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.