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Fantasy Beyond Borders

It was finally time to jump all in. No turning back. Mira had been planning this now for half a year. After she attended the academy a year ago as a maid she had tried to pursue the instructors into letting her join the combat training. Instead she was lectured really badly and almost thrown out. Appearently it was something heretic if a woman would decide to pick up a weapon yet males were specifically trained to be warriors. Somewhat unfair in her opinion. That's why she came up with her master plan. Pretend to be male and attend the training that way. Of course it was going to be difficult that's why she took time to perfect her male performance. Training to act, talk and look like one. She often would in her privat chambers train her voice to be convincing and natural. That was the hardest part to get down. But now she was comfortable enough in her skills and decided it was time. Mira had her hair cut short, but long enough to hide some of her face features that might give of a female vibe. Picking out clothes was harder than she would have thought. First having to bind her chest of course before getting herself some boyish clothes. Mostly ragged old clothes since she barely had any money to spare. Coming of as a poor young male who had come to the academy to to try his luck.

Just as Mira entered she saw the familiar view of the academy before her. Though today she was not going to the left as usual. She was no longer working here and wouldn't have to endure to wash dirty clothes, clean dishes and cook, she only thought to herself in triumph. Ha take that! As she proudly stepped further ahead. Entering the main building she still could not get over it how beautifully crafted each tile and step was. Black and white marmor not just adorning the floor but the walls and stairways. Everything shining. None of the other buildings would come close to the handiwork that was put here. It must have taken an awful amount of time and probably a lot of blood and sweat. Mira respected that.

After confirming her attandence letter with the staff here. She went ahead to the grand hall, where the welcoming ceremony was suppoused to happen. Taking a deep breath she tightened the grip on her bag she carried over her shoulder. From now on she was male, her name Cole Sengor. As she looked around she noticed groups sprawled around and single people standing here and there. It seemed that most of the groups where divided into their respective clans. The atmosphere slightly tense. Mira had noticed it allready before coming to the academy. Something was going on between the borders of the clans. People had become more wary of one another. There were multiple rumours going around what could have caused it but nothing was confirmed or explained. The academy did It's best at keeping peace and so far it has been working but you still could feel that something felt odd.

Mira decided it was time to put her practise into action. She walked up to the nearest guy. Greeting him with a smile and carefree attitude. Innerly though she was quite nervous. She wasn't sure how the people would react yet.
 
Azriel stretched as he finished his breakfast, the manor staff buzzing around as they prepared for his departure. He was returning to the academy, it was his fourth year as a student, but certainly not his last. There was still much for the young dragon knight to learn, and he was eager to return. To be free of his father's harsh gaze at his soft nature toward those his father deemed 'less' than them. Girls shot this way and that, cleaning, packing, delivering different things here and there. He had tried, over the years, to speak with them. Treat them a bit better. Though his father had put a stop to that harshly when Azriel had been caught attempting to teach some girls how to defend themselves.

So now, he did not dare speak with any of them, but he did watch them. He made sure they were taken care of without them knowing who it was that helped. Heading for the large front doors, the dark haired man didn't bother looking back over his shoulder where he knew he father watched him leave. He would be traveling by horse, a wagon carrying his supplies. He'd rather transform and spend the day in the skies, but that was not to be. He didn't want to force some unfortunate maid or other servant to ride the horse and deliver his things for him. So, his journey began.

Thankfully, it wasn't a long trip, and when he arrived at the academy, he allowed servant to take his horse and things. They would be placed in his room while he attended the opening ceremony where the academy would accept new recruits. He milled around the back of the crowd, sending light greetings and warm smiles to those he had befriended in the years previous. Though he could tell tensions were high between the clans. More so than they had ever been in his memory. He felt the nervous tension crawl over his skin, his thoughts only to be interrupted by a light blue-haired boy who approached him.

"Oh, hello. New recruit?" he asked, his silver eyes passing over the boy's attire. This boy had to have luck to approach him, one of the very few that wouldn't have sneered at him and ignored him.
 
Mira gave a small and practised laugh. "Yeah. I guess that is quite obvious." She shifted her stance, a little more relaxed now, thinking that luck seemingly was on her side that the first person she talked too didn't immediately brush her off. "You in comparison seem like it's not your first year here." She gave him a quik look over, trying to remember if she had seen him before. Mira unintentionally stared him in the face as she thought. Something familiar but far to blurry. Truth is she didn't really pay much attention to the men around her while she was doing her chores here. She would only hear some girls gush about some guys but she never paid them much attention either. She smiled. "Name is Cole. What is-" about to ask for his she was interrupted by a loud gong. Everyones attention was drawn to the podium at the far end of the hall.

