After sleeping decently, the morning ran smoothly. Well, as smooth as it could. Fear constantly poked the back of my mind. I didn't want to admit that I felt uncomfortable leaving Rowan's side. But it truly seemed that way. He was the last thing I knew. Yet, he was probably right that this may be good for me. Seeing the country with someone else. May broaden my horizons a bit.

"Miss Aphmau," Rowan said, walking up to me as some people were getting our horses ready. He handed me over a piece of parchment and a small sachet that I saw would perfectly fit on my belt. As well as a small drawstring bag. "It should have everything you could possibly need. Well, as much as I could predict. The satchel should have some first aid supplies and some small snacks. The drawstring bag has some bronze and silver coins to hopefully purchase anything you need."

"Thanks, Rowan. I appreciate it," I say, attaching both items to my belt for safe keeping. But I held up the paper and asked; "What's this?"

"A map with some instructions written on the back. The plan should allow you to return to Phoenix Drop in a fortnight–"

"Let me see!" A chad voice announced, picking up the paper from my hands. The voice was attached to Laurance Zvahl who unfolded the paper and looked it over. "I must say, you really are...detail-oriented."

I would die to see Rowan's face but, he just replied, respectfully as he could; "Well, don't you have to for an investigative trip?"

"Sure. But I think if we focus too much on this schedule, we'll miss some important details, yes," He went on, handing the paper back to me. "I would not worry too much Ser...Withers, was it?"

"Yes but–" Rowan said slowly allowing Laurance to cut in to say; "I would not worry your old heart too much on this. I'll make sure that Miss Aphmau returns safely to Phoenix Drop with the information that you need to start this investigation."

"I-I have no doubt that you will."

"Laurance, stop bothering them and help me with your things!" Cadenza called over to us, annoyance tracing her voice as she carried a large satchel for his horse. Laurance called back; "I'll be there shortly!"

He then turned his attention back to us, looking to me first, bowing slightly; "I look forward to traveling with you, Miss Aphmau."

He then turned to Rowan, saying; "I wish you a safe journey home, Tincan–I mean, Ser Rowan!"

Before Rowan could rebuttal, Laurance went on his merry way over to his sister, his red hair blowing slightly behind him. I sighed and said; "Why is he such a jerk to you?"

"Well...I don't exactly know. Maybe jealousy?" He chuckled to himself before turning to me. "Now, you need to return back at any time, please do. This task does not require you to risk anything."

"I will...are you going to be alright traveling back on your own?" I asked, genuinely still worrisome about that. It was indeed a pretty long ride so, imagining him on his own was concerning.

"I'll be quite alright, Miss Aphmau," He replied, taking a small bow. "Safe travels."

I didn't just take the formal goodbye cause after I curtsied poorly, I went forward with a hug. He went stiff at the sudden gesture but, after a while, he seemed to accept it. He wrapped his arms around me as well and said; "This is a first...but, still, be safe. I'll wait for your return."

"If I'm not back in a fortnight, I'll allow you to worry a bit," I say back, parting from him. The two of us laughed slightly before walking over to our horses. Rowan went ahead to work out some final details with Lord Hayden and stayed back.

During that time, I couldn't help but notice the Zvahl siblings joking and laughing the same. But soon, Cadenza hugged her brother tightly, him returning the favor. I could see her face become concerned as well, rubbing his arm and whispering something to him. He just reassured her by hugging her once more. He then had to go off and talk some things over with Lord Hayden as well. When he left, Cadenza and I made eye contact. And she smiled, before coming over to me.

"I wish you luck. My brother is sometimes a lot to handle but I can assure you, you'll be safe. He also makes for good company when he's not being a nuisance," She told me. I smiled back and said; "I appreciate him coming along. And for you and your father to allow it."

"We have a soft spot for Phoenix Drop so anything we can do to help is a pleasure. Just...Just make sure he doesn't get himself into too much trouble," She told me. "I don't think you two should run into any trouble...Laurance just tends to fall into holes. Literally and metaphorically."

I giggled slightly, imagining the confident knight in a hole. "Heh, thanks for the warning but, I'm sure we'll be fine. I'll make sure he comes back in one piece."

She smiled brightly at me and said; "Thank you. I wish you both safe travels."

