Scouting For Romance

Entry 11 Part 1, First Day of Training

Day 1, Month 15, Year 572

Right at the turn of the new month, Tytus and I rose from our shared bed. I woke on the far side from him, which was sad, but I wouldn't let it get to me like last time.

"Aaah," he stretched his arms and back, "today's the big day!"

"Yes." I stretched as well, perfectly mirroring his movements.

We hopped out of bed and took turns getting ready in the bathroom and doing our morning stretches. By the end of it, I could do a perfect split, and Tytus was just a few degrees off from doing the same. I made sure to tease him for not being as flexible as I.

When I was finished, we left the hotel with all our belongings in tow, checked out, then went across the city to barracks four.

Set on the north-western plains just outside the city, at the end of a little road beyond the high concrete walls of Piekachowice, the barracks was a three story building with various attachments, outcroppings, and hallways. The main entrance was atop a small staircase flanked by arches, and just above the ground I saw small windows into the basement. The proud black, blue, and white flag of the Peldak Protectorate hung brilliantly against the outer walls, and there was enough lanterns and orange grass around to give the building a warm glow. Flanking the road heading to the barracks were rows of trees, and in the field beyond the building I saw more rows to denote the different training yards.

We were one of the first to arrive and the assigned time to enter wasn't for another hour, so we stood by a tree where the road met the front yard. Recruits filtered into the area either in pairs or small groups, and Tytus was quick to drum up small conversations with each as they passed. We saw a few familiar faces, Anatol and his entourage, Marian and Ludwik.

"Hey!" Tytus said to the giant, "you did make it!"

I elbowed his side, "I said his damage was not severe."

Ludwik patted his ribs and didn't make a face, "I feel good as new. Somehow."

Marian crossed his arms and pouted, "you were right, Malina. How'd you know he'd heal so quickly? I looked him over and I was sure his ribs were broken."

"I looked at him and it was obvious to me. Nothing more."

Marian chuckled weakly, "I guess years of training can't stand up to a natural ability like that, right? Haha..."

Seeing him sad like that did break my heart a little. I can't help but look at him and see my younger brother. Still, I can't risk Tytus getting the wrong idea, so I didn't respond.

"Hey, don't worry!" Tytus said, "at least you're capable of moving your face."

Ludwik looked down at me, "I'll buy all you're meals for a decade if you can crack a smile right now."

"..."

They all had a great laugh at my expense, but I was happy to see Marian lighten up.

They walked off to find their own spot, and it wasn't long before the yard was full of future soldiers, and a dull roar of activity filled the air.

I looked out at the many small clusters of people. "By the end of basic training you will no doubt be on a first name basis with each of them."

Tytus smirked, "just the first name? Easy. How about I go for a challenge and try and get you some friends? Or maybe just one?"

"It will not happen. We are battle buddies and I do not need anyone else."

"Don't you ever get bored of me though?" He smiled and brushed his hair back, "I mean, I know I'm great to be around, but don't you ever think that others could be fun too?"