The grand master and the five main instructors of the academy had stepped onto the podium. She had recognized one of the instructors. The one that she had asked before to be trained and the one who had lectured her quite badly because of it. Her mien darkened as the speech began.
"Welcome old and new recruits. I can see that many of you have grown into strong and capable fighters allready but the training is not done just yet. Continue doing your best. Be good examples to the newcomers who will look up to you for guidance." The master paused to clear his throat, thought the tone he put on now was more serious. "I know that people are feeling a little uneasy because of what is going on outside. But I shall remind you that the Academies grounds are neutral. Any form of violation of that rule will lead to expulsion. So please behave yourselves." As he was about to step down he remembered something. "Oh and please. Leave the girls alone." He sighed and let one of the instructors take the spot light. That one ran through details for the experienced tranees. The second instructor was for the beginners. "Alright. Every newbie come to the training grounds within 5 minutes. We gonna do some practise combat. For each second your late you are gonna be running a lap around the whole academy."

Tightening her grip in anticipation on her bag Mira stared ahead. Finally she would be able to match the men. Finally have a go at kicking their ass. She had been itching to do that for a while now. Truth is she had no idea if she would be a match for them. But they would be beginners too right? So how hard could it be. She grinned to herself in confidence. Just as she was about to head out to the destined place she remembered the dark haired young men. She turned around. "Ah almost forgot to ask for your name." Mira stretched out her hand for a handshake. Maybe befriending this fellow could prove useful. "Nice to meet ya."
 
The dark-haired man chuckled at the recruit's response, nodding his head following the comment of him not being new. "This will be my fourth year." he responded just before the recruit started to introduce himself. His eyes were drawn away by the loud gong that caused the gathered crowd of students to fall near-deathly silent. They listened as the different instructors gave their opening speeches, a few instances of whispered chuckles here and there. There was a deep rumble of laughter at the comment of leaving the girls alone, though Azriel knew that there would be some who would get harassed. It made his skin crawl, but that was the way life went currently.

As the crowd began to disperse, new recruits racing in near panic for the training grounds, his attention was snagged once again by the new recruit that had approached him. He looked eager, which was a welcome change to the other recruits who almost seemed terrified to begin. "I'm Azriel Vanserra. You can call me Az." He said warmly, taking the boy's hand and shaking it firmly. "Welcome to the academy." he gave a wink before releasing Mira's hand. Some other boys called after the dark-haired fighter, and his attention moved to them for a moment before returning to the recruit. "All trainees will go to mess at the same time. You're welcome to join me and my friends. We usually gather by the old oak." he offered as he began to head in the direction of the friends who had called after him. "Good luck!" he grinned, as a bell chimed signalling only two minutes to make it to practice. He turned, and broke into a run, easily catching up with his friends before disappearing around a corner.

Strategy first, then... field repair? Was that it? He thought as he slid into his group of friends and classmates. His chest heaved slightly from the brisk run they had to make in order to be sure to make it on time. He knew this year was going to have more application classes rather than learning their abilities. He had all but completely mastered his darkness manipulation in the last three years. There were several classmates of his that gave him a wide birth, as they had clashed over the years and Azriel had come out on top. Thus, the new year at the academy had begun.
 
Slightly confused by his wink but very happy about the invitation to hang out later she bid him goodbye as he ran after his friends. Mira would make sure to remember his name. Azriel Vanserra. Strangely that sounded slightly familiar as well. But she shrugged it off before breaking out into a sweat panicking as she almost forgot the time limit. Running like crazy she sprinted out the hall across the campus through a huge wooden door to the training grounds. Just as she arrived the instructor shouted. "Three seconds late. Have fun running three laps around the academy later." Mira broke down completly breathless. She gave a small curse in her mind before catching her breath and standing up.

