Anton staggered through the portal back into Atros. Already the morning rays were shining through the tiny gaps in the portal building. This world's sun travelled west to east it was morning earlier in Atros than it was in Graterious. Anton rubbed his temple, he was that tired and delirious he was focusing on truly trivial things.

“This way.” A gentle voice beckoned him forward. Kal, with her mask hanging from the side of her head, held his hand and pulled him forward. “Do we need to go back through?”

“No.” Anton smiled faintly, doubly so when the portal flashed and Verona and Cetina stepped through. “We’ve reached the Seocurian border. No one followed us, no pursuers, so...So I think we’re fine. They don’t have an infinite number of people they can send and, hopefully, they’ll think we’ve gone the wrong way.”

“Thank the gods.” Verona held Anton’s free arm. “I’ve never been so tired...Well, that’s not true. When those Kobolds attacked Atros...That was pretty tiring.”

“When was that?” Cetina vigorously rubbed her eyepatch, pushing it hard enough to scratch her damaged eye underneath. She still had to take it off at night, to allow the skin to breathe and so she could clean it, but today she had no such chance.

“Well before we met you,” Anton said. “Just after Kal turned up, actually.”

“Not a great time…” Verona yawned, allowing her jaw to open as far as it could. “Where are the twins?”

Kal pointed to the corner of the room. Calo and Sheso sat nestled in the corner, leaning against each other and sleeping softly. Their mouths were slightly agape, Calo's head slumped against her chest, Sheso’s leaning heavily against her sister’s shoulder.

“They’ve been like that for some time.” Kal chuckled. “I had to tell them quite a few times that they needed to get some sleep. They wanted to be ready to help if you needed it. Can’t do that if they’re barely holding their eyes open.”

Kal smiled. “Probably the first time they’ve had to be awake for almost a day straight.”

“They’ll have to get used to it if they’re going to be warriors.” Anton mused. He squeezed Cetina’s arm as she passed, she flashed him a smile. “But the portal’s safe. So too are the horses.”

“The stable owners were shocked at how tired they were.” Cetina leant against the wall near the door. “But they’ll be looked after. And the warehouse owner has been paid extremely well.”

Kal slowly nodded. “We might be able to launch raids into Seocuria from there. The more places the better.”

“At least…” Verona yawned. “At least they’ll be guessing for a long time...Sorry. I really need to sleep.”

“All of you should head back.” Anton kissed Verona’s forehead. “Go get some rest. That means you too, Cetina.”

“I should still go with you.” Cetina stepped towards him. “As your bodyguard, even in your own city. Last time we thought we were safe you almost died.”

“Alright. But you need to get sleep too.” Anton kissed Kal. “It’s been rough enough on you. Not to mention on your stomach.”

He gently rubbed their stomachs.

“Mezot will be a great companion on your journeys.” Verona kissed Anton’s hand. “When we’re stuck in Atros.”

Kal tapped Cetina’s chest. “If you aren’t careful you’ll end up pregnant before we’ve had our children. You seem to be doing your best to get pregnant.”

Cetina shrugged, there was a faint redness to her cheeks. “Wouldn’t be my fault. Anton doesn’t exactly try not to…”

Verona laughed. “It takes two…” She glanced around to see the twins slowly stir. “Sorry if we woke you two. We’re talking about some adult stuff.”

“We’re adults too.” Calo stifled a yawn. “You know? But is everything good over there?”

“All good,” Anton said. “You should go home and get some rest. At least until sometime tomorrow. You’ve done a tremendous job riding through the night.”

Calo tapped Sheso’s cheek, she snorted and fully awoke. “Right...We’ll see you all tomorrow then.”

The twins, lazily dragging their feet, gave a tiny wave before stumbling out of the door.

“Since they’re gone-”

Anton held a finger to Verona’s lips. “We’re not doing it here. Especially with so many people just outside.”

