Well we've been waiting long enough for a new chapter and it's really time for us to see how Louise and friends deal with the wonder that is a cuddle pile. As for what they'll be doing today, there'll be some action and a bit of a jump in time, if only so we don't get bogged down in the day-to-day items.

With that, let's get on our way!

Recovery

Despite the steady rhythm of Neb's heart tethering her mind, Louise did not rest easy.

Nightmares plagued her throughout the night, ranging from switching places with the brigand she'd killed to having to face her family with a new wound and no one beside her. Every so often, a feeling of warmth would soothe her being, but the nightmares returned soon after.

Fleeting images of the fantastical views she'd seen shortly after summoning Neb would appear as well, but they gave no comfort. They were images of smashed nests, maws of too-many teeth, great caves filled with mourning roars, and fields of death.

Eventually, a final nightmare of Reigan swooping down on her with maw agape forced her awake, a strangled cry in her throat. She tried to move, mind screaming for her to escape, but she was trapped. No matter what she did, whatever bound her refused to budge.

"Louise, Louise!" A cool voice hissed in her ear, the bindings tightening around her. "You're safe, we're all here, please calm down before you wake the others!"

Louise took hold of the voice and forced herself to calm down, slowly regaining her mental balance until she could take in her surroundings. Dawn was upon them, the brightening sky said as much, and her companions in suffering lay around her. A look to her right found Neb staring at her, his maw twisted in a grimace. "…Neb? Why… are we outside?"

Neb chuffed and nodded to those around her. "Whisper please, I do not wish to wake them. You were having nightmares, child, as were they. Right as you woke, the others finally settled into restful sleep. If possible, I'd like you to try and go back to sleep."

Louise took several deep breaths before looking down at her blanket. "…I can't… I just know it. Is… is there something I can do? Just exhaust me enough to not dream?"

Neb growled low in his throat, the rumble making Louise giggle a bit as it rippled down his chest and ticked her hair. He smirked at the amused noise but could tell it did little to cheer her up. "Well… I can't move much right now on account of being a headboard. Much as it pains me to say it, you'll need to wake someone in order to get out."

Louise sighed through her nose, the self-loathing she'd felt since their return the previous day flooding back. She knew that to wake any of them was going to make her feel guilty, but she also knew that she couldn't make Neb move anyone when they all looked so peaceful.

Just another weight to add to her shoulders, small as it was.

I can't wake Tabby or Siesta, they deserve the rest. Louise thought as she gazed at her friends to either side of her, smiling despite herself. Same with… Henrietta, Founder I'll never get used to calling her that. Guiche and Montmorency would be no help either and they about had the worst of it yesterday too…

She sighed again and glanced over to look at Kirche. She hadn't noticed, but her old rival was acting as a prop to keep herself, Siesta, and Tabitha in a comfortable position while resting on Neb's leg. There was no easy decision to be had here, but… Kirche could most easily be roused without waking the others.

Decided, Louise nodded to her and Neb pulled a head over to nuzzle the sleeping girl. It took a few tries, but Neb licking her cheek finally roused Kirche. She groaned under her breath and stretched, Neb's nuzzling revealing both of her eyes. When they opened, she looked around blearily before noticing Louise staring at her. "Oh… good morning."

Louise swallowed something thick, not wanting Kirche to realize she'd been staring at what the other girl's stretching did to her bosom. "G-Good morning… Um, I'm sorry to wake you up."

Kirche blinked a few times, eyes clearing. The guilt in Louise's voice was enough to burn some of the fog away, her protective instincts kicking in. "No problem… how are you?"

She looked around and smirked at those still sleeping. "Well… now that I look, none of us were feeling all that well, were we?"

Louise didn't return the smirk, only able to look back to her blanket. "No… and I… I just can't sleep. Neb can't go with me, and… well, I felt the least guilty waking you up."

Kirche chuckled under her breath, not wanting to wake Tabitha. "Well… I see you can still bite like normal, so that's a good sign, I guess. Um… how are we going to 'get out' as you say without waking them?"

Neb stepped in to answer that question. "If the both of you will be quiet and not flail about, I can get you free without waking anyone else. Once you are free, Louise, please go to the meadow outside the walls. I give you leave to attempt the second-circle spells."

Louise nodded and went still, barely keeping in a squeak as Neb snaked his neck under her arms and lifted her out of the blanket, doing the same with Kirche and another head. Before Tabitha or Siesta could fall, Neb scooted in and let them land gently against his chest, neither waking.

He carried them away from the pile and deposited them gently on the dewy grass. "Go and do what you need to, both of you. I'll remain here and make sure everyone rests."

The girls nodded and padded away, the pair aiming for the tower they'd left the previous night. It was a silent walk, at least until they entered the lobby and closed the door. Then Kirche looked over to Louise. "So… we were in a cuddle pile."

Louise's face flamed in embarrassment. "N-No we weren't! I… I just went out last night to try and exhaust myself, but fell asleep after… yelling at Neb…"

The embarrassment disappeared and Louise went back to studying her feet. Kirche frowned as her attempt at changing the subject fizzled away. There had to be something to get Louise's mind off yesterday, if only for a bit…

Truth be told she needed it too.

Kirche thought on it for a bit, eyes tracking Louise as she shuffled for the stairs. It hit her at the same moment Louise started to climb. "Wait, Louise! I have an idea, come with me!"

Louise squawked in alarm as she was grabbed around the waist and picked up, flailing like a confused badger as Kirche took off down a hall that Louise had long ignored. The consequence of how Kirche was holding the smaller girl, and the pair being in nightgowns, was that Louise got to see far more leg than she should've.

And just because she'd bathed with Kirche didn't mean anything, the steam in that room was thick enough you couldn't see anything clearly beyond five feet, just shadow. Getting a close look at what she knew as the legs in the Academy was enough to make her head spin.

Kirche, unaware she'd already accomplished her objective, kept running until she reached a non-descript door. Opening it, she sauntered into the area beyond and put Louise down. "Here we are!"

Louise took a moment to stop obsessing over her friend's legs, but she came back soon enough. "…Why did you bring me to the tower's garden?"

Kirche puffed a bit, looking proud of herself. "It's private, quiet, and the flowers are in bloom! What better place is there to try and rest?"

Louise gave her friend an empty smile. "Thanks… I guess. But there's no way I'm sleeping with dawn so close. Just… let me go out to the meadow and vent."

Kirche deflated and scowled at Louise. "Oh, come now, he said you could practice second circle, right? I've sat on those lessons may I remind."

She crossed her arms and looked straight into Louise's eyes. "You're going to be trying blessings and curses. Alongside more than a few different spells for giving people a bad time. I've got a few of my own to work on and you need a partner."

Louise broke eye-contact and started kneading at the hem of her gown. "…I don't want you getting hurt… if I screw up again…"

Kirche stepped close and patted Louise's head. "I'll be fine, don't worry about that. Right now, you're hurting and tired, and I think the best thing we can do is just what you said and go exhaust ourselves. Call it a feeling, but I doubt Neb will have us train today."

Louise grumbled at being treated like a child again but saw the sense in Kirche's words. "…Alright, if you're sure. Just… please be careful. I've never used any of these spells before, all I have is the theory. If… If I hurt you, after getting everyone hurt yesterday…"

Kirche ruffled her hair. "As I said, I'll be fine. Come on, much as I'd love to get my gown burnt away or have yours get blown off in a gust, I don't think we want that do we?"

Louise turned pink again and started hurling abuse at Kirche again, chasing her laughing friend all the way back to their rooms. Kirche outran her and slammed her door closed, leaving Louise to curse and cry her embarrassment away at the threshold.

Louise did so for long enough to feel a bit better before storming into her room. Inside stood the shattered remains of her mirror, Louise glaring at it in open disdain. She picked her way across the glass strewn floor and started to get ready, only to stop and glare at the vanity again.

This act repeated itself several times before Louise was dressed and her mind made up. Glass crunched under boot-clad feet as she stalked up to the vanity and peered into a large shard.

The scar marring her face peered back, mocking her with its very existence.

A snarl twisted her visage further, Louise reaching for a small case behind the mirror. It was a pretty black box, decorated richly in gold, and covered in a thick blanket of dust. Long hidden behind the glass, even from Siesta's sharp eyes.

Louise pulled it free and brushed the lid. She had good reason to hide this, in her mind, but today it would serve its purpose. Opening the lid with exaggerated care, Louise laid out the contents on the glass strewn vanity.

