A cold, steady rain blanketed Trista as the school day wound down. The soft patter against the academy windows was constant, like a quiet reminder of the outside world. For most students, it was a mild inconvenience—an excuse to pull up their hoods and grumble about wet boots. But for Fie, the rain was something else entirely.

She sat on the edge of a windowsill in the main building, staring out at the gray, misty landscape. She didn't hate the rain, exactly, but it had a way of sinking into her chest and pulling at memories she tried not to think about. She could still feel the chill of it, years ago, soaking her hair and clothes as she stood frozen, hearing the news she couldn't quite believe. Her dad. Her family. All gone.

It wasn't like she dwelled on it constantly, but something about the rain always stirred those feelings. It made her anxious, like the ground could fall out from under her at any moment. She knew it was irrational, but knowing didn't make it go away.

Fie let out a soft breath, shaking her head. This was stupid. She didn't want to sit here sulking. She needed a distraction, something—or someone—to focus on instead.

As if on cue, she saw Laura's unmistakable figure stride across the courtyard below, her greatsword slung across her back. Even in the rain, Laura moved with the kind of calm confidence that made her seem almost untouchable. Fie watched as she disappeared into the gym building, no doubt heading for the training room.

A small smile tugged at Fie's lips. Maybe this was exactly what she needed.

Fie entered the training room a few minutes later, keeping her steps light and quiet. Sure enough, Laura was there, her greatsword glinting faintly under the overhead lights. She stood in the center of the room, practicing a series of fluid, deliberate strikes. Each motion was precise, her focus unshakable.

Fie leaned against the doorway for a moment, watching. Laura really was something else. She made it look so effortless, so natural. It wasn't just her strength—though that was obvious—it was the grace, the control. Like she was in complete harmony with the massive blade in her hands.

After a minute, Fie pushed off the wall and strolled inside, hands stuffed into her jacket pockets. "You never take a break, do you?" she said casually.

Laura paused mid-swing, turning toward Fie with a faint smile. "Fie. I didn't hear you come in."

"That's kind of my thing," Fie replied with a smirk.

Laura chuckled softly, setting her sword down for a moment. "What brings you here? Did you need the room?"

"Nah," Fie said, shrugging. "Just… felt like watching. If that's cool with you."

Laura tilted her head slightly, her expression thoughtful. "You're welcome to stay. Though I imagine watching someone train isn't the most exciting way to spend your evening."

"I'll manage," Fie said, hopping up to sit on one of the benches along the wall. She leaned back, her arms stretched out behind her, trying to look as relaxed as possible.

Laura nodded, picking up her sword again. She resumed her practice, her movements as precise and controlled as ever. Fie watched in silence, her sharp eyes taking in every detail. She wasn't sure what it was about Laura that was so… grounding. Maybe it was the way she seemed so steady, so unshakable, like nothing could rattle her.

The rhythmic sound of the blade cutting through the air filled the room, mingling with the faint patter of rain against the windows. Fie felt her anxiety easing, her shoulders relaxing as she focused on Laura's movements.

After about twenty minutes, Laura finally lowered her sword, wiping a thin sheen of sweat from her brow. She turned to Fie, her expression calm but curious. "I hope I didn't bore you," she said, setting the sword aside.

"Bore me? Nah," Fie said, hopping off the bench. "You're pretty impressive to watch. Not that I'd say that to just anyone."

Laura raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you, Fie."

"Uh huh," Fie said, stuffing her hands back into her pockets. She glanced toward the window, where the rain was still falling in steady sheets. "Guess I should head back before I turn into a puddle."

Laura looked outside as well, her brow furrowing slightly. "You didn't bring an umbrella, did you?"

Fie shrugged. "Don't really bother with 'em."

Laura sighed softly, picking up her sword and slinging it onto her back. "Then you'll walk with me. I have one."

Fie blinked, caught off guard. "You don't have to do that. I'll be fine."

"It's not a problem," Laura said firmly, already heading toward the door. "Come on."

Fie hesitated for a moment before following. She wasn't used to people offering to do things for her. But then again, Laura wasn't like most people.

Outside, the rain was colder than Fie had expected, and she found herself pulling her jacket tighter around her. Laura, ever prepared, opened a large black umbrella, holding it high enough to cover both of them.

"Stay close," Laura said, her tone matter-of-fact.

Fie nodded, stepping in under the umbrella. She hadn't realized just how close they'd have to be. Their shoulders were almost touching, and Fie could feel the faint warmth radiating from Laura.

The walk back to the dorm was quiet, the only sound the soft patter of rain on the umbrella. Fie wasn't sure what to say, but surprisingly, the silence wasn't uncomfortable.

"Thanks," Fie said after a while, her voice quiet.

Laura glanced at her. "For what?"

"For… this," Fie said, gesturing vaguely at the umbrella. "For being nice, I guess."

Laura's expression softened. "You don't have to thank me, Fie. It's what friends do."

Fie felt a strange warmth spread through her chest at the word "friends." She didn't say anything else, just nodded and kept walking.

By the time they reached the dorm, Fie realized the rain didn't feel quite so heavy anymore.