“We know how to be quiet.” Verona winked, Kal and Cetina rolled their eyes but Verona’s expression softened. “I know. Maybe just cuddling together would be nice, something different where we’re not left a panting, sweaty mess.”

“Please.” Kal shook her head.

“I do try.” Verona pouted. “But...Anyway…”

“I’ll check on Mezot and Axia.” Anton ruffled Verona’s hair. “Make sure they’re alright and have a chat to them about what we’re going to do in the future. All kidding aside, having a Principle Mage with us will be a great help.”

“And a pretty one at that too.” Verona winked. “Better than some decrepit man or ancient woman travelling with us, not that I’d let another man come with us.”

Cetina almost asked the question when she figured it out on her own.

“I’ll check in with Rasha too. See if anything happened.”

“Do you think she might have just slept through the night?” Kal raised a brow.

“I certainly hope not,” Cetina said sternly. “If one of my subordinates did something like that she’ll find herself running a hundred laps around Atros, or until she can’t move.”

“You’d honestly do that?” Verona almost smiled.

Cetina was serious. “Absolutely. I almost allowed Anton to die because I grew lapse in maintaining my vigilance. I won’t let it happen again.”

---[]---

Anton found Rasha asleep but not in the way Cetina feared. She lay slumped next to Mezot’s temporary home, right next to the door with her halberd nestled between her legs and against her neck. The other Atros guards said nothing, some were smiling, but none offered Anton any explanation.

“Hey.” Cetina was about to lightly tap Rasha’s leg when Anton held her shoulder.

“She’s probably been here all night.” Anton’s face softened. “Please...Please don’t be too hard on her. It was my fault as well for what happened in Qaiviel. Okay?”

Cetina sighed. “Sorry. We…” She rubbed her temple. “I really am too tired. How come you aren’t acting...Silly?”

“I should be asking you the same question.” Anton knelt by Rasha’s side. “I guess you’re just more used to it than me.”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

Anton tapped Rasha’s side. She didn’t move so Anton poked her cheek. It was surprisingly soft, given how strong the rest of her body was. Rasha began to stir, she grumbled something as she scrunched her eyes tight. When they opened Anton could see how tired she still was, her pupils were incredibly dilated and could barely hold her eyelids open. When she finally looked to Anton, for once they were at the same height, it took her a moment to realise who he was. When she did she nearly jumped out of her skin.

“I haven’t been sleeping!” Rasha hauled herself up, loudly knocking her halberd away. “I swear. I just couldn’t keep my eyes open. I...I was…”

Anton picked up her halberd, Rasha smiled faintly as he passed it over.

“This is the first job you’ve given me. So I wanted to do it right...I guess I got a little too enthusiastic.”

“It’s a little much to ask you to guard this place all by yourself.”

“I d-”

“Lean down for a moment.” Anton stepped back.

Rasha did as she was bid, leaning closer as Anton flicked her nose hard.

“W-What was that for?” Rasha rubbed her nose.

“I like your enthusiasm. I really do.” Anton shook his head. “I didn’t tell you to wait here, in the open and the cold…There’s no way I would ask you to do something like this by yourself.”

“Right.” Rasha cast her head down. However, given her height, it looked more like she was looking down on them. “Sorry.”

“Did anything happen?” Anton asked, deciding to press forward and not linger.

“No.” Rasha looked to the other guards. “Haven’t heard anything.” She leant on her halberd. “Is that bad? Is it bad that they’ve been quiet? Do you think they might have…” Rasha leant closer to Anton, looking at the closed door. “Tried to take the easy way out?”

“I certainly hope not.” Anton knocked on the door. “And not just because I’ve invested a lot of time and effort into them-”

“That sounds like Verona.” Cetina mused. Rasha understood and laughed softly.

“That...That it does.” Anton heard light footsteps from behind the door. “I wonder what she was like when she was a kid, if she was just as much of a rascal as she is now? But I don’t want anything to happen to Mezot or Axia-”

Axia smiled as she opened the door.

“-Because they’re my friends.”