The people that were gathered seemed all rather nervous. Mira wasn't sure why but she was optimistic. Finally she would train with them, learn how to fight and perhaps one day be acknowledged as a fighter. She sat down her bag as the instructor put the 20 people present into pairs to spar. Everyone had received a wooden sword for now. "Alright. Today we do some basic combat. Without using any of your powers. If I see any of you cheat, that'll be 5 more laps. Now start!" The instructor shouted and stepped back observing everyone with an eagles eye. Mira's opponent was a head bigger and seemed to have double the muscle size. He smiled. He too realised she wouldn't be much of a match but she wouldn't give in just like that. Determined she put up her sword with both hands and they lunged at each other.

Hopelessly underskilled Mira took in hit after hit while she herself was barely able to land any. Even after they would change partners. No matter who. They all seemed to be better than her. After two hours of taking a beating she stood amongst the others as the instructor said. "I'm happy to see that many of you have quit the potential. While others..." He glanced just for a split second at her and she did took notice of it. "Aren't as good. But I'm optimistic that if you train hard enough you can become better. That's it for now. We'll continue tomorrow in the early morning with some power training." While the others disbanded the instructor gave her another look only saying. "Now let's see you do the three laps." Mira without a word, without any complaint or response started her jog around the campus. She could taste the metal from her blood in her mouth. At some point in their training one of her opponents smacked her chin and she accidently bit down on her tongue.

While on the jog she could think and she clearly realised one thing. She was woefully underskilled regarding combat. Her mien darkened and her optimism almost dissipated entirely. There had been no one who would teach her how to fight. How was she suppoused to know that most of the guys here had allready received some form of combat training prior to coming here. Frustrated she frowned and clenched her fists. After finishing her last lap she broke down on the ground breathing heavily. The instructor, whos name was Bernard, walked up to her. "You better visit the nurse. She'll give you something against the pain and bruises." with that he left her lying on the flattened and hardened dirt. For a minute or two she kept lying there before heaving her awfully aching body up, grabbing her bag and leaving to the infirmary.

The nurse was a kind old lady from the water clan. She immediatly treated Mira's numerous bruises sprawled across her body, and giving something against the pain. The old lady also gave her a salve to put on in the evenings to continue treating the bruises who have not dissapeared just yet. She had a pretty bad one on her chin and another above her left eyes and a few more on her arms, stomach and legs. Thanking the kind woman she exited feeling pretty down. Today was humiliating yet eye-opening. If she really wanted to keep up, no, to at least reach the bare minimum she would need to train a whole lot more than any in order to catch up. Somehow more enlightened than before she yet found new determination in her resolve. It was time for mess and she would take Azriel up on his offer. After having loaded off her bag in her room on the second floor at the far end in the barracks she trotted at a leisur pace towards the meeting place. The old oak tree.
 
Azriel groaned through his first few classes, the strategy and art of leading battalions. War. The subtle nuances that drove each side of a battle that was more than swinging a sword. It was certainly not his strongest suit, though he did have a knack for unusual ideas that got him a decent amount of attention. Not that he had the understanding to put those ideas into useful work. Though his friends helped him more than make up for it, and they found they were fairly decent war council when they worked together. By the time midday rolled around and it was time for lunch, he had been named second in command of a small group of his classmates. One of his buddies getting the honor of captain. This would only begin the years many war games that would be used as not only practical use of their skills, but also tests to see who could handle leading units and who couldn't.

With his stomach growling loudly, he and his friends headed for their usual meeting place after dropping their things off in their rooms at the barracks. They would all gather and draw straws on who got to collect lunch for the group. Then his early afternoon was free before spending the late afternoon running drills in the training arena. As they neared the old oak tree, Azriel glimpsed a familiar shade of blue hair and grinned. "Hey, that's the recruit that was talking to me at the opening ceremony. I invited him to meet with us." he said, letting his friends know who he was talking about. "Says his name is Cole." he added before trotting ahead to catch up to the blue haired boy.

"Yo, Cole!" he greeted, lifting a hand to clap the boy on the shoulder before noticing the bruises that littered his body. He winced slightly, "Rough morning?" he asked gently, though there was a hint of a laugh in his voice.
 
