265 Beatings, Deadlines, and a Voice in Her Head

"Take this," one of the Demis handed a small ointment to Olpi. "It will help with the pain."

"Thank you," Olpi whispered back. Even though her suit rubbed against the fresh bruises, courtesy of instructor Jersin's metal cane, she forced out a smile filled with a practiced sense of warmth.

"It's no problem." The Demi named Menla replied before coughing twice. "I'm just doing what you taught most of us Demis to do over the years you've been on the first floor: to look after each other. Although…" She rubbed the back of her red curly hair. "Now you have to tell me about him." Even though she was a small dwarven girl and uncharacteristically skinnier than most, Olpi winced as the girl elbowed her. "Oh…sorry. That was right on a bruise, wasn't it? I meant-"