Chapter 4: Not So Different.

.

.

The meeting was held so early in the morning Balaiya decided to stay up all night once again. She'd rather be tired than late after all. No matter how much she would regret it later.

Byleth and Hanneman were already there when she walked into the Audience Chamber, and Seteth wasted no time on briefing them when she arrived. He did pause for a moment to congratulate her for her performance in the mock battle, and Balaiya appreciated the acknowledgement.

They each were given a mission to patrol some villages that had a problem with bandits at the end of the month. Apparently the church would often send a routine check up on the most vulnerable villages. Seemed simple enough, after all it was one of the most basic missions people paid her father to carry out. However, she did have to figure out if any of the students had ever seen a true battle. Just in case. That was something she doubted.

Balaiya cursed inwardly when Byleth jabbed her in the side. She'd been spacing out again. Hopefully not with her eyes closed...

"This following Monday is the official first day of regular classes. The day will start at eight o'clock sharp, and conclude at four thirty. Have you figured out what classes the two of you will be offering to the other students outside your class? Naturally Professor Hanneman will be offering lessons with offensive magic and lectures on crestology."

Byleth handed Seteth some paperwork, "I'll be offering axe and Lance training to any interested. I can also review battle strategies with students."

"I'll be giving instructions in hand to hand combat. I'll offer sword training and tactics as well." Balaiya said quietly, handing Seteth her papers too.

He scanned her paperwork for a moment and nodded approvingly. "Very well, I wish the two of you luck. Oh and Miss Balaiya? May I have a word with you?"

She nodded once and snuck a wary glance at her brother. He held her gaze for a moment and left the room quietly, followed by Hanneman.

Seteth cleared his throat. "Now, I feel I must remind you, we have a certain level of ethical behavior required at the academy."

Balaiya felt her stomach tighten, so he'd reported her after all?

"I've received an anonymous report that you struck a student in the face. I questioned him but he and those in the area denied the incident. Since the incident was denied I can not punish you. Even so, I must remind you. Do make sure you keep an air of professionalism with the students. It would do us no good if someone in our employ was behaving in such a manner."

She nodded tensely, "Of course." She stood there with pursed lips until she was dismissed.

'Bandits, they say…'

Balaiya gasped.

'Have you no words for me? Do not tell me that you are shocked to hear from me! You ought to know I am always with you now. To hear my voice should not come as a shock.'

Balaiya carefully continued walking, her voice set at a whisper. "I'm sorry."

Walking back to her quarters, she was lost in thought. Of course someone would report her. She didn't understand why she expected otherwise. The only thing that didn't make sense was that Claude had apparently denied it? Part of her wanted to ask him, but the more logical part of her sighed in disappointment. She'd even asked Sothis what she thought she should do but the girl remained silent. Perhaps asleep again? She decided she'd have to make sure to keep her distance, she didn't want to get too comfortable. Especially around him, he seemed to have a strange knack for catching her off her guard. She hurried straight to her room so she could catch up on some much needed rest.

Before she knew it, it was the first day of real classes and she found herself standing at the front of the classroom feeling out of place.

"Good morning everyone. Today I'll be going over your performances in the mock battle. As well as the classes I've picked for you to take. If you decide you don't like something on the list. Tough. I want you to take it for this first month and we can talk about switching things around after that." She grabbed a pile of papers from her desk and started handing one to each student. "This is a written version of your individual evaluations. I've added more details to each one that expand on what I'll go over today."

Hilda scanned her paper quickly and then peeked at Marianne's paper. "Um, professor. What is this self defense class we both have?"

Marianne frowned at Hilda and turned her paper around so she couldn't see it anymore.

Balaiya sighed, "That is actually a mandatory class." She said and returned to the front of the class. "Everyone has to take it. My goal is to get all the students to take the class. Unless of course you can pass a test that says you know the basics already. You shouldn't be surprised at how important it is to know how to fight without a weapon. A perfect example is the mock battle. When I disarmed my brother, he could have bounced back quickly if Marianne, Lysithea and Raphael hadn't taken him out together. Although it is useful to rely on your comrades in a fight, you must always be prepared for the chance of being alone on the battlefield."

Marianne raised her hand timidly. "Excuse me Professor?"