"Hey there." Mira greeted back as she steped away from the tree. A little nervous she stared at his open palm before he obviously took notice of her bruises. She lowered her gaze ashamed, rubbing her shoulder a little. "Yeah, kind of..." A disappointed and sad undertone swung in her answer. Though almost immediately she looked up putting up a fist saying with a smile. "But what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger right?" As soon Mira heard other footsteps close in she froze looking to the side she noticed numerous people had approached. She tried to hold her ground as many eyes stared at her curiously. She wouldn't have minded it if she wasn't pretending to be someone she really wasn't but what other option did she have. This made her nervous. Yet she did her best to be a convincing male. "Yo. I'm Cole. Nice to meet you all. Hows it hanging?" Alright, perhaps she went overboard there but luckily before the situation turned akward some of them gave a laugh. Relieved Mira exhaled. "So you all are in your fourth year here? I kind of just arrived today." She hoped her somewhat shabby clothing wouldn't turn away to many of Azriel's friends. He himself didn't seem to care, rather a open minded fellow Mira noticed. By now her stomach began to grumble and she put a hand to it to muffle the noise. A little emberassed she said. " So how are we going about getting food. You guys eat in the canteen or somewhere else?" She let her gaze wander the small crowd before letting her eyes rest on Azriel. For now Mira decided to stick closely to him, the safest option so far. The others felt a little intimidating to her.
 
Azriel chuckled, "I like your spunk." he said lightly, noticing how Cole froze upon noticing his companions. Each of them seemed to look to Azriel for something, some confirmation or other. Though the dark haired male purely shrugged to them with a slight grin. A red head stepped forward, his features gruff from repeated abuse, most likely training being the main cause. He stuck his hand out to shake Cole's, "Name's Lucien. Nice to meet ya, Cole." he said with a grimace that was probably meant to be a smile. "I'm actually on my fifth year. Few of these blokes on their third... but yeah, most of 'em are fourth years." he explained with a half-cocked nod toward different members of the gathered group.

In all, there were about eight, not including Azriel himself. Each of varying colors, and clans. Azriel cleared his throat and everyone seemed to form a circle, without so much as blinking differently while they included Cole as well. "Our group is large enough now, it'll take two of us to get enough food." he began, looking around them before looking toward Cole. "So, rules are we pace ten meters from the tree and form a loose circle. I generally count to three, and we all take off. Last two to touch the tree goes to the canteen to get food." He explained with a mischievous glint to his eyes.
 
Mira almost immediately shrunk a size at the sight of Lucien. He was hella intimidating, and seemingly the head of the group, being around the longest as well. She had to put in extra strenght, which she clearly lacked, into the handshake saying. "Likewise." Feeling relieved as soon he let go. She cast another gaze across the group. They were all from varying clans and she was glad they stuck together despite the current situation outside.

In a blink of an eye they had formed a circle in which Azriel explained the rules. She let out a small long. "Okayy..." Looking down thinking to herself. Oh no... All of her body was allready aching, especially her legs. She had allready to run the three laps, now that. She could be fast if she wanted to but today had exhausted her to much. She didn't especially lack any stamina, but simply the strenght. Her muscles weren't accustomed to such expenditure. Mira sighed looking up again, directly at Azriel noticing something odd. She squinted her eyes trying to discern his expression which she almost found villainous. His eyes seemed to draw her in before she broke the eye contact. The group began making distance to the tree, including her.

Everyone at the same distance and ready to go. Mira waited till the countdown would start. Knowing the outcome allready she still decided to do her best even if it meant certain failure. There was no way she could keep up with these people if she barely could with her own year. Closing her eyes for a brief moment filling her lungs with enough air, before bursting forward as the countdown reached three. She ran despite her legs wanting to give in, she forced them into submission and they obeyed. Yet as she put forth her arm she allready saw in her field of view numerous hands touch the tree, before hers finally made contact in last.

Resigned Mira finally wobbled backwards landing in the grass with her butt. She put up her palm saying. "Give me a moment." As all her leg muscles were screaming at her, Are you crazy!?! Rubbing them a little before finally standing up on slightly shaky feet. She gave a smile scratching the back of her head asking. "So who's the unfortunate other one?" Unsure who had come second in last she looked around for the person to step forward to finally go and grab some food. She was starting to feel starved, especially after all that exercise.
 
Azriel paced with the others, hands casually tucked into his pockets. There were several in their group that he had yet had the chance to catch up with, tensions in the world outside the academy making it near impossible to keep in touch with them outside the school. He was interested in finding out what was going on with their clans and families, and this would be a prime opportunity, though he had other intentions. He faced the tree with all the others, coolly surveying all those gathered as they readied for the sprint toward the tree. It was a game they played, testing each other. They had done this for the last few years when their group went from just himself and Lucien to what it was now.

