Two month pass by without issue.

Felicia’s integration into Emilia’s lessons proceeded along smoothly. Showcasing a solid understanding of topics introduced during sessions as well as adapting to Emilia’s somewhat nonchalant methods of teaching.

Her request to Leonard about assisting her on weekend study sessions helped with finding a comfortable rhythm to manage her rate of learning. Anything she felt unsure about she would often refer to either Leonard or Emilia depending on whomever was available.

Leonard appreciated this trait of hers. It showed she was getting comfortable with the people around her without regard for hesitation in wanting to further understand topics she was struggling with. She had great resources at her disposal with either himself or Emilia, so he often encouraged her that should she ever feel the need for assistance in any form, she should just ask away. Remembering the old saying of, ‘It’s better to ask and be a fool for five minutes, then be a fool for the rest of your life’.

Moving onto her physical ability, a small inkling of unfairness rose as Leonard witnessed first-hand how naturally athletic Felicia was thanks to her heritage. Back when Emilia did her initial physical test for Felicia, he was expecting her to be a ragged mess within the first few laps. Little did he know. She managed to outperform his own running ability without applying mana on her first day compared to his attempts after having spent nearly 7 months training himself.

To say he wasn’t feeling a little pressured would be an understatement, yet, that didn’t mean he wasn’t put off by her ability. If anything, it only made him more excited about what she could do given the assistance she would receive from both Emilia and himself. In addition, the idea that he had someone to train alongside now helped his own motivation and confidence as he would no longer have to endure the training sessions alone.

One thing that slightly changed however, was how much closer Felicia grew to Leonard compared to their initial meetings. Whenever they’d be studying together in the house she tended to draw herself closer in terms of physical contact, often intruding his own personal space. He didn’t mind her habit of doing this, but he also didn’t feel comfortable about bringing it up with anyone else as it might lead to Felicia retreating into herself once more, so he just let it be.

That is until Emilia one day saw what she was doing and addressed the matter. ‘Addressing’ in her terms however, meant that she had new opportunities to poke fun at Leonard. Stating that it was simply a sign from beastkins that Felicia found him to be trustworthy. He didn’t quite understand by what she meant, but he wasn’t going to hurt Felicia’s feelings over something he wasn’t overly bothered by. He sometimes even found himself feeling drowsy whenever she leaned into his side as they read together.

Despite the comfortable atmosphere that was growing around him, reality soon had to real it’s ugly head back around. With the date of Ashton’s departure fast approaching at the beginning of the week.

Leading to today. Currently stood within the households garden were Leonard and Ashton. Both dressed and armed with basic combat training equipment; worn padded leathers with the mana conductive blunt wooden weapons.

They were using the rear of the garden as their arena thanks to the various unused herb fields which hadn’t been replanted yet, as the obvious stone paths were ill suited for what Ashton had requested for today’s lesson with Leonard.

Watching over the two brothers as they readied to duel one another were both Emilia and Felicia. Ashton having stated that he requested this of Emilia before bringing it up with Leonard after he had a discussion with her. Unawares as to what the two of them discussed specifically, Leonard simply resolved himself to his teachers approval. Felicia’s presence however confused him. He hadn’t heard the reason as to why she was presently watching this fight but he had his suspicions that Emilia obviously had something to do with it.

As for his thoughts on Ashton. Personally, Leonard was confused as to why his brother even requested this of him given that tomorrow he’d be leaving for Arcocsdeen. He’d wanted to spend more time with his brother in a more enjoyable atmosphere, alongside his family as they nagged at him about mundane things. Yet, here he was standing poised in a stance with his spear at the ready whilst Ashton stood opposite him, sword and shield also at the ready, though in a much more comfortable stance, showing no signs of nervousness or hesitation.

“I really don’t understand why we’re doing this Ashton… Maybe you could explain a little to help me understand what this is about?” Confused uncertainty in Leonards voice.

“Lessons. I leave tomorrow, so I’ll share a little of my own experiences with you. This is the easiest and fastest way.”

“But, surely I have plenty of time for tha-”

“Focus. We’re starting.” Finality in Ashton’s words, ignoring Leonard’s request as he charged forward without reservation head on.

By panicked reaction Leonard used whatever tactics he’d learnt from Emilia within his time of being under her tutelage; keeping his distance whilst poking at his brother with his spear to control his opponents movements by shifting his angles of attack. Yet, despite his best efforts, it was all in vain. Ashton’s shield was a bulwark of defiance, easily repelling every attempted thrust aimed for his body with ease.

