Natali stood in her training gear at the edge of the practice room for her practical course on weapons. She was always the first one to exit the changing rooms out of concern that other female students would pester her about her mark. Even though there were now other students with marks, four years of habit did not change immediately overnight.
As usual, Lyrah sat next to Natali on a soft chair, enjoying a relaxing break in the middle of the day. Since Natali had to attend practical courses and Lyrah did not, they had gotten permission for Lyrah to have a 'free period' by registering her for this class and allowing her to not participate but still receive credit. They were allowed to do this, thanks to Grandpa Wally.
"Do you know why Grandpa hasn't told Lucius yet?" Lyrah asked, looking up from a romance novel she was reading. The cover had a strange title that made Natali wonder how little Lyrah truly cared about how people viewed her.
"Interesting book." A voice called out. It was a deep, masculine voice that nearly made Natali melt into a puddle right then.
She turned and saw Lucius walking into the training room with his shirt bundled under his arm and a towel hanging around his neck. He swapped out his normal weapon for a wooden one of the same shape and size from his storage ring.
Practical training allowed for the use of standard armaments under most circumstances now that they were all seniors, but it seemed Lucius was trying to be considerate of the other students.
Natali had a hard time looking at the young man, however, which was why she paid so much attention to his weapon. With Lucius shirtless, she could see his toned body and an old scar along his neck and upper chest. Rena had informed her of the event that caused the injury, but it was still shocking to see. It wasn't that it was unattractive... rather, it made him more desirable.
Lyrah finally answered Lucius's question after smirking at Natali for staring at the man. "Yes, it is quite popular among the ladies. 'Dragonfire & Desire.' Perhaps a quick read might spice up your nights with Rena? Oh, wait. I've heard that it's not needed; forgive me, dear brother."
Over the last several days, Lyrah and Lucius have interacted a lot. At first, when she called him 'dear brother,' he would react extremely negatively, almost to the point of physically recoiling. However, Rena had several conversations with him and told him how close she was with the rambunctious girl and her maid.
After many conversations and a lot of Lyrah not giving up on her... well, personality, Lucius finally relented to allow her to call him 'dear brother.' Quite frankly, Natali was surprised he gave in so easily, but Lyrah said something about Rena being Lucius's weakness.
"And that..." Lyrah said, "is why I said it was better for the few people who knew. Someone tried very hard to make sure he was dead."
Determined, Natali walked up to Lucius and whispered, "Spar with me."
"Hmm?" he raised an eyebrow, then gave her an appraising look. "Fine."
"Are you going to hold back?" she asked curiously.
"No."
"Is it because you think I'm strong?"
"Hmm, not really. It's more like holding back would inhibit your growth as a warrior." He answered truthfully.
Like Lucius, Natali was often told she was not allowed to spar with the other students. They could not keep up with her rapid attacks in concert with her mark. As she was training to protect Lyrah, she was allowed to train with all aspects of her fighting capability at her disposal. For a while, at the beginning of her time at the academy, people only refused to spar with her.
Over time, her training alone became a requirement instead of a hapenstance.
"Fine, but if you kill each other, I'm not responsible. Everyone else, clear the ring. We are getting Lord Kane versus Natali. Everyone, take a look."