He began the count once everyone had stopped moving and simply began waiting. He counted slowly, watching as muscles tensed in anticipation. He still stood straight, hands in his pockets. Confidence flowed from him as though he knew he was going to win. Or at least, that is what anyone who looked at him would think. He fully intended to lose, and that was because he wanted the chance to speak with the new recruit, whom he could already tell was exhausted after this morning. Luckily enough, Cole would most likely be headed inside for strategy and other indoor classes that the older students did while the first years took the training arena in the mornings.

The count finally reached three and dust flew up behind his friend's feet as they all bolted for the tree. One after another slapped the hard bark of the oak while Azriel continued to remain where he was, ten meters from the tree. As he had predicted, the last one to touch the tree was Cole. As he wobbled and landed in the grass, the dark haired man strode forward. "Oh dear, looks like I'll be going with the new recruit." He sighed in playful sarcasm as all the others erupted into laughter in answer to Cole's question. Azriel stopped before Cole where he had fallen, pulling a hand from his pocket and stretching it toward the younger dragon shifter in offer to help him up.
 
Mira had taken Azriels hand to get up but was rather dumbfounded by the reaction of the others. In complete disbelief she looked at the dark haired male with a heaved brow, opening her mouth to say something but instead shut it, shrugging off the issue before smiling along with the others. "So who wants what?" She asked into the round before being bombarded with requests, trying her best to follow them all, having to ask a few more times just to be sure to get the right food for them all. After getting everyones order the two made their way towards the cafeteria. After they were far enough of the ear shot of the group she gave a small snort, holding in a big laugh. Laughing loudly would betray her voice so she did her best to swallow it down. After getting over it she just simply said. "Well played." Giving him a knowing side glance. "Though you could have just asked me to help you get the food. I really wouldn't have minded." She smiled, though her aching legs weren't to happy about it. "But you have to improve your acting a bit more." She said trying to tease him a little.

After they finally entered the door to the building they were greated with all kind of food smells wafting their way. This place she really hadn't missed at all. Truthfully this was one of the tasks she hated doing the most here. Standing in the kitchen for hours and cooking, having to wear a dress in the heat. It was awful. But the cherry on top was definitly that snake of partner she always had to do the chore with. And speaking of the devil. The woman in question was hurrying back and forth tending to the food stands. Mira slowed her pace brushing a few more strings of hair infront of her face. Dear Lord please do not let her recognize me. She did her best to act natural but came off uncomfortable. Mira eventually decided to tell Azriel in all honesty. "I don't like her. I'm on her black list. Do you mind..." She paused briefly now down to a whisper. "Covering me?" Pleading to Azriel and hoping he wouldn't rat her out just to see something funny. Since he seemed to have a more playful nature to him than she had expected when they first met.
 
Azriel chuckled at the light hearted teasing, merely answering with an exaggerated shrug. "Had to see what you were made of after the morning training." He said lightly as they entered the mess hall. He took in a deep breath of the delicious smells wafting through the air, feeling his stomach rumble in hunger. Though he didnt miss Cole attempting to hide his face, and glanced toward the direction he was looking when the smaller of the two began speaking in whispers.

His eyes watched the woman who ran between the food stands, and shrugged. "How the hell did you manage that? She's always been sweet to me." He chuckled, flashing a grin but stepping forward and slightly to the side. Hiding Cole but not blocking the recruit's ability to traverse the hall. He walked easily enough, gathering the food and handing it back to Cole to carry.
 
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Mira sighed. "I have my ways...." She said and added in her mind. No wonder she's sweet to you. Basically anyone remotely attractive and rich would get that treatment from her. And Mira had spoken to her about that which made her garner ill intent from then on. She just found it unfair to give out special treatment to some and not all. That being said she was also a lover of gossip and she would slander behind everyones back. It was hard to trust that kind of person. But she wouldn't destroy that image of her. It wasn't worth the time and effort. Other things were far more important.

Mira thanked Azriel for putting up with her plea and took the food from him as he handed it back to her. Mira carried the food without any trouble, her balance was near perfect. Though it felt a little heavy on her arms, which felt a little sore, but were able to handle it. As they arrived at the stand she was interested in she spoke up. "That's the one I'd like." She did her best to point with her chin as her arms and hands were full. It was a simple sandwich with some lettuce, tomato and chicken meat. Though the tastiest part was the sauce of it. A mixture of salty and slightly sweet with different herbs mixed in. Mira knew how to make it, the woman who was the chef of the kitchen had shown it to her. A sweet lady, the only saving grace of this kitchen nightmare.
 