Balaiya turned to her, "Yes Marianne?"

"I'm sorry I couldn't have been more help."

"No, Marianne. You did wonderfully. You were after all, one of the last students standing. As the healer of the group, for now you shouldn't worry about being on the front lines."

The shy girl folded her hands in her lap and nodded.

"As a result, I've decided to award the students who performed so well. I'll decide what that is at a later date. For now we should all congratulate, Marianne, Lysithea, Raphael, and Claude for their hard work."

Leonie threw her hand up in the air, a fire in her eyes.

Balaiya silently prepared herself before she called on the girl. She had considered naming her as well. But there were a few times where she broke formation and she needed to learn that would only hinder everyone in the long run. "Yes Leonie?"

"Professor, just because the rest of us were taken out we don't get to be recognized? That hardly seems fair."

Balaiya pursed her lips. "I'm not going to be giving out participation awards Leonie. If this was a real battle, the rest of you-" She motioned to the rest of the class. "-would all be dead." She crossed her arms. The rest of the class fell silent. "Anymore questions?"

Lorenz raised his hand "Is it not also a result of poor leadership, Professor?"

Balaiya stiffened, she was well aware that she could have done better. After all, there was always room for improvement. It wasn't like she was claiming she had no fault in it either. She opened her mouth to respond but nothing came out. She closed it and grit her teeth.

Leonie added her own two cents in, appearing almost smug. "I mean right? I bet Captain Jeralt would have never allowed his team to take such ridiculous casualties."

"I don't know about that," Claude turned around in his seat to face the rest of the class. "while it's true that a stellar leadership can bring about victory in the most dire of situations. Like a famous tactician once said," He added an accent to his voice " 'A thousand pegasi lead by one dragon can overcome an army of a thousand dragons lead by one pegasus.' I would argue that fits us well. I mean we won. It's not Teach's fault a few of those pegasi ran straight into the maw of a deadly lion." He turned back to her and winked. "Right, Teach?"

She had to try harder than she thought she should have to hold back a smirk. "Um, any other questions?" When no one rose their hand she cleared her throat and continued. "Alright, so obviously Dimitri is The Blue Lions's strongest member. In terms of pure strength. So it's our job to find his weakness, and exploit it. Their most talented healer, so far, is Mercedes. In the next mock battle, she has to go first. When the opportunity is there you always strike the healer first."

She continued her lecture for a few more minutes but decided to cut it short out of fear of being repetitive. The rest of the time she offered the students the opportunity to review their papers with her. When everyone had gotten the chance to speak with her if they wanted to she stood back at the front.

"Alright, we've been given a mission by the Archbishop to travel to a town and provide assistance. The area we are going to is known to have frequent bandit attacks. The church sends random routine check in's every month to make sure the villagers are alright. This could be dangerous everyone, I need you all to be serious about your training. Of course we will avoid fighting if necessary, but you must ask yourself. Are you ready to take a life?"

Hilda gasped, "Like murder?"

"Don't worry. If I am able… I'll make sure you don't have to do that. Also, keep in mind we'll begin training for 'The Battle of the Eagle and Lion' that's during the Wyvern Moon." A few of the students made silent cheers, "Most of you might already be aware of the tradition then. We'll go into more detail later. That's it for now, I'll see you all after lunch for your first lesson. Good luck with the rest of your classes till then." She went back to her desk and started jotting down notes for the week.

"Hey Teach."

Balaiya kept her eyes on her notebook. She didn't have to look up to know who was speaking to her. "Hmm?"

"More bandits? Not very original, Teach."

"Not interested?"

" Well, as long as you're with us, at least things won't be boring. In fact… It tay take a turn for the interesting."

"Just be prepared." She heard some shuffling before he suddenly appeared in her vision, practically upside down.

"Everything alright, Teach?"

She sat up quickly and leaned away from him. "...Yes. Do you need something else? You're going to be late if you keep wasting time here."

He blinked a few times before his expression melted back to something coy. "Hm, I'll see you later then." He gave a short wave more akin to a salute and sauntered out the door.

Balaiya frowned to herself, a slight sting of guilt burning her for a moment before she brushed it off. 'I can't get too comfortable.'

.

.