“Hello.” Axia gently waved. She wore simple clothes, a light brown shirt and pants from Atros. She looked far more comfortable in these clothes than the robes of a student. “I thought I could hear talking. I was thinking about leaving but mother’s…”

“Still the same?”

Axia shook her head and pursed her lips. “She seems alright. I don’t think she’s really aware that she’s not going to go back to the Royal Academy.” Axia sighed. “Or even if she realises she’s gone. However! However, she is…” Axia smiled devilishly. “Well, there’s something that I know you’d like to see. More like she wants to show off.”

Axia laughed as she waved them in.

“The…” Rasha coughed. “Mezot wants to show something to Anton? Something that’s not related to magic?”

Axia continued to smirk. “Probably the first time I’ve seen her wanting to show someone something. Let alone a man.”

Cetina and Rasha shared a look but said nothing. Axia continued to wave the forward, a happy gait to her stride as she led them towards Mezot’s study at the rear.

“And how are you doing?” Anton asked softly. “You went through a lot more than Mezot.”

“I’m okay.” Axia stopped. “I managed to get some sleep.” She rubbed her hands, specifically the fingernails that had been torn off. “It doesn’t hurt now. But it still does. Knowing that those people are dead really helps.”

“That it does,” Anton said. Axia began walking. “But all of us are willing to listen, if you want to talk.”

Axia silently nodded and knocked on the door. “Mother? Are you there? Anton, Cetina and…”

“Rasha.”

“Rasha. The Blue Minotaur,” Axia glanced at Rasha’s chest. “At least that’s what I think she’s called.”

“Why does everyone always…” Rasha sighed, a faint smirk on her face as she shifted her weight onto her hip.

“Because people are always in awe of it all,” Anton said softly enough for only Axia to hear. She stifled a giggle, Rasha frowned knowing she was deliberately left out.

“It’s open.” Mezot’s muffled voice came from behind the door.

Axia groaned, rolled her eyes and opened the door. Mezot’s room wasn’t as messy as Anton feared. It wasn’t good but it had improved from the other night: the papers had been stacked neatly, the books organised based on their topic and her staff placed neatly beside her table, not just wherever she allowed it to drop. Mezot sat at the desk, pouring over a book with a light blue cover, a book on Ice Magic.

“I’m almost at a point…” Mezot’s head shot up. She found a small dull rock, a simple paperweight, and placed it on the book. “I should not be so rude when I have guests.”

“Did you manage to sleep well?” Anton asked. “Axia seemed to do alright.”

“I slept quite well.” Mezot gently pushed her chair out. “And...My bed is better than it was in the Royal Academy.”

“How bad was it?” Rasha asked softly.

“It was the most expensive I could afford.” Mezot took her staff. “And most of the students had better bedding than me.”

“Can’t get far in there without family support.” Anton mused. “That alone would severely limit Graterious’s magical strength. They’d let someone as powerful as you fall through the cracks simply because you came from a fishing village.”

“I think I am still a noble.” Mezot stood up to face them. “In name only.”

Mezot wore a mixture of her Academy robes and clothing from Atros, specifically a thin fur coat hanging around her neck like a loose cloak. Their house did not have a fireplace, the only warmth came from their bodies. Axia seemed fine but she could have been wearing something underneath. She was a thin young woman in a very cold land.

“Don’t try and flaunt it here though.” Anton smiled. “No one here is anything more than a commoner. No noble families-”

“Aren’t you a noble?” Mezot asked flatly. “The soldiers outside listen to your word, even though you aren’t a commander. And you have two bodyguards that follow you everywhere…”

Mezot stared silently at Cetina and Rasha. The two, again, still didn’t know what to think of Mezot’s quirks. Anton was glad of his Earth education and sensibilities.

“I’m certainly not a noble.” Anton frowned lightly. “But it does concern me that I’ll invariably leave one behind. Just because of my position. Hopefully, it turns out for the best, where they look out for the people beneath them rather than just leech.” Anton waved his hand. “I’m rambling, you’ll get used to it.”