Azriel glanced over his shoulder at Cole's request, following the point of the recruit's chin to a particular stall. "Sure thing. That's one of my favorites." he agreed warmly, leading the way over through the many students and staff. He kept the woman in question in his peripherals, positioning himself to keep Cole hidden as he had requested. Though his curiosity still piqued over the reasons behind it. Cole hadn't offered much in terms of explanation. Yet, the man knew everyone had their reasons, and weren't always going to share them. He gathered up enough food from the stall for himself and whatever Cole pointed out that he had wanted.

"I believe we have enough here. Just gotta grab some drink." Azriel nodded to Cole, passing over some of the food he had ladden himself with so that he had a hand free. Slipping back through the crowds of other students, he made his way toward the stall that held carafes of wine and water. With his free hand, he scooped each finger through the handle of a carafe. Two of wine, and two of water. "That should do it. Lets head back. I bet everyone at the tree is grumbling about whats taking so long." Azriel chuckled, and began to lead Cole back out of the hall. "So, tell me your story. If you're willing to share, that is." he prompted as they walked back, curious to know more about the recruit. "What brings you to the academy so late? Normally first years are a bit younger. I was sixteen, my first year here." he offered up a bit to show that he wasn't just trying to be nosy, rather than learn about who he had welcomed into his group of friends.
 
It was nice to hear him agree on the food. She rarely had met anyone who shared the same taste. As Azriel led through the crowd Mira twitched slightly as they passed by near the woman in question as she heard her say her name in an upset tone. Thought she didn't hear what else she added after, as they had allready left her behind. She sighed relieved passing by the drinks but not before grabbing herself a plate of pastries with her now free hand thanks to her new comrade. She did her best to avoid bumping anyone while hearing Azriel strike up a conversation. As the crowd finally began to thin she relaxed and said. "The long or the short version?" She grinned, being fully prepared to share a background story for her male form. It leaned a little on her own but was diverse enough without giving to much from her original one.

She took a deep breath and began to tell her made up tale. "I know people enter sooner. I would have loved to join earlier as well but couldn't." Mira sighed dramatically. "As you can see probably, I'm from the water clan. I lived on the island chain in the southern ocean. My family were just the average fisher people. My dad went out to get the fish while my mother prepared it. I just helped where I could." Mira paused a little as they passed the exit of the building. "Shortly after I told my parents I want to join the academy my dad passed away due to a really nasty infection." Pausing again. "I just couldn't leave my mother all by herself. I was her only child afterall. I felt I had the responsibility to support her after our loss no matter what. So I kind of just gave up wanting to become a knight." She lowered her gaze to the ground, a gentle and sad smile on her lips. "But this year, mother just stepped infront of me. Threw a bag with my belognings at my feet and said, 'Don't come back until you've become a knight.'"

Oh what a sweet lie. Though her mother knew she came here, knew her intentions, she just found them to be futile. Going against the authority and order of this time, that had been established over centuries, was pointless. But Mira still wanted to try. And so she came here. "I guess she saw I wasn't really happy with my life there as a fisher so she pushed me here. I promised to write her every now and then though." She looked up again. Now seeing their group in her view as they walked closer. "Next, you'll have to tell me your story." Giving him a curious side glance. She couldn't really tell from where he came from, only guess. Her guess was from the shadow clan, known for their dark hair, but from what standing he came from? She didn't have a clue. He seemed to nice and cheery for a noble but to well spoken for a average resident.
 
[[I apologize for the bit of autonomy of your character... without it, my post would have been rather short... I can edit if you would prefer.]]

Azriel listened to the story of Cole's history, or at least the snippet that explained why he had ended up as a new recruit so much later than usual. In a small sense, the noble Shadow clan member sympathized with him. A call to honor of helping take care of his family. When the recruit mentioned wanting to hear his own story, the dark haired man grinned; "That's a simple one." he laughed as they reached the group who waited, rather impatiently, for their return. They all but swarmed the two to collect their lunches and eat. There was still some time before the afternoon classes started up, the academy allowing for ample time for all its students to eat a decent meal. They would have plenty other opportunities to suffer short lived meal times when not at the academy, as well as needing their strength for proper training.