When the lunch hour came she found herself in a seat beside her brother. "Hello Leth, how'd your morning go?"

He turned his head to look at her, slight annoyance in his eyes but she could tell it wasn't for her. "Great."

She rose a brow, "Hm?"

"Ther-"

A redhead manifested before them with a plate full of food and a wide grin. "Hello Professor! Oh!~ And who's this lovely Lady?"

Byleth blinked blankly "Hello Sylvain."

"I'm also your professor Sylvain." Balaiya said unamused.

"Oh? And what will the lovely lady be teaching?" He winked.

It was the same thing Claude did but for some reason she found herself feeling more irked than anything. "...Hand to hand combat."

Sylvain grinned and leaned across the table slightly. "Does that mean you're going to throw us around?" He boldly grabbed her hand. "Ooh, I can't wait for that class. Is it today?"

Balaiya took a breath to respond but was cut off, much like Byleth was just before.

"Hey Teach~ looks like you finally officially met our friendly neighborhood philanderer."

Balaiya took the opportunity to slip her hand from his grasp.

Sylvain spluttered indignantly, "Well! Afternoon Claude. How nice of you to join us. I was just talking to our lovely Professor about her class."

"Ah yes, I can't wait for that. It's right after lunch?"

"You're telling me you forgot your schedule already Claude?" Balaiya said with a raised brow.

"Me? Forget? Never. I'll have you know I have a great memory."

"That so? Then you could probably handle a heavier schedule."

Sylvain snickered, "Like being smothered by books huh Claude? I, on the other hand enjoy the smothering of a wo-"

Balaiya rolled her eyes and turned her head to her brother.

He met her eyes and sighed, "Two of a pair?"

"Hm, maybe."

"Let's go." He stood and set his plate in the kitchen, she did the same and followed him outside.

"What's the overall feel you get from your class?" They started walking back to the classrooms.

He thought for a moment, "Um, perhaps dedicated would be the best word. You?"

Balaiya shook her head solemnly, "... Chaotic."

"Hm...Well, how have you been? Getting enough sleep?"

"Yea, yea. I am." She waved him off, "Have you checked out all of the facilities yet?"

"Yeah, Everywhere we're permitted at least. The library is huge. You should check it out. Aside from that." He shrugged. "I'm glad there's a fishing spot. Though it feels strange, everything is closed up within the monastery. You should try going fishing some time."

"Hmm, alright...what do you think of the mission?"

"It sounded like Ashe was concerned about the well being of the bandits. That sparked an interesting debate." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Maybe I should have spoken to him more after class, he looked upset."

"I can talk to him if you want." Balaiya said.

"If you want to, I'm sure he's fine."

"Well if I see him, I'll try and ask him. I have to start class now…"

"Yeah, same." He smirked, "Good luck, you'll need it."

Balaiya brushed off his jab and hurried to one of the training fields. Luckily only Lysithea and Claude were there already. The fair haired girl seemed agitated by whatever Claud was saying, and judging by the mischievous gleam in his eyes he was most likely teasing her about something. "Hey you two."

"Professor!" Lysithea rushed over to her. "Please, tell this, this absolute fool to quit his absurd antics!"

Said absolute fool laughed "Aw, don't be like that. It's all light hearted fun anyway, Teach."

Balaiya sighed inwardly and crossed her arms, "You sure seem full of energy. Perhaps you wouldn't mind being my volunteer?"

Lysithea cheered in the background just as the rest of the class showed up.

Raphael grinned, "Why are we celebrating Lysithea? Did the Professor bring us some snacks?"

"You just ate lunch Raphael, honestly show some restraint for once." Lorenz said exasperated.

Lysithea shook her head, "No Raphael, the Professor is going to turn Claude into a bag of bone dust."

"He's going to fight the Professor?" Leonie said with a gasp, "Professor please, let me be your opponent instead!"

Ignatz hesitantly tapped her on the arm, "Um, Leonie? Maybe you shouldn't be so demanding with the Professor?"

Balaiya rubbed her temples and clapped her hands together a few times. "Alright guys, hush. If you guys want to participate more, then be early. As you all already know, this is just as much a learning opportunity for me as it is for you too, okay?" She surveyed them carefully. "Take off any jackets or loose clothing, they won't be needed right now." She removed her own jacket and folded it carefully, placing it on a shelf against the wall. She then tucked her white sleeveless shirt in her pants securely. "Ladies, I hope you wore shorts. I'll get you proper training outfits for the next class. We're gonna start with some stretches and other warm ups and then I guess we'll just jump right in."

