Training session! (Stella/Solomon)

Solomon noted the disappointment in Stella's expression. Extending his hand forward, he playfully ruffled her hair to brighten her spirits. There was nothing inherently wrong with her actions, much less a need to be discouraged. She was excelling well beyond what one would expect for a woman who hadn't experienced battle against human opponents.

"Compared to when we first began? Not at all. For your first battle against me, you've performed quite admirably. My only suggestion is to pick your spots carefully, to catch your enemy unawares."

Solomon would carefully move beside her for a moment as he positioned his blade before her, displaying his relaxed grip on Keraunos' hilt. It was firm enough to execute a slash but not so tight as to hinder his overall flexibility during a flow of attacks. He performed a consecutive series of slashes, turning his head at the woman to offer one more instruction.

"For your axe, try using a relaxed grip. Don't surrender every moment to strength entirely. Simply treat the weapon as though it were an extension of your body. An overzealous swing can decide whether you live or die if you're facing humanoid opponents like an Arrancar, for example."

"Ah? I stand corrected, then. It seems you do have some form of experience against humanoid opponents. All of my efforts against Arrancar have ended in defeat, but as with all things in life, everything is a learning process. I've come to learn that the hard way, after all."

Solomon was pleasantly surprised by the small revelation. He was no stranger to the concept that there were well-meaning Arrancar who wanted to interact with the realm of the living. One currently occupied his city, after all. His visual display ended the moment Stella began swinging her weapon in earnest, observing her with a proud expression as he voiced his approval in the form of praise.

"Good. Exactly like that. Torque and body control are important. Again, never surrender your entire body to a strike. If you do so, it is only recommended when your opponent is on the verge of death and requires a finishing blow."

"Hey! I thought you said the hoodie would be proof of your training..."

His expression grew flustered as he cocked his head to the side. He had no issues with treating her to a meal based on her efforts alone, but that puppy dog-eye expression accomplished what Stella was aiming for with relative ease. Defeatedly, he sighed and softly chopped his hand across her head. His sword vanished into reishi as his gaze set itself forward in the distance. There was likely a nice concession stand nearby to indulge in a meal. With that in mind, he gestured for the woman to follow him.

"Fine. You've earned that much through your training at least, Stella. What do you want to eat?"

"American cuisine, eh? I can't imagine a woman more well-versed in the subject than her."

An amused expression marked his lips listening to Stella's words. He was no stranger to American cuisine. There were a few locations here that specialized in serving such meals. Since there was hardly any discomfort with her choice, he merely nodded assent and gestured her to follow him to a place Natasha had introduced him to on one of his first few days here.

"I do believe I know the exact place you speak of, Stella. Let us be off, then, shall we? I hear they make a mean cheeseburger."