—

I watched the back of Rowan ride off into the distance on the trail back to Phoenix Drop. Sitting atop my own horse, I tried my best not to ride after him but I kept calm and collected, knowing that I would regret it if I did. It was only a fortnight and then I'd be back to what seemed normal. As normal as it could be.

"Ready to go, Miss Aphmau?" Laurance asked, on his own horse next to me. I turned to him, nodding my head. I let him lead the way, taking out the trip plans that Rowan had given me. It seemed that the first stop on our journey was a village called–

"Scaleswind should only be a few days' trip away. Small surrounding villages connect both Scaleswind and Meteli so, we should be fine when it comes to shelter or restocking our supplies if needed," Laurance told me, looking over his shoulder. I nodded once more, putting it away. He raised a brow to me though and asked; "Are you always this quiet? We've known each other for a couple of hours now and I think I've only heard a couple of words out of your mouth."

"Oh, um...yes. I'm fine. Just nervous is all," I told him, putting on a smile, even though my heart was racing and I wasn't too keen with him since I saw his behavior towards one of my very few friends.

"Don't be. I can assure you that you'll return to Phoenix Drop with not a single scratch. Guard's honor," Laurance said with pride as he put a hand over his heart. I, with a smile still on my face, slightly rolled my eyes when he wasn't looking and said; "And I appreciate it. Truly."

We went along the path, going silent for what seemed like the first mile. It was almost painful as all I heard was the clopping of hooves on the path. It must have gotten to Laurance too as he asked me suddenly; "So, Rowan mentioned something about you not recalling much. Do you think this green cloaked man had something to do with it?"

I shrugged. "If not, I am unfortunately just stuck. Zoey, our nurse, told me she thinks this might fade over time and I will have some memories back. So, if this doesn't work out, I have a back up plan."

"Good for you for remaining positive about it. At least you aren't similar to Sir Grumpsalot–"

"Rowan actually is pretty optimistic himself. Just not–"

"Enjoyable? Charismatic? Outwardly nice?" Laurance complained, almost rambling. "I know it's rude to speak poorly of others, especially in front of strangers but, Miss Aphmau, it's just a wonder that someone can...want to be around a man like that."

I wished that this man would get bucked from his horse then and there but, I held back and just said; "Well, Rowan may be shy and professional but, from what I have gathered from being in Phoenix Drop for a short period of time, is that he's very well-respected in the village and is excellent guard. Plus, I enjoy his company. What do you have against him, if you don't mind me asking."

"Ha!" He laughed, shaking his head. "First off, an excellent guard would not have let his Lord and Lady die in a house fire. Especially if that fire was started on purpose."

"How was he supposed to–"

"Secondly, each time I have encountered your friend, he always has some sarcastic tone with me and judges the way I do things. I just bite back the same way."

I sped up slightly to ride right next to him as I asked further; "But what set it all off? Since you're both head guards, I would assume you two would find some common ground."

He frowned for the first time since I met him as he looked at me before sighing as he looked forward once again. "Just trust me when I say that he and I will probably never see eye-to-eye about things. Not everyone has to be your friend, Miss Aphmau."

He wasn't wrong. But I hated that it was regarding someone that I considered a friend. I took that moment nonetheless to just drop it and move along in the conversation. I went on to say; "How about you tell me about yourself, Laurance? That way we can start this relationship towards the friendship direction."

That devilish smirk appeared on his face again as he said; "I will gladly accept that offer. Just under the condition that you tell me more about yourself."

"But I don't–"

"Oh nothing too serious. Just small talk. Like...what's your favorite color?" He asked me, keeping the conversation lighthearted. "You have to have at least an idea of what you like."

"Hmm, I guess," I say, thinking about the question. I scanned through the colors I knew before answering with; "Purple. I like a darker shade. How about you? What's your's?"

"I like greens and browns. It reminds me of trees around Meteli. I would climb those all the time as a kid," He replied. He was quick to come up with another question, asking; "Do you like my ginger hair? Be honest. Some ladies love it while others rather see me bald."

"And you care about my opinion on your appearance?"

He looked unbothered, raising his shoulders as he said; "When I meet a pretty young woman like yourself, I can't help but wonder what you think about me."

"Well...I like it. I think it matches you well," I say, a smile appearing on my lips. "But that's the only compliment you're getting from me."

"I'll take it, Miss Aphmau. I'll take it with pride."

"Oh no. Not another boost to your ego."

"Ha! See? You and I are going to have a great time!"