ICE
As the sky outside their window dimmed, Esteria and Asim returned to their room, their movements slow with fatigue but their minds still alert from the day's intensity. The warm light of the evening sun cast long shadows across the room, creating a peaceful, quiet sanctuary after the noise and chaos of the day's challenges. Esteria walked to the window, resting her hands on the cool ledge, letting her eyes drift over the distant horizon where the waters shimmered faintly in the twilight.
"We've made it this far," she murmured, her voice soft, as if not wanting to disturb the stillness. "Five points today. Taris would be proud of us."
Asim sat on the edge of the bed, his expression thoughtful. "We're getting closer, Esteria. Just twenty-five more points and we're through the hardest part."
Esteria turned from the window, a small smile lifting the corner of her lips, though her eyes remained serious. "You say that as if the hardest part is behind us."