Grounded pressure diminished Leonard’s morale upon realising just how overpowering his brother was when it came to combat. Initially, he held some degree of confidence in his abilities given that mana existed – adding to his his strength. However, the same applied to Ashton as he demolished all forms of resistance his younger brother attempted. Ending the fight swiftly by deflecting Leonard’s spear to the outside with his shield with pure strength – rushing in with empowered legs and thrusting his sword cleanly into Leonard’s stomach, pushing him back and winding him in the process.

“Gagh!”

He collapsed to his knees immediately. Hands tightly gripping his stomach whilst dropping his weapon. Luckily by reaction he’d strengthened his body just as he’d been taught when impacts were expected but he’d underestimated and misjudged the strength his brother wielded.

“Two minutes. Then we reset and go again.” No emotion was involved in Ashton’s command, enhanced by the small authoritative pressure emanating from his words. He turned away and moved back to his starting position, checking over his gear.

Whereas Leonard struggled to right himself. Too focussed on regaining control of his breathing as he remained kneeling, strengthening his body best he could while winded. As he gained some form of self control again, he stood upright, looking around for his weapon which he’d let fly off to the side. Not bothering with the dirt that covered him as he walked, knowing that today was going to be a long day.

As he walked back to his starting position, he heard the words of his older brother once more, “Do you think it unfair of me to fight you like this?”

Internally, Leonard wanted to scream yes, that his brother had both experience and time on his side. Yet, at the same time, he didn’t want to complain. He didn’t want to look pathetic to the people in front of him by making excuses. So he simply resigned within himself that he’d do what he could, perform the best he could within this moment with whatever strength he’d built up.

“No. I’m good. You’re the one teaching me.” He responded, readying himself once more though upset he couldn’t hold back the slight sharpness to the end of his sentence. Matching his brothers gaze as he locked eyes and focussed entirely on the second round which was about to begin.

“Okay. Begin” Ashton announced strongly.

Taking the initiative this time. Once more Leonard thrust out his attacks with swift but more powerful movements than previously. Whatever hesitation and sluggishness had ailed him initially was now gone as he relentlessly flurried thrust after thrust towards his brothers direction. In response, Ashton dealt with each thrust with ease, no longer using his shield to simply block but angling it to divert each thrust into a differing direction. As he did, slowly he closed the gap between himself and Leonard, his forwarding presence a looming threat to the inevitable closing of their gap, becoming clearer with each thrust.

Trying his best to maintain his distance, Leonard pushed his legs backwards, distancing himself from his brother best he could as he forced out a powerful thrust, hoping to sway his brother into fully blocking it. Only, this was an opportunity which Ashton had been awaiting. As the heavier thrust closed in on his brothers shield, Ashton’s patience was rewarded as he side stepped his younger siblings desperate attempt to distance himself. Pushing the spear along it’s trajectory with his shield as he glided past it.

Having committed too much strength to the thrust, expecting Ashton to block it, Leonard was caught off guard as his momentum put him off balance. Leaning too far forward and unable to react swiftly enough, it was only a second later that Ashton’s shield made direct impact to Leonards torso. The combined momentums creating a heavier impact as the two forces clashed, resulting in Leonard getting himself winded once more.

“Guh!” Deep laboured breathes followed as his weapon was lost once more, clutching the dirt in pain struggling to control his breathing.

Whatever confidence he’d felt going into the fight the second time had all but been smothered by the ease in which his brother had countered his attempts. Staring down at the dirt as the sweat had started to drip down from his brow. His prior estimations of his brothers strength had all but been shattered as he came to realize just how strong he truly was. Understanding the level of skill and power required for those who were capable of being admitted into the royal academy. The heights of his brother’s skill were daunting to him given that he hadn’t even gotten close to hitting Ashton once yet.

“Can you still go on brother?” Ashton’s question interrupting his thoughts. Frustration growing as the question sounded almost sarcastic in Leonard’s mind.

“I’m… fine Ashton.” A forced response; Leonard tightened up his body trying to contain his emotions from escaping his control. The pain in doing so triggering him to clench his teeth. Again rising up, he took notice of more dried dirt beginning to cover his padding and skin.

“Then pick up your weapon and reset.”