Once everyone had dispersed once again, Azriel took his food and drink then went to find a spot in the grass to plop down to eat. He made sure to sit beneath the shade of the massive tree, motioning for Cole to join him. When they were settled and had begun eating, he dove into his story. "I'm the youngest son of the Shadow Clan leader. I've got five older siblings. Three brothers, and two sisters." he began, pausing occasionally to eat as he spoke. "I've the most to prove, and the least expected of me." he shrugged, watching his gathered friends. "My brothers are all many years older than I, having been through and graduated from this academy before I had been old enough to enter." he added, chuckling; "See? Simple." Azriel grinned, and went back to the last bit of his sandwich.
 
[[Hey no problem. I would have made the same decision.^^]]

Mira Joined Azriel beaneath the tree sitting down, crossing her legs. Her food layed before her on a handkerchief. Her Sandwich, water and two pastries. One with apple filling, the other with cherry. As he opened his speech Mira enjoyed her first blissfull bite. The hunger she felt made it taste especially good. She did listen carefully though. Halting a little as soon he mentioned clan leader. Continuing to chew carefully she was suprised by his background story. He really hadn't made the impression to her that he was a noble, no less one of the clan leaders son. As soon he finished Mira gulped down a piece of her sandwich taking a sip of her water before saying. "I don't see where that is simple." She gave a small laugh before looking up to him from the side. "I really didn't have the impression you'd be a noble. At least you don't seem to act like one. If I compare you to the ones from my clan for example." She shook her head before giving a sneer. "All snobs I tell ya."

Mira took another bite of her sandwich before asking with half her mouth full. "You got quite the big family there. Do you get along withf your siblings?" She always had wondered what it would be like to have one. Secretly she had wanted a little sister and big brother. Someone she could take care of and someone she could rely on. Her mother was a kind even though strict soul, but she never was able to replace any other role. As Mira finished her sandwich she pointed towards her pastries, looking up to the dark haired male with a carefree grin on her face. "Want one?" Even now that she knew he was noble, she didn't feel the need to change her behaviour. By his open nature she didn't feel pressured into bowing her head before him or acting overly polite.
 
[[Figured we could do a little dialogue between the 2 characters before the "lunch period" comes to an end, so I left it a little short]]

The dark haired man laughed at her comment about nobles, nodding in agreement to Cole's sentiment. "My sisters, I do." he answered Cole's question about his siblings, shaking his head in answer to offer. "No thanks, I don't do sweets all to often." he said lightly as he took another drink of water. "My brothers and I don't get along for the fact that they feel I'm a threat, and I could care less about even attempting to become Clan leader." he shrugged, chuckling at the thought. "As I said, I've got the most to prove, but the least expected of me. I have to prove to my brothers that I don't want their jobs, prove to my father that I'm a worthy son... Prove to my mother that I won't become heartless like most of my shadow clan kin..." he ticked off the list he had mentally formed years ago. "Yet, I'm not expected to do any of it. I'm not expected to be strong, or useful. I'm not expected to be a noble like everyone else." he sighed, but there was a lightness to it. "Best damn job ever. I can pretty well just do what I want, and as long as I don't get my ass kicked in the academy, I'm doing just fine." he grinned.
 
[[Sure^^]]

Mira gave a small frown as she went on to eat the first pastry thinking to herself. It seemed odd to hear him mention all the different things he had to prove. Especially the heartless part. She wasn't sure why that would need proving in the first place. Not really wanting to pry into his family matters she just took him by his word, since he seemed so relaxed about it. But there was another question that arose, that did interest her the most. Carefully scooting over to sit infront of him, her expression serious this time. "If nothing is expected of you, what is your goal here?" Her question was blunt, before she began to add some more context. "I mean, I don't expect you to have some unbelievably great purpose here."

Mira took a deep breath straightening her back, her gaze wandering off to the side, over to the different trainees and the female workers of this academy. Her face melancholic, yet her eyes with a hint of a slow burning fire to them. "I know what it's like to be put into a niche and be expected to do certain things while not allowed to do others. That's why I'm here. To prove myself and all the others, I can achieve something that no one else believed I could." She gave a small smile looking back at her new comrade. "I just hope you are doing this out of your own volition and not someone elses." Mira really wondered where Azriel would end up after he graduates the academy. Since he didn't strive for next clan leader, where would he go? No even having an inkling of his prowess she herself couldn't really think of any place to put him. While wondering she went on ahead, eating her second pastry.
 

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