Fine cosmetics, all of it left to gather dust. She hadn't even used them when Henrietta had come for the exhibition.

How could she? Anything to do with Eleanor made her feel ill.

"Enough." Louise muttered to herself, banishing the thought. "Just… be done with it. There are more important things to do than worry over this."

Mind steeled, she organized the brushes and bottles. Old lessons told her what went where and for what purpose. So much so that she barely paid attention until she was done and peered back into the shard.

An unblemished visage stared back, guilt and relief warring in her breast at the sight. Eventually, relief won out and Louise left her room behind, silently promising to help Siesta sweep up the mess later. Kirche was waiting for her, dressed for the day as well, but frowned the moment she set eyes on Louise. "What did you do?"

Louise ignored the question. "Come on. If we're going to practice as you insist, we need to be out in the fields before the others wake up."

Kirche kept any further questions to herself as Louise strode off, gaining her friend's silent gratitude in return. They left the tower, snuck across the lightening courtyard while waving to Neb, and left the academy's walls without another interruption.

Once they were a good distance away, Louise looked to Kirche. "Alright… I guess we'll take turns out here. You go first, I'm kinda… curious about what you want to practice."

Kirche shrugged and pulled out her wand. Louise blinked in surprise when she saw it. "Hey, when did you get a new wand?"

Kirche paused and held out the wand for Louise to inspect. "Oh, I've been waiting on it actually. Right after training started, I noticed that my first wand was… straining, as my reserves got bigger. I sent a letter to my family asking for a stronger one and they sent this."

Louise looked it over carefully. The wand was beautifully crafted, made of ebony and inlaid with gold and rubies in intricate patterns. Even nobles would have difficulty procuring such a specimen of craftsmanship, and Kirche had been given it just by asking…

Kirche puffed with pride as Louise looked to her in disbelief. "My father's decided I was ready to have something that matched my specialty. Today, I test not only my new spells, but how this lovely thing channels them! Should be fun, no?"

Louise put on her best smile and nodded. "Of… of course! I can't wait to see if it channels fire like I think it will, I only got to read about ebony and its effects!"

Kirche bought the excitement and turned her wand back to the field. "Alright, first a classic! Fire Bolt!"

The words barely left her mouth before a bright beacon of fire bloomed from her wand and flew straight into the distance. It landed with a hard thud a moment later, blowing a plume of flame and singed dirt into the air.

The girls stared at the remnants for a moment before looking to each other, Louise first to speak. "Did… you put the usual amount behind that?"

"I… think I did." Kirche hedged, just as surprised. "My magic felt… so smooth. Like a new silk gown on a cool night…"

Louise glowered at her, makeup hiding the blush that image conjured. "Why is that your comparison?"

"Because it was the only thing I could think of." Kirche answered, staring at her wand in wonder all the while. "I… I'm kind of afraid to try my new spells if it channels this well. Don't want to start a wildfire…"

Louise pursed her lips and thought. "…Well… can't you just control the flames? I have a bit of water magic, so if you do what Flame did during the exhibition we should be fine."

She looked to Kirche, unsure of her idea. "Would… that work?"

Kirche worked her jaw for a moment before pointing her wand at another patch of grass. "Fackle Strom!"

Screeching missiles of heat raced from the wand, streaking to slam into the ground in a series of rapid crackles and explosions. Unsurprisingly, a blaze started on the grass not blown to the heavens, but Kirche pointed her wand to the new flames. "Sei Ruhig!"

The flames, amazingly, ceased spreading.

Louise looked to put out the flames… only to realize she'd left Raelag's Staff back in her room. "Oh no! Kirche, can you, uh, tell them to go out or into the sky or something?! I forgot my staff!"

Kirche gave her a disbelieving side eye but pointed her wand heavenwards. "Oben!"

The flames followed her wand and created an unintentional tower of fire until it was gathered into a big ball of rolling flame. But, with no fuel to burn, the fire swiftly began to putter out. After little over a minute, the last spark faded into nothingness, the shadows of the walls falling over them.

"Sun's coming up." Louise muttered when she noticed the shadows. "Damn, I can't go get the staff right now… but I need to practice…"

Kirche glanced to her friend and then to her wand, a nod sealing her decision. "Here, use mine."

Louise looked scandalized. "Yours? Kirche, that is a gift from your family! I shouldn't touch it let alone use it for practice!"

Kirche smiled, unknowing of the reason for Louise's objection. "It's no trouble, I promise. Just hold off on the blessings and such while I run and get the staff, ok?"

She didn't wait for an answer, putting her wand in Louise's hands before hurrying away. With the wand in her care, Louise couldn't help but stare at it and mutter to herself: "How nice it must be to have a family that cares this much."

Per usual, she buried the dark thoughts deep and locked them away to torment her another day. All she could do now was try and exhaust herself like she planned. Hopefully she'd blow enough steam to pass out before Kirche got back.

"Ok, fire wand means fire spells." Louise told herself, pulling on her best Neb impersonation. "'Remember, it is the role of passion that governs the flame but will tempers it to order. Balance is key.'"

She repeated his maxims in her attempt at his voice for almost a minute before settling down. "Ok… fire magic, right. Only ones in the second circle that Neb talked about were…Immolation, 'Burning Determination', and 'Inner Fire' whatever those mean."

Decided, she took Kirche's wand in a solid grip and pointed out to the open grass. "Immolation!"

Only to immediately find herself covered in ethereal flames.

Louise let out an air-shattering shriek and dropped to the earth, rolling and flailing in a desperate attempt to put out the fire. It took several moments, but she noticed that not only was there no heat to the flames, they weren't touching her.

"Oh, right." She grumbled, embarrassed by her own panic. "Neb did say there'd be some sign that the spell took effect on me. But sheesh, could've warned me it'd look like I caught fire."

After getting her complaints out, Louise got to work. She took aim and cast two fire bolts; her arm thrown back as they erupted from the wand glowing like starlight. They streaked for the grass and erupted into twin plumes of dirt and smoke, Louise staring in awe.

"That really was like a new silk gown on a cool night." She breathed, not knowing what else to say. "The cast was… so smooth. And the fire on me, it went into those bolts as I cast them…"

She also felt very little drain on her reserves from the casts, which made irritation rise over her wonderment. She'd come out here to cast until she passed out, not wonder at the Zerbst family's generosity.

Louise took a breath and thought on the next set of spells. She couldn't cast the other two fire spells without someone as a testing partner so better to move on until Kirche got back. Really, she should've been back by now, so who knew what was taking her.

"Alright, we'll go with earth I guess." Louise decided, pointing again at the field. "Spikes!"

On command a crown of earthen spikes rose from the ground with wicked points on every spike. They stood proud and pointy for a moment before falling to pieces and disappearing. Louise felt more of a pull on her reserves with the cast, and she felt better knowing that she had something to exhaust herself with now.

But first things first.

"Wall!" Louise commanded, a barrier of stone rising in front of her only to stop. It was a little taller than her and she couldn't help but feel something was mocking her. But that wasn't something to dwell on as, once again, she needed a partner for the other spell on her list.

Next, she moved to water… which also required a partner, save two spells. Again.

"Ice Bolt!" Louise called, annoyed enough to ignore that ice was considered a second-circle spell while you needed a triangle class mage to cast it normally. "Ice Wall!"

Cold flowed from the wand and congealed in the air, a sharp mass of ice swiftly forming before slamming into the plot of grass Louise was pointing to, a thick wall of ice rising from the wreckage a moment later.

Once again, it was only a bit taller than Louise.

"Someone's mocking me." She panted, the two spells draining a surprising amount of her reserves. "I don't know who… but I will scold them for it… mark my words…"

Unknown to her, facing the ground as she was to catch her breath, the mark on her hand flashed cyan. As if amused.

Louise didn't notice and moved on to the last of the spells she felt comfortable using without Kirche there. "Alright, Air now. First up, Gust!"

Wind roared from her wand, stronger than she'd called forth before. She expected the force and anchored herself, the ravaged field before her flattened by the rush of wind. Louise smirked at the damage and called on the next one. "Lightning Bolt!"

From on high the lightning came, a bolt slamming into the spot she pointed to. Louise felt herself look around, but no clouds stood in the ever-lightening sky. It was truly a bolt from the blue.

"…That's cool."

Louise blinked several times before looking over to see Kirche walking up with Raelag's Staff in hand. "Oh, there you are. I've… been working."

"I can tell." Kirche said with a laugh and wave to the torn-up field. "And it looks like it's taken some energy to do so. Still up for the spells that need a partner?"

