Boundless Limits {B.Durran}

03

AN: We didn't receive much information about the barracks in 'Fourth Wing' other than it's a large space and beds are stationed in four neat rows. So the barracks might not be too accurate but they're not too relevant to the story.

...

Transitioning to the privacy-free barracks the quadrant offers to first-years will be tough for Tierney. On her estate back in Tyrrendor, all she has is privacy, she feels exposed in the open barracks not to mention the bathing chambers.

There are simple reasons why they're not supplied with private rooms, half of the first-years won't survive past Threshing and they're not useful to the quadrant unless they bond. Those who don't bond are stuck in the barracks until the next year, where they choose to redo first year or leave, the bonded receive private rooms and more opportunities for death.

Tierney enters the barracks following Violet and Rhiannon with the other girls in their squad, who leave as soon as they enter the open space.

The first-year barracks are split into wings, one wing houses females and the other half is for males. The large space in the centre of the building is similar to a lobby, with stairs leading to higher floors.

The beds in the barracks are positioned in four neat rows, a sizeable gap splits each row into columns, giving some space to the crowded room. From empty halls to a bustling overpacked room gives Tierney a sense of claustrophobia, but she stays silent, observing the cadets milling around the area.

"Do you two mind if I bunk near you?" The brunette inquires looking at Rhiannon and Violet who stare at the room in slight shock, "Since we're in the same squad I suppose I can trust you?"

"Of course!" Violet clears her throat, trying to rid the desperation invading her tone. "Y-Yeah, you can. You're in our squad, after all."

Rhiannon shoots Violet an odd look, turning to Tierney, "You're the Valkorin that Violet was talking to in the turret, weren't you?"

Tierney winces as she nods, her eyes flickering across the surrounding cadets, hoping no one heard her name. "I am. Don't say my last name too loud," she mutters, "I'm Tierney."

"Rhiannon." The girl introduces holding out a hand which Tierney takes, "And, Violet." She gestures to the silver-tipped woman.

"I figured," Tierney offers a small smile, easing both Rhiannon and Violet's feelings about her. The trio makes their way to a section of the area where there aren't many cadets. However, the space is likely to fill up soon enough.

Violet takes the bottom of a bunk and Rhiannon the top whereas Tierney opts for the bed next to theirs, a bottom bunk. She hopes the girl who ends up sleeping on the top won't move much in her sleep.

It's a relief when Tierney takes off the pack on her back and allows it to slip to the floor, landing with a thud as she rolls her sore shoulders. Violet and Rhiannon both drop their bags to the ground and Tierney finds herself sitting on her bed, not quite tired but not awake either.

They went around campus on a tour with Dain before heading to the barracks. Lunch was skipped with orientation and Dain took years escorting them around. Dinner's the next meal and it can't come soon enough.

"Uh... Tierney." Violet starts, grasping her attention before she can open her pack and ensure all her things are still there. "Which Valkorin are your parents?" She asks, her voice quiet when asked, taking into consideration how she reacted when Rhiannon said that name.