I look around my room one last time before I head to the academy. I take a deep breath as I pick up my black suede duffel with straps leather straps wrapping around it. I pick up it's long leather strap adorned with a buckle and shoulder pad. As I lift it, I feel the contents of the bag weighing down on my shoulder as I secure it on my shoulder. I close my eyes and sigh. I reopen my eyes and make my way toward the door.

I take a hold of the handle and exit my room. I close my door behind me and make my way toward the family gathering room. Once I enter the main room I smile as I see my family standing there. I then see Porter, Jessica, and Ace standing there holding their own luggage. 

"You ready Lila?" My mother says, I nod as she holds out a black coat that closes in the front at my hips and the back falls to my mid-calf. The sleeves end at the bottom of my thumbs once I put it on. I look down and secure the silver clasps in front of me to capture heat. I smile, bending down and slipping on my black riding boots with dark blue straps wrapping around them. 

"Don't forget Bandit." My dad says as my dog Bandit comes bounding out of the kitchen. I look at him and smile. His light brown muzzle, legs and black body, head, and tail shaded by the dark confines of our house. I bend down and stroke him back as he heads to stand by Jessie, Porter, and Ace.

I smile one last time and give each of my family a hug and I look towards the door to see Porter and Jessica standing there waiting for me. Ace comes out of our corral leading my horse out. His chocolate brown coat glistening and his black mane and tail swaying in the wind. I see Ace had already ready him for riding, saddle and all.

"Hunter's ready for riding sis." Ace says as he looks from Hunter to me. I smile and put my foot in the stirrup and hoisted myself up onto the saddle. I grab a hold of the reins, I look at my siblings. I look at them signaling that I'm ready as I glance to Bandit and see he looks ready to run this insanely long journey. 

I look down at I hop off of Hunter to rest for the night. So far we rode about 38 miles today. We tried to give our horses and Bandit enough time to rest throughout the day as the ride to T.R. Academy is about a week's ride away still. 

"Okay, if we keep up this pace we can keep some time to check and let Lila here try to map out the school." Ace says, emphasizing try and putting a hand on my head. 

"Ace, she can do it. She'll memorize the school in a matter of weeks." Jessica says as she defends me. I smile at her.

"Yeah Ace, it's Lila we're talking about." Porter says agreeing with Jessie. 

"Heh, I guess you guys are right. It is Lila that we're talking about." I smile at Ace's remark and reach out to pet Hunter and Bandit as they both lean into my touch. "Come on, the sun's already set. Porter,Jessie, start a fire. Lila, secure the horses." Ace orders us. We all jump to do our jobs we were assigned.

A few minutes later we had all finished our jobs. A healthy fire was brightly blazing and the horses were safe and in our line of vision with Bandit also keeping an eye for actual bandits.

"Okay guys, hit the sack early. Tomorrow's gonna be a harder ride." Ace says as Porter whines.

"I don't wanna go to bed!" 

"You can stay up and be the guard with Bandit."

"Nope! Night!" Porter yells as he falls asleep. I blink at my brother blankly along with my other two siblings that are still awake.

"He didn't eat....." Jessie says looking at our now sleeping brother. 

"Oh well. That's his problem to deal with." Ace laughs as he pulls out three pieces of bread and six pieces of jerky. He gave two pieces of jerky to the rest of us awake and a piece of bread. I ate my meal in small bites and slowly to make me full quicker and with less food. I look up at Ace gratefully and sleepily.

"Go to sleep Lila, you need it." He says as I smile at him and go into my sea green sleeping bag and let the comforting darkness welcome me. 

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I apologize it's short. Also, if you would like to join this story, just message me with your character's name, age, weapon or magic, looks, and friend group.

Thank you guys so much!! See you guys later!!!