Mezot smiled, a weak smile for anyone else, but he knew what it meant. Only then did he realise that she was wearing something over her ear. It blended in very closely with her light blonde hair, she wore the golden ornament from the Royal Debut at the Graterian Imperial Palace. She noticed and turned to hide it.

“I like it,” Mezot spoke softer than normal. “I...I just do.”

“I don’t have a problem with it.” Anton smiled. “If anything I think it suits you.”

Mezot’s cheeks reddened ever so slightly. Cetina groaned and jabbed Rasha’s side.

“He’s doing that thing again,” Cetina said softly.

Rasha leant down to Cetina. “Is that what happened to you?”

Cetina said nothing, pointedly ignoring the question while Rasha pulled an unusual face. Anton wasn’t completely stupid, it was hard to not learn a thing or two when he was married to Verona and knew what Rasha was talking about. Thankfully Mezot did not but he was certain that Axia had an inkling, judging by the smirk on her face.

Anton coughed lightly, silencing any further tangential conversation.

“Just a shame that your hair hides it at the moment.” Anton’s words elicited a frown from Mezot. “When it was swept back it was pretty easy to see. Now...Not so much.”

Mezot immediately ran her hand through her hair. What little remained of the material she had used the previous day remained and partially set her hair back. However her hair was usually dead straight so it sat in random directions, like she was suffering from an impressive bout of static electricity. Everyone tried their best to hold back their laughter, especially Axia who held her mouth shut with trembling arms, but eventually it cracked. Mezot already knew and was furiously trying to flatten to hair even as her face turned beet red and she pursed her lips.

“It won’t go flat,” Mezot grumbled, turning away to try and hide her embarrassment. “Now it just looks like I’ve been struck by a student’s first attempt at using Lightning Magic.”

Anton’s face dropped slightly. “Did that happen when you were a student?”

Mezot’s face near-instantly drained of colour, her eyes became vacant and lost. “Yes. Multiple times.”

And this was probably when you were still with Amulik. Such a harsh place for someone like yourself.

“That…” Anton sighed. “That sort of behaviour won’t be tolerated here. And it’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“What would that be?” The previous emotion had instantly evaporated, Mezot returned to her normal self.

“I need your help.” Anton looked for a chair. “Do you not have another chair? I’m rather tired from riding the whole night.”

“I only have the one,” Mezot said softly, idly flattening her hair back to her normal bob. “It was all I was provided with. I could buy more-”

“That’s kind of what we need to talk about.” Anton raised his hand. Axia frowned while Mezot looked a little confused. “Let’s head outside. The winter air will clear our thoughts, and it’s only the second time that you’ve been in Atros in the daytime.”

“They have built a large shelter on the inner southern wall,” Rasha said softly. “Some of the older guards didn’t like standing in the snow, so they’ve built a wooden shelter with a metal fire brazier underneath. Apparently it’s something some of the apprentice smiths worked on. Give them something practical to work on.”

Cetina threw her an odd look.

Rasha merely shrugged. “I wasn’t asleep the whole time. And the guards outside were bored.”

---[]---

“This is beautiful.” Axia stood on her toes to see clearly over the wall. “The air is so much nicer than Boreana.” She threw her nose into the air and sniffed deeply. “And there’s no smell either.”

“One of the things that I like about Atros.” Anton held his hand near the flaming brazier. “It’s a lovely place to live. So long as you don’t mind the Goblins.”

“I haven’t seen them up close.” Axia dropped down, turning and leaning against the wall. “Are they really that dangerous?”

“Not on their own,” Cetina said. “But there’s never just one.”

Axia nodded thoughtfully. Graterious was a well-developed country and the threat of monsters inside the capitol was essentially nil.

Unless they use the sewer systems. Then they could kidnap people and breed up to colossal numbers with no one being the wiser.

“What did you want to talk to me about?” Mezot asked. She sat opposite Anton, with her feet very close to the flame and her large staff resting against the wall.

