As I step in, Lissa jumps up off my bed, turning bright red. She looks down at the floor, and accidentally backs into the upper bunk knocking her hood making it fall down over her face.
The second woman remains half-reclining on my bunk. She has short strawberry-blonde hair and a cheeky grin. "Well, this must be him! Mmm! And in uniform, too!" She changes the crossing of her long legs and swings herself forward to stare at me.
Beside her, a third woman sits resting against the bedframe, facing away. She has a thick blonde-grey plait and a generous figure. She turns her shoulders gracefully and looks directly at me with a soft, blank expression. Suddenly, she tilts her head and beams a sweet smile, "Hello!"
"A- Ah! Wand Bearer!" starts Lissa. "I'm sorry! We were... just looking for you!"
I suddenly wonder if Lissa was in hospital too. Before I can ask if she is okay, I am cut off.
"Don't be shy, Lissy!" says the cheeky grinner. "Introduce us!"
Lissa introduces me to Meila, "Heroine of Words". Meila is an expert in both explosives and something called Concealment. She is tall and lithe and her eyes clearly burn with mischief. I make a mental note to stay wary of this one.
Next I am being introduced to Kona, "Heroine of the Heart". Kona is a field medic and expert at short-ranged combat weapons. She stands up pleasantly and greets me with a smiling wave. I can't help but notice how soft her movements are for her generous build. I experience a brief flash of recall: a moment from my childhood lifted up by a busty orphanage matron.
I introduce myself confidently, and politely express my intent to work successfully with everyone.
Meila steps forward and takes my arm. "Are you going to change out of that dress uniform now, Jak?" she grins. "Do you need any help?" She places a finger on the hem of my dress robe and I stiffen. This is unexpected.
"Meila!" shrieks Lissa, snatching at Meila's hand and glaring at her.
"I'm just joking!" retorts Meila, half-irritated. Kona smiles like she's seen this before.
"We shouldn't even be in here! Let's go!", Lissa bustles the two women out. "Jak, we'll see you in the training den" she calls back as they exit. I listen to Meila's teasing and Lissa's reproaches fade into the distance.
The men's quarters feel empty again.