; COMING IN

The sun was shining into the dimly lit room of the inn. The sunlight glaring right into the red head's eyes. A cold breeze past through the window and Lesley awoke from her slumber.

"Good morning." She greeted. Then the realization hit her that she was all alone.

Living alone, away from her family. With one task in mind.

However, she was hungry. During her travel she hadn't eaten much. So she went down into the tavern and ate. As she ate, she thought up what she'd say as soon as she arrived at the Paxley's.

'Tell them you're from the Land of Dawn and that you seek training from them. That's good enough isn't it Les? Hope it is--' Though her internal monologue was cut off by the sound of barbaric laughter in the cabin.

"Anyone up for a brawl?" A baritone voice exclaimed, his voice resonating throughout the whole tavern.

All men shivered in fear, this was Balmond. The son of the Crazed Savage, The mighty Bloodaxe orc subjected to Alice's powers.

Lesley, not wanting any attention or any mess on herself left the tavern. But before she could, Balmond blocked her way.

"Where do you think you're going?!" He roared.

"Out." Lesley answered unafraid.

Triggered that this woman was not afraid of him, he raised his axe ready to swing. But fortunately, Lesley was faster. Her rifle was raised head-to-head with Balmond's face. She turned her rifle to the right and fired three "warning" shots. Piercing the wall on the right. She exclaimed, "Mess with me, and you'll be greeted with death."

Everyone shook in fear, specially Balmond who almost met his demise. It was then Lesley's cue to leave.

Although, the commotion didn't go unnoticed by a certain hooded man who came to the tavern to clear his mind. The mysterious man, stood up from his table and followed suit.

Lesley felt herself being followed so she used her stealth to fasten up her pace. And when she was sure she was at a safe distance, she raised her rifle looking through the scope to find the stalker. But a tap on her shoulder proved her attempts to be futile.

In mere shock, she threw a grenade and jumped away.

Albeit surprised and afraid, Lesley recognized the man to be from yesterday. "It's you?..." Lesley asked, unsure if this was really the man she saw.

"You recognized me?" The man said shocked, "I thought you wouldn't cause you turned around on me." He laughed, smiling at Lesley.

Lesley couldn't help but feel the blush rise to her cheeks. She felt her face heat up and she felt more embarrassed than ever.

"Sorry." She mumbled looking down.

"Oh, Gusion, by the way."

'Gusion? Is this him? The fourth Paxley son?... Is he the one brother told me about?' Lesley asked herself, completely baffled. But at the same time she didn't believe that she'd meet a Paxley this early on. But on the other hand, this was they're hometown and the possibiltity of meeting them here was also high.

"Lesley." She answered back.

The man, Gusion nodded. "So why're you here?" He asked.

Lesley was unsure if she should tell this man which she presumed to be a Paxley, that she was looking for the latter. But nonetheless, she answered truthfully. More of a half truth, really.

"I'm looking for the Paxley household."

Gusion eyed her suspiciously, being the pessimistic man he is. "...And why are you looking for them?"

Based on his reaction Lesley deduced that he was indeed a Paxley. 'He could be of great help.'

"Well, I've come from a noble family from the Land of Dawn and well, I seek training from the Paxley's."

Still skeptical, Gusion continued to interview the girl. "Which noble family and why them?"

Lesley squinted, glaring at the man. "And why do you wanna know? Why would a stranger want to know such information."

That was then Gusion realized he hadn't properly introduced himself, "Sorry but I'm no stranger, I'm the fourth son of the Paxley household.

'He fell right into my trap.' Lesley smirked inwardly. "Oh my, I am so sorry." Lesley bowed.

"It's alright, you didn't know." Gusion smiled at her.

"I'm from the Quix household, a small noble family. I seek training from the Paxley household because they're well known magic users."

"I'm flattered." He laughed and took Lesley's hand then kneeled. He kissed her hand and said, "Well, come on. I'll welcome you to the family."

"Thank you!" Lesley said gratefully and hugged him tightly. Hugging strangers is wrong but, she just felt she had to. And to easily gain their trust.

Gusion blushed and nodded.

The pair walked home to the Paxley's and Lesley was greeted with a-- sort of --warm welcome.

The windows were tall and big, curving up into an arch at the top. The walls were neatly decorated with pictures of the Paxley family. The grandeur living room also had a staircase on both sides leading into a new room on the second floor. There was a fountain in the center. Who would have guessed huh?

"Gusion, is this your lover?!" Mrs. Paxley exclaimed, tears brimming her eyes, "Such a lovely woma--"

"Mother, as much as lovely she is. She's not my lover." He grinned before he added, "Sadly."

Lesley looked away blushing, feeling her heart beat go doki doki. Still she ignored the feeling, and greeted kindly, "Hi I'm Lesley of the Quix household. I came here to train magic, mrs. Paxley."

"Oh, so you were the one the letter was talking about."

Before Lesley had traveled to the Paxley's hometown, she had sent a letter to the latter said. Saying that their daughter --which was her-- would be training with the Paxley's for months, as needed.

"Then welcome dear! For now you'll be training with my sons and the elders." Mrs. Paxley exclaimed. As the four brothers looked at her in suspicion and confusion. 'Why would anyone want to train with us?'

It took Lesley one look at their confused glares to realise they were shocked at her arrival.

'Well, it's all part of my plan, sweeties.'