The journey to Greenwood City stretched before them like a winding ribbon, seven days of travel through varied landscapes. Leo had mapped their route carefully, balancing the need for speed with conservation of energy.
Each morning, they rose with the sun. Leo packed their small camp efficiently while Elly prepared a quick breakfast, their movements already synchronized after just their first night together.
"We should reach the river crossing by midday," Leo said on their second day, studying a worn map as they walked side by side. Their pace was steady but not gruelling—a rhythm they could maintain for hours.
Elly nodded, adjusting the strap of her pack. "And then the forest path?"
"For two days, yes. It's sheltered, which will help if the weather turns."
They walked through meadows dotted with wildflowers, crossed shallow streams where Leo would sometimes demonstrate his earth magic, creating temporary stepping stones that dissolved back into mud after they passed. When they encountered other travellers, Elly noticed how Leo's demeanour shifted—more guarded, less talkative, his eyes constantly assessing potential threats.
By midday, they'd stop briefly to rest and eat. Leo would sometimes scout ahead, his earth magic allowing him to sense disturbances in the ground that might indicate danger.
As dusk approached each day, they'd find a suitable campsite—secluded enough for privacy but with good visibility of approaching threats. Leo would set up basic wards while Elly gathered firewood and prepared their evening meal.
But once darkness fell completely and their bellies were full, their attention turned exclusively to each other. The small tent became their sanctuary, where rank and propriety dissolved into heated touches and urgent whispers.
"I've been thinking about this all day," Elly confessed on their third night, her fingers already working at the laces of Leo's tunic.
He pulled her close, his mouth finding the sensitive spot beneath her ear. "Show me how much."
Their nights were a stark contrast to their disciplined days—wild, uninhibited exploration of each other's bodies. Sometimes slow and tender, other times frantic and desperate. They learned each other's bodies with the same determination they applied to their magical studies.
In the mornings, they'd wash in nearby streams, exchange knowing smiles, and return to their journey—the city of Greenwood drawing closer with each passing day.
The towering walls of Greenwood City emerged from the morning mist on the seventh day of their journey. Leo stopped at the crest of a small hill, Elly beside him, both taking in the sight of their destination.
"We made it," Elly breathed, brushing a strand of blonde hair from her face.
Leo nodded, his blue eyes scanning the fortifications. "Remember what we discussed. I'll do the talking at the gate."
They approached the eastern entrance where a line of travellers, merchants, and farmers waited for inspection. Two guards in the empire's colours checked papers and questioned newcomers while others watched from the ramparts above.
"Papers," the guard demanded when they reached the front of the line. His eyes lingered on Elly longer than necessary.
Leo produced their travel documents—forged but expertly so—and maintained a polite but unremarkable demeanour. "Visiting family, sir."
The guard flicked through the papers. "Purpose of visit?"
"My cousin's wedding," Leo replied without hesitation. "We're staying at the Sleepy Cat."
"Old Matilda's place?" The guard's expression softened slightly. "Good soup there."
"So we've heard."
After a final scrutinizing look, the guard waved them through. "Keep to the market streets. Western quarter's had trouble lately."
They passed beneath the stone archway into the bustling city. The main thoroughfare teemed with life—street vendors hawking wares, children darting between carts, the smell of fresh bread and less pleasant urban odours mingling in the air.
Leo navigated confidently, keeping Elly close as they weaved through the crowds. They turned down progressively narrower streets until they reached a three-story building with a weathered wooden sign depicting a slumbering feline.
The Sleepy Cat inn looked exactly as Elly had described—worn but well-maintained, with window boxes full of herbs and a small stable attached to one side.
The innkeeper—a stout woman with salt-and-pepper hair pulled into a tight bun—barely glanced at their papers before handing over a heavy iron key.
"Third floor, last door on the right," she said, pocketing their coins. "Meals are extra, but worth it. Water for washing's down the hall."
Leo nodded his thanks, and they climbed the creaking wooden stairs to their room—small but clean, with a narrow bed and a window overlooking the inn's courtyard.
"Matilda doesn't remember me," Elly whispered once the door closed behind them. "Good."
"You've never been here before," Leo reminded her gently. "Remember our story."
Elly's shoulders relaxed. "Right. First time in Greenwood."
They spent the afternoon resting and preparing, speaking little. As dusk fell, Leo checked his timepiece.
"It's time."
They slipped out of the inn through the back entrance, navigating the darkening streets with purpose. Three turns, a narrow alley, and then a weathered door with a faded blue symbol barely visible in the torchlight.
Leo knocked—three short, two long—and the door opened to reveal a dimly lit storeroom. Inside, familiar faces turned toward them.
"You made it," Ethan Weepeaker said, his windswept blonde hair unmistakable even in the low light. He clasped Leo's arm in greeting.
Elena Fireheart nodded curtly from where she leaned against a stack of crates, her red hair gleaming like copper in the candlelight. Beside her stood Soren Vilder, arms crossed over his broad chest, emerald eyes assessing.
Marcus Devon sat at a rough wooden table strewn with maps, his knight's training evident in his posture. Several other academy students clustered around him, their expressions serious.
"We were beginning to think you wouldn't show," Marcus said, gesturing for them to join the group.
"Careful travel takes time," Leo replied, pulling up a stool. "What do we know so far?"
Elena pushed forward. "The bandits have hit three merchant caravans in the past month. Always the same pattern—they know exactly when valuable shipments are moving."
"Inside information," Soren added. "They're working with someone in the city."
Ethan unrolled a crude map of the surrounding countryside. "Their base is somewhere in these hills, we believe. But they're ghosts—vanishing after each raid."
The room fell silent as the academy students exchanged glances.
"We need every advantage," Elena finally said. "The bandits have at least one apprentice mage with them—fire element, like me."
"So what's the plan?" Leo asked, his eyes scanning the maps.