Isabella awoke to the faint sunlight filtering through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the empty expanse beside her. With a sleepy yawn, she stretched her limbs, feeling the absence of Aulfrick's warmth. He must have gone out hunting early, she realized, a familiar routine that had become a part of their daily life.

They had been sustaining themselves primarily on what Aulfrick could forage and hunt, occasionally selling the surplus to the local butcher for a few essentials. In a village where currency held little value, favors were the currency of choice, and most transactions were conducted through the exchange of goods and services.

Summoning the last remnants of sleep from her weary mind, Isabella finally mustered the energy to crawl out of bed. She reached for her toothbrush, the bristles soft against her fingertips as she contemplated what to prepare for breakfast.

"Thanks for making breakfast, hon," Aulfrick chuckled, savoring each bite of his meal with a leisurely pace. "I usually finish eating way before you. You must have been really hungry," he teased, his eyes sparkling with affection. He knew all too well how eager she was to start her training today.

"I suppose we should get started, or do you want to wait until everything is digested?" he continued, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips. He couldn't resist teasing her a little, knowing full well that she was itching to begin. As she shot him a playful glare, he couldn't help but smile, feeling a rush of warmth at the sight of her determination.

"Let's start with some yoga and basic meditation combined," Aulfrick began, his voice calm and soothing. "This is called active meditation. It's a normal practice on Earth, and I doubt anyone here knows this technique. Master it now, and it will greatly enhance your abilities in the future."

As Isabella followed his instructions, Aulfrick guided her through a series of poses, each one designed to cultivate mindfulness and focus. "Good," he encouraged, watching her movements closely. "Feel your breath, your lungs, and your heart. Once you can, I want you to start focusing externally as well. Your skin, the grass underneath you, the wind."

Aulfrick gently placed his hand bathed in the same invisible light from before. Pressing ever so slightly just above her lower back. She continued balancing on one hand, her legs reaching towards the sky. Not an easy task especially given her top-heavy build... Isabella felt a loving warmth start to envelop her very soul. “Keep practicing, my love,” his soft words breaking her concentration.

As she worked through the poses, she started to feel everything—the wind, the grass, her lungs—everything. It was as if she knew where everything was in the small bubble that surrounded her.

As Aulfrick examined Isabella's first kill, his expression shifted between pride and contemplation. "Not bad," he remarked, his tone carrying a mixture of approval and assessment. It had been barely two months since their arrival in Woodhaven, yet Isabella had already displayed remarkable skill. Beside him, Isabella stood tall, a sense of confidence evident in her stance.

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The rabbit-deer lay before them, a display of Isabella's newfound proficiency and determination. Its form, once full of life, now rested in stillness, a result of her precise aim and steady hand. Isabella's gaze lingered on it; a silent acknowledgment of the effort she had invested into mastering the art of hunting.

Aulfrick turned to Isabella, a hint of challenge in his eyes. "Pop quiz, what are the steps required in taking down this animal?"

"Really," she began, her voice tinged with exasperation. "You're asking me this now? Can't we just enjoy this moment before you ruin it?" Her eyes bore into him with unwavering intensity as her jaw subtly tightened. "I just accomplished something big, and you..." Her voice trailed off, heavy with unspoken emotion.

"Love, I am proud of you," Aulfrick's voice carried a soothing calmness, his words sounded relaxed as always. His smile, soft and gentle, radiated warmth, a reassuring presence in the midst of her turmoil. As his gaze met hers, she felt a rush of emotion, her heart skipping a beat before quickening its pace. Despite the intensity of her emotions, his look had a way of making her melt, leaving behind only a sense of security, love and desire. "I want to make sure you are able to survive and thrive no matter the odds."

"You know, looking cute and hot isn't always going to work on me, you jerk," Isabella retorted, her tone a mixture of annoyance and affection. Despite her words, she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest when he looked at her that way. "I'm only answering this because I want to, not because you're trying to boss me around.

Observe my surroundings: Look for signs such as footprints, droppings, or disturbed vegetation and so on.

Follow the trail: Once signs are found, carefully note any fresh tracks or other recent activity.

Use my senses: Sight, smell, and hearing are key. Look for visual cues like movement or silhouettes, listen for rustling leaves or snapping twigs, and use my sense of smell to detect the musky or odors.

Move quietly: Keep my movements slow and avoid alerting anything to my presence. Taking deliberate steps and avoid stepping on branches or dry leaves or anything that could make noise.

Stay downwind: Position myself so that the wind carries my scent away from prey, reducing the risk of it finding me.

Stay patient: Tracking can take time, so be methodical and patient. Take breaks to rest, observe, and constantly reevaluate surroundings. Do not rush.

Stay alert: Keep an eye and ear out for any signs of movement or presence.

Close the distance: As I get closer, move with even greater care and caution. Minimize any sudden movements or noises that could startle prey.

Take the shot: When a clear shot presents itself, aim carefully and make it count. Remember to remain mindful of my surroundings to avoid unnecessary danger. The hunters who forget this step often get themselves killed as this is when they are most vulnerable because they tend to be hyper focused on their target.”

"Good, and why..." Aulfrick began, but Isabella didn't let him finish his sentence.

"Why do I want to make sure it dies preferably in one shot?" she interjected, her tone confident and matter-of-fact. It was a question she had heard Aulfrick pose countless times before. "Because it's about efficiency, not ethics or emotion," she continued without missing a beat. "One shot means fewer resources wasted, less energy expended, and reduces unneeded risk."

"Great job, my love," Aulfrick praised, his voice warm with pride. "Remember, these skills are just as important for a hunter going after an animal in the wild as they are for a person going after another." He let the weight of that statement settle as he moved to pick up the carcass. "I'll prep this; you go get your workout in. Tomorrow, I'll start teaching you martial arts." Aulfrick's words brought a smile to Isabella's face.

With a playful air, Isabella made a punching motion, accompanied by a mock battle cry. "Waaaaachaaaa. You better behave, or I'm going to do a takedown on you, mister."

"Whatever you say, pipsqueak," Aulfrick teased back, his tone affectionate.

"Next time you leave your used underwear on the floor, you better watch out or you'll get one of these," Isabella threatened, raising her fists into the air.

Aulfrick grinned. "You didn't complain last night about it." He chuckled as Isabella rolled her eyes. "You're up to a hundred and eight miles an hour now, so I'm expecting you to push yourself to at least one fifty today. And make sure to keep your knife and bow on you at all times now."

Aulfrick gave her a light kick on the bum. "Get going, and don't let anyone from the village see you."