Leonie was the first to untie her jacket from around her waist and stuffed it carelessly into a shelf. Claude and Lorenz followed suit.

Balaiya couldn't help but notice how different they automatically looked. What with Claude in a low cut, loose shirt and Lorenz in the most frilly man blouse she had seen in awhile. 'I wonder if Lorenz could even stand to wear normal clothing...might be a fun experiment.' She took a deep breath and motioned for the class to start stretching and started going through drills with them.

After quite a bit of grunting and complaining, most of which was done by Hilda she motioned for Claude to join her at the front of the group.

He let loose an over dramatic sigh and waltzed over to where she stood. "Alrighty, what ya got for me today Teach?"

She eyed him warily, suddenly feeling uneasy though she wasn't sure why. 'Maybe I'll switch him for Leonie after all?'

A sudden shout startled her so much she stumbled back. 'You really must be simple! Honestly there is nothing wrong with the boy! Absolutely nothing! He's fine! Hm...actually…the..., oh an-' The following mutters were some how unintelligible. 'Just tell him to fight you so you can stop looking like a fool! Go on, tell him!'

"Whoa!" Claude reached for her arm to help steady her. "Are you alright there Teach?"

Balaiya bristled, and wormed her arm away before he could grasp her. "Just hit me."

'Ugh! Honestly…'

Balaiya felt her throat tighten at the admonishing tone.

"Uh, Teach?" Claude tilted his head, confusion plastered across his face.

Balaiya grit her teeth and held her first up, giving him just a second to ready himself before she swung at him.

He dodged her easily, much to her shock, but she recovered quickly and hooked her foot behind his and kicked his feet out from under him.

He fell back awkwardly, appearing to make an attempt to catch himself but strangely hit the ground anyway with a strained "Oof"

Lorenz laughed, "Wow Claude, that was quick."

"Me next Professor!" Leonie punched the air in front of her twice then kicked.

Balaiya walked around Claude and looked down at him with narrowed eyes. "What are you doing Claude?"

He tapped his chin as if in thought "Well Teach, I believe I just fell for you." He winked.

Raphael burst out laughing. "Haha! I get that reference! Cause he fell down!"

Balaiya pursed her lips and nudged him with her foot. "Stop messing around Claude."

"Alright, alright" He held out his hand "give a guy a hand?"

She blinked at him and sighed heavily before taking his hand. He grasped her hand tightly and she tugged him once, he got to his feet easily. She noticed for the first time how rough his hand was, he clearly did a lot of work despite his aloof persona. She could only wonder why he never mentioned any extra training. She released his hand realizing a bit too late she was still holding it when he rose a brow at her. 'He didn't mention it, because you didn't ask.' She sighed, it really wasn't her business.

She tuned back into the rest of the class, and gave everyone who wanted a chance to fight her their time. She gave special attention showing movements to Marianne and Ignatz in the hopes that her extra encouragement would inspire some motivation within them.

"It's okay if you don't get it even in the first five or more times Marianne. What matters is that you try your best. If you do that, you'll get it eventually." Balaiya squeezed the girls shoulder. "There is no need to rush."

Ignatz nodded in agreement. "That's right Marianne! All of us are on different levels. What matters most is we try! And improve together!"

Marianne nodded once, her hands clutched to her chest. "Alright…"

It was a few hours until supper when she finished the class. "Okay, that's about it for today. Here's your partner for your group task. Make sure you get some good rest everyone." She gave each student a pieces of paper with their partner's name and the details of their work. "Um, have a good night everyone." She did her best to ignore the awkward feeling hovering over her as she waved at the group and left the training field.

'That was more stressful than it needed to be. I hope I didn't seem too...cold? Does it even matter?' She stopped near the dining hall, images of out of control scenarios flying across her mind. 'Maybe I'll skip on dinner...what else could I do till sundown?... Oh! Since I have some time to kill, I should check on my flowers. I wonder if any of them sprouted yet.' She smiled to herself and hurried off to the greenhouse.

