Gwendolyn had to open and close her eyes several times before she adjusted to the light. She looked around and was surprised to be back in her room, seeing as she had no recollection as to how she got there. She remembered the ritual, the memories were still fresh against her head, then the fall and Seb's arms wrapped protectively around her.
She was surprised to see that he had stayed with her, in her room, next to her.
His head lay on the mattress next to her, his hair covering his eyes and his hand was holding her own. Warmth spread throughout her body and her heart seeing their hands locked together. She softly caressed his hand, trying not to wake him up and ruin that moment of peace.
"This feeling is so strange", she thought "it stretches throughout my whole body. It's overwhelming, yet makes me feel complete. It feels as though I'm in a dangerous fire, yet I'm completely safe at the same time. It feels as though my heart is dancing around my chest; and a hole that I was never aware was there, has been filled. I feel so light, like I'm on top of the world yet my heart is constricting and it feels as if there's no oxygen in my lungs. I know I am young, and most people would consider me to be foolish and naïve, but it's true when I say that I love him more than I could ever love myself. He's my best friend and, as cheesy as it sounds, he's my anchor. My one stability in this world filled with chaos. Although it breaks my heart not being able to actually tell him what I feel, he also mends it just by being next to me. I know I am a coward but I can't bring myself to tell the words and lose my best friend."
She shook her head and pushed the few stray hairs out of his face. He opened his eyes almost immediately and smiled upon seeing her. He looked at their hands and scolding himself internally, let her hand go. Her stomach dropped at such a gesture but didn't let it show.
"I am sorry if I fell asleep but I thought I should give you and me some rest before we had to be summoned again" he said, his deep sleepy voice made her feel fuzzy inside. He smiled shyly towards her.
"Thank you, I really needed that." she looked at the clock on her nightstand that said it was 2AM. They had to leave the Institute and had to pack everything they would be needing for the journey ahead.
"Is it okay if I leave you here, I have to pack my books and find Alex and Izzy, we will come pick you up before we have to meet everyone else." he said and looked at her in the eyes.
"Yes, go, I need to be alone, calm myself and plan everything as best as I can. Don't worry about me." she smiled truthfully and playfully pushed him outside. As soon as he left, she let out a sigh she didn't know she was holding and started packing. She knew she couldn't bring much with her since they would be constantly on the road and had to move quickly, without putting unneeded attention on them. So when the question of "what to wear" rose she opted for something dark, that would mask her age and hide the fact that she was a student.
She decided on some leather pants a dark red cotton shirt with a black bodice on top and her heavy black cloak.
The time was different in their realm. It wasn't as modern as the new world was and weather wasn't really an issue when someone knew magic.
Her wand was a thing of beauty, it was made out of mahogany and had a red stone at its base, so naturally it had to be kept close to her. But that wasn't her only weapon. At the Institute there was a fencing course, and even if not many students would follow it, everyone had to at least know the basics. Almost every guy loved it, girls generally dropped out after the basics but Gwendolyn was fascinated by it. She understood the danger but she could also see the beauty behind it. She was the best swordswoman there while Seb and Alex were her only male rivals. She was a force to be reckoned with and principal Greenwood knew she had talent, that was why when her 16 birthday came she gave her her first real sword.
From the tip to its hilt was as black as the night sky. Its guard was shaped like two dragon wings, almost translucent they were. The sword was so well made you could even see the little veins on the wings and an added touch of beauty was a golden streak that crossed its blade. It was the most valuable and beautiful thing she owned and she was finally proud she had the opportunity to use it. She strapped it tightly on her side. In a bag she stuffed some quills and ink, her diary, some more clothes should she need them and a blanket. She didn't have much and she didn't care for anything else really. She braided her hair to keep it out of her face and mentally prepared herself. She touched the talisman still on her neck and whispered
"I am ready."
___
Alex knew they had to go but he liked the warmth emanating from Bella's body. Her head was on his chest and her soft breaths was the only thing he could hear. He looked at the stars over him, he couldn't sleep, his mind was elsewhere. He still felt that kiss on his lips and he enjoyed it far too much even if he knew he shouldn't have.
Isabel was only a friend, just like Gwendolyn was and his duty was to protect them, not let emotions take hold of his heart. His job was to bring them safe and sound to the citadel and then join everyone else in the war against the enemy. Plus he was sure if anyone found out about that night he would be in a world of trouble.
Isabel and Gwen were very important people, even if they didn't know it yet. He didn't know how or why him and Seb were asked to guard them but then you don't really have a choice when the queen herself gives you a mission.
