<div style="text-align: center"><i><span style="font-family: 'Didact Gothic', 'sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 18px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">Ian, The Teacher</span></span></span></i>​</div><br/>There was just enough room for the pair of carts to ride side by side on the road. Ian was riding with Astrea in their cart. With Annie was riding alongside to the left on her horse. Looking over he saw the other cart consisted of Dayyan, Mystera, and Valentine. An interesting trio, more or less settling themselves in for the long trip.<br/><br/>Ian was a bit off put about having Astrea's personal guard acting as escort for their group. Or at least he was at first. In his eyes, what could these three swordsmen hope to protect them from that he himself couldn't. But after seeing their brutal efficiency, and overall usefulness he was starting to change his tune to the group. Two of the men were steering the carts on the road, while the last of which was marching ahead of the group acting as a scout for them. They were so useful he'd even taken the time to learn their names. Albert, Idonas, and Jasmine. Jasmine was scouting ahead, while the two males were running the carts.<br/><br/>The three were silent, and attentive. Even in this relatively peaceful setting. It set Ian at ease, knowing he could relax a bit. With them working so hard. Ian found himself lying near the rear of the cart, enjoying the midday Sun peaking through the covered wagon. The heat warmed his face. It was the perfect place for a nap.<br/><br/>Drifting in and out of consciousness, Ian perked up with a yawn when he heard Annie's nearby voice.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(204, 102, 255)">"Um... Excuse me, Lady Astrea."</span>Annie said to the noblewoman. He couldn't see Annie but could hear her.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(204, 102, 255)">"Howdy, milady. Correct me if ahm wrong, but ah heard Mr. Ian call you a Viscountess. Ah thought you were a Baroness. Did that change recently?"</span><br/><br/><i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">Oh right, that.</span></i>Ian frowned slightly at the terrible loss he'd taken in dealing with Astrea.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(128, 128, 128)">"Yeah, Lady Astrea, I heard about that too. Viscountess, huh? Even fancier than Baroness. Did you inherit the title?" </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">Valentine was hopping into the conversation as well.<br/>
<br/>
He could see Astrea preen from the attention, even from his spot near the back. She looked over at him making eye contact for a second, victorious smirk in place before answering the pair.</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(32, 178, 170)"> "No, i earned this. As a matter of fact, i defeated David for this rank. Isn't that right, Count?"</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">Ian peeked an eye open to see her staring at him again. Humming </span>noncommittedly, Ian kept his mouth shut. Sinking in further in his spot. He knew a lost