She greeted the gardener kindly and quietly walked over to her small plot. To her surprise the flower she had set aside to cultivate was in full bloom, a bright gold daffodil. She inspected it curiously, carefully touching the thin petals. She reached out to pick the flower but was stopped by the gardener.

"Oh no I would wait on that. If you pick a single daffodil it is said it may bring bad luck. If you're going to pick the flower always do it in a pair or more."

Balaiya stared at her curiously, "Bad Luck? Is it really that serious? It's just a flower."

"Of course it is, do you truly believe that these beautiful blooms have no meaning? Each one is significant in their own way."

She held the side of her face in thought. "Well, they do carry meaning I suppose. At the very least they can make someone smile."

The gardener nodded happily "I'm glad you agree. Flowers are a wonderful gift to give to anyone for any reason. Tell me, have you ever given a flower to your mother or father when you were young?"

A quick memory flashed behind her eyes of herself, barely taller than her father's knee, carefully picking cotton like dandelion and presenting it to him. The smile that spread across his face filled her with a sense of pride. She smiled to herself when the rest of the memory played out. Right after that her brother had slapped a rather large beetle in her hand, claiming it to be a treat. The following look of horror that enveloped her father's face as she happily shoved the beetle in her mouth and crunched into it was something the other mercenaries loved to joke about. Even to this day.

"Yes, I have." Balaiya said with a smile.

The gardener smiled brightly. "I'll definitely be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about gardening."

Balaiya nodded, "Thank you, I'll keep that in mind." She knelt back in front of her plot and carefully watered the small sprouts that had peeked out of the dirt.

Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Ashe walk in and disappear behind some of the taller plants. When she was finished tending to her flowers she stood, brushing the dirt from her pants and walked over to him. "Good evening Ashe."

He turned around quickly, his face paler than usual. "Professor! Oh, you scared me. I thought… nevermind. How are you?"

Balaiya studied him for a moment, and sat on the edge of the flower box. "I'm alright. How about you? Did you enjoy class?"

He nodded, "Yes! Professor Byleth is very smart. He sure knows what he's talking about."

"You felt um, comfortable in class?"

"Of course. Why?"

She sighed and held the side of her face in thought. "I just want to make sure we're doing everything alright. I'll be teaching your class some lessons too. I want to make sure I don't make his mistakes."

Ashe stayed quiet for a while though his brow was furrowed. He carefully preened the plants he had growing in his plot.

Balaiya crossed her legs and closed her eyes, allowing herself the time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

When Ashe finally did speak, his voice was just above a whisper. "I'm worried about the mission. What if…" he chewed his lip and shook his head. "No, nevermind me."

"Hm, it's okay if you aren't comfortable. It's understandable. Most people are not comfortable dealing with criminals."

"No, that's not it Professor. I just… I don't think we should hurt them… what if they are being forced? Or I dunno..."

She nodded once "You are right, sometimes people are forced to do things they don't want to do. Keep in mind though, my brother and I are not savages. If we notice someone is in need of help we won't ignore them. After all, my father would surely be disappointed in us if we did. If mercy is asked for, it'll be given. However, if someone is given the choice to surrender and they refuse. Then that leaves you with two choices. Let then kill you, or do what you can to survive. I wish I could be more comforting, but it's hard to do when speaking of such serious topics. Just make sure you stay safe. If you truly can't bare to go on the mission I'm sure we can figure something out."

Ashe shook his head. "No Professor, that won't be necessary. Thank you for your encouragement. I'll… I'll do my best."

"I'm just glad I was able to help." Sure stood and dusted herself off. "Oh, by the way. Can you remind your classmates to bring some flexible training attire to change into for when you have my class? We'll be in the training field for a while. The uniforms you wear are not the best."

He nodded eagerly, "I will Professor!"

She found herself smiling just a little as she stood. "Thank you Ashe, you'll do fine. I have faith in you." Hesitantly she placed her hand on his shoulder and gave him a gentle squeeze. Much like her father always did to her and her brother and recently like she did with Marianne. She didn't know if it was the right thing to do, or if it was considered 'disorderly' conduct. But it felt right regardless.

She left the greenhouse to find the sun was setting on the horizon. 'I suppose I'll head back to my room now.'