“Your future in Atros.” Anton saw both of their bodies tense. “Not like that. But I want you, Mezot, to head our Academy. To teach as many as you can."

"But not...You." Mezot said softly.

"No." Anton smiled bitterly. "No, I don't think I'll ever be able to use Principle Magic. No matter how great a teacher I may have." Anton looked to the glove covering the gem embedded in his hand. "Perhaps I could use Tethra's magic...Worth a try later."

Mezot became a little happier but Rasha grew confused. She whispered into her ear and explained what they had discovered, rather confirmed, about Anton's magic. Rasha pursed her lips just before she was about to say something.

"But I would still like to learn at least the fundamentals." Anton continued. "So I know what's going on and if I'm asking the impossible of a Mage. Also I might be able to apply some of my knowledge to Principle Magic. Come at things from a different angle, a different perspective. I might see something amiss that a Mage wouldn't even consider."

"I'd like that," Mezot said softly.

Anton slapped his thighs. "That being said, it might be in my interest to at least have a staff and charm like yours." Anton smiled. “People will think that I’m an acceptable mage when I use magic. Only a Principle Mage would know that I'm not using my Charm.”

"An actual Principle Mage would know instantly that something is wrong.” Mezot said softly." They would know your Charm isn't working...And..."

Mezot trailed off, unwilling to finish her thought.

“Regardless, I haven’t had the opportunity to purchase one.” Anton nodded at Mezot’s staff. “And I’m sure I’d be sold a forgery, not that it really matters to most people.”

"But," Anton's face hardened slightly. "The thing is, I cannot pay you in the manner you were before."

Mezot blinked but said nothing.

"Unlike the rest of the world, we don't use money." Anton overlooked the city. "At least for now. With the influx of Dark Elves and Dwarves we will need to soon but right now there is no such thing as pay."

"That would explain why I didn't see any markets," Axia said softly.

"It was quieter than the capital's streets," Mezot added. "No one shouting to buy some old fruit."

"None of that here." Anton smiled. "I am having to ask that you work, teach, for free, for the immediate future. Food and lodging are provided, so you don't need to worry about that."

"I don't eat very much." Mezot manoeuvred her feet closer to the fire.

Axia silently scoffed at the notion.

"Will I have to prepare the equipment and materials?" Mezot looked straight at Anton. "Every student will need their own Charm to use Principle magic, even at a basic level. I have mine, and Axia hers, but that's it."

"Mine's a Basic Charm too." Axia pointed to her smaller Charm. "So I can use just about any type of magic with it. But it will be a lot more powerful if I had a proper Fire-based Charm."

"Do you know how to make them?" Anton peered closely at Mezot's. "Doesn't look like it's something other than a smith could make. And a very skilled one at that."

Mezot's body trembled with excitement. She had the chance to talk about magic once more. However, she calmed herself with a long, deep breath, even flexing her fingers as she exhaled.

"I do know." Mezot looked at Axia's charm. "A Simple Charm is relatively easy to create and has large tolerances. Students have a tendency to damage them when they are learning and it's too expensive to give every student something like mine. Do you have a smith here?"

"We do. Human and Dwarves. I'll check with Jonathan and see what he says. Shouldn't be a problem."

"Mine was made by the Dwarves that live in the capital." Mezot proudly smiled at her charm. "I think it was very expensive. Far more expensive than the dress you bought me."

"Dress?" Rasha asked softly.

"It looks so good." Axia clapped happily. "I'm sure Anton picked it because it made her look incredible. I know a lot of people would have been looking her way."

"It was really hard for me to notice what else was going on."

Mezot remained blank-faced for several seconds. Her eyes widened as she understood, her ears turned red, she pursed her lips and looked away.

She's really not used to compliments like that. I'm not going to deny that it's fun to see her squirm.

Anton waited until Mezot calmed a little. "In all seriousness though, that is the situation that we find ourselves in. You can return to the Royal Academy but I cannot guarantee your safety. And, honestly, I'd prefer knowing that you two are safe."