Louise frowned, but nodded anyway. "I… believe so. You should be glad that your family is so generous, this wand is amazing. But I'll take the staff over this any day."

Kirche chuckled and they exchanged loci, Louise directing her friend to stand in an unblemished portion of the field. "So… I won't use any of the curses on you, I refuse to do so on a friend. There's a few in the second circle of the other elements that I can try anyway."

Kirche nodded and spread her arms wide. "Give me the best you got!"

Louise grimaced and focused on the staff, a spot of light blazing to life in the hydra head's eyes. "Divine Strength!"

She leaned the staff towards Kirche, light illuminating her friend in a splendorous glow. Kirche looked quite surprised as the spell suffused her, glancing around confusedly before asking the question: "What was that?"

Louise looked just as confused. "Do you… not feel any different?"

Kirche did a couple stretches before shrugging. "Not really… I mean, maybe I should try lifting something? It sounds like that was supposed to make me stronger, right?

Louise nodded and Kirche looked around for something heavy. Eventually, she found a good-sized rock that Louise had unearthed with her earlier spells. "That should work."

Kirche strode over, got a good grip on the rock's base… and lifted it clear over her head with one hand. "Holy-!"

"Founder's blood!" Louise swore, Kirche tossing the rock at her by accident. "There's no way you should've been able to lift that!"

Kirche tested her grip and looked to her friend. "Um… I guess that spell worked then! Well, you got any more? I want to see what else Neb's been keeping from us!"

The enthusiasm made Louise feel a bit better, Kirche's energy infectious. "Alright… well I have a few more for you, let's go!"

More light gathered in the hydra head's eyes. "Endurance, Celestial Armor!"

Golden light suffused Kirche once more, fading to show a glowing aura clinging to her skin. She looked herself over before asking: "What's this one supposed to do?"

Louise answered by picking up a rock and hurling it at Kirche. The poor target yelped, but felt no pain as the rock bounced clean off the aura before vanishing. "Oi, what the hell?!"

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that." Louise laughed, a grin gracing her lips. "But the endurance spell is supposed to increase, well, your endurance. The second one gives you a barrier that protects against any damage, at least from what Neb told me. Looks like it works, but only for one hit."

Kirche pouted at her. "Well warn me next time, I thought you were trying to get revenge! Anything else you want to try? I don't feel any more durable than when we started."

Louise thought for a few minutes before snapping her fingers. "Wait, there's a few more from the other elements like I said! I'll cast the water and earth ones, then the fire. I want to see if there's a… synergy to this!"

Kirche barely gave her agreement before Louise was casting the next spells. "Ice Armor, Stone Skin!"

The change was more obvious this time, thick sheets of ice forming over Kirche's vital points while her skin turned grey and rugged. She also fell flat on her back from the new weight. "Oi!"

Louise yelped and ran over to try and help. "Oh, geez, I'm sorry Kirche! I didn't think there'd be so much weight thrown on you."

Kirche grunted in answer, doing her best to move but otherwise lying prone on her back. "It's… real heavy… yeah. Probably… not the best… idea."

Louise, though, had a bright idea overcome her worry. "Wait, that fire spell! Hold still!"

Kirche didn't get the chance to point out that she couldn't move before Louise fired off the spell. "Burning Determination!"

Kirche felt metaphorical fire settle in her belly and she suddenly had the overwhelming determination to overcome the weight on her body, stand up, grab Louise by the collar, and make out under the rising sun.

As Louise watched, the first two objectives were accomplished with much effort. "Amazing! So that thing gives someone enough will to overcome even all that weight! Awesome!"

The fire sadly gave out before Kirche's other goals could be attempted, leaving her to fall back to the ground with a harsh thud. "I… hurt… so bad…"

She gave Louise a truly pitiable look. "What… will I do now? I demand… recompense… for hurting…"

Louise rolled her eyes at the whining. "I'll heal you up after the spells wear off, don't be such a baby. Besides, we both know Neb's put us through worse just last week!"

Kirche wheezed out a laugh. "Tell that… to my ribs… oh Founder… how long do these… spells last?"

Louise… didn't know. "Uh…"

"I don't like… 'uhhs', Louise." Kirche wheezed, breath becoming shallower. "I feel… like I'm suffocating… here!"

Louise's mind practically flew back to her many notes and lessons, trying to think of a spell that would remove the ones she'd cast so haphazardly. Really, what was she thinking putting ice armor and stone skin on at the same time?

"Louise!"

She snapped out of it at Kirche's gasp, the spell coming to mind. It was a dark magic spell, but at this point, she didn't care! "Purge!"

Purple miasma flooded from the crystal held in the hydra's jaw, enveloping Kirche for a moment before flowing off. When it was gone, Kirche was back to normal and taking deep gulps of air. "Kirche, I'm so sorry! Here, let me help!"

She rushed to Kirche's side and pointed the staff at her. "Heal!"

Light suffused her friend again and Kirche's breathing eased, the poor test subject sitting up to stare at Louise. "Well… that was not what I'd call a great run, but I can see where those spells would be useful."

Louise was too relieved to bury the guilt she felt. "I… I'm so sorry. I… I hurt you again. Founder, why do I even try if all I do is hurt people?"

Kirche grunted and shook her head. "Louise, I've been frank in my opinions since the day we met, so I'll be frank with you now. You need to stop being a moron."

Louise drooped, but didn't get to speak as Kirche powered on. "Sure, you're the leader of our merry band, but the responsibility of us getting hurt or not is ultimately up to us. It wasn't that you weren't good enough, it's that all of us weren't good enough. We're lucky you can heal alongside Her Highness, so stop blaming yourself."

Louise started making circles in the grass. "Kirche… it is my fault, at the end of the day. I'm the one who puts you in harm's way to start with. I got the princess of Tristain injured yesterday. It doesn't matter how skilled we get… if I can't…"

Kirche sighed and reached out to embrace Louise. "We all went into that fight without giving it the gravity it needed. We were… too sure of ourselves I think, no matter the nerves. We'll be careful from now on, so…"

She pushed Louise away and gave her best smile. "Chin up! We're still breathing after all, and we know better now! That's worth something isn't it?"

The words cracked Louise's stubborn hold on her guilt but didn't break it. "I… I guess we got something out of it. I just don't want to see anyone hurt again. I don't think I can bare the shame."

She brought a hand up and dragged her fingers over her cheek. "I have to look at my guilt every day from here on anyway. More would destroy me."

Kirche didn't know what to say to that and Louise looked done talking. "Come on. Sun's up and everyone's bound to wake up soon. I don't know what Neb has planned for us, but… thanks for being up with me."

Kirche breathed a quiet sigh and stood with her friend. "Anytime. And, Louise?"

Louise wasn't looking at her friend, gaze set on the walls of the academy. "Yeah?"

Kirche shook her head and patted Louise's shoulder as she passed. "If you ever need to talk about anything, no matter what it is, my door's open. I'll be that frank voice whenever you need it."

She didn't see it, but Louise sent a small smile her way.

"Thanks… Kirche."

-Same Time, Tabitha-

"Let it out, Tabitha, let it out."

Tabitha answered the soothing words with a wet squelch, what little was in her stomach fleeing. She'd woken from a terrible dream bare moments ago, practically kicking Siesta and Henrietta in her panic. Then the images registered, and she'd rushed to the wall and started vomiting.

She could still smell the blood and offal… feel it cover her body and run against her skin.

She heaved again.

Beside her stood Henrietta, the princess offering what comfort she could. She'd woken alongside Siesta after getting kicked by Tabitha, but the maid was off getting some herbs and water for their poor friend. Thus, it was up to the princess to keep Tabitha's hair back, so to speak.

"We're alright." Henrietta soothed as she rubbed Tabitha's back. "We're back in the academy, everyone's safe, and there's nothing to worry about. I'm here if you need me, ok?"

Tabitha panted in answer, eyes dark with her own thoughts. Even with all the missions she'd undertaken for her uncle, she'd never come so close to such… violence. Spying, infiltration, even the occasional poisoning, but this?

The scent of steaming organs invaded her nose again and she retched what little she had left.

Henrietta waved her wand and streams of water came up to drag the remnants of dinner underground. With the smell gone, it appeared Tabitha was breathing easier. "Got everything out?"

"A… little." Tabitha answered, wiping the remnants from her lips. "…Sorry."

Henrietta shook her head. "It's no issue, Tabitha. I applaud you for not retching yesterday as is. Truth be told, after we returned, I was busy being quite sick most of the day."