'Are you not hungry? It seems when you are, then so am I. I find I quite dislike this infernal grumbling your stomach is making!'

Balaiya widened her eyes in surprise. She looked around carefully, walking further down the path. In a near silent whisper she said. "Sothis? Are you always… going to be." She scratched her head, "I mean can you see everything I do?"

She was met with silence for a long breath, long enough to make her feel awkward for speaking out loud. What if someone heard her?

'Of course I can! When I am sleepy, obviously I sleep and then I cannot. Honestly, what would make you think otherwise? You truly believe I simply float in this empty abyss that is your head?'

Balaiya couldn't help but feel slighted, empty abyss? What was this girl trying to say about her? Then again. She shook her head and sighed. She'd been in the strange throne room with her. If she would describe it then empty abyss is certainly the words she'd use. It also just happened to be in her head so…

"Um, how come you didn't speak to me when I was little? You were always just.. asleep."

This time the silence only lasted a short breath, 'I, I do not know…'

Balaiya waited to see if she would continue, when she didn't she resumed her walk to her room.

"Hey! Teach!"

She groaned inwardly and turned slowly to face him, her lips pressed in a thin line.

"Evening."

"Oo, I see you're as stoney face as usual."

She crossed her arms tightly in front of her. She was quickly growing tired of this analogy.

"Hmm. I can't tell if you're feeling resigned or if you're just lost in thought. Or maybe you simply don't care about anything that's going on."

This time she frowned, just where was he getting all of this so suddenly? Before she could ask he continued.

"Oh… Sorry. I really didn't mean to be rude."

She couldn't contain herself this time and blurt out. "Is that so?" Her voice unintentionally dripped with annoyance.

"Truly, I just…" He sighed and shrugged, his face looking almost sheepish before returning to it's casual expression. "I just find you fascinating. Actually, there's something I'd like to talk to you about. Can you spare some time? You're not busy are you?"

She sighed and looked around to emphasize that, no she wasn't doing anything but feeling spiteful she sarcastically said, "I'm actually busy."

"Is that right?" His sarcasm could make hers have a run for its money. He rose his brow to emphasis it even further. "Maybe this is news to you, but teachers are supposed to display an active interest in the well-being of their students. Students…like me."

Balaiya rose an eyebrow at him, was there a specific reason he was singling himself out?

"Like you?"

"That's right, I mean… how would it look if I suddenly started doing bad in your classes?"

Irritation once again flooded her veins. "What's with that anyway?" She squeezed her arms tighter against her chest in an effort to keep her voice steady. "You excel at such basic exercises yet you score poorly." She narrowed her eyes. "I know you're faking. Is it funny to you? You want to make me look bad? That will reflect on my father and brother poorly and that is what makes me angry. So I'd watch what you say next." Balaiya felt her pulse slamming in her ears, what was she doing? Threatening a student over something so silly. She knew she should be embarrassed, but right now she couldn't bring herself to care.

Claude stared at her for a few breaths with his eyebrows high and his eyes wide.

Balaiya was about to simply walk off when she saw it again. That strange gleam in his eyes that caught her attention before. She was about to step closer to get a better look but what he did next sent her taking two steps back instead.

He laughed. His shoulders shook and he raked a hand through his thick unruly locks. "Whoa Teach, I've never heard anyone speak with such venom so calmly before. You certainly keep blowing my mind."

Balaiya just blinked at him in confusion. "What?"

"Seems I must have missed something. I'm sorry, I should have been more observant."

The situation had changed tune so suddenly she was still reeling. Now he was apologizing for something she's pretty sure wasn't even his fault?

"I should keep my distance, I didn't even consider the fact that I might be mak-"

Balaiya shook her head and covered his mouth. "Hush!" her widened eyes were met by his own. She quickly removed her hand and shoved it in her pocket. She'd done it again. What was it about him that threw her off so much? "Uh…"

His eyes flashed with mirth and something else intriguing. "Can't keep your hands off me, huh?"

Her eyes widened, "I di-"

He waved his hands out in her face, "I was only joking!" He laughed lightly and shook his head. "You can keep your hands on me for as long as you want really.~" He winked. "I don't mind.~"

Balaiya blinked rapidly and sighed heavily. He was really throwing her for a loop. She pinched her nose. "Claude, I'm tired. And hungry. I don't think I can keep up with... this." She gestured to him tiredly.

