After they rounded the corner Fena shook off Avairy’s hand and gave her a look of surprise.

“I thought for sure you were about to throw something.”

Avairy rubbed her facial muscles, the stress of her frustration now obvious on her face. “No shit idiot. Fuck! I wanted to punch him so bad.”

“What stopped you?”

Avairy sighed. “You haven’t worked with others much, have you Fena?”

Fena dropped her gaze, but nodded. This was technically her first time.

“I thought so,” continued the elf. “Adventurers are like sheep; they follow one leader, and listen to everything he says. And if you don’t agree, or kick up a fuss, you get labelled as a troublemaker and thrown out.”

She sat down with her back against the wall and rubbed her face again.

“As such, we’re now stuck under that asshole’s command and there’s fuck all we can do about it. Trust me, I know how those bastards work. Anytime you complain or throw a fit, it’s always your fault. They’ll ask if you’re on your period, or dismiss your complaints as being hysteric.”

Fena nodded and sighed. She had experienced similar things before, though under very different circumstances.

“Still, I didn’t expect you to be the type to walk away.”

Avairy gave her an incredulous look. “What, because I’m the angry elf that throws things? Listen, the best way to deal with it is to bottle up those shitty feelings and bury them wayyyyy deep down. Despite how I usually am, I won’t let anything interfere with this escort, whatever that asshole says.” She sighed. “Look, I’ve done it for fucking years, we can manage it for a month. Or however long it takes to deliver that bitch of a princess.”

“Umm-” a gentle voice interrupted their talk. The two girls turned to see the quiet Anna Maybell shyly standing behind them.

“Listen, I’m- I’m not sure what you’re talking about, but Derick is actually a really nice man! He’s super considerate, and doesn’t get handsey like a lot of other guys. You should give him a chance.”

Avairy snorted as Fena sighed.

“Nice to meet you too. We never actually greeted each other did we? Your boyfriend saw to that,” answered Avairy irately.

Anna blushed. “He-he’s not my boyfriend. At least, not yet…oh!” She quickly covered her mouth in an adorable fashion.

Aviary looked up at Fena. “See what I mean? They’re all the same.”

“Yeah… I don’t blame you for leaving the adventurer’s guild.”

Anna gave them a confused look. “Uh, you can call me Anna if you like. I-I thought since we’re the only girls we might get along…”

“Yeah, not possible,” answered Avairy harshly. “You represent everything I despise, so let’s just keep a friendly distance, shall we?” She pulled herself to her feet and began walking off.

Fena got the distinct impression that her bottled up anger was reaching its maximum. Nonetheless, she couldn’t help but feel a little bit sorry for the innocent Anna.

“She’s… just frustrated. Don’t take it to heart,” said Fena in a lackluster tone.

“Oh,” said the girl, her expression drooping. Her big eyes and button nose gave off the appearance of a sad bunny. Fena couldn’t help but relent slightly.

“You can call me Fena.”

As if the sun had risen on the darkest night, her expression lifted itself up to the heavens.

“May I?” she asked, practically hopping. “Oh, I’m so glad! I was worried, because the mercenaries don’t like us adventurers very much, but you seem nice! I hope we can be “Well, we all have our own reasons for disliking your guild. Avairy’s is just a bit more… personal.”

The girl looked confused for a moment. “Really? What’s yours?”

“Well… Don’t they collect all sorts of information about you?”

“Yeah! It’s called the Stat system; it’s really cool!” said Anna excitedly. “There’s this magical tool that scans you and gives you a rank and your statistics! It makes it super easy to see how good you are!”

“Right… well I find that… uncomfortable. Anyone could track me down with that information.”

Anna tilted her head cutely to the side. “Why’s that? Is there someone after you?”

Fena was about to open her mouth when the Crow suddenly bit her ear.

“Are you crazy?! Are you seriously trusting this girl just because she’s cute? I thought you learned your lesson!” it whispered hurriedly.

“I…” trailed off Fena, processing the Crow’s words. It was right; there was something about the girl that made Fena want to talk about herself.

A charm? It must be.

Fena couldn’t sense anything magical, but she was no magician; she had no way to know if a spell had been cast on her. Fena shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She needed to speak carefully, now much more conscious of what her mouth was saying.