Tabitha could believe it. She'd spent most of the day in the bath, trying to clean off the remnants of battle. Like Louise, even when the blood was gone, she'd kept scrubbing. Even now, with barely a thought, she could still see it coating her skin…

Henrietta patted her shoulder. "Hey, it's ok. In the end, we stopped those who wanted to hurt others for selfish reasons. They'd have done far worse to us, I'm sure you know that. Honestly… now that I've had time to process it a bit, I don't feel guilty for killing them."

Tabitha blinked and straightened, eyeing Henrietta warily. "…Why?"

Henrietta shook her head, a deep sadness in her eyes. "Even if we'd merely defeated them, the orcs would be put down the moment we turned them in. The bandits as well would be tried for burglary and assault, a death sentence. In the end… we merely carried out their due sentence."

Tabitha didn't look terribly convinced, but she knew the laws of Tristain well. "…True. Still… hard to see…"

"It is." Henrietta agreed, though her gentle smile never left her lips. "And I'm glad… that all of us took it poorly. I don't want to meet those that kill and feel nothing… or worse."

"Glee."

Tabitha shuddered, knowing a few of those types. "…Agreed. Thank you… for helping me."

"It's no issue." Henrietta assured. "I think we've become… acquaintances over this past month and I do hope to be a friend in due time. We're also together in this, so don't feel afraid to rely on me as you would Siesta or Kirche."

Tabitha nodded and glanced behind the princess to see Siesta jogging up to them. "…Thank you again, Henrietta. I will… do so, if I need to."

Henrietta nodded and greeted Siesta before excusing herself. Once she was off talking with Neb, Siesta presented the water to Tabitha. "Take a few mouthfuls and spit, that'll help with the taste. I got some mint too."

Tabitha took the cup and swigged, rolling the water in her mouth and gargling before spitting. She did it twice more before taking the mint leaves from Siesta and chewing on them. "…Thank you."

"I got a few for myself too." Siesta sighed, popping some leaves into her mouth. "I'm amazed Henrietta's as composed as she is. I couldn't sleep until we got into that pile."

Tabitha's cheeks tinted pink and she could see Siesta's do the same. "…Comfy?"

"Very much so." Siesta tittered nervously, clearly mortified. "I can only guess how tired we were if Kirche and Lady Louise were able to leave without us knowing."

Tabitha sighed through her nose. "…Blaming herself. Kirche talking her down, hopefully."

Siesta sighed too. "I have no doubt she is. We… did not approach the battle as we should have. I understand Neb's wish for us to fight on even-footing with those trained in war, but…"

"Pride, stubborn." Tabitha rattled off, scratching her head at the same time. "All of us wanted to prove we could fight. Didn't use all the advantages we had, too distracted."

Siesta hugged herself, looking smaller than she was. "Agreed… I froze after killing the bandit, I was no help after that. It's a miracle one of the orcs didn't kill me. Never thought I'd ever thank Guiche, yet… here we are."

Tabitha couldn't help but smile. "Closer… with Montmorency now. Maybe she'll pull her head out of the sand now."

"They're cute." Siesta agreed with a giggle. "The way he held her and shielded her on the way back… it was like watching a romance novel play out. Who knew Guiche had it in him?"

Tabitha's smile grew a tad. "Not me. Want to… speak with Neb? Or go find our wayward friends?"

Siesta chuckled and looked towards Neb, the hydra still lying down as the last pair continued to sleep. "I think it best we leave him to watch over Guiche and Montmorency. Instead… why don't you help me with breakfast? We've had a harrowing time; I think some comfort food is in order."

Tabitha's smile turned to a frown. "…Me? I've… never cooked before, remember? I only… acted as an aide to you and Montmorency."

Siesta was undeterred. "There's never a bad time to start learning if you ask me. Come on, I'll teach you how to make your favorites."

Tabitha chewed on her lip but agreed. Siesta was right, learning how to cook her favorites would help her focus on something else. It'd help her friends too.

The maid grinned widely. "Then let's get started, come on!"

She grabbed Tabitha's wrist and pulled her along, the smaller girl stumbling to keep up. Siesta was far too happy to notice and Tabitha was too busy to tell. They hurried past an amused looking Neb, who was drawing on the still sleeping Montmorency and Guiche's faces.

Let it never be said the hydra couldn't entertain himself.

Tabitha caught herself giggling at the sight, but soon found herself in the kitchens with an apron and headcloth in hand. Not knowing what to do, she watched Siesta roll up her sleeves only to pause. "You know… I think we should change first. I just realized we're still in our gowns."

Tabitha blinked and looked down to find that she was indeed still in her blue shift. "…Oops."

"I thought this would happen." Sighed Henrietta as she entered the kitchen, her friend's respective uniforms in hand. "I was looking all over for you two. Here, I'm sure you'll prefer these."

She handed the girls their clothes and stepped out. "Let me know when you're done, I'd like to help if I can."

The door closed and Siesta started to laugh. "Well, that's convenient! Here I was, ready to make breakfast in my shift! Oh heaven, that's rich!"

Tabitha didn't share in the mirth, preferring to slip into an alcove and change into more appropriate clothing. Once dressed, she stepped out to find Siesta already in her usual uniform. "…Wow."

"I'm used to getting into it." Siesta chuckled, again rolling up her sleeves. "Now get that apron on and tie your hair back. We got cooking to do!"

The door opened again and Henrietta stepped in, a frilly apron and hair cloth covering her casual dress. "Indeed, and I hope you don't mind a second student, Siesta. Whilst we may fumble about, three pairs of hands are always better than one."

Siesta nodded and pointed to a bucket. "Well first things first, let's wash our hands. After that, we'll gather the ingredients and get to work!"

Her students nodded and set to work, Tabitha gathering flour, sugar, and the like. Henrietta saw to eggs, meats, and fruits. Siesta oversaw the work, directing the pair in their tasks and helping where needed. Working together, they had all they needed within twenty minutes.

"Alright, first up." Siesta called out once everything was sorted. "I know that everyone is fond of pancakes and sweet-bread for breakfast, so Tabitha, I'm leaving you to make the batter and dough. Henrietta, please see to chopping the fruits and vegetables. I will make the omelets, bacon, and sausage."

She wouldn't say it, but the maid didn't trust either of them around an open flame. If they could handle this, then maybe next time.

Henrietta nodded and grabbed the produce before setting about them with a knife. Siesta had to admit the princess was… scarily handy with the knife, chopping and slicing with experienced hands.

"Have you cooked before?"

Henrietta blinked and looked up from cubing an onion. "Oh, me? I… have a bit of experience, though not much. I convinced my mother some time ago that learning to cook some simple dishes was a… feminine pursuit. The cooks treated me like glass, but I learned to prepare produce."

Siesta hummed in answer. "I see… well, when you're done with the onions and leeks, hand them to me. Can you candy fruit?"

Henrietta nodded and got back to work, Siesta looking over to see how Tabitha was doing. Only to see the poor girl staring at a half-full bowl, clearly trying to figure out how she'd gotten half-made batter all over herself.

"Tabitha!" Siesta admonished, hurrying over to clean some of the batter from her cheek. "Did you try and stir too hard? I understand getting everything incorporated takes some elbow-grease, but you need to be careful."

Tabitha pouted. "I just… wanted to get it done…"

Siesta smiled helplessly. "I understand, but batter and dough take patience and consistency, no rushing. Go wash up and try again, I'm sure you'll get it."

She winked at her friend. "Oh, and just a tip. Stir all the dry ingredients together first, make a divot in the center, and put all the wet ingredients in there. Stir until smooth, just be gentle and you'll do just fine."

Siesta turned to go back before remembering something. "Oh, right! The starter for the bread is by the oven, it should be done now. Also, I hid a surprise in the pantry. Look behind the pickle jars when the dough's ready."

Tabitha stared after her before restarting the batter. With Siesta's advice in hand, she soon had a smooth batch of batter ready to go. When she handed it to the maid, Siesta was humming over the stove's flame. "Oh, thank you! Same process with the dough, just remember to fold in the eggs once the dough's sticky and dust the board with flour so you don't lose any."

Tabitha nodded and returned to work, Siesta starting to sing a song Neb had taught her during a break in their training. The words had no meaning and were, supposedly, the language of the woodland elves. That didn't matter to Siesta, for she enjoyed the upbeat tune as she worked over the stove cooking everything.

She formed a well-oiled machine with Henrietta's help, the pair preparing much of the breakfast. Henrietta chopped and sliced everything as Siesta needed, plates full of omelets, sausage, bacon, salad, and fruits swiftly piling up.