He hummed to himself and put his hands behind his back. "That's actually why I came looking for you." He stood beside her and nodded with his head forward. "Care to walk with me?"

She sighed in defeat and followed him silently.

"You weren't at dinner today."

Though it was just a statement she responded anyway. "No. I wasn't."

They stopped on one of the bridges and he climbed on the edge and took a seat, his feet dangling off the edge. She watched him for a moment and he looked back at her over his shoulder. "Care to join me, Teach?~"

She sighed and sat beside him warily.

"Here ya go." He set something wrapped in a cloth napkin on her lap.

Balaiya glanced at him curiously but he had his gaze up at the stars. She looked back down at her lap and carefully opened up the napkin. There sat an apple, a piece of bread and some cheese. She found herself smiling slightly and she shook her head. "You know, when you said you guys weren't as difficult as the rest… I didn't expect you to be pulling my leg."

He looked down at her and rose a brow. "Oh? What makes you say that? I assure you I was telling the truth."

"I just… can't get a read on you. As much as I hate to say that." She grumbled and stuffed the bread greedily in her mouth.

"Funny, I was thinking the same. You know, you're doing a good job… As a teacher I mean. Why did you want to become a teacher anyway?"

"I vasint weally iven a choice." She finished chewing and took a deep breath. "It sort of worked out I suppose. I mean, my father had to become a knight again so it gave my brother and I something to do."

"Oh, that reminds me. I've been meaning to ask you, did your father teach you how to fight?"

"Yes, combat, strategy… I learned it all from my father. He's brilliant on the battlefield."

"I figured. Your father used to lead the knights, didn't he? And I hear he was a legendary mercenary as well."

She shrugged. "We in the troop never really showered him with so much reverence. He is just as much family to them as my brother and I."

"It must have been hard on your mother when you followed in your father's footsteps and became a mercenary too."

Balaiya couldn't help but notice the prying tone he picked up. "Actually…" She met his steady gaze. "I never knew my mother."

His eyes softened and he looked back at the darkened sky. "Oh, I'm sorry." He picked up a twig that had been lying on the stone beside him and started to spin it.

"It's okay. I don't really have any emotional connection to her. Father never spoke of her. She's as much a stranger to me as any." She watched his movements curiously, he never even glanced at his hand yet he twirled the stick so smoothly.

"So, I suppose you grew up moving from battlefield to battlefield with your father and brother then? Did you ever… Have a house?"

"No, I guess… the world was my home. We never thought twice about it. We've been all over really. Many nights it was just us and the stars." She noticed the corner of his lips twitched up into a smile. For some reason she really wanted to see his whole expression, but the darkness blanketing them further hindered her vision.

"You know, for someone who's right around the same age as me, you certainly have an unusual amount of composure. I guess it's only natural that you'd be different from young nobles who grew up in the lap of luxury."

She looked back down at her lap and grabbed the apple, inspecting it quickly before taking a crisp bite from it. "You're pretty different from these young nobles yourself."

He shrugged and tossed the stick over the bridge. "I didn't exactly grow up in luxury like most people of noble blood." He turned to her with a rare grin. "Hey, maybe that's why you and I get along so well."

She rose an eyebrow, all the fussing then was only in her head? It must have been if he thought they got along so well. She suddenly felt silly. Perhaps she really was simple. What she did next surprised her, she laughed. It was quiet, but there all the same. "I guess you're right."

His grin widened. "Folks like us should stick together. As house leader, I'll do all I can to help you out. We can start by making time for more little chats like this."

She smiled. "Sure, I'd like that."

He stood and offered her his hand, she took it and he pulled her up but he didn't step back. Which resulted with her standing about an inch away from him.

She blinked a few times and found herself turning away once again from one of his winks. She started on her way back to the dorms with him quickly falling into step beside her.

She finished all the food and sighed happily, glancing over at him."Hey, Claude?"

He had his hands behind his head. "Hm?"

"Thank you."

"No problem, Teach… Oh yea, I got just the thing we can do to get back at your brother for that bruise he gave ya."