Knowing that he was letting his emotions get the better of him. Leonard sucked in the deepest breath of air he could through his nose, then exhaled it with control out through his mouth. The rising and lowering of his abdomen helping to settle his emotions as a wash of clarity gently brushed over his mind.

Reaching down for his weapon in the dirt for the second time, it felt heavier compared to the previous time he had to retrieve it. He initially thought it was simply because he was had been receiving a beating from his brother but he felt there was more to it. The climbing pressure from his brother, along with the consecutive losses added their own sense of weight to his mentality.

“Heavy?” Ashton spoke out, as if he knew what was running through Leonard’s mind.

“A little. Nothing to worry about though.” Brushing off Ashton’s question, he readied himself for their third bout of combat.

Taking a moment to gaze at his brother, Ashton decided to then unbind the wood shield tied around his left arm, throwing it off to the side without a care so it landed outside of their makeshift arena.

“What are you doing?” Confused suspicion questioned Ashton both visually and verbally.

“Getting it out of the way.” Ashton responded without concern.

“I don’t need you to give me a handicap because I’ve been losing to you Ashton.” Strained frustration eking out with Leonard’s voice.

Readying his posture once more, wielding his sword now with both hands, Ashton ignored his complaint as he matched eyes with Leonard. “If you think that’s the reason I did it. Then you haven’t been paying attention to anything.” Although spoken plainly, an undertone of disappointment could be heard.

Frowning after hearing Ashton’s response, Leonard was about to comment only to be interrupted by his brother.

“Only the fight matters. Now focus.”

Finishing his statement, it was clear that Ashton’s words were the signal to the start of the round. Bursting forward just as fast as he had done so the first round, yet this time he was unable to maintain his straight momentum due to his lack of cover from the shield as Leonard began his body seeking thrusts. Quelling the initiative his brother taken.

What surprised Leonard however, was that despite losing his shield, Ashton still managed to avoid taking any hits from his spear. Constantly showcasing his skilful footwork as he weaved in and out between each of his thrusts, only using his sword whenever a spear strike was close to truly hitting him as he parried it off. Delaying his momentum only temporarily.

The continuous display in their difference of skill began to crumble away at Leonards mind. Futility taking root in his stomach, creating a near sinking feeling. As the spear he was wielding began to feel heavier, his breathing struggled to find its rhythm as his focus dwindled little by little. The signs of Leonard’s weakening became clear to Ashton as he decided to strike upon his brothers absent mindedness.

Having closed the distance enough to warrant an attempt at striking, Leonard was too slow to react as his thrusts all but reached places that Ashton’s had once been. The constant footwork and inching forward had gained him significant ground as Leonard continuously retreated trying distance himself as he thrust outwards once more. The prior bout had instilled some experience within him on how to properly apply his balance whilst retreating.

Yet that experience was too shallow and too late to balance out the scales each had in their knowledge of fighting. Slowing himself to allow Leonard to catch up with his movements, Ashton baited in his brothers attack that was poised to strike in the location he was currently stalling himself in. Biting without realising, Leonard instinctually thrust out an attack, desperate to gain enough pressure to distance himself properly.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Almost a wisp in the wind, Ashton shifted himself immediately from the incoming attack, his feet already positioned properly to push himself away, with a near instant redirection of his body towards his opponent.

For Leonard, the attack hit before he could register what happened. The first strike was a powerful dual gripped slash across his stomach, as Ashton followed through rushing past him. The follow up came swiftly after as the sword swept his legs out from under him, causing him to fall through the air onto his back. Knocking him out as a result; the final attack had caught him entirely by surprise.

Still standing and observing his brother from above, Ashton took in the sight of the dirt, sweat and damage that marked his brother. Despite the beating he had given to him, a small near hidden smile sprouted on his face as he looked at Leonards right hand, still tightly gripping the spear he hadn’t let go of. Although one sided, he was happy to see that some things had ingrained themselves into his brother other than the showcasing of strength he needed to make clear.

Feeling that this was all that could be achieved today given his limited time for final preparations for tomorrow, Ashton walked away to the side of arena to recover his shield. Not before looking towards Emilia, sharing a look stating that this was the end for the today’s fighting.

Unfortunately, not everyone understood Ashton’s method of thinking and communication.

“I want to fight you too!” Screamed out a young female voice as Felicia stepped forward towards the eldest Haydsworth brother. He took notice of her eyes which had tightened to slits and held a near watery glimmer.

