While Laurus Killian's healing potions were indeed effective – restoring a wound within less than an hour – they tasted like dung and pig swill mixed together. Still, Erin forced herself to stomach the revolting liquid, knowing that doing so would eventually result in a fully healed leg.

Each spoonful that Killian gave her was torture. According to Killian himself, the potion consisted of pure spirituas, a various collection of magical herbs, a pinch of lavender and Hollowfire butterfly blood. Of course, the realisation that she was swallowing butterfly blood did not help matters.

But the hour soon passed, and, sure enough, when Killian pulled the bandages away, Erin saw that her wound had closed up completely. She couldn't help marvelling at the potion's effectiveness, regardless of the how vile it had tasted. It was as if she had never received such a grievous wound, although the memories of the dreaded encounter with the bandits would always be there, reminding her of the pain she had endured.

And how Casius had saved her from death.

Both Killian and Casius allowed her some privacy while she got dressed, swapping the long-sleeved pale shirt and matching trousers she had woken up in for her usual attire – a loose fitting grey shirt, black trousers, leather boots and a matching vest. It was not the most fashionable choice of attire, nor was it particularly feminine, but Erin had learnt, from experience, that one simply could not do battle in a beautiful floor length dress.

After retrieving her cloak and throwing it around herself, Erin emerged from the bedchamber and found Killian and Casius waiting for her in the next room.

'Feeling better now that you're wearing something familiar?' Killian asked.

Erin nodded. 'Much better, thank you. Now, we should probably get going. Dorafeir awaits, and we haven't a second to spare.' She made her way over to Killian and threw her arms around his neck, drawing him into a tight embrace. 'Thank you so much for everything, professor.'

'Uh! Y-you're welcome...' The older man, though initially stunned by the surprise hug, quickly reciprocated, drawing his own arms around her. 'You're always welcome.'

Several moments passed before Erin finally pulled away and hurried across the room to where Casius was. He didn't seem the least fazed by her spontaneous decision to hug Killian, choosing instead to smile when she gazed up at him.

'Right.' She looked down and adjusted her vest in an attempt to smooth out the brown leather creases. 'Shall we head off?'

The angel nodded and escorted Erin through the spacious room that was the main lobby. They were steps away from the manor doors when something grabbed a hold of Erin's arm, halting her in her tracks.

'Wait.'

She looked round and saw Killian standing, his brows raised in a look of concern. 'What is it?' she asked.

Killian reached behind his back and drew out a small, drawstring pouch. 'Here.' He held it out towards her. 'For you.'

Erin took the pouch, pulled at the string binding it shut and tipped it upside down, allowing the contents to spill out. She couldn't quite conceal the look of confusion which arose when a couple of coloured gemstones fell into her palm.

'Enhancement crystals,' Killian explained. 'I'm not Ballethorne, and so I can't guarantee you the Tarot of Wizardry, but it's just a little something. You probably won't even need them, but still...you never know what's waiting out there. Better to be safe than sorry, right?'

'Of course.' Erin slipped the gemstones back inside the pouch, which she then stuffed inside of her trouser pocket – the place she deemed most secure. 'Thank you again, Professor Killian,' she said. 'For everything.'

The professor's features softened and he shook his head. 'So dramatic,' he muttered. 'Come on, it's not like you'll ever see me again. I'm sure I'll have the pleasure of tending to you the next time you piss off someone you shouldn't.'

'Oh, so it won't be long, then?' She couldn't resist a slight grin, especially when Killian gave a hearty chuckle. 'I'll see you when I next see you, professor.'

Killian nodded. 'Of course. Now, you best be going,' he said, ushering her and Casius towards the main doors. 'Dorafeir is a long way on foot, and I don't feel comfortable with the idea of you being out once it gets dark.'

'Ohh, we'll be there before dark.'

The professor raised a single brow. 'Oh? How so? Do you intend to call forth a chariot?'

Erin scoffed. 'Who needs a chariot when you've got your very own angel?' She jabbed a thumb at Casius.

'A chariot?' She looked back and saw the angel's brows furrowing. 'What is that, some sort of conveyance?'

'Spot on. Now, stretch your wings and prepare yourself, because we're flying to Dorafeir!'

* * *

Dorafeir was certainly deserving of the title it had been given. Being the kingdom's capital, it was by far the most advanced place, holding a collection of towering establishments, such as churches, taverns, and, of course, houses. The wide roads were packed with residents and tourists, whose lively laughter and chatter added to the already enthusiastic atmosphere.

A chain of stalls had been set up about the area, attracting a swarm of curious nobles all hoping to get a deal of the latest goods. In the far distance, amongst the chattering of the excited crowds, stallholders could be heard shouting, introducing whatever it was they were trying to sell.

'Get your hands on the latest dragon-skin coats! Only 13,000 aurum!'

'Purchase your own Manderwhisk fairy today! Guaranteed to cook, clean and assist you in other essential household tasks! Come on, get 'em while they're hot!'

