TBATE - CHANGING FATE

Chapter 21 - The Grand Mountains

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ARTHUR POV:

'It's been roughly three months since the beginning of school. Progress has been made with my teachings. Rumours have spread that the Elf Princess is dating a human commoner, but frankly I don't care. The school festival has been approved and is in a few more weeks. Director Goodsky is surprisingly giddy for her age because of it. Today is the day for the school field trip, although it's for their training. I'll update if I get a chance during the trip.'

Shutting my journal closed, I put it and my pen away into my storage rune. Staring out the carriage that Vincent had hired, the edge of Xyrus City came into view where I had designated our rendezvous to be.

"Are you sure you two don't want to come?" I asked Regis and Sylvie who had generously decided to see me off at my departure.

"Oh please," Regis huffed while laying comfortably on the expensive cushions, "spending god knows how long in your core while being surrounded by a bunch of teens. Ergh. I'd rather be Eleanor's plushie for an entire day."

"I agree," Sylvie chimed in, "being with you and mom is nice, but with the others not so much... Also, I have genuinely enjoyed being with my friend in home economics class, and if I left she would be on her own."

"Look at you..." I grinned at her, "making a human friend and not wanting to hang out with your mom and dad. Don't tell me you're going through your rebellious phase already?"

"..."

Not responding to me, Sylvie turned her head and stared out the window. Suddenly the shaking of the carriage stopped, signalling our arrival.

"Before I leave..." I said turning to Regis, "don't do anything that'll get you arrested. And Sylvie, try to keep an eye on him."

"Sir Arthur, we have reached your destination!" the driver declared while swinging the door open for me. "Rest assured I will drive your companion and bond back to the Helstea Manor!"

Handing him a silver coin as a tip, I jumped down and walked to the others who had also arrived; their excitement palpable as most hadn't left the city before.

"You're late slowpoke!" Curtis exclaimed running towards me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder; his bond Grawder not present, as the destination we were heading to would be too much of a struggle for him.

"Curtis" I replied sternly as I pulled his arm off me, "don't make me remind you again."

"Sorry!" he replied sheepishly while stepping back.

Although I had managed to become somewhat closer to everyone in the classroom because of my teachings, Curtis was especially fond of me. Continuously he has tried to follow me around in school – much to his sister's dismay – however as I didn't mind the company he became someone I could call a friend. But to set boundaries I have had to remind him multiple times that while class is in session I am his teacher, not his friend.

"Now then, is everyone ready?"

Double-checking their storage rings and then nodding their heads, I directed them outside of the city gates where two larger carriages were awaiting us. Separating us into groups of two: Tess, Curtis, Kathyln, Lilia and myself into one and Jarrod, Doradrea, Claire and Feyrith into the other while Emily decided to stay back in Xyrus, I signalled for the drivers to start.

"Now then, let's depart!"

*** ***

"Are we there yet?"

"No..."

Are we there yet?"

"I'm going to punch you..."