Mezot bit on her lower lip. Axia caught her eye as she gave an exaggerated nod.

"I will stay in Atros and help you, Anton." Mezot smiled. "Please treat me well."

"That we shall." Anton looked to the sky and the clouds overhead. "I don't want you two to do anything too strenuous for the next couple of days. It's been quite-"

"Actually." Mezot interrupted Anton. Axia raised her brows and looked surprised and impressed that her mother would cut Anton off. "I would like to continue teaching. I've never had an attentive class and they were actually listening." Mezot laughed nervously. "I-I've never had that before. It felt incredible."

"We can do that. Certainly. But it won't be all day, every day. I want them to continue physical work."

Mezot tilted her head slightly.

"So they can keep their body and minds clear. We all need time off so that we can properly digest what has been taught and Principle Magic is certainly no exception. Also, they need to have the strength to defend themselves if they run out of mana."

"But that's why we have you." Mezot looked between Anton, Cetina and Rasha. "Mages are not to be left unguarded."

Cetina shifted her legs, the armour clinking softly. "But if someone tries to attack you they'll be in for a surprise when they realise a Mage can fight back."

Axia made a noise, she opened her mouth but no words came out. She frowned as she looked down in deep thought, a finger pressed tight to her lips.

"That's quite easy in an army..." Anton glanced at Cetina. "Or, it might not be. Cetina and I were almost killed by assassins in Qaiviel, during the Civil War. If Cetina had not constantly pressed her martial skills onto me I'd be dead."

Cetina sucked on her lips, gently nodding when Mezot and Axia sought her confirmation.

"Perhaps that is a good idea," Mezot said. "But I am not strong-"

"We can fix that," Cetina said proudly. "Anton's become a lot stronger now that he regularly exercises with me. And that's not every day, so it shouldn't take you long to gain some strength."

Mezot looked more than a little dubious but accepted the explanation all the same.

"Do you have the materials necessary to make Simple Charms?" Mezot asked, her voice flat as normal.

"I don't think so. We could purchase them, but I'd need a list."

Mezot looked for something to write on, even glancing underneath the table.

Cetina coughed lightly. "I thought you might want something like that."

She produced a single sheet of paper from a bag hanging from her hip along with a thin piece of wrapped charcoal.

"I know that I wouldn't be able to remember an entire list of exotic items."

Anton passed them to Mezot after silently thanking Cetina. Mezot almost snatched them from his hands and began to write furiously. Axia sighed and shook her head. A shiver travelled down her spine, she moved closer to the flaming brazier and put in another piece of wood.

"How do you feel about travelling to Frindal?" Anton asked. His question was thoroughly ignored as Mezot muttered inaudible words. Anton shared a glance with Axia, this was not unusual for Mezot.

Mezot eventually placed the charcoal down, a light click as it made contact with the wood. "I think that is everything. I could be wrong but I'm certain with this you could build a Simple Charm."

"What about those books?" Rasha asked. "Is there anything in those that would tell you how to make that metal thing?"

"It's a Charm." Mezot sternly said, even her brows furrowed. "The most important item a Principle Mage has."

"But is there anything in those books?"

"There will be," Mezot said flatly.

"Well, okay then." Rasha shrugged lightly. There was nothing to gain from furthering that conversation.

"I'll see if we can find these in Bebbezzar." Anton looked at the list. "Graterious is sort of off-limits to us, for the moment. And I don't want to give a single copper coin to the Seocurian Empire if I can help it."

"You should probably go to bed first." Cetina held his shoulder. "You might be fighting to stay awake but it won't do you any good."

“I’ll be fine.” Anton smiled. “Actually I feel pretty good. Considering.”

“Alright then…” Cetina sighed. “I just don’t want to have to carry you back to the portal.”

Mezot tapped the table. “Do-Do I get to keep this?”

