[center][h2]Fourteenth Bell, 6th of the Great Tree Moon[/h2][img]https://www.nintendo.com.au/modules/prodcatalogue/templates/custom/fire_emblem_three_houses/img/NSwitch_FireEmblemThreeHouses_Overview_Intro_Deco.png[/img][/center][indent]

[color=00aeef]"Keep those chins up! We're about halfway there![/color]

The call had come from the front-most carriage, Michail's voice booming all around. While it was common knowledge that this would be the Rose Unit's combat orientation, the distance from the Monastery to the Knights' battle campground was not anticipated. The definition of nearby from knight to student had been underestimated--the trek didn't seem that long, really, but when seated in uncomfortable carriages with little space and a bumpy road that kept sending your shoulders and knees into the person next to you, the novelty wore off quickly. They had been trucking along for two hours already, the horses showing impressive endurance. The first carriage held three out of the four professors: Michail at the helm, Euphemia who sat towards the back with a map splayed out on her lap, and a last-second swap from Lysander to Kaira. The latter had to spend her time switching preparing a few last-minute kits and driving the second carriage, though she made sure to hand out the occasional water pouches, a little concerned that the heat would get to the students before they'd arrive.

The second carriage was where all the students had conveniently been stuffed into. It seemed fine when they first were all packed in, with Derec initially volunteering to sit on the floor when there weren't any more seats, but it was hard to debate which was worse once they were actually off, especially as the redhead seemed to go from back to front repeatedly, slowly sliding with every bump in the road. Anyone on a seat had to endure avoiding getting smacked against the back anytime a horse was suddenly spooked and decided to stop (which happened far too frequently for anyone's taste). Tomai drove the last carriage holding the group's weaponry behind the students, though it was obvious he didn't seem to have too much sympathy, looking more bored than anything.

[color=yellow]"Ah, the Airmid River is just up ahead,"[/color] Euphemia rolled up the map, storing it away before carefully standing to make sure everyone would hear her. [color=yellow]"We'll be making a brief stop to let the horses drink and everyone can stretch their legs."[/color]

[color=red]"We won't have much time for practice if we stop now,"[/color] Tomai called back.

[color=yellow]"Yes, but we could always camp out for the night and return tomorrow,"[/color] She pointed out, kneeling down. [color=yellow]"Besides, it's been a rough trip, I think the students would do better with a little break."[/color]

Trudging along, once they reached the river, everyone was free to get off. Kaira and Tomai charged themselves with checking on the horses while the Kalonic pair double-checked the map. The river wasn't too wide, though it wasn't advisable to cross as its depths couldn't be seen. There was a small, rickety-looking bridge that could support a few people, with a much sturdier stone bridge in the distance.

Tomai shrugged in response, although he looked to his left. [color=red]"Luin Village is right there, we could get supplies, too--"[/color] He paused, squinting. [color=red]"Hm. I see a rider on a horse coming this way."[/color]

Euphemia mimicked Tomai as she squinted, trying to get a better look. [color=yellow]"There's two of them,"[/color] She said, patting Michail to get his attention.

Kaira frowned, looking over to Michail. [color=palegreen]"Should we get back to the carriages?"[/color] She asked him worriedly.

[color=00aeef]"No. Worst-case scenario, we'd do better making a stand than trying to run away,"[/color] Michail stated, hopping off as he pulled out his spear. [color=00aeef]"They look like they're in a hurry, though. Maybe they'll just cross."[/color]

 [color=red]"Optimistic, but it looks like they're headed straight here,"[/color] Tomai pointed out.

[color=palegreen]"Maybe they need help?"[/color] Kaira suggested.

[color=yellow]"Then why not go to the village?"[/color] Euphemia asked.

Michail frowned as well, eyes narrowing for a moment before he realized something. [color=00aeef]"Because they're coming [I]from[/i] the village,"[/color] He realized. [color=00aeef]"They might be under attack."[/color]

[color=yellow]"And they think three carriages might be helpful?"[/color] Euphemia gasped. When Tomai wordlessly gestured to the Knight of Serios' banners on the sides of the carriages, she let out a sheepish laugh. [color=yellow]"Oh...well, we have [i]one[/i] knight here. What should we do?"[/color]

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