Across from them sat Tabitha, watching the dough she'd made bake in the kitchen's oven. She could smell the utterly tantalizing delights being made behind her, but she wanted to be sure this went well. The surprise Siesta had mentioned was a welcome sight, and she'd even added a… personal touch.

"How's it coming Tabitha?" Henrietta called after plating several stacks of pancakes, the sweet treats covered in fruits and nuts. "It smells fantastic."

Tabitha nodded; eyes glued to the stove. "…Almost done."

Siesta finished plating the last of the food and strode over to inspect the bread. "Hmm… Tabitha, did you cover the tops in the leftover sugar?"

Tabitha nodded and reached for the oven's bread peel. She opened the door, took in the delectable smell, and pulled out the loaves. There was a lovely crust of sugar atop them, and all in the room felt themselves drool.

Tabitha recovered and brought the loaves to the kitchen's counter, Siesta sliding them off and testing them. "…Alright, they're cooked! Give them a few minutes and they'll be ready to serve. Tabitha, since you made them, you get to wait here and serve them when they're done. Henrietta, you and I will go set the tables."

The princess nodded and they gathered up breakfast. Siesta was balancing almost a dozen plates all by herself, but she looked like it was any other day. Henrietta couldn't help but feel awed, for she held only two.

They left and Tabitha looked over her work, feeling oddly proud at the loaves. They would be gone by morning's end, no question, but…

She couldn't wait to see Louise's face light up at the surprise inside and know that it was her work that did it.

Tabitha smiled, a silent thanks going to Siesta.

She'd have to get her friend something nice for helping.

-Guiche-

It was the sun that woke him, light banishing the blessed darkness of a dreamless sleep. Gucihe's eyes cracked open and he yawned, a weight on his side drawing his attention. Familiar blonde hair shined back at him, the normally well-kept locks ragged and messy.

"Mon-mon." He muttered, not wanting to wake her. "Right… we couldn't sleep… joined everyone…"

He shook his head and moved to stand, but found himself in an iron grip. "…Mon-mon?"

The grip tightened, a small voice reaching his ears. "…Don't leave. Please."

Guiche froze and looked down to find Montmorency staring at him, eyes red. "I'm sorry… I didn't want to wake you."

Montmorency scooted closer to him. "I couldn't… sleep all that well. I can still see what happened yesterday. I… I hate what I became, in that moment. I don't know if I'll sleep again."

Guiche gave her a gentle smile as her voice broke. "Montmorency, I don't think I'll be able to sleep very soundly after this either. It's… so very different being in battle compared to the stories I grew up with. I've never felt more afraid in all my life than when you were captive."

"You didn't look it." Montmorency muttered, sounding bitter. "I had to free myself while you danced with that bastard."

Guiche did not rise to the insult. "I was worried he'd hurt you if I acted rashly. You gave me the opening needed to defeat him, and I wish I could have saved you from ever being in that position to start."

"I didn't expect you to do anything." Montmorency grumbled, voice never rising above a whisper. "I… I needed to save myself. That's… that's what I thought, but I was so… so mad and I…"

She sobbed. "I brutalized someone. To a bastard bandit, yes, but I still did it! Founder, Guiche, I can't fight again, not after that!"

Guiche embraced her tightly, trying to calm her sobs. "I know it's hard, Montmorency. I don't know if I could ever go into battle again… but I think I can, so long as I have a reason."

He separated from her, making sure to look her in the eye. "That fear I felt… If it's for you, I'll fight and die against any foe. I know it's a platitude coming from me, but I mean it. I'll be your protector, no matter what."

Montmorency felt tears gather in her eyes. "Don't… don't say that, you buffoon. I… I couldn't live with myself if you died for me, if anyone died for me! I just… I just don't know if I can do that again. I know… I know how important this all is, but… but maybe those gods chose wrong."

Guiche took a deep breath and reached a hand up to wipe a stray tear away. "I… I can't answer that, Mon-mon. Asinine as it sounds, we must keep going. Even if we were to abandon this quest, life would go on and us with it. All I can do is be here for you."

"Is that enough?"

Montmorency sniffled and gave no answer save pressing her head into his chest and crying.

Guiche supposed that was all the answer he was going to get, contenting himself with stroking her hair and back as she tried to calm down. Eventually, her tears dried, and she looked up shyly. "…Thanks."

Guiche gave his most charming smile. "For you, dear Montmorency, any time."

Several cleared throats made the erstwhile couple remember where they were, Neb's smug maw hanging just beside them. "And that's the last pair, with a heartfelt conversation too. Good morning to both of you, I'm glad to see you willing to speak so… intimately together."

The pair blushed furiously, Montmorency attempting to steal all the blanket to cover her gown. "Founder, what are you doing here?!"

"Acting as your headboard." Neb drawled. "But I am glad to hear you two talking. Yesterday was harrowing to say the least, but your friends have gone off to make breakfast for everyone. It may be of little comfort, but I believe everyone's favorites have been made."

His eyes, though, were warm and welcoming. "And I'll be canceling all training today. If any of you need to talk about anything, seek out myself, Osmond, or Colbert. We're more than willing to hear you out and offer what advice we can."

Two of his heads pushed the blondes to their feet. "Now, off with you both. Breakfast should be enjoyed in comfort, but I think nightwear is a little much."

Montmorency hurried away, cheeks and ears burning in embarrassment. Guiche though stood by and watched her go before turning to Neb. "…Thank you, for letting us be out here with everyone."

Neb nodded to the boy. "You're all blooded now and shone your humanity in the horror you feel. It would shame me as your teacher to not offer what I can to help."

Guiche saluted him with a closed fist across his chest and a bow. "Again, thank you. I hope, someday, that we'll be able to repay your kindness."

"You'll forget all the goodwill once we're back on the horse." Neb chuffed. "And ultimately, that's what all of you are going to have to realize at some point. The truth of the matter is that, while this has doubtlessly changed you, life moves on as you said. You owe it to yourselves and those you care for to forge ahead."

He looked to the walls; gaze hazy with nostalgia. "It is not something you realize quickly or easily, that I know. It will take time, friends, and soul-searching, but ultimately…"

The nostalgia cleared and he grinned fiercely at Guiche. "It will help forge all of you into the best you can be. Theory is all well and good, but we don't find our measure until we put it into practice."

He stood tall and Guiche followed his gaze to see everyone back in the courtyard, staring at him. "My students! Yesterday, you all experienced the first rigors of battle and the horror that comes from fighting your kind. For all I have said of moving on, do not forget those feelings of disgust!"

Neb looked to all of them, silently noting Louise's lack of scar as they came a little closer to him. "Never forget what you're feeling now. Never let this be normal! Let your emotions anchor you to who you are, and always know that those beside you fight as well! For you are not alone, and we shall make this world one where swords will never be drawn again!"

The words lifted the spirits of all who heard them, Neb beaming as he brought his impromptu speech to a close. "But above all, know that I am proud. For all the mistakes made, and there were many, you all handled yourselves admirably. I am glad to call myself your teacher, and I look forward to watching your growth closely."

He turned to gaze at Tabitha and Siesta, the former holding the loaves she'd made. "Now it is time for breakfast. Yesterday is the past, and the night is no more. Eat to your hearts content and celebrate this day, for all of you have returned."

"And that is enough."

His last words seemed to make everyone relax, a semblance of their former chatter returning as everyone started for the dining hall. Louise, though, was held back by one of Neb's heads, her familiar gazing at her. "What?"

Neb was quiet for a time before shaking his heads. "Never mind. Let's go join everyone, I believe Tabitha made your favorite today. I'll give you all critiques later, but let's enjoy this lovely day while we can."

Louise blinked as he strode after her friends, a hand going up to touch her cheek. She scowled at what she saw when she pulled it back. Loose foundation, her makeup was coming off thanks to the spells from earlier.

Sighing, she put the thought out of mind and resolved to get more resistant cosmetics soon. There was no way what she had would hold up to their training regimen, and now that they had real battle under their belts…

Well, Neb was bound to accelerate the lessons.

Even still, a smile lit her face as she strode towards the merry sounds of breakfast, Colbert and Osmond coming to join them and offer their own sage words.

None of them were the same kids that left the academy just yesterday, there was no way to return to that innocence. It was violent, wrenching, and altogether horrible, but they'd been thrust into the real world whether they liked it or not.

"Indeed, you have." A familiar, sinister voice whispered in her ear, making Louise freeze. "Careful child, I speak through my eye in this staff. I will be brief; show no sign I speak with you."