'Is anyone interested in purchasing the Vampyre glow-in-the-dark night light for just 2,500 aurum? Made with real vampire skin! Just remember to keep them out of the sunlight!'

Trying with best efforts to ignore the insane rantings of those looking to purchase the most recent essentials and gadgets, Erin continued up the road, with an excited Casius trailing close behind. He was like a dog, succumbing to his own curiosity, wandering off course and forcing her to retrieve him over and over again.

Don't be too hard on the guy, she told herself. Let's remember that Dorafeir is a foreign place to him. Erin rolled her eyes whilst dragging Casius by the hand. Heck, the whole world is a foreign place to him.

She had also lent him her cloak as a means of concealing his wings. The upper portion of the fabric clung to his neck while the lower portion had been tied around his waist, securing his bulging feathers like an oversized knapsack. Although the look was rather peculiar, Erin believed it was better than having to explain the presence of an angel to the local people.

She recalled how Casius had been back in Bayloch and cringed. His social naiveté was, in a way, one of the most dangerous things about him, but it was up to her to ensure he didn't do anything inappropriate.

'Goodness me!' Casius exclaimed the moment they were out of the main area of Dorafeir. 'I had no idea Mortals were capable of creating so many mysterious luxuries!'

Erin nodded, though she didn't dare let go of him for the fear of him running off again. 'Yeah. We're...making a lot of technological advancements.'

'I had no idea the Realm of Mortals held so much potential!'

The magus shot him a confused look as they continued through the capital. 'The Realm of what?'

'Mortals,' Casius replied. 'It is how we citizens of the Divine Empire define your world.'

'Really? Down here we just call it Earth.'

'How fascinating. Tell me, how does one go about naming their realm after the soil they tread on?'

'Huh? Uh, I-I don't know! Do you have to ask so many trivial questions?'

Casius bobbed his head. 'My curiosity continues to get the better of me,' he explained.

Erin couldn't quite suppress the exasperated sigh which followed. 'Well, do me a favour and tell your curiosity to give it a rest.'

'Of course. Oh...may I ask one last question?'

Another sigh. Then, 'go ahead...'

'Where exactly are we headed?'

Erin perked up a little. 'Ah, uh, good question. I'm taking you to Orion's Seat to meet my brother.'

'You have a brother?'

She shot him a disapproving look. 'I thought you said one last question!'

Casius nodded. 'I apologise,' he said. 'It's just that the revelation of a brother shocked me. Until now, I had assumed you were alone.'

The magus' cheeks flushed at that last sentence. 'I-I'm not alone!' she snapped. 'I just tend to avoid telling strangers about my family. After all, we are famous.' She gave a light snort. 'Well, Elric is, anyway.'

'And who is Elric?' Casius asked.

'My brother! For goodness sake, does anything get through that holy head of yours?' Erin reached back, tapping her fist against Casius' temple as if it were a door she could simply open. 'Anyway, my brother lives at Orion's Seat, which is, well, sort of like a palace.'

'And why do you not live with your brother?'

More questions... 

Erin deadpanned, though she sought to keep from freaking out. Now she knew just how aggressive Casius could be, she was determined to stay on his good side. 'Uh, well, we each have our separate family duties,' she explained. 'Elric minds the kingdom and watches over its people while I stand guard over the Library of Great Magicians in Bayloch. It's nothing personal, it's just...how we are, I suppose.'

Casius averted his gaze from her, choosing instead to look at the floor. 'I see.'

After that, the pair walked on in silence. Erin navigated her way through the busy streets of Dorafeir whilst dragging a mute Casius behind her. If it hadn't been for the warm sensation of his hand against hers, she wouldn't even have known he was still there. Every now and then, she looked back, just to see what he up to, and every single time she was met with the same old sight: him staring at her, a blank expression etched across his face. Though each time their eyes locked, she could have sworn she saw the corner of his lips lift upwards in a slight smile.

Of course, it could have been her mind playing tricks on her.

Erin forced herself to look away, to focus on the road ahead. She pushed her way through the crowds and continued up the cobbled streets. All the while, she couldn't help wondering about whether what she'd said about her and her brother's differing duties had somehow offended the angel.

Or maybe...

Am I just being unfair to him? she wondered. All he wants is to learn about this world. How else is he supposed to do that if he doesn't ask the odd question every now and then?

The magus' face softened when glanced over her shoulder and noticed Casius looking towards the ground. A look of curiosity lay etched across his face, and his lips moved as whispered under his breath, apparently counting the infinite amount of cobbles which ran beneath his feet.

Stop being so stubborn and give him a chance to learn, she told herself. After all, that's the least you owe him...

* * * *

Hoozar! So, our wondrous twosome are finally in Dorafeir, and Casius is out in public again. What can go wrong?

Well, anything, of course.

If you enjoyed this chapter, please don't forget to vote! :D