Arthur stuffed an extra cape into his bag and took a step back to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything. His small bedroom seemed so tidy and un-lived in to him, despite the fact he would have to leave most of his things behind. He thought his bookshelf, which sagged against the wall like an exhausted pack animal, looked sad. It was as if it didn't want him to go, just like everyone else in the house.

His cousin, Alice, stood silently in the doorway with her arms crossed and watched him pack through her glasses. Her long blonde hair was pulled into ponytails that still reached her waist. He mentally checked off his list of supplies and sat on edge of the bed to pull on his boots.

"You could wait a day, then we'd all feel better," Alice spoke up, finally breaking the silence. "Just until everything blows over."

"I won't make it in time," he sighed irately. "We all know this is nothing. Rival kingdoms are always making threats, but nothing will become of it."

"But Trilind and Rhiawien are so close. That's why Father worries, it's not that he wants to stop you from getting your education."

Arthur stood, pulled the straps of his bag over his shoulder, and picked up his bedroll. "I don't want to talk about it anymore."

He stepped around her and she followed him to the door. "You know that Autumnworth would take you in a heartbeat."

"Alice," he groaned.

"You've got such a head start, think about it! You could be a Destruction Mage in half the normal time!"

"Come now," he stopped by the door and frowned.

He stared at the doorknob, trying to calm his nerves. All the talk was getting to him. It would be easier to stay at his Uncle's home, go to the University down the street, take subjects he found exceedingly simple. But where would that leave him? How could he grow in such an environment? He took the doorknob and turned.

"I know you're worried, but it's nothing, remember? Besides I can hold my own in a pinch," he set his face into a determined grimace and stepped outside.

She grabbed his elbow, "You're really going." It was more of a statement than a question.

He looked her in the eye. She sighed and pulled an envelope from her apron pocket before shoving it into his hand.

"What's this?" he asked, surprised, peeking inside.

"If we can't change your mind…" she shook her head. "Father wanted you to have it. He's arranged for you to go with a group, so at least you won't be alone and get lost or something. There's a little money too, a map, some postage stamps."

Arthur felt speechless, all this after they had spent days trying to change his mind, "Thank you."

"Yeah, well," she crossed her arms again. "You won't listen, so…"

"I'll send word when I can," he gave her an awkward hug and set off down the road at a brisk walk.

He didn't look back, knowing that his Uncle was watching from the upstairs window. Excitement bubbled into his chest, replacing his hesitancy. He was going to do it! Nothing could stand in his way now! For the first time he felt unstoppable, like a determined ray of positive energy.

Until he saw the group he was traveling with. They were meeting in a grassy hill on the edge of town, next to the main road leading to Rhiawien. He counted a handful of elderly folks, at least three families with children under the age of five, and half-a-dozen wounded or sick patients headed to the University hospital. He tried to hold onto hope, despite the sinking feeling in his gut, until a tall, solidly-built, blond man caught his eye and waved him over.

"Mr. Kirkland, nice for you to join us," he said in an overly formal tone, standing straight and checking something off on the clipboard in his large hands. "Your Uncle mentioned that you might."

"Are you the guide, Beilschmidt?" Arthur asked, trying to conceal his annoyance.

Ludwig didn't seem to notice, and checked a pocket-watch. "Quite," he answered distractedly. "And the coordinator, organizer, assistant medic."

"Assistant?"

"A Healing Mage is accompanying us," He grimaced, which looked very similar to his usual face. "And he is late. Everyone else seems to be here, but I need to triple-check the list. Have a seat other there by Mr. Bonnefoy, would you? And do not move around too much, it makes it harder for me to count."

Ludwig gestured to an attractive man with large, breathtaking golden wings who was chatting with two young ladies. Arthur rolled his eyes and marched over, giving the winged man a wide berth when he sat down and pulled a book from his pack. Odd appendages were not unusual, especially wings. Avian lived in large groups nearby in fact. But from what he'd heard about the Avian race, they were all promiscuous, cowardly, and had strange customs. Out of everyone in the group, Arthur decided that was the person he wanted to associate with least.

So, of course, when Arthur looked up to see if they were going to leave yet instead he saw a curious face with wide blue eyes and framed by wavy blond bangs.

"Can I help you?" Arthur said in a ruder tone than he intended.

For a split second Arthur could have sworn the man's expression turned to something like despair or pain, but it was immediately replaced by a charming, toothy smile. Arthur decided that he was mistaken.

"I merely wished to introduce myself," the man said with a thick accent, straightening. "Francis Bonnefoy, enchanté!" He stood very deliberately and his wings seemed to puff slightly as he shifted, trying to look impressive. The sun glimmered across his feathers and filtered through the baggy, white tunic he wore, tracing his chest in light.

Arthur was unimpressed. "Nice to meet you," he replied, looking back at his book.

