o-o-o0o-o-o

"This is the seventh time, Laurell." Errende called out to his – currently incapacitated – companion. "Seventh time you've fallen into the clutches of a lone geographer."

Thankfully, Errende was prepared – fully expecting the results of Laurell's easily distracted tendencies – with a pouch full of Yggdrasil leaves, enough to cost him a weeks worth of chores back at the Abbey. He pulled one from the pouch attached to his belt – near his supply of just-in-case potions – and enclosed his gloves around the vibrant leaf. Errende waited patiently as the leaf began to glow dully in his hands and the slow process – due to his lack of experience – of reviving the fallen magician began. As Laurell began to show signs of life, Errende quickly grabbed his cloak and pulled him from the dreaded plants teeth in the nick of time.

"What ever am I to do with you?" Errende sighed as he began healing Laurell – a soft light engulfed the magician's body.

Obviously ignored by Laurell – intent on burning the plant to a crisp – Errende began idly casting his own magic in an attempt to hasten their training, though it did little damage in comparison to Laurell's fire-bolts.

With the plant finally dead several minutes later, Errende watched Laurell sit against the tree not far from where the geographer had been hiding – looking thoroughly exhausted and bored.

"Why does this have to take so long?" Laurell complained as he rested his head against the trunk.

Errende took his spot beside Laurell and chuckled, "It would go a lot quicker if you'd learn to pay more attention to your surroundings"

"It's not as if I'm doing it on purpose! They're really well camouflaged," Laurell shot back, "Besides, shouldn't you be looking out for me? You never even warn me."

"Yes, but I'm not the one in need of training." Errende wrapped his arm around Laurell's shoulder as he continued, "You'll learn nothing if I'm constantly shielding you from harm." When Laurell rolled his eyes, Errende grabbed him by the chin with his free hand and forced him to look him in the eye, "I only nag because I care, Laurell. We only have a few days before I'm departing for Rachel, and it's best you learn how to survive without me healing you at every turn – sooner rather than later."

Laurell jerked his chin from Errende's grasp and turned away, his lips curled into a pout and his brows furrowed tightly, "Don't remind me." Laurell let out a sigh, "Why do you have to go so far anyway? Isn't the Abbey good enough?"

"It isn't a matter of which is better, Laurell. My father started out in Rachel. He was born and trained there, and if I'm do be even half as good a priest as he was I must take this chance to learn from them, just as I have from Prontera."

"I can't believe they're even allowing you to go." Laurell continued to pout, pulling his knees to his chest, "Don't they hate the Church of Freya?"

"Hate is a strong word, but in a sense, yes. Which is why this is a fantastic opportunity. Come now, Laurell. You can't really expect me to throw away this once in a lifetime chance, can you? I wouldn't ask the same of you, you know that."

"I know." Laurell turned to look at Errende "You're just asking me to be happy without ever seeing you again. As if I don't get a choice in the matter. Haven't you ever thought to ask me to come with you if you can't stay?"

"I refuse to interfere with your training. It'd be unfair when you're so close to finishing the tasks that the guild gave you."

Laurell rolled his eyes at Errende before speaking, "I thought you were smarter than me. It's not as if I can't get on an airship back for the final test and then return to Rachel. I've thought about it, Errende. I really have."

Errende sighed and ran a hand through his hair, I really hadn't thought of that. It did seem like a win-win situation. Though he didn't want to admit it entirely, having the magician around could definitely be helpful – especially when he lacked physical strength and offensive magic.

Just as he was about to agree with Laurell's proposition, the memory of their first meeting appeared in the back of his head. "Laurell, you remember how we met, right?"

"Yeah?"

"Then maybe you can understand why I'm a little hesitant to accept your reasoning. If I remember correctly, you nearly ended up in Morroc when you were on your way to Geffen."

"Oh, that." Laurell turned away for a moment out of embarrassment.

"If you carry a map with you, and ask for directions when you get lost, then I'll reconsider."

It took a moment for Laurell to register Errende's words, but when they did he quickly turned back to Errende and wrapped his arms around his neck – a silly smile present on his face, "I will! I'll even take two with me, just in case. Besides, who's going to protect you if a gryphon appears on our way there?"

"Certainly not you. The beast would trample us both within seconds." Errende said as he patted Laurell's back, "We'll leave once we return to Prontera. I have to meet with Father Thomas one last time before heading out. You better make sure you're ready when we arrive at Rachel."

Laurell childishly stuck his tongue out at Errende as they both rose from their spots and headed back to Einbroch to catch the last airship to Lighthalzen for the night.