He looked at her and his eyes stopped for a moment on her lips. Her lips were a pale pink colour that reminded him of a rose bud. The top lip was slightly thinner, and had a natural cupid's bow, the bottom one was larger and more plush. He wanted to feel her lips against his and even if he knew she didn't love him back, he couldn't resist. He leaned in a little closer, their foreheads touching. Dear god, he couldn't fight against the thoughts that were going through him. Her very smell was flooding his senses now. His lips brushed hers. He stopped and drew back, he knew he shouldn't and he promised to not let it happen again. He couldn't lose control, not right now at least.
He nudged her shoulder trying to wake her up and she opened her eyes, still half asleep.
"Alex? what is it?" she looked at him, then noticed how close they were and instantly put space between them. Her face turned bright pink and she tried to hide her face behind her long chocolatey locks.
"Sorry if I startled you but we have to get ready, we don't have much time. You go to your room and pack everything you need and come to Gwen's room as soon as you're ready, okay?" he helped her up and dusted himself off. She nodded unable to find words and without thinking, she hugged him, turned around and left. Alex was alone and started walking to his own room, even if he had already prepared everything he would be needing.
Seb was already there, packing his own stuff. He had changed to something more appropriate for the journey ahead. He had an emerald cotton shirt on and dark pants on, his wand and sword already at his waist. Next to him was his bow and some array of magical arrows, that never ended. He was looking at a map of the kingdom and Alex came closer. Seb didn't seem surprised to find him next to him.
"We should start speaking about what our strategy should be. I know that the mountains south of here have many tunnels that run for miles underneath, they are not exactly secure and we will definitely have company. But it's faster than going over the mountain and get caught easily. The tunnels end right on the Aetherial river. Things there are even worse. If we are not careful the currents could lead us right to enemy lands. I don't think I want to be some giant's supper so as soon as we cross over we should take cover in the Enchanted Eden. We both know the dangers of it so I won't explain further that we need to be careful. After that we should have clear image of the city and the journey will be at its end." said Seb and crossed his arms.
"Let's hope it goes as smoothly as you say.. All this would be so easy if we just had our dragons, you could carry Gwen and I could take Isabel and in 2-3 days we would be there." he sighed and let himself flop on his bed.
"And risk killing the mission? You know fully well that Henry has got his own dragon knights up the air and would do anything to take that talisman. Now get up from your ass and start packing." he smiled and then turned serious once again, "And... listen if anything happens to me or we get divided go on with the mission, don't come back for me. They are important and should be brought to the queen unharmed, now give me your word.."
"I.. give you my word. You should do the same if the tables were turned." Alex was never the affectionate one of the two, but they had been through so much together they felt like brothers and so he felt a hug was needed to take of their mind from that previous conversation. Seb was caught off guard by that but patted him on the back and hoped courage and bravery wouldn't leave them at the most crucial moment. They separated a few seconds later and nodded to each other. Even if unspoken, things had been said. Seb packed some more potion ingredients in his bag should they need them and some books about the realm and how to pass the Enchanted Eden's numerous tests. Alex changed his robes for a red cotton shirt, pants and boots where he hid one of his daggers. He strapped his long sword on his waist next to his wand and assured his second dagger on the other side. He had always preferred close combat, while Seb was more calculating, hence the use of his bow. Together they were like a well oiled machine and it was mesmerising how well they moved. When their swords clashed it was like seeing a well practiced dance. They put on their cloaks, got everything they needed and left the room.
___
Linen pants and a dark blue cotton tunic held in place by a leather waist band, topped by her black velvet cloak. Isabel looked at her in the mirror and sighed. She wanted this situation to end as soon as it had started. She wasn't brave nor courageous. She didn't know fencing, her magic was her only weapon and books were her safe place. She was a skilled magic fighter even if she was too humble to admit it. She was great at healing potions and that's what she wanted to do later in life, be a healer. Even if her parents thought otherwise she wanted to help people feel better and healing was definitely her call.
She could feel the anxiety settling in her bones but she pushed through and tried to calm her nerves. She looked at the pile of books and magic ingredients sprawled on her bed. It was too much for her to bring. She didn't let it bring her down. She got her bag and with a flick of her wrist and some magic words the weight of it all would be the same as a feather. She stuffed everything inside and as soon as she packed everything she looked around her room. She didn't know if she would see it ever again, she hoped that after the storm had subsided she would be able to. She bowed respectfully to the room as if to say goodbye and left.