded in understanding, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension at the thought of the demanding training regimen ahead.
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As she began to retreat indoors, Hrygo's voice halted her once again, causing her to freeze.
"Wait," she commanded, her voice tough but tinged with an unexpected softness. "I wish for you to accompany me to the river."
"The river? What will we do there?" Sonder asked.
“Swim.”
Sonder couldn't possibly decline. Her Hersir had asked her, and she had no choice but to comply.
She trailed behind Hrygo as they journeyed to the aforementioned river.
The river was a spectacle of nature's beauty. Its waters shimmered beneath the midday sun, flowing tranquilly and alluringly. Hrygo guided Sonder to a secluded spot, where the water was shallow and ideal for swimming.
Then Hrygo began to undress, and nothing to cover her womanly-hood, exposing herself completely.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Hrygo challenged as she stepped into the icy waters.
Sonder was rendered speechless as her eyes darted over Hrygo, feeling embarrassed by the sight.
"I- I-" She stuttered. "I don't think I can do that."
"Put your discomfort aside, girl. This is how my people have found relaxation for generations. Regardless of age or gender. I anticipated some shyness but not to the extent that you would feel shame at the sight of your Hersir's body, nor would I feel any shame looking at yours, my student, my lorsvein."
With a shake of her head, Sonder began to undress, mirroring her teacher's actions.
She entered the cold river, though she did not find it as discomforting as being naked.
As Sonder stood alongside the Simerian woman, Hrygo drew her nearer, wrapping an arm around her. The enormity of Hrygo's chest obstructed Sonder's view, each breast larger than Sonder's own head.
Sonder's own development hadn't even started, they were still mere buds. The thought of growing to Hrygo's proportions was unimaginable, and not something she desired.
Then she was dragged underwater as Hrygo dived with her in arm, letting the cold wash over them completely.