Mezot held the small medal she had received when she had become a Master. It wasn’t much, just a small gold plated simple ornament, but to Mezot it was the culmination of years of suffering and hard work, desperately trying to push through her condition while raising her daughter. And, despite everything, she had finally made it, regardless of some minor assistance.

“Of course.”

Anton stood up and walked around the brazier. Mezot followed him with her eyes but her body remained perfectly still. Anton gently lifted the small piece of metal, he could not feel anything magical from it but it held far more worth than just its material.

“I think we’ll make this the symbol that someone’s graduated from the Atros Academy.” Anton let the medallion go. “Maybe a little bit different, I don’t want something as beautiful as this to be on just anyone. Something to let them know their hard work has paid off. I won’t forget the smile on your face when you received this.”

Mezot smiled as Cetina gently rolled her eye.

“We’ll be back very soon.” Anton tapped the scroll. “Just don’t go too overboard while we’re gone, okay? Rasha will stay with you so nothing happens.”

Rasha sighed. “One day I’ll be able to travel beyond Atros. That would be nice.”

---[]---

Anton wanted to lightly admonish Mezot for not following his words but he was far too tired to complain. He placed the large sack of basic materials for building a Simple Charm in the corner of Mezot’s impromptu lecture hall. The gently raining snow had no impact on Mezot nor the students. All listened intently as Mezot demonstrated her magic in a practical sense. It was all well and good to drum theory into their heads but it wouldn’t sink in without showing how it could be used, that they could use magic like her with enough time and practice.

“If only all schools did that.” Anton mused as he sat on a chair at the rear of the open classroom. “I think it would have helped.”

“What’s that?” Cetina carried two slightly smaller sacks over her shoulder. She had performed the haggling, Anton had underestimated just how tired he was and was in no state to argue with skilled merchants.

Anton suppressed a yawn. “Making things interesting for the students. Learning maths is hard and boring enough, but it’s really hard when they don’t see any benefit to it.” Anton nodded as Mezot created a small suspended icicle. Beside her, Axia created a small flame. She wasn’t asked by her mother but wanted to contribute. “Now they can see it. So they’ll work much harder.”

Movement caught Anton’s eye. Rasha stood to the side, looking rather nervous.

“I thought I told you to keep her from doing anything strenuous,” Anton said dryly.

Rasha merely shrugged. “She can be quite obstinate. And...She moves the moment you take your eyes off her. I had just finished moving something for her, turned to one of the other guards, and she was gone. Axia, thankfully, knew where she was going.”

“Was she at least heading in the right direction?” Anton smiled.

“Yes. But no one was going to be waiting for her.” Rasha sat in a chair behind Anton. “Then I found out that she told a guard to assemble her class...Was she like this before? She seemed so quiet and...You know…”

“I honestly have no idea.” Anton began to truly appreciate how tired his eyelids were. “But she means well. Even with her condition.”

“I’ll keep an eye on her while you two get some sleep.” Rasha smiled. “I’ve had plenty of rest.”

“I actually want her to try and explain the basics to me again.” Anton began to struggle to keep his eyes open as a great wave of tiredness washed over his body. “I don’t want everyone to know that I...Don’t know anything about Principle Magic...Might make…I got to talk to Cassius about…”

Anton didn’t finish his sentence as sleep overtook him.

---[]---

“Anton?” Cetina leant close, thinking that Anton had trailed off in one of his bouts of deep yet rambling thought. “What were you saying?”

Anton did not answer.

For a moment Cetina was worried until she poked his side. Anton refused to move or make a sound. His chin rested on his chest as he breathed slowly and calmly. Snowflakes began to build on his hair and even some on his nose. Though he never mentioned it he would always brush away the snow from his nose the moment it made contact, she hadn’t asked why he would find it so irritating when the rest of his hair would become wet and slick as the snow melted. Verona and Kal hadn’t mentioned it or it was so ubiquitous they no longer cared.

“Did…” Rasha leant back on her chair. The wood groaned under her weight. “Did he just fall asleep?”

