Marthe is standing before two young men who seem to be trying to convince her to join their team. It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen Alana’s hallmates and first friends at the Hall, as I’ve convinced her to enjoy the perks of my friendship in the Gold Dorm for most of our meals.

The redhead has changed. Her hair has been cut short, criminally if she were a noble, slightly longer in the front in a way that would frame her face in a flattering manner if not for her constant scowl. He pale skin has a healthy tan, her thin arms some decent definition shown off by her short sleeves despite the approaching winter. At stark odds with her ‘masculine’ style is a short skirt, showing off a pair of shapely legs. Mm, Kierra’s training has done her good.

I grin as a soft blow hits my shoulder.

“I said less Lou,” Alana hisses under her breath.

“What’d I do?”

“If you stared at her any harder, you’d be accused of harassment.”

“I was simply admiring the progress of a fellow initiate,” I say without a hint of shame. “You should hurry before our teammate gets poached.”

She huffs in annoyance but speeds up. Our approach catches their attention. The two young men initially look excited seeing Alana, for understandable reasons. Seeing another potential teammate? Or potential something else. She is quite capable but I wouldn’t be strictly thinking of the qualifiers if I were in their shoes.

Their smiles dim when they spot me over her shoulder. It wouldn’t have anything at all to do with the smile I’m wearing, would it? It may have a bit of ‘an edge’ but this is me being friendly. I’m simply reminding the gentlemen to mind their manners and not stare at my…friend like a pair of dogs spotting a treat.

“Marthe,” Alana calls out. She doesn’t get a warmer greeting than the two young men.

“Alana the Light Maiden,” Marthe says with a clear sneer. “Though, maybe that’s not accurate. Hanging around that shiny pig, who knows? Everyone knows about her.”

I sigh. Forgot about this girl’s way of insulting people. “Told you not to call me shiny.”

“Yeah, well, you never backed your words up.” She slams a fist into a palm. “If you’ve got a problem, we can handle this right now.”

“No one is going to fight anyone,” Alana says before I can contemplate whether or not to accept. “I was hoping to speak with you about forming a team.”

“Excuse me, Miss James,” one of the men says, stepping forward while flashing a smile that is too wide for my liking. “We were also talking with Miss Marthe about joining our team. We have two available spots. It would be our honor to have two brilliant casters such as yourselves join us.” His friend nods quickly, smile just as wide.

“Oh?” Alana raises a brow and turns so I am quite visible. “I have already decided to form a team with her.” She jerks her head toward me.

Mr. Big Smile glances my way but doesn’t meet my eyes. “Unfortunately, we already have three.” Another quick glance in my direction. “Truthfully, I didn’t think Lady Tome would bother to form a team. What initiate hasn’t heard of the prowess of her elementals? She is a one-woman team and an opponent I’d dread to face.”

That is a very polite, well-spoken, and roundabout way of asking me to piss off. Funny how he only calls me with a title despite Alana’s family outranking mine by…a lot. Aw, I think he’s a little intimidated by me.

“They really let anyone enter the Grand Hall these days. Even the illiterate. The signs clearly say that initiates will form a team of five.” If forming a team is part of the test, I don’t think my succubi will count. “I highly doubt the instructors will want to waste their time with someone who can’t follow basic instructions. Or read. I’ve got an idea. Why don’t you find someone to teach you letters? That way, we can all fit into a team nicely.” I sigh dramatically. “It’s always awkward when someone doesn’t realize they’re the spare wheel on a working carriage.”

He's watching me with wide eyes, lips pressed into a frown. Surprised, huh? I don’t do indirect insults.

He’s even more surprised when Alana supports me with a gruff, “That’s how it is. You two should find someone else.”

“I suggest we ask the lady in question.” He turns to Marthe. “Surely you’d rather partner with us rather than Miss Tome.” There goes his courtesy. In its place, I get a scathing glare. Oh no, some random person with zero importance isn’t groveling at my feet. Whatever shall I do?

“I want to win,” Marthe says plainly. “All I care about is who’s stronger.” She gives us a meaningful look.

“Unsanctioned violence is prohibited by the Hall,” Mr. Courtesy says with apprehension at the look I give him. I only smile and extend a hand. A silent but powerful challenge.

Lips curled in a hint of offense that he can’t keep off his face, he clasps my hand in a tight grip. For him, at least. I can see the veins in his hand standing out as he applies as much strength to our impromptu ‘duel’ as he can. I can’t even feel his efforts. I tighten my grip a little, as if I’m holding a hand-shaped ice sculpture that might fracture with the slightest mishap.

He winces audibly. His arm moves as he tries to pull his hand away but I don’t budge, still as a statue. My smile widens as I apply the another tiny fraction of force.

His face pales, his lips pressed into a tight frown. Satisfied, I let go just as he forcefully pulls back. He stumbles backward. Would have fallen if not for the quick action of his friend who grabs him by the shoulders.

“This doesn’t have to come to a duel, does it?”

“You may be as strong as a man,” he spits, eyes hard with anger, “but this is the Hall. I won’t lose to you in casting, which is what matters.”

“If you think knowing magic makes you better than people trained to fight with their bodies, you should say a quick prayer to the saints to look after you during all the times in the future when you’ll get your ass kicked.” The fact that I will utterly destroy him with magic is besides the point.

“You—”

“I’ve decided. I’m joining their team,” Marthe says, stepping closer to Alana. She sneers at the two surprised men. “What? Are your ears decorations? I’ve chosen my team. We don’t have any more business, do we?”

“…I suppose not. Good day.” The angry young man stomps off, his friend quickly following, though he throws several looks over his shoulder.

I glance around at the crowd watching us with clear fascination. They all turn away. “So, what made you decide to join our team?” I ask Marthe without turning. He was wrong but he does have a point. Hard to judge what we can do with a little handshake.

“Are you fishing for compliments? I’ve seen what you can do. Besides, the dog that barks the loudest has the weakest bite.”

“That so?” I guess I can take that to mean I impressed her? Or maybe Mr. Magic Life disappointed her.

“We need two more teammates,” Alana interrupts, bringing us back to our immediate goal.

“I know what you’re thinking, brightie. You’re not getting the brothers.”