Thayva sighed. “That’s the thing about trouble, love.” She tenderly touched his arm. “It’s a coward and always travels in packs.” She glanced to the mess of the dining hall, seat cushions and tables splattered with all manner of foodstuffs. “At least this place will get a good washing. And besides,” she looked back to her husband with a small grin. “I’m sure you’d get bored if there wasn’t [i]something[/i] going on.”

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	A group of girls who had already finished their laps had begun to form near the center of the track, most doing stretches and other warm-ups as they waited for their martial arts instructor to arrive, Laya among them. A couple other groups had slowly begun to form around the room near various forms of equipment as well, each awaiting their own teacher as the remainder of the girls completed the course.
	Kia loved the run. At least, on the days they did not choose the tundra terrain. Though they eliminated the chill of it, the slickness of the magical ice and snow drove her mad. On the contrary, the feel of the warm sand beneath her feet sent a thrill through her, even though it tired her leg muscles a bit faster. But her favorite, she had to admit, was the jungle.
	Noticing Laura further behind her, Kia slowed and ran backwards until she jogged beside the dwarf.
	“Come on, Laura!” Kia encouraged, pumping a fist in the air. “You can do better than that!”

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	Conned into the wrestling section by another of the students, Nick watched Aurelian and the lizardfolk, waiting for his turn in the ring with the winner.
	“Watch your left!” he called to Aurelian. Whether he hoped the boy would win more so he would not have to face the lizardfolk himself, or so the human would feel the thrill of success, he could not quite say for sure.