The first class is always combat strategy. Combat Strategy is led by Professor Urd, an ancient half elf. He had long braided blonde hair, light brown eyes and several glyphs on his body.
Today we are discussing whether an upfront direct strategy would work better compared to behind the scenes tactics.
To be honest it would depend on the situation and place. Sometimes to maintain order or the safety of others its better to move behind the scenes, avoiding collateral. If the situation is volatile enough where it needs immediate rectification... that's when you confront directly.
Sawyer glanced out the windows, listening to the lecture while counting clouds and waiting for the class to pass.
...
"Sawyer, answer the question."
"Sawyer." Theo whispered, poking me with his pencil in my ribs.
'Ssss' The sharp pain from training last night at home jolting me out of my daydream.
I blinked, the chalkboard blurring for a second before my focus cleared. "Uh- create a distraction with misdirection and close in while they're off guard and least expect it." Professor Urd nodded, "Correct. But you need to be faster next time I ask you a question."
I gave a sheepish grin, scratching my head. "I was saving my breath for when I inevitably dodge Theo's scolding in Practical Combat class after lunch"
A few students laughed. Theo didn't. He just eyed me like a trash bag needing to be taken out.
Jokes on you. I'm scenty fresh.
I focused on my work.
***
Sawyer didn't notice, but Theo was still watching him. Not annoyed, but studying. Theo noticed the way Sawyer had flinched in pain when poked in his ribs
Noted it. Didn't mention it.
***
Classes went by fast, combat strategy finished later than sooner, with elemental theory spent watching a debate video. All the students herded out for lunch, stomachs growling from the grueling lectures. I can't wait for lunch - I didn't get to eat last night because I failed my training. I feel like I'm begging for my last supper or something.
Catching up to Theo, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, grinning as I pulled him faster to the cafeteria. "Last one to the rest of the group is a rotten egg!" I yelled.
As I turned the corner, walking into the brightly lit cafeteria, the clatter of trays accompanied by friendly chats welcomed me. I walked over to a table in the middle, taking a seat with our group.
Kael(talking around a mouthful of bread): "Okay but seriously - if you could enchant one item in the academy to fight for you, what would it be?"
Sawyer replied with a grin - "Professor Urd. Enemies will fall at his lectures, entering eternal sleep." A giggle came in, and I looked over to see Neesa laughing without looking up. "You'd be better off enchanting your pillow. Its been through enough violence with your face nearby" she quipped.
I clutched at my heart, feigning heartbreak with a look of betrayal. I pushed my face next to Renn, who was silently sketching runes.
My cheek rubbed against Ren's, and while imitating a purr, I complained, "Rennie, I feel attacked. Halp."
"Tsk! Exactly why it'd be perfect for Sawyer. He'd charm them then smother them." Kael joked, poking at Sawyers face.
"Hah, like he'd even do that. Poor little sunshine boy probably cries when he steps on an ant," Neesa jumped in, cackling like the evil mage she is.
"I'd enchant my blanket. Imagine getting choked out by comfy flannel. Ultimate betrayal" Kael says, still continuing the debate.
"You say this like you've thought about it too much... touch grass, Kael. Grass." Neesa murmured, giving Kael a look of disdain.
"I'd pick my ink pen..." Renn whispers.
"Dude. That is so boring. Wait... would you like stab people?" Kael asks.
"No, he'd write insults mid-battle!" Sawyer responded, hugging Renn more as their faces squished together into one. "Honestly.. my stationary would rise up and take revenge on me if they could for how badly I treat them"
Renn closed his sketch book slowly, "I believe that. I've seen how you dog-ear pages." Renn stopped, suddenly seeming to remember something. He glanced at Sawyers wrist, the bruise from class sparring yesterday both green and purple.
He reached into his bag, pulling out some cream. "Here Sawyer... Tsk. Tell Professor Malen to change your sparring partner from now on"
"...You bruise easy?" Neesa asked, glancing at his arm.
"Just clumsy..."
"You? Clumsy? That I believe." Neesa replied playfully, "You're a cat. But one of those freaky ones that knock stuff over for fun and then fall."
"I'm feeling very loved and supported right now," Sawyer responds, leaning closer to Neesa, when suddenly a hand pulls him fully into his seat, shoving a small wrapped sandwich in front of his face.
"You skipped breakfast again," Theo retorted, albeit quietly.
"...Thanks."