Francis' eyebrow twitched in annoyance. He cleared his throat loudly and it took a moment for Arthur to look up again.

"Hm?"

"And who are you?"

"Oh yes, sorry," Arthur said unapologetically and with a strained smile. "Arthur, nice to meet you." He repeated, looking back at the pages immediately.

Francis bristled, he was not used to being brushed off. Something was drawing him to this young man with messy hair and dynamic eyes the craziest shade of green he'd ever seen. The pull felt like something electric, nagging, and he wasn't about to leave it at that. It would drive him crazy.

He opened to mouth to try to re-start the conversation when Ludwig yelled his name from across the yard. Francis jumped, causing a few feathers to float free.

"Sit down!" He barked, the pen in his hand furiously scribblings over his list as he tried to count the children running around and playing, "do not make me say it again!"

Francis grit his teeth, but took a deep breath and regained his composure. He sat next to Arthur and carefully arranged his wings. Arthur suppressed a snicker.

"Alor, what brings you on this trip?" Francis started again.

"I'm going to Drauferra University," Arthur answered after a pause. Why wouldn't this guy leave him alone?

"Oh, really? That is quite prestigious, you must be intelligent."

Arthur gave him an odd look at the comment.

Francis' smile faded as he realized flattery was going nowhere, "Or perhaps not if you are hurrying over there when we are on the brink of war."

Arthur flushed red, "Excuse me, but you're heading that way too!" He snapped.

"I have no choice, alas," Francis replied dramatically. "At least I have thought of my options, as you obviously have not."

"Neither do I! If I don't arrive soon I'll loose my spot!" Arthur clenched his fists, "If you're so smart, then why are you walking with the rest of us? Don't tell me those gaudy things are just for show."

Francis' nostrils flared and he hunched his shoulders, "You-!"

"Keep making that face and maybe it'll stick that way!" Arthur sneered, "That'd be an improvement!"

Francis seized the front of Arthur's cape and Arthur had a fistful of Francis' hair, raising his foot to kick.

"Kirkland! Bonnefoy!" Ludwig roared, looking as if he were about to have an aneurism, "No fighting!"

Arthur huffily turned away. Francis did as well, jostling Arthur with his wings and sent he had must have been hate; distaste so powerful he could feel it before saying a word. But, deep down, he knew that wasn't it. This was something new. He put a hand over his heart, puzzled.

Suddenly in a flurry of motion a slim brunet man bumbled into the camp, arms full of herbs and flowers. "Ludwig! I'm here!" He cried, "I'm so sorry I'm late!"

"Feliciano, finally you're here! Please, call me Beilschmidt," Ludwig said tiredly, rubbing his temple.

"Oh dear, Ludwig, you don't look so well. Want me to take a look?" The healer asked eagerly.

"Not now. Alright, I'm 98.7 percent sure everyone is present now, so let's get started. Collect your things, proceed in an orderly manner!" Ludwig called.

"Thank God," Arthur muttered, standing. Maybe he would actually make it on time.

When the group stopped for the night, Arthur felt like thumping his head against a tree in frustration. They were barely out of sight of the town, and he could have sworn that if he looked through the trees at the right angle he could still see the lights. He sat, staring at the campfire and stewing over the possibility of having to turn around and go home.

This was unacceptable. So he came up with a plan.

Arthur waited until it became calm, and the strange silence of sleep settled around them before picking up his bedroll and sneaking off the path. He slipped into the trees when Ludwig wasn't looking, staying as quiet as possible.

"What are you doing?"

Arthur grimaced, his heart sinking at being caught, and turned to face Francis. The Avian was leaning against a tree with his arms crossed, wings folded neatly against his back. He looked pale and otherworldly in the dark, as if he might melt away at any moment.

"What's it look like?" Arthur gestured down the path. "Why do you care? Go back to sleep."

"You can't go by yourself."

"I can fend for myself, thanks."

Francis walked closer, unfolding his arms. "You will get lost!"

"Shh! Quiet," Arthur held up a palm and took a deep breath. "I've got a map, I'll be fine. It's basically a straight shot anyhow."

"Not right now it isn't," Francis whispered urgently. "Take me with you."

"No way!"

"Why not?"

"Why should I?"

"Listen, I know this area," Francis insisted. "I know how to avoid the bandits and gangs. They're very active lately. Besides, I know we're moving too slowly…"

Arthur glanced at the other man's shaking hands and wondered what his reason for hurrying was.

"And checkpoints are no longer allowing single travelers to pass for the time being, it's too dangerous," Francis finished, looking proud of himself. "You need me."

Arthur swore under his breath. He'd forgotten about that. It looked like this was his best option.

He sighed, "Fine, but we have to go now. Get your bag."

"That's alright with me," Francis replied. "I don't have one."

Arthur shook his head and they headed into the darkness, staying off the path until they were out of sight of the camp.