Boundless Limits {B.Durran}

13

Even after a month, it's still unusual to hear Anam in her head.

There is some familiarity with the entire situation after thirty days of a dragon constantly making an appearance in Tierney's thoughts. It's inconvenient at times, especially doing acts that Anam doesn't need to know about like what she's doing in that second year's bed, what's his name... Ultan, is it?

Imogen's gaze makes Tierney aware that she's giving her turkey a very confused look, the woman smiles sheepishly as she quickly forks it into her mouth. The table's attention turns to Violet as she slides into her seat for lunch, late as usual because of Archive's duty.

Tierney didn't receive a duty with Violet after being taken off Breakfast duty for a 'less taxing' one, and she's not sure she minds. Getting barely any time or lunch would be more than an annoyance for the woman who already eats much more than Ridoc considers normal, he could be teasing her though. And with Tairn backing her, she's unsure how brave cadets are to go against the black and kill his bonded, so her life should be relatively safe.

Violet begins to shovel her food into her mouth at a choking hazard rate to ensure she finishes before class. Archives duty runs during lunch, so by the time she goes through the lunch line and sits down, their time before class is almost up. 

Ridoc begins to tell a story, that's apparently Sawyer's, and with the way he's giving his cutlery a look of pure terror, it's a traumatic one. Their table, consisting of their original squad members, listens in, ignoring the loud chatter around them that's consumed the hall.

During the reshuffling of squads after Threshing, when the Third Squad of their section was disbanded, Tierney's squad gained two second-years and two first-years. However, they refuse to sit with anyone harbouring a rebellion relic.

When Tierney heard those words leave their mouths when they refused to sit with them after Violet politely asked, she nearly threw herself at them while threatening their lives for being impudent. Rhiannon's the only reason their new additions don't have any stab wounds.

Their new additions can go fuck themselves from where they sit two tables away from them— but not far enough for Tierney's liking. Imogen teased her about defending her, Tierney denied that it was for her and Imogen then insisted that she defended them for Bodhi. Tierney scoffed, not dignifying the accusation with a response, only making her squad tease her more.

"It was the coolest thing ever," Ridoc continues, "One second he was sparring against that third-year with the wicked broadsword skills, and then Sawyer—"

"You could let him tell the story," Rhiannon chides, rolling her eyes.

"No thank you," Sawyer counters, shaking his head, staring at his fork with a hefty dose of fear.

Ridoc grins, in all his glory telling the story. "And then the sword just twists in Sawyer's hand, curving toward the third year even though Sawyer was way off the mark." He grimaces in Saywer's direction. "Sorry, man, but you were. If your sword hadn't decided to warp and go straight through that guy's arm—"

"You're a metallurgist?" Quinn's eyebrows rise. "Really?"

A small, reassuring smile is shot Sawyer's way, 'That explains the fear of his cutlery,' Tierney deduces easily, glad she can wield her fork in peace. A metallurgist is a signet that allows a rider to manipulate metal, as cool and useful as it seems to be, initially, it would be impractical.

Sawyer nods, "That's what Carr says. Aetos dragged me straight to the professor when he saw it happen."

"I'm so jealous!" Ridoc grabs his chest. "I want my signet power to manifest!"