Following the two chatting girls, Annella stretched her hand over her head, knotting her hair up into a tight bun to keep it away from her face. If rumours were true and that they were going to be working with their gears today, it would be in her best interest to make sure that her hair wouldn’t get into her face and potentially kill her. 

She took the gear from the instructor’s outstretched palm, giving him a small nod in thanks as she moved away to a less populated area so she could wear her gear-

[color=7bcdc8]“Oi! Make sure you got your goggles on!”[/color] The instructor calls from behind her.

She fishes into her inner jacket pocket to poke at her goggles, just to make sure they were present, before turning around and nodding, [color=bc8dbf]“will do sir!” [/color]Annella took off her jacket, and shivered at the cold as she hastened the process of securing the gear to her body like a second skin.

It was a tricky business, but Annella slowly managed to slip into her gear once she began securing the clips around her thighs. She grunted as she felt uncomfortable with the leather stretching over her skin, but just moved onto hooking the clips around her chest instead. [i]I’ll just get used to it, mama did say that it took her a week to get used to the gear…[/i] She thought to herself as she slipped her jacket back on, glad for the warmth.

[color=a0410d]“Gah!”[/color] Nara cried as he slipped while trying to put his boots back on. Natalia just laughed, her own gear half ready as she pointed at him childishly, snickering at the pouting cadet. 

Annella shook her head, swatting the laughing girl’s head as she moved forward to help Nara up. [color=bc8dbf]“Be nice,”[/color] she chastised, Natalia’s snickers dulling to a breathless grin as white puffs of warm air escaped her lips.[color=bc8dbf] “Are you okay?” [/color]Annella turned to the blonde.

The blonde boy used Annella’s outstretched hand to pull himself up, glaring weakly at Natalia behind her. [color=a0410d]“’M fine,”[/color] he mumbled, cheeks red from embarrassment. Annella frowned slightly, feeling bad. 

[color=bc8dbf]“Do you need any help?”[/color] Annella offered, looking at Natalia from the corner of her eye, [color=bc8dbf]“want me to slap her again?”[/color]

[color=f9ad81]“Oi!” [/color]Natalia cried.

Nara chuckled, waving slightly as he pulled his boots on – without falling this time – [color=a0410d]“it’s okay [i]mother[/i].”[/color] Nara stressed, [color=a0410d]“I think I can survive a little fall here and there.” [/color]Nara looked up at Annella and grinned widely, his previous embarrassment now gone as he finally finished wearing his gear.

Annella slipped her goggles on, as Natalia apologised for laughing behind her. The three moved towards the forested area once they were ready. Annella couldn't find Lilith, unable to invite her to join her with Nara and Natalia during training. She figured Yuri and Grant were going to train at the town in preparation for the Garrison, noticing Yuri heading off in that direction. She couldn’t help but think sadly that the few friends she had made would most likely be in a different regiment, but she could only shrug the thought away. 

After all, at least she had Nara and Natalia with her. Even if they had no idea which regiment they wanted to join later after graduation. 

[color=a0410d]“How ‘bout we have a race?” [/color]Nara suggested, his hands clasped behind his head as he casually waited behind the two girls, towering over Natalia and Annella. 

[color=bc8dbf]“Wouldn’t th-that be dangerous? We’ve never been in there…” [/color]

Natalia grinned from beside the goggled-girl,[color=f9ad81] “all the more reason to race.” [/color]