Louise gulped but was able to keep most of her surprise contained.

She heard what could be construed as an approving hiss. "As you say, you are no longer innocent. The you of yesterday is no more, and you now know at least some semblance of what lays before you. See to it that your desire for more continues to smolder, I have many more secrets to gather."

The voice went silent and Louise had to shake herself. Hearing the gods of Neb's world speak through him at least had his normal heads to drag the voices down to… mortal levels. Having the one that appeared to favor her above the others speak directly to her was… unnerving.

And she called something her eye too…

Louise shook her head and did her best to put it out of mind. She had a delectable breakfast in front of her and a lot of work to come, no time to ponder the whims of a goddess.

Malassa, gazing through the great jewel in Raelag's Staff, grinned. The girl had a deep-rooted motivation now, something all needed to stand against Uncle's insanity. The question was, would the girl be able to deepen her resolve further on her own?

Or would there need to be a… push?

The dragon-god laughed maniacally, plans already in place. If there was one thing that would anchor the girl's resolve to see Uncle defeated and both worlds saved, it wouldn't be friends. Nay…

She needed lovers.

-Two Months Later, Agnes-

The day came for Princess Henrietta to return to the capital.

Agnes and the other Musketeers had received their orders that morning and set off with all haste, the princess's personal carriage in their care. With the summer nearing its end, Princess Henrietta's studying at the Academy was of no further importance.

At the front of the guard rode Agnes herself, eyes scanning the fields and roads for any possible trouble. They'd received the occasional letter updating them on the princess's progress in her studies and how the research was going, but Agnes didn't trust them. She'd believe the princess's growth when she saw it.

"Captain!" One of her knights called, grabbing Agnes attention. "The rear of the column is reporting a fight brewing to the east. Should we send a squad to take care of it?"

Agnes scowled. "We don't want whatever's going on to spill onto our route back to the capital. Send a squad, the rest of us will continue towards the Academy."

The knight saluted and rode off to gather the squad, Agnes growling under her breath. "The unrest is reaching even here eh? The stalemate in Albion breaks towards Reconquista bare days ago and suddenly every petty thief is a conqueror."

She sighed and spurred her horse to speed up. It looked like the Albion royalty would fall at this rate, their forces pushed out from their outer defenses into an even tighter defensive ring. No one knew how Reconquista had breached the first line of forts and outposts, but reports said it happened.

If their finest spies were all saying the same things as well, there was no possibility of falsehood.

Agnes spotted the squad ride out for whatever the fight was, her attention turning back to the distant sight of the Academy's walls. She was quite curious to see what Princess Henrietta had learned over the course of the summer. Hopefully showing she'd become an even greater mage would put them in a better bargaining position with Germania.

That and other such thoughts occupied her mind the rest of the ride, the gates opening for them with nary an issue upon arrival. However, the Academy itself seemed deserted save for the guards and Osmond, who stood outside the central tower.

"Greetings, Captain Agnes." The old man called once the Musketeers were close enough. "I assume you've come to pick up Her Majesty?"

The captain dismounted and glowered at the headmaster. "Yes, I am. You were on your best behavior, correct?"

Osmond frowned at her. "Captain, I'm insulted you think so little of me. I may have… a reputation, but I know my boundaries, such as they are. Besides, your charge has shown great progress in her time here. I believe it is her we should be focusing on."

He turned and opened the doors to the tower. "Come inside, the princess and her group are out on their last leg of fieldwork. They should be back in the next hour or two."

Agnes ordered the rest of her knights to form lookouts on the walls before following the headmaster. "I still cannot believe that you would have the princess of Tristain dirty herself in the wild."

"She insisted on it." Osmond huffed as they started to climb the stairs. "No special treatment she said, wanted to be taught as we would teach any other student. And I must say, not since her mother have I seen such a bright student. Dare I say it, were she here all three years she'd be top of her class, no contest."

Agnes looked inordinately pleased at the observation. "She is our princess; I'd expect nothing less. Now, Her Majesty the Queen has requested that I receive an overview of what she's been taught. Whilst I'm sure Princess Henrietta can explain herself; Queen Marianne wants your word on it too."

Osmond grumbled something but gestured for her to be patient while they climbed the rest of the stairs. Once at the top and in his office, Osmond settled into his seat behind his desk. "Well… she's made great progress in her magical power and control. In addition, she's vastly expanded her knowledge of regents and her willpower reserves."

Agnes nodded, glad to hear that. "Good, then her time here was not wasted."

Osmond, to her great surprise, wasn't done. "She also insisted on lessons about cooking, and I must say, she makes a fantastic quiche. Let's see… she's also helped the Academy negotiate with our suppliers, organize the supplies bought, and balance our treasury."

Agnes looked quite impressed. "Improving her statecraft as well? My-my, you know more than you let on, Headmaster."

Osmond coughed in embarrassment. "I assure you, it's nothing I did, she took the initiative herself. Finally… oh, yes, she's been training in the use of a sword and glaive in addition to spell practice. When she started, she could barely hold the things correctly, but now she's regularly putting our guard captain on the defensive. Last I checked she defeated him for the first time yesterday."

Now Agnes looked scandalized. "You let her have weapons training?!"

Osmond held up his hands in surrender. "Again, she insisted on it. I approved when she presented her case as 'Founder forbid, but should my guards die, and I am without my wand I must be able to defend myself.' I think that is a perfectly valid reason for her to learn, no?"

Agnes snarled at him but couldn't argue the reason. "Then who taught her? If she wished to learn the sword or this 'glaive' I'm sure there are better instructors than here at a magic academy."

Osmond shrugged. "We have quite the capable instructor for that. It wasn't just her either, Duke Valliere's daughter has been learning to fight with a sword as well. Captain wanted them to have 'noble' sparring partners so he wouldn't get in trouble for the inevitable bruises training requires."

Agnes's snarl deepened. "You do realize that, under your supervision, the princess was harmed? If I so wished, I could walk out of this tower, find your captain, and execute him on sight with no repercussions."

Osmond's brow furrowed and Agnes felt power cloak him. "Are you threatening one of my staff, when the princess herself asked for the training despite knowing the risks? I know the law quite well, Captain, and if the princess's permission is given, it would be you who faces the headman."

Agnes stared him down, their gazes warring. Eventually, she looked away. "…I'm aware as well, but the queen will not be happy."

"Her wishes are not her daughter's." Osmond harrumphed before taking out his pipe. "Now are we going to continue this chat or are you going to join your knights on the lookout?"

Agnes almost spit at him for the blatant disrespect but contained herself enough to instead storm out of the office. Osmond watched her go as he lit his pipe, a few puffs entering his lungs before letting it free in a long sigh. "Well… I can only hope her time here has prepared her somewhat. After this, she will need to find further instruction on her own."

He sat back and cast his gaze out the window, wondering what the return of the students would bring. This was their… fourth mission since that first fight with the brigands two months ago.

Hopefully they were at least getting used to how such things worked, if not their content.

-Louise, Same Time-

"Alright, let's do this."

Louise had Derflinger out and ready, Raelag's staff held tight in her other hand. Today was their last mission with Henrietta, their objective to remove a pack of ogres. They were much larger beasts than mere orcs, and a lot harder to put down too. Capable of regenerating most physical wounds in moments, only instantly lethal strikes or fire would stop them.

The pack in question was huddled around a deer, noisily eating the poor creature and shoving for whatever they could grab. Completely unaware Louise and her fellows were there, the group having long learned it was safer to be downwind.

"Wait." Tabitha whispered, Louise's partner armed with a short-spear and her staff slung behind her back. "Pack leader's not here. If we go now, it could escape and start a new pack."

Louise paused, Derflinger raised in a 'ready' signal. "…Wait, wasn't that ogre in the midst of them not a moment ago?"

Tabitha frowned and looked around. They were in the woods, dappled light falling through the canopy, but they'd kept to the shadows. No light was glinting off any of their weapons and the wind hadn't changed…

Siesta alighted next to them, silent as she settled on the grass. "Louise, it looks like the pack leader noticed something to the west. It went off to investigate, I can take it out by myself while you and the others take out the pack."

Louise glared at her. "Siesta, I trust your skills, but that's not happening. Track it and find out what it's investigating then come back. We'll take care of these guys; the noise will doubtlessly make it return anyway."

Siesta smiled at her friends before clambering back into the trees and taking off after the pack leader. With that sorted, Louise raised Derflinger, held him to make sure the ogres hadn't noticed them, and let him fall. "Now!"