Witnessing Felicia’s outburst and noting Emilia’s stance to her side, he witnessed the raise of an eyebrow from the declaration they both heard. Then he saw the mischievous glint that questioned what he was going to do when she looked his way again. Knowing all too well of the annoyance Leonard often expressed during his moments of openly complaining about her personality.

“Why?” Was all he responded with. His question marking it as a pointless request. “Today was about teaching Leonard. I have nothing to teach you.” Looking away from the girl towards Emilia.

Frustration of her own rose within Felicia’s mind as she couldn’t help but express her true feelings, “What was there to learn from that?! You beat him one sidedly without even attempting to hold yourself back!”

“Plenty. Leonard is much smarter than you think.”

“But you didn’t explain anything. You just beat him down till he passed out!” Her frustration only furthering as Ashton seemed nonplussed by her complaints.

In response, Ashton looked from Felicia then to Emilia and back again, “I wouldn’t be allowed to do this without permission. Emilia agreeing proves your point otherwise.”

Scrunching her face in discontent, Felicia turned to her teacher hoping for some signs of an answer. As for Emilia, the sigh she let out only further confused Felicia’s stance.

“He’s not wrong about Leonard. He’s a lot more intelligent than he lets on. Additionally, Leonard now has a clear cut understanding of the strength required to reach the skills of those within the royal academy.” Clear in her explanation, she couldn’t help but further add on her own self interest in the matter as well, “He’s my squire after all. He needs to be at least just as strong as Ashton here when he reaches the same age. I’ll not accept anything less of him.”

Clenching her fists at Emilia’s response, she stubbornly pressed on with her prior request, “Then fight me too! I want to learn about what’s needed to reach the royal academy! It’s not fair that you just let Leonard fight…” Weakness beginning to leak from her voice as her frustration conflicted with the roiling nervousness in fighting someone for the first time.

Staring at the defiant young girl who lashed out at him for his brothers sake lead to the return of that near unnoticeable smile. A solace in knowing his brother would have more than just his family to rely on.

“Earlier that day before you awoke. Illiana shared the story of me and my fathers bout. She embellished it somewhat. But. When she called herself and Leonard strong. She was right. I just wanted to teach Leonard. That those words originally weren’t just for me. They were meant for us. He just needed someone to tell him.” Following his explanation, Ashton’s sight had turned to his still unconscious brother. A slight pause in his actions as that near smile rose a little.

Both Felicia and Emilia slightly were taken aback by Ashton speaking. Felicia more so for his explanation on his reasoning. Yet, for Emilia this was a first for him to speak so frequently and to someone outside of his family. Internally acknowledging that Leonard wasn’t the only one who was growing these past few years.

“If you really want to fight. Then our intentions need to align. Yours in that you want to learn about strength. Whereas mine are to help my siblings understand they’re strong. Only you can choose if that lesson ever comes about.” His sentence left lingering confusion to the two pairs of ears who heard him.

Felicia, looking confused by Ashton's comment was caught off-guard by the roaring laughter emanating from Emilia not two seconds later. Turning to face her teacher, she couldn’t understand what about this situation could be so funny.

“Ashton, I’m surprised to see this side of you. Perhaps you were paying more attention to me than I had previously thought.” A charming sense of approval in her teasing which Emilia soon switched to Felicia. The playful expression emanating from her eyes as she did. “What’s Ashton’s trying to say is that he’ll only teach his siblings. But you aren’t related by blood. So how else would you become his sister?” Abated anticipation could be heard in her question.

The stammered realisation on what Ashton was now implying caused Felicia to retreat from her earlier provocative stance, near hiding inside herself as her face turned red.

Entertained by her reaction, Emilia then turned back to Ashton, “I’m impressed. You’ve certainly grown a lot more over the years without my realising. Of course, we haven’t had as much time to talk as much since I started teaching Illiana and now Leonard… But I’m proud to see you openly interacting with the people around you. You’ve come a long way Ashton” A warm familiarity in her compliments inwardly shook Ashton, having struck a hidden chord which he rarely allowed others to understand.

In response, he straightened his posture and bowed appropriately in Emilia’s direction. His weapons sheathed, right arm across with a tightened fist and his left arm behind his back. The sign of respect for those within the military.

