[It is a test, but only marginally. It’s not as though he hasn’t been in that exact position—of not having any experience—but his own trials and tribulations were sometimes literally do-or-die. It makes sense to hammer some practice into her before she faces her own such instance; it would be a shame to lose one of their own, much less one devoted and entrenched in the medical practices that keep otherworlders safe and healthy.

Her misdirection is the right idea, but sloppily executed, and Stephen can read her intent before she approaches. Still, he raises a forearm to block, the force reverberating up to his wrist. It does hurt, a little.]

That’s the right idea. But your body language is giving everything away. Here, let me show you.

[And he does. And he shows her other stances, reveals the schools of thought the sorcerers taught him when it came to offense and defense, favoring precision of technique over the application of brute force. Time passes. It’s enough to have broken a sweat, and Stephen eventually calls the session to an end for now, rubbing the moisture from his brow.]

Not too bad, Doctor Dyer. It’s a good start.