The Major shifted his posture, leaning forward with his elbows resting on the table, his chin atop his interlaced fingers.

"Well?" he questioned, prompting an answer, "Are you?"

Storm flickered a wary glance at the General before replying, "No, sir. We haven't experienced any undue fatigue. In fact, we keep pace with, and at times even surpass, our fellow trainees."

A look of admiration flashed in the Major's eyes as he responded, "I don't doubt that. Your village training results have reached me, and they are impressive indeed."

The cousins sighed with relief until the Major's next word rang out, "But."

His eyes hardened as he added, "General Adryan has reported that you struggle to finish your meals. Given the rigor of the upcoming training, it's crucial for you to gain necessary muscle, and that means eating a proper amount. It'll take time, but I trust you will adapt."

Fixing the cousins with a stern gaze, he continued, "Do not, however, force yourselves to consume more just to prove a point. Your performance will be under close scrutiny, both on the training field and at mealtimes. If we notice you're pushing your limits beyond what's healthy, it will prove counterproductive. Is my message clear?"

Both cousins responded in chorus, "Yes, sir!"

The Major nodded, shifting his attention back to the papers scattered on his desk. "As I mentioned earlier, we've divided the trainees into groups of fifty. You both have been assigned to General Adryan's group, along with Captain Oriana, who'll be leading most of your training sessions. While the rest of your peers will participate in sword training and other such activities, your focus will be on building muscle and enhancing other areas of fitness. This way, we can avoid undue strain on your bodies when the more challenging training begins."

At this point, General Adryan chimed in, "Don't misconstrue this as a punishment or a disadvantage. We're genuinely concerned about your well-being. We've had instances of trainees collapsing from exhaustion and needing immediate medical attention due to the rigour of our training regimen. Given your current physical condition, the consequences could be even graver for you both. Rest assured, you won't lag behind your fellow trainees. As the Major mentioned, your initial results are promising, so you'll catch up with the rest in due time."

The Major concurred with a nod, adding, "We'll brief your fellow trainees about this to preclude any misconceptions about special privileges. We understand you might not be comfortable sharing this information, but it's necessary to prevent any potential bullying or harassment. Do you understand?"

Their response was simultaneous, a slightly reluctant, "Yes, sir."

With a final nod, the Major said, "That will be all. Good luck with your training. Occasionally, I'll be supervising the training sessions myself and will keep an eye on your progress. I foresee both of you emerging as some of our most talented trainees at the completion of your mandatory training."

"Thank you, sir," the cousins replied, offering another sharp salute before leaving the room. As the door closed behind them, the Major and the General shared a look, a spark of expectation in their eyes.

"I expect great things from them," the Major declared.

"As do I," the General echoed, before he too exited the room.

~ ~ ~

"Damn," Storm muttered under his breath, a troubled frown forming on his face, "I didn't realise this was such a serious concern."

Adara sent a sidelong glance his way before returning her gaze to the dimly lit path beneath their feet. "It's unnerving. I wasn't aware we were under scrutiny even during meals," she admitted, a hint of resentment in her tone.

Storm's boot connected with a stone on the path, sending it skittering ahead. "Well, they did say it's for our benefit, so we might as well make peace with it," he conceded.

Adara heaved a sigh, her eyes wandering to the tapestry of stars overhead. "It's a relief mother and father weren't there. They'd have just retreated further into their self-pity," she mused.

"Given our drive, I reckon we'll acquire the needed muscle in no time. Then we can commence our true training," Storm said, offering his cousin — who felt more like a sister — a small smile.

Adara responded with a smile of her own, looping her arm around Storm's neck and pulling him closer. "Oh Storm, such optimism is oddly out of character for you."

"Quiet," Storm grumbled, prying himself free from Adara's strangling arm. "Stop doing that."

Adara released a throaty chuckle, hands finding their way back to her pockets, her expression soon returning to its habitual sombreness.

"I'm grateful to have you by my side through all this, Storm," she said, her voice unusually soft.

Storm mirrored her serious tone as he replied, "The feeling's mutual, sis. We've always had each other's backs. It's practically all we know."

Adara smirked, a playful glint in her eyes. "True enough. It'd feel entirely unnatural not to be there for each other at this point."

Finally reaching the barracks, they bid each other goodnight. Upon entering their respective buildings, they were swarmed by curious friends, all eager to hear about the Major and the nature of their discussion. Both Adara and Storm let out an exhausted sigh before recounting the details of their meeting.

Not long afterwards, a captain entered each barracks, barking out orders, "Training kicks off an hour post-breakfast tomorrow! I'd suggest you retire early and rest up; you're going to need every bit of energy you can muster."

© Crimson B