“Thank you. As it has been for me, having you as my first teacher was a blessing I only realised later on.” A soft tone of gratefulness gilded his acknowledgement in Emilia’s teaching.

Rising up from his bow, he then took the initiative in leaving, “I will head off first.” Not before taking one last look at both Emilia and Felicia then finally to his brother. “The floor doesn’t suite you Leonard. I suggest you get up.” His final comment swiftly awakening Felicia from her stupor as she turned to her once thought unconscious friend who awkwardly sat up from his laying position.

That same small smile returned taking in the sight of the two friends who had differing reactions to one another as he then turned around and went inside.

As for Leonard, having awoken mid Ashton’s conversation with Felicia and hearing his sly comment about family. He could only force himself to remain still in the hopes he didn’t make the situation any more awkward. Yet, now he was in the position of Felicia acting somewhat standoffish whilst Emilia silently observed him from her original position with arms folded.

“I…err…How bad did I do?” He forced out, desperate to change of subject.

The first reaction was Felicia who looked at him unsure and worried. Not helping with his self confidence. It was Emilia’s words which snapped him out of the self imposed stupor.

“As expected. You didn’t seriously think you stood a chance against your brother did you?” Her question held none of her standard teasing it often did. This time formal and curt.

“I wanted to at least do better than I felt I did. I couldn’t even hit him once.” Feebleness in his words.

“If Ashton had allowed you to actually hit him, I’d have questioned his acceptance into the academy. Having witnessed how much you have both been training, I’ll make it clear. Ashton is an exemplar for dedication when it comes to self improvement. Having fought against multiple people his own age and older over the years his experience far outreaches your own. Especially since you’re still tied down to the boundaries of your own home.” Still stating her words as fact and not belittlement.

“Then how did I perform? Because I don’t have a clue if I did good or bad.”

“It’s not about good or bad, it’s about what you learnt. Time can remedy your lack in skill and strength. Knowledge and experience come with both victory and loss. Tell me, how did Ashton appear to you as the length of your fights grew longer?”

Silently looking inward, the memory of Ashton’s attacks were dealt with both swiftness and effectiveness. “Terrifying. He wasted neither time nor movement. Additionally, he remained level headed at all times despite my attempts to pressure him.”

Pursing her lips a little to his answer, “Well, it’s a start.” Her voice then turned slightly more serious as her next words followed, “Never forget this experience Leonard. He showed you much more than just that. And when you understand that, you’ll understand the path to go forward in your own training. And when that time comes, the you of the future fighting the Ashton of today, I’m positive you’ll come out on top. That however, will only happen if you temper your mind, body and heart.”

Thinking on her words, he agreed in needing more time to fully realise everything that happened in those three fights. He knew Ashton had a purpose for this, he just needed time to fully absorb it all. As for her comments of the future, he wouldn’t let it go to his head. Today made him realize just how much more he needs to train if he even wants to get a glimpse of the distance between he and his brother.

“Now, take off your armour and let me look over the areas you were hit, I’ll make sure there’s nothing serious besides a few bruises.” Finalising her words, Emilia headed towards the inner gardens towards the centre, intending to use the gazebo as her seating area.

In turn, Leonard recovered his weapons and realised Felicia was still stood off the side, silently observing his and Emilia’s discussion as the previous unsurety she displayed had gone.

“Thank you.” He said, catching the young girl off-guard. “And I’m sorry as well, having you jump out and challenge Ashton like that. If I’d done better, maybe you wouldn’t have had to do that.”

Not responding immediately, but stepping in line with Leonard as they followed Emilia, she went on to respond delicately, “I didn’t do anything though, Ashton refused to fight me and I couldn’t even answer his question on whether I’d choose to or not. Honestly, I feel like I’m the weak one here.”

Leonard was stumped by her last comment, “You do remember how you beat all my records in running right? All on your first day I’ll remind you. And don’t get me started on how you’re taking to Emilia’s lesson so well compared to when she and I first started.” He leaned in a little closer, ensuring to keep his voice below his breath, “She’s especially annoying when she sets her sight on you if she thinks the struggle in whatever you’re doing will be entertaining for her.”

Felicia turned a slight shade rosier but the smile on her face was apparent, easing some of Leonards own tension at the sight. “Then I guess this is a lesson for both of us, to get stronger as we get older.”