The ogres never knew what hit them. The brush surrounding them burst into motion, the one closest to Louise getting impaled by Tabitha's spear and Derflinger before Tabitha conjured a spike of ice and slammed it straight down the roaring ogre's gullet.

"Weakness!" Louise spit, a missile of darkness flying from Raelag's Staff to strike one of the reeling ogres. It visibly stumbled, limbs turning thin and weak as the darkness flowed into it. The beast could barely croak before Guiche appeared over it and severed its spine.

The other two tried to charge, but the one furthest from Louise found a claymore's blade sticking from its guts and Kirche behind it. The Germanian twisted the blade and dragged it through, disemboweling the creautre as a stream of fire from Kirche's wand roared into the wound and immolated the ogre.

Finally, the last roared and started to charge, aiming for Tabitha with the thick tusks jutting from its jaws, only to find a hand axe biting into one knee while a swift strike hamstrung the other leg. It roared in defiance as it stumbled, flailing about to try and hit something. Another flash severed its arm, and in the next instant, its head.

The ambush was quick, brutal, and effective. No need for the golems Guiche had summoned for back up, and no one had so much as a drop of blood on them while the ogres lay dead. A good result.

"Back to your positions!" Louise barked, staff glowing with purple energy. "The leader's bound to smell the blood! Guiche, position your golems over the bodies, make sure they've got blood on them, so it doesn't smell us!"

The order was one she didn't enjoy giving, but these were monsters. Humans could be mourned for the possible good lost, but creatures like ogres did nothing except kill. It was for the good of everything that they be put down without remorse, even if the sight was revolting.

Regardless, everyone hurried back to their positions and the golems were arranged as directed. Not a moment later, the ogre's pack leader came roaring out of the brush to attack the golems, smashing them to scrap with a few swings.

It was all the opening Louise needed. "Vulnerability!"

A cloud of rust burst from the staff's head, flying out and enveloping the ogre. It roared in pain as its thick hide softened and, in some places, flaked off, the spell turning its natural defense to mush. Louise though knew that wouldn't be enough to finish it off, so she jumped to her feet and pointed to the canopy. "Divine Might!"

Light bloomed, catching the ogre's attention. It roared at her and was set to charge, only for a shadow to descend from the branches above and land on its shoulders. The last thing it saw was Siesta's angered glare before she impaled her short sword between its eyes and out the back of its head.

The ogre groaned and went slack, Siesta flipping from it and landing with the grace of a dancer. She cleaned her blade on the corpse before looking to Louise. "Thanks for the boost, I wouldn't have been able to kill it so quickly otherwise."

Louise grinned and nodded to everyone as they came out of their positions. "We all did well enough and no one was hurt. Great job everyone, we've gotten better. With them gone, none of the villages nearby have to worry about their livestock."

Henrietta smiled and cleaned her glaive on the ogre she'd slain. "Indeed, and with good timing too. Plenty of time to sheer the sheep and goats before the winter coats grow in."

Kirche wiped her blade clean and sheathed it. "I'm just glad we caught them so off guard. Remember when we ran into just one of them last month?"

"My bones still ache." Montmorency shot, patting a scar on her leg for emphasis. "Damned thing broke my leg like a twig after we left it for dead."

Guiche grimaced at the reminder. "Yes, and it nearly ruptured my colon if what I was told is true. To think they have such power… yet are so dumb at the same time."

Tabitha shrugged. "We didn't know at the time, now we do. Always learning, right?"

The mantra was chorused with all the enthusiasm of bored pupils. Neb had been pounding that idea into their heads to the point it was fused to their skulls, but it did its job. They'd sworn, ever since that horrible day with the brigands, to always take what came to them as a lesson.

By taking in the circumstances that led to them having to kill, they could move forward with an idea of what needed to be fixed in order to prevent a similar situation down the road. It perhaps wasn't the best coping mechanism, but it had stopped the nightmares.

Mostly.

Louise cleared her throat and looked to Derflinger. "Sorry for the lack of magic, not a whole lot to go around right now."

The sword rattled a laugh. "Hah, you're good Girly! May not look it, but them damned ogres we've run into got magic in their blood! Born from it, right?"

Louise paused and considered before blinking. "Actually… he's right. Huh, no wonder you were so gung-ho when we got the mission."

Derf laughed again and went silent, Louise cleaning his blade and sheathing him. Giving everyone another look, she turned to Siesta. "So, what did the pack leader see?"

Siesta blinked and had the decency to look sheepish. "Oh, right. It looks like there's a group of bandits wandering just outside the forest. I came back, but it looked like there was a squad of knights on the way to engage them."

Henrietta gasped. "Oh no, that must be the Musketeers! I knew they'd be coming to retrieve me today, but I didn't think they'd arrive so soon!"

Montmorency patted the worried princess's shoulder. "No need to worry about them. Our familiars are on the outskirts of the forest. Let's head over there and help out if needed, but between the knights and them, those bandits don't stand a chance."

Kirche started the way Siesta came. "Then let's not dally here! Come on everyone, if we're lucky we can show the knights how far Her Highness has come!"

That got a far more enthusiastic cheer and the students hurried for the forests edge, though not before Guiche took off the lead ogre's head and gave it to a golem to carry. Had to bring proof!

It was only a short jog there, and upon bursting from the tree line, they were treated to the lovely sight of Neb ripping a man off the ground and pulling him apart in his maws, all while crushing another underfoot.

Louise turned green at the sight. "Ew…"

Montmorency gulped audibly. "Oh Founder… that's horrid…"

Similar looks of disgust were shared across the group, but it was clear the situation was well in hand. Neb and his fellow familiars were wreaking utter havoc on the bandits, the knights Siesta spotted running down any who attempted to flee.

In short order, the threat was dealt with, and the clear leader of the knights galloped up to greet them. "Your Highness! What are you doing so far from the Academy?!"

Henrietta noted the knight glance at her friends and looked over to see that Tabitha had forgotten to clean her spear. "Um… fieldwork, actually. We ran into a bit of trouble, but my friends here took care of it. What of you? I thought Agnes would not be here until the afternoon."

The knight looked skeptical but answered anyway. "The captain had us leave before first light, Your Majesty. Queen Marianne is quite eager to see you home, and I believe the captain is excited at your progress."

Henrietta nodded. "I see, then we should make haste to the Academy. Take your squad ahead, we have a dragon that will take us back. Inform Agnes that I wish to speak with her when we return."

The knight still looked skeptical, but orders were orders. "As you wish, Your Majesty. Girls, let's make for the Academy!"

The rest of the squad saluted, and the knights rode off, everyone looking to Henrietta sadly. Louise spoke first. "So… I guess today's really the day we have to say goodbye."

Henrietta gave the most comforting smile she could manage. "Only for a time, I promise. Tabby, would you mind taking us back to the Academy? I recall Sylphid's much stronger now."

Tabitha nodded and called Sylphid over, the young dragon a bit bigger than when she'd first been summoned. She cooed in answer and padded over to her master, feet bloodied by the bandits she'd crushed.

"Oh, Flame, you're filthy!" Kirche fussed as her salamander waddled up, scales stained with dried blood. "You're coming with us so I can bathe you! We can't see Henrietta off looking so shabby, can we?"

Montmorency patted her cloak's pocket, her familiar popping out. "Good thing you're not dirty, right Robin? I'll give you a good shine when we get back."

To complete the ensemble, Verdandi popped out of the ground with a small pile of gems held in his paw. Guiche kneeled to hug his mole. "Oh, Verdandi, you beautiful mole! I could not ask for a better partner this day! Come, we shall bedazzle you as a farewell to our friend!"

Tabitha walked up to Sylphid and rubbed her leg. "…Clean up when we get back. Good soap."

Sylphid almost purred at the idea, further discussion going on as everyone started climbing onto the dragon's back. All except Louise, who stood staring at the group next to Neb.

Her familiar brought a head down to regard her. "Don't want her to leave?"

"Of course not." Louise muttered; eyes clouded. "She's my friend, one who's being dragged into marriage for the sake of politics. I understand of course, it's for the good of the kingdom, but… I want her to be happy. And these last months are the happiest I've seen her."

Neb grumbled something before jostling her with his leg. "Ride with me, let them go ahead. I have something I wish to discuss with you before we say goodbye."

Louise blinked at him, not sure how to take the request. "Um… ok, I guess. Hey, you can go ahead guys, Neb wants to talk with me on the way back!"

