Pontia

Luna: "Hey, wake up~ We have to get ready"

Ellen: "Fine~"

I was in a middle of a pleasant dream. I've been getting the same dreams every night so far, always being about my anniversary with Kaede, which is why Luna had been the one waking me up as of late.

Opening my eyes, I was welcomed by the familiar face of Luna, smiling away at me.

Luna: "Good morning~"

Ellen: "Morning-"

Noticing she was already dressed in her uniform made my heart race, thinking that I'm late before rushing out of the bed quickly. Luna just remaining silent as she watches me scramble into the bathroom to get ready with a smile on her face.

After having breakfast together and getting our things together, we make our way downstairs in the dorm, heading out to the academy gates.

Ellen: "Sorry I slept in"

Luna: "Don't be. It's fun to watch you sleep. You looked like you were having a really nice dream."

Ellen: "I was."

Luna: "Then shouldn't I be the one that should be saying sorry?"

We laugh together as we slowly make our way to the academy gates where I notice something. There was another class with us.

Today was the day of the class excursion to Pontia, as I could see students from my class had all brought with them a couple bags each. Wait. Was I meant to pack some things? Looking to my side, I have no clue how I didn't realize but I saw Luna had also brought with her a bag, leaving me with just my rapier to my side. I whisper to Luna-

Ellen: "You didn't say we had to pack stuff?

Luna: "Should of listened in class~"

She had a smug smile on her face, like she knew I would forget. It was true that I had no idea what we were going to be doing there, except for the fact that we might be fighting against goblins.

We go to join the rest of the class as we wait for a few others. Looking around I saw a lot more women around as the combined classes made almost an equal 50/50 between guys and girls.

Leon: "Yo!"

Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder as I turn around to see a familiar face. Luna instead turned around and immediately started to panic.

Ellen: "Leon- So your class is joining us?"

Leon: "Yes, weren't you told? The first years of the mage and knight classes will be joined for the week at Pontia."

Ellen: "...A WEEK?"

I look over to Luna who was still smiling away, trying not to give me attention. Leon now beginning to laugh as I look back at him.

Leon: "Well that explains why you have no bags. You might still have some time to-"

Kendal: "Alright! Looks like everyone is here. The carriages have now arrived. Knights go into the front ones, with mages at the back."

Leon: "Never mind. I wish you good luck then~"

He made his way out the gate, following the rest of the mage class as Luna came up behind me and wrapped her arm around mine.

Luna: "Don't worry. I've packed for the both of us"

This girl... Making me worry like this for no reason. I link our arms together as we make our way to the front carriage. There were 4 carriages total, with the front 2 for our class and the back 2 for the mages. Seeing the front one was now full, me moved to the second carriage to join the rest of the class. After some time waiting for everyone to get into the carriages, they eventually begin to move, making our way to Pontia.

There was no one inside our carriage that we knew so the ride over was quiet, with Luna and I keeping close as our shoulders rested against each other.

After what felt like an hour, the carriages come to a halt. I could only see forest from the sides of our carriage so I was unsure what was happening, but after a couple minutes we started to move once more, passing through a large gate with walls.

Luna: "This must be Pontia."

Ellen: "Mmm"

I could hear the chatter of people inside the town, with a few of them watching as our carriages pass into the town. Looking out from the sides, I could see many kinds of houses and stores. It reminded me of Maemont in a way with how dense this place was.

Ellen: "So. Where will we be staying?"

Luna: "Kendal said that they have reserved a couple inns for us. Splitting it up so girls have 1 inn and the boys have the other."

Ellen: "That would mean we will be with the mage class then."

Luna: "Yes."

There were no other girls in the knight class so Luna and I would basically be together with mages. I wonder what it's going to be like.

We finally stop at our destination, as I could hear in front of us that people were exiting their carriage. Hearing that, we, along with the rest of the people in our carriage, stepped out, joining up with the rest of the students.

Kendal: "The owners of these inns have reserved space for our classes today. Don't worry about the fee as the school had already paid in advance. Girls, listen to the innkeeper since I'll be looking after the boys. I'll let you all choose your rooms, meet me back here in 10 minutes."

Heading inside with the rest of the girls, an old lady greeted as as she gestured for us to follow her, leading us to our rooms. I noticed that the rest of the girls wore robes along with their uniform. Maybe it was something to help with magic? I wasn't too sure.

Each room only had 1 bed, as all the girls went into the rooms. I notice that Luna and I were the last ones to head into the rooms, leaving a massive distance between the last 2 rooms.

Luna: "Did you want to join me in this room?"

Looking at her, I notice the smug look on her face once more.

Ellen: "Did you plan this whole thing out?"

Luna: "I don't know what you're talking about~"

Ellen: "Fine then. We've slept together before so I don't see a problem."

Her smug smile turned into a genuine smile as we make our way into one of the last available rooms. I wouldn't of agreed if the bed was small, but looking inside, I could see the bed had plenty of space to fit 3 people. I guess they have to accommodate for big burly men too.

After Luna finished unpacking our things, we make our way back outside to join up with the rest of the students with our swords.

Kendal: "I've already contacted the guild, so we are free to head out now. We won't be taking the carriages so we'll be going on foot from now on."

We walked in formation like how we were in the carriages. Knights at the front with mages at the back with Kendal leading us. Passing through the town of Pontia, we make our way to the south gate, with the guards letting us pass without questions.

Ellen: "This sure is a lot of people to kill goblins don't you think?"

Luna: "Yeah. It kinda scares me a little. Maybe goblins are 'that' strong?"

This time it was me to wrap my arm around hers, as I attempt to give her one of her own famous smiles.

Ellen: "We'll protect each other remember?"

She clings onto me after hearing my words as we continue to follow Kendal, now following a dirt path heading deeper in to the forest. The sounds of leaves rustling in the wind felt lovely to listen so as the breeze brushes against my face.

After some time walking through the forest, Kendal stops in place, halting the rest of us.

Kendal: "We are getting close so I'd like to run you all through the details. I've kept this a secret from you guys, but we'll be fighting goblins today."

Just like what we thought. The information we had gotten from that lady back in Inasdale was correct. Looking around, I could see many students were afraid with some of us, including Luna and I remained calm.

Kendal: "Don't worry. I've been told that there is just a small band of goblins up ahead. Just remember what I have taught you. That goes for you mages as well. Goblins do use weapons so be careful. Knights, remember to keep the mages safe. Mages, be sure to assist the knights. Remember your training."

Things were about to get exciting. I had never killed anything before... except for that guy that murdered me. However these are monsters, so I feel even less sympathy than that person; monsters that kill others everyday.

Kendal: "If everyone is ready, then lets move out!"

Both classes cheered at Kendal's declaration as we marched forward, weapons at the ready at what's to come. Looking towards Luna, I could see her wielding the longsword I gave her, putting a smile on my face before she too looked my way, giving a smile back. My heart starts to beat faster at the thought of fighting something that wants to kill me again.