Then, a wisp of sadness could be heard from her enjoyment, “You sounded frustrated out there. I don’t know if it was because you were losing or because you had us watching you. But, you don’t need to think about looking weak to us. We know better than anyone how much time and effort you put into your training. So, please don’t forget that.”

Her surprising reassurance warmed his heart. She had been watching him the entire time he’d been fighting, seeing him at his most weakest. Yet her biggest concern was in him knowing she wouldn’t think any less of him for it.

He simply reached out with one hand, making sure it wasn’t dirty as he squeezed hers in turn. Snapping her sight onto him as he did only for Felicia to be greeted by a gentle smile in gratefulness, “Thank you. Your words helped me a lot just now.”

Feeling the warmth from Leonards hand, ignorant of the coarseness from the dried dirt, she looked into his eyes and felt that same comfort she had when he first expressed himself so openly two months ago. She couldn’t find the words to which she wanted to express her emotions, so she simply let out a happy smile following his own as the two friends held a moment of their own with one another.

“Hurry up Leonard! Last thing I want is that maid making her way out here wondering what’s taking you so long to get bathed.” Emilia’s annoyance shattering their little moment as she had gone on ahead.

Laughing at hearing her teacher complaining, Felicia took that as a sign to drag Leonard along with her to catch up. Himself following in turn with her eagerness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was the following day.

The events from yesterday were but a whisper in Leonard’s mind given that Ashton was preparing to leave.

After having been treated and cleaned up, Felicia soon left after having a private discussion with Emilia about her own takeaways from the fighting. Both Ashton and Leonard saw her off as she finally did leave. With Felicia wishing Ashton all the best on his time at the academy and gave Leonard a knowing look afterword.

From there the remainder of the Haydsworth family showed up, accompanying or ensuring Ashton had everything prepared and ready for his travels north into royal capital. Ranging from both his carry-on in the carriage or his overall luggage.

It was currently morning still. With breakfast having been a quiet affair; a subdued atmosphere clouded over Leonard and Illiana in knowing Ashton would soon leave. Whereas Ailene and Brenton had prepared themselves fully beforehand, bringing up whatever topics they could in the hopes of raising their children’s spirits.

Realising his parents were trying their best, Leonard involved himself best he could, which thankfully also encouraged Illiana to join in on the conversations. Afterwards, multiple cases of luggage were hauled from the household to be brought outside to the front by the staff.

Awaiting the family outside was a strong and sturdy carriage being drawn by two beasts which looked characteristically similar to that of a horse. Their silhouettes were very alike, yet the beast had no hair other than the overly majestic white manes and tail; it’s skin replaced by bronze-like scales similar to that of a lizard travelling from the snout along it’s powerful and muscular body.

Fleeting fascination enchanted Leonard upon witnessing the beasts, having never seen something so familiar yet otherworldly before. They looked far more intimidating compared to any horse and their eyes despite maintaining that same darkness held a hidden sharpness to the beasts intelligence.

The sound of the carriage door to the side opening snapped him out of his wonderment, as suitcase after suitcase were orderly placed within its rear holding with the drivers assistance.

The sight of his departure imminent, an all too familiar pit opened up within Leonard’s stomach. That dark emptiness draining whatever energy he’d managed to scavenge for saying farewell. Ashton was already at the carriages door entrance, his mother and father at his side, intending to join him to the caravans main gathering point. His carriage would be a part of a caravan journeying north and their departure area was from within southern military complex. Strict protection would be ensured for the journey as according to Emilia, nobility took individuals who were accepted into the royal academy as a badge of honour. Using others’ merits to push their family name in standing.

Out of concern, he remembers asking his mother about this and if Ashton would be used in a similar manner to which she debunked Emilia’s statement. Clarifying that most nobles only cared for the prestige of having citizens that originated from their territory achieve great accomplishments, children accepted into the royal academy was a part of that. Interfering with Arocsdeen students was considered a slight on the royal family’s name given that the individuals had been recognised under their scouting. In addition, his mother was to oversee the full caravan departure alongside his father who would be running security inspections, ensuring everything was up to standard.

“Remember okay?!” Illiana’s voice distracted him from his thoughts upon hearing her outburst. Questioning Ashton about something once more as both he and she were in front of the carriage with both of their parents standing either side.

“When I get there. You better be there to welcome me!” Although she tried to sound forceful, he could hear the slight quiver in her voice as she struggled to restrain the tears from falling in her eyes. It was only the aggressively strong hug with Ashton that made it clear how she was trying her best to remain as strong as she could in saying farewell.