No one questioned that it was bound to be about their mission, so they called their agreement and were soon in the air. While Louise watched them go, Neb cleaned himself up and offered a leg to Louise. "Come on up, if we walked at your pace we won't be back until sunset."

Louise huffed and clambered up the leg. She knew that Neb offered the rides to none save her, and she was always grateful when he deigned to allow her on his back, but she still felt down.

"Well, first things first, how'd it go?" Neb asked as he set off, doing his best to make the ride smooth. "Considering no one was hurt at all, I assume it went well."

Louise settled onto his back, trying to be positive. "Off without a hitch. Ogres never knew what hit them, had all of them dead within minutes. Honestly, I'm almost grateful for that first one we fought. Learned not to take them on in a fair fight if we can help it."

Neb chuckled and one of his heads snaked around to converse more directly with her. "I'm glad, you're all growing quickly. It's… disappointing that Henrietta must leave, but I'm sure she'll continue to grow."

His gaze turned serious. "Now, as to what I must tell you, there's been word from the capital. The stalemate in Albion has broken and Reconquista has pushed the royalists into a corner."

Louise cursed at the news. "That's not good, Neb! If Reconquista wins, they'll have the entirety of Albion's navy to attack anywhere on the continent! Dammit, this puts Henrietta on her heel, Germania can make any demands they want now!"

Neb nodded in agreement. "Aye, and that unfortunately accelerates our training period. The best Osmond and Colbert can guess, the royalists have only three months left before they're pushed to a final stronghold. If what they told me is true, I can't help but feel two months is more likely."

Louise growled at him. "Then what are we going to do? This puts my home in imminent danger, and my friend's life will be forfeit should an invasion occur! We can't prepare for the incursion from your world with this over our heads!"

Neb hummed at that; maw twisted in thought. "…We'll discuss more of this later, methinks. For now, are you going to give that little project you've been working on to Henrietta before she leaves?"

That got Louise to sputter and flail, cheeks pink under the light foundation she still wore since the day after the bandit mission. "I-I mean what purpose would it serve? It's just something I took to doing is all, nothing special about it!"

Neb blew her hair back, making her gag on the stench of rotting meat. "Please, you've been working on a little project for everyone ever since I gave you the tools for the job. Honestly, just give it to her when we get back and see her off, you know she'll appreciate it."

Louise folded her arms and pouted. "It's just… silly. No need to give it to her, she'd have no use for it."

Neb shook the head gazing at her, the others turning to stare her down. "Louise, I don't think you realize just how much she'll love having it. When you first parted all those years ago, you both had naught but memories. Having something solid to hold onto, no matter how far apart you are, does a great deal."

Louise stared at him defiantly for a few minutes before conceding at last. "…Alright, I'll give it to her. J-Just don't be surprised if I get laughed at!"

Neb grinned and turned his attention back to the road, the Academy looming ever closer. "I'll be quite surprised if you are laughed at, Louise. Now relax until we get there, I'll debrief everyone while you clean up."

Louise nodded, mind far away. She barely noticed their arrival, the rush to the baths to clean up, and a brief lunch that Henrietta insisted everyone share while the knights packed her room and personal effects.

Through it all, Louise held on to the project she'd been working on the last two months. She'd kept it carefully hidden in her room, only working on it when she was alone, but now as they stood by the gate to say goodbye…

She felt nervous.

Henrietta, who'd gone down the line to say goodbye to all the friends she'd made in the hell that was Neb's training, came to Louise last. Until now, bows, hugs, and a few small gifts had been exchanged, but Louise felt herself freeze when Henrietta met her gaze. "Louise… thank you, for this time together."

Louise bowed to her friend, the princess returned to her formal gown and crown. "It has been my utmost pleasure, Your Highness. If you require anything of me in the future, merely say the word and I will come."

Henrietta smiled helplessly and opened her arms. "Then can I have a hug, my old friend?"

Louise hesitated only a moment before wrapping her arms around Henrietta and they embraced, Henrietta sure to put her lips to Louise's ear. "I feel we'll see each other sooner than any of us think. Until then, be safe and continue to train. I look forward to seeing you when we've both grown stronger."

"And I you." Louise whispered back, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "Um… I have something for you, if you'd do me this kindness?"

Henrietta pulled back with a radiant smile. "Of course, Louise. Whatever you have to give, I will be sure to cherish."

Louise smiled shyly and reached into the pocket of her cloak. "It's… something I've been working on, since that fight with the bandits. I, uh… hope you like it."

Henrietta gazed curiously at the pocket, a gasp escaping her lips when Louise held out her gift. "Louise… what is this?"

Louise scratched her head, quite embarrassed by the wonder in Henrietta's voice. "It's, uh… a charm, to protect you. Neb taught me the shape and I carved it myself. Sorry that it's… rough."

Henrietta took the charm, wood carved into the head of a kirin from Neb's stories contained in a circle. It was rough, as was the string of cloth holding it up, but to Henrietta it was more beautiful than any necklace she'd ever seen.

"…Thank you, Louise." Henrietta whispered, placing the charm on her neck with more reverence than Louise felt comfortable seeing. "I will treasure this for the rest of my life."

Louise was about to deny it when Henrietta took her hands with a smile the poor girl had never seen before. "Now… it's not much, but I have to give you something more than words in exchange for this."

Louise could say nothing. How could she? All she could do was watch Henrietta smile at her and…

Something warm pressed against her forehead.

Louise blinked.

Did… did she just?

It took a moment to process, but Henrietta was indeed pressing a kiss to her forehead. Louise stood completely still, mouth agape and eyes wide, unable to react as Henrietta pulled away with a laugh.

"I'm sorry." The princess apologized to her shell-shocked friend and audience. "That's all I can give you now. All of you, please, continue to grow though I am not with you. May we meet again soon, and under favorable winds."

She inclined her head to all of them and gave Louise one last indescribable smile before striding for her carriage. Agnes, through sheer muscle memory, soon had the knights and carriage out of the academy and on the way to the capital while everyone else stared on.

Neb shook himself free after several long moments of silence and cleared his throat. "Well… that was something. Before anyone goes to interrogate my poor master, Headmaster, Colbert, do you mind seeing if we'll still have a school year interrupting our training?"

Osmond coughed as he came back to life. "Ah, yes, you're quite right. Come along, Colby, we have work to do."

Colbert blinked several times before remembering himself and running after the retreating headmaster. Once they were gone, Neb became serious and stomped his paw hard. "You can all interrogate her tonight, but hear me now."

Every head went to one of his students, grabbing their gazes and attention instantly. "Two weeks. You all have two weeks to make as much progress in your training and projects as you can. Once that time is up…"

He looked to the western skies.

Towards the next step in their journey.

"We go to Albion."

Ch. End

And so we get ready for another stage. Upcoming is indeed Albion, though with the added twist of this group going of their own volition! There will be a lot more action going on as this arc kicks up the pace quite a bit. The kids have trained, it's time for them to show how far they've come!

And don't think I've forgotten Wardes ^_^

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this long chapter after the wait! It fought me a bit at first, but I got on a roll eventually. Now let's get to reviews!

Venemous dragon bite: I assume you mean Louise, but I enjoy writing her! Hopefully I'll continue to do her well as we go on.

DschingisKhan: To be clear, anything amongst the other girls will be friendly, the only one who will get anything romantic-wise is them with Louise. As for the viewpoint change, it wasn't one of my best transitions, this is true. The ending scene did not happen at all in the previous version, especially the cuddle pile XD. Finally… we'll see who ends up a jelly roll in time ^_^

Xeivous1: Facial scars are good for Louise if you ask me. It's not a shame she can hide easily, so she has to resort to something she despises in order to bury the mark. Should make for plenty of fun scenes!

Pacer287: Assuming school doesn't do me in, we'll keep going! Hope this one's just as solid!

SameGuest: Well, she's not quite to the point of being alright! Don't think she ever will be until all of this is said and done, but her friends and familiar will do their best! I'm also glad to hear you like her interactions with Neb, I'm trying really hard to not make him all-knowing like the early version of the story's first iteration. We'll see more of his less than stellar habits soon.

Wedgegack: Thank you for reading, glad you enjoyed! I played Heroes years ago, but I always loved the hydras and thought this would be a fun idea!

RedWyrmLord: Glad to have you aboard and hope to please as we go on! With three games set in the Ashan setting for Heroes, it's enough material for me to make plenty of story. Thanks for reading!

Alright that's everyone, and with this done I'm going to get chow. See y'all next time!

Ciao!