“No… not really. It’s just in case, y’know. What about you? You been with Rosewell for long?” she asked, mentally kicking herself for not being more cautious.

Anna had a slightly concerned look at Fena’s initial silence but her face beamed as soon as she answered.

“Yes, from the very start! We’ve been friends since childhood, and ever since discovering our own talents we swore to go on adventures together!” She twisted her hands shyly. “Honestly… I don’t know what I’d do without him. He’s saved me so many times I…” she blushed. “I have a bit of a crush on him. But he never notices! Stupid Derick. And I’ve seen the looks some of the other female adventurers give him!” A sad expression sank over her face. “He doesn’t even notice me…”

Fena’s heart clenched, in sympathy and anger but she reminded herself to be wary.

“Right... hope turns out well for you... listen, I- I’ve got something I have to get to so I’ll see you later…?”

“Oh-oh right. Sorry, I just met you and I’m spilling everything, haha,” the girl wiped her eyes that were suddenly damp. “I look forward to working with you!”

“Right… likewise...” with that Fena made her quick escape.

Once the summoner was out of sight, Fena caught her breath. The Crow hopped anxiously on her shoulder, preening and checking Fena over as if she had sustained an injury.

“What the hell was that? What was that?!” it babbled anxiously.

“I don’t know… a charm of some sort? She was even affecting my emotions!”

“Oh hell. We better be on high alert; this mission has just gotten so much harder.”

Fena patted the Crow as she sought to steady her racing heart.

“Thank you for calling me out there. She almost caught us.”

The Crow pushed its head into her hand. “You’re welcome. You know I’m always looking after you, right?”

“Right.”

_________________

Two days later

The gilded trimmings of the ornate black and gold carriage reflected the sun across the ground, scattering it at the feet of the royal entourage. Maids bustled back and forth as the last few supplies were stuffed into the carriages, and the adventurers and mercenaries moved into their formation, patiently waiting for the princess to arrive.

Fena stood by a feisty grey mare near the front of the procession, joined by Antony atop an enormous black warhorse. The horses had been given to them by the palace as part of the contract, and though it had been a long time since she last rode Fena was able to quickly adapt to being back in the saddle. Oddly enough, her mare wasn't very happy with this and made a game out of seeing how far she could mess with her rider. Antony didn’t have this problem at all, as his giant, intimidating black warhorse was actually quite friendly and eager, though seemed oblivious to his own size. As for the other three mercenaries, they didn’t know how to ride and so would follow in the carriages.

Eselin, as Fena had decided to name her mare, shifted impatiently as they waited. Fena couldn’t blame her; they hadn’t even started the journey yet and Fena was already soaked in sweat. Montegrie had insisted that they wear those stupid uniforms for the departure, as she wanted to create an impression as they left the city. It was a good thing they didn’t have to do so for the whole journey, else they all would have quit on the spot. But they were already two hours past their departure time, and Fena was beginning to be tempted to do so anyways.

The Crow had attempted to make a small nest in Eselin’s mane, but the horse had put a swift end to that idea after she bit the Crow for coming too close. Currently the bird was sulking on the top of Fena’s head, nursing the foot that had gotten snapped.

“Little miss princess sure likes to make people wait, doesn’t she.”

“She gets that right, as royalty,” answered Fena with a sigh. “No matter how selfish they are, there’s not much we can do about it,”

“You should push her nose in when you’re alone with her,” suggested the Crow. “Or ‘accidentally’ trip her into a puddle. I’d pay good money to see that.”

“Shut your blathering beak; you’re going to get us arrested,” scolded Fena, but a small smile graced her lips as she pictured the sight.

Noticing, Antony smiled as well and passed over his waterskin. “Here, drink some; I can practically see your sweat coming off in waterfalls."

"Speak for yourself," snorted Fena, but she took a swig regardless. "You're like the mother of our little entourage."

"If it means you're not going to fall off your horse I'll gladly be," laughed Antony. "But I don't think we need to wait much longer; take a look."