“He was awake most of the night.” Cetina gently brushed the snow away from his nose. “Told me that he could easily deal with a group of attackers with his magic. And it would take too long to establish a portal. We are the only ones that could see in the dark well too.”

“That’s kind of true.” Rasha moved to the chair next to Cetina. “He and Verona are the only ones that can use such magic. Unless those Dark Elf twins can?”

“No.” Cetina shook her head. “No, but they’re learning to use swords and work in a team. I think they’ll be very strong, given time.”

Rasha looked towards Mezot as she continued to explain what she was creating. Mezot began creating smaller icicles and rotating them around one another. She was sure that Anton would want to see this but she didn't want to disturb his sleep.

"Are you having sex with him?"

Rasha's question came out of nowhere, it stunned Cetina for a few moments.

"Yes."

Rasha's ears drooped slightly. "I thought you were...I just wanted to know. That's all."

Cetina looked at Rasha through her eyepatch. Though Cetina was certainly not the best at reading body expressions she knew Rasha was not alright.

"No it's not." Cetina didn't turn to look at her, keeping her head facing the magical demonstration. "Otherwise you wouldn't have said it. I was certain you already knew."

Rasha removed her helmet, letting her bright red braided hair free and scratched the base of her horn.

"I...I don't know." Rasha shook her head. "I just...Felt really, really angry when I first thought you were. And I don't feel any better knowing the truth."

Cetina remained silent. Rasha wanted to speak her mind, though it was a little strange having Anton on her other side, softly snoring while they talked about him.

"I want to help him." Rasha held her head in her hands. "That's why I wanted to become his bodyguard. And then I'm left out constantly because of..." Rasha sat upright and waved over her body. "This."

"Anton doesn't have an issue with Beastkin. If anything I think he kind of likes them more than humans. Sometimes."

Rasha pursed her lips. "Sometimes...There are still times I wish I wasn't a Beastkin. At least I'd be able to see the world..."

Rasha fell silent. Cetina found it very strange that someone as strong as Rasha would be fumbling nearly every word.

I wasn't much better. If we hadn't fought, sparred, then Verona and Kal spied on us, then I might have backed out. I probably would have.

"Have you spoken to anyone else about your feelings?"

"No." Rasha took a deep breath. "Don't exactly have many people I can talk to, at the best of times."

Cetina again looked at Rasha through her eyepatch.

There's no way that Verona hasn't considered you. Kal mentioned it had something to do with loyalty but that might just be Verona trying to justify herself.

A faint smile crept up the corner of her lips. "Talk to him."

"What?" Rasha grabbed the edge of her seat. "I...I couldn't do that. There’s a difference between that and him seeing me toppless."

Cetina leant back. "Honestly, you're doing it right now."

"He's not awake." Rasha's shoulders dropped. "And I'm sure I'd mess it up."

"I thought I would too. But once you're speaking it kind of takes control of you." Cetina waved away a particularly large snowflake. "Talk to him tomorrow. Just explain yourself and everything will be fine. The worst is that he rejects your feelings but at least you know."

"But I haven't done anything with him." Rasha rubbed her legs. "You, Verona and Kal have been on adventures before anything happened, to Qaiviel, Graterious, even The Shadow Isles. And I'm stuck in Atros." Rasha's eyes narrowed on Mezot. "I can only escort him around Atros, which he honestly doesn't need, so I don't-"

"If you honestly think that's what's needed for Anton to..." Cetina shook her head. "Please just talk to him. It'll eat away at you if you don't."

Rasha held her head in her hands and stared at the ground. Her eyes flicked back and forth as an unending stream of thoughts conflicted with one another. Cetina wanted to help but Rasha should make the decision for herself and not feel that she was being forced. Slowly Rasha's face softened, she nodded softly and sat upright once more. She looked far more confident. Cetina merely hoped she would not come across too strong and take her time. There was only one chance for these things and she would hate herself if she fumbled it. Cetina could only hope.