As his elder brother and sister parted, Illiana looked to Marie. An almost expectant look on her face as the maid look back with a smile, placing one finger against her lips to remain silent to which Illiana then turned to Leonard, stepping back away from Ashton a little more.

Understanding her meaning, Leonard then went to say his farewells too. His mind blank as waves of uncertainty overwhelmed the numerous thoughts and feelings he wanted to share with his brother. He simply looked up to his face as Ashton in turn looked down at him, both silent in their moment together as neither said anything until Leonard forcefully struggled to get his voice out.

“I- I-” Words caught in his throat, he hated that he couldn’t come up with anything to say. He was going to miss his brother. He wanted more time to spend together with him. He wanted to spar a lot more times despite how outmatched he was. So much began to well up within him as tears of frustration started to glisten his eyes. Only for those to tears to halt on their growth as he was brought into Ashton’s embrace. For the first time, his brother had taken the initiative to decidedly express himself so openly in public.

Words whispered with gentle strength entered his ear, each one engraved deeply into Leonard’s very soul, “Sometimes. Words can’t convey what we want others to understand.” Simple words which held to him a very deep meaning. To which he responded by returning his brother’s hug in a tightening grip which he daren’t let go of. Hoping some essence of his emotions made themselves clear to this brother.

They held the hug for but a few moments, but too soon did they also part from one another. Leonard pulling himself back, straining against a similar struggle which his sister was fighting against with his tears. The staff had also come up behind the children at this point, Marie in the centre speaking up first as she approached Ashton.

“A small package. A book chosen for you by Illiana and myself for your travels. As well as a small container of biscuits which were cooked by Wesley, Leonard and Felicia the day before yesterday.” A proud smile adorned her face as she handed off the package to Ashton.

“Aye! We made sure to make your favourite shortbread that Leonard came up with. Should be plenty in there for a while, the recipe included too if you wanna attempt baking them yourself whenever you get a chance.” Wesley’s voice added in after the maid finished her statement.

Following after was Jenson’s deep yet articulate voice adding on, “In addition master Ashton. I saw to it that some of your favourite herbal tea has been properly packaged in your luggage for when you arrive. Should a taste of home ever pique your fancy.” Maintaining his formal stance did little to hide his aura of happiness at the young boys growth.

Taking in the sight of everyone who had bid him farewell so far. Ashton simply stood and made sure to take in the sight of the people who had been by his side as he grew. All he considered family, no matter their background. As the image burnt itself into his mind. Finally he bowed forward, his own body somewhat stiff but not taking away from ensuring he maintained proper posture and form.

“Thank you. Everybody. I’ll never forget this day. And I’ll be sure to write whenever I get the chance.” A smile fully blossomed as he turned soon after, one more expressive than any Leonard had seen. Making his way into the carriage he stopped momentarily, turning back and facing both Illiana and Leonard, “I’ll be looking forward to seeing you again once you arrive. I can’t deny my excitement in learning how much stronger you’ll become.” His expectations made clear to the two younger siblings in having paved the road forward for them to chase after him.

In response, they could only smile back at him, their own eagerness a sunrise over their former morose emotions. Having said his final words, he entered into the carriage, followed after by his mother and father.

The sound of the two beasts beginning to move soon echoed as their hooves hit the stone paved floor, dragging the carriage forward on it’s smooth surface. It’s sturdy thick exterior becoming smaller and smaller as it moved off into the distance as it travelled further away. The blurred vision in Leonards eyes grew stronger at that point, as he struggled to maintain that dry coarseness in both his eyes and emotions. Only for it be broken through once Illiana came up behind him and pulled him back into her embrace, letting his tears find solace as they fell. Sharing the moment with his sister, knowing that although it would be temporary, their brother wouldn’t be by their side till once again meeting in the academy.

For Leonard this was a near guarantee given he would be entering as Emilia’s squire. Yet that felt cheap. He wanted to show his brother that he had the right to be in that school with him once they reunited. That he’d reach greater heights than he did at his age. Although tears were being shed, a small ember of determination was lit within his soul from his moment. Wanting to ensure that both he and Illiana made true on their promise with their brother. That when all three of them reunited, Leonard would show just how strong he’d become and in turn learn just how much stronger they’d become too.