Fena looked back to see where he was pointing. A large group of maids, butlers and royal guards all neatly arranged themselves in formation outside the entrance to the palace. A moment passed before the light wood doors swung open and out walked the princess, followed closely by her parents. From where she stood Fena couldn't make out what they were saying, but the Princess seemed to be kicking up a fuss about something; she was yelling and pointing at one of the maids, seemingly upset with one of her suitcases. Eventually the King managed to calm her down enough to stuff her in the carriage with a gruff kiss and goodbye. The Queen followed with only the most formal of goodbyes; a stiff kiss on the cheek and a bouquet of flowers.

"That Queen looks like a miserable sort, doesn't she?” said the Crow. “She's had that doll-like expression on her face every time we see her."

"It's like she's saying goodbye to a stranger…"

"Royals are weird. We know that better than anyone. Stop sticking your interest into other people's lives; we've got enough problems already."

"Yeah." Fena cleared her thoughts, then made to mount up onto her horse. Eselin pranced sideways, but relented when Fena clicked her tongue sharply at her.

"That horse of yours is going to make this journey so much more interesting," laughed Antony as he watched the struggle. "But I don't think it'll be as entertaining as watching Avairy being locked up with that Princess."

Fena ignored his sniggers as she looked back over the caravan. There were four carriages in total; two for the princess and her personal maids, one for the catering servants and bringing up the rear was the wagon that the adventurers and remaining mercenaries were bundled into. Fena figured it was only a matter of time before Oswald got into a fight with someone, but she could only hope it was quiet enough that the Princess didn't notice. As for Anna and Rosewell, the summoner was with Avairy in the Princess's carriage while Rosewell rode up and down the line, making sure everything was in order. Eventually he made his way to the front, where he gave Fena and Antony a nod.

"Everything ready to go?" he asked with a smile.

"Yes," they answered in unison, but Fena added, "Please just get us moving."

"Alright!" With a beaming grin, the adventurer stood up in his saddle.

"ATTENTION!! HER HIGHNESS’S ROYAL ENTOURAGE, BEGIN MARCH!" he bellowed in pleasure, causing Fena to clap her hands over her ears and Eselin to flatten hers in displeasure. Nonetheless, the horse followed Rosewell when Fena gave her a nudge and the entire caravan began its journey, blissfully unaware of the fate that awaited it.

Crowds gathered as they made their way through the city, cheering and waving as their princess left for the Academy. Fena despised the attention, wanting nothing more than to shrink away and hide. The Crow did just that, burying itself into one of Eselin's saddle bags until nothing but its beak and a few stray feathers could be seen poking out. But the rest of the caravan seemed to be enjoying the crowds, as even the arrogant princess stuck her head out of the carriage and waved to them.

Noticing Fena's discomfort, Antony gave her a concerned glance.

"You okay?," he shouted over the roaring crowd.

But Fena simply shook her head in dismissal and waved him away, indicating he should mind his own business.

The King had gone all out in celebrating his daughter's departure, as banners lined the street and children threw flower petals into their path. Fena would've thought they were a wedding procession if she didn't know any better. But Fena's anxiety only grew as they progressed further through the city and the crowds thickened. Despite the happy atmosphere her eyes kept racing, searching the crowds for anything suspicious. Her hands twitched, wishing they could hold a blade. She had no reason to suspect a threat, but an indescribable part of her could not relax; a primal fear of danger tried to overwhelm her senses.

But as her eyes flinched back and forth, they caught something: the waving hand of a five year old girl.

Despite her fear and anxiety, despite the fear of being recognized by a passing stranger, Fena couldn't stop a sudden smile breaking out across her face. Little Rosie was seated on the shoulders of her mother, yelling excitedly as soon as she spotted Fena.

"FENNY!!" She cried out over the crowd. "I’M SORRY FENNY!! I DON’T HATE YOU!! STAY SAFE AND COME HOME IF YOU CAN!!"

Even though she went through the struggle of cutting her out of her life and her desire to let Rosie forget her, Fena raised a hand and waved to the little girl with a smile and a nod. The Crow would disapprove, but Fena couldn't help but hope that she would get to see the little girl again.

Fena kept glancing over her shoulder even long after Rosie was out of sight, until Antony asked her what she was looking for. She only smiled in response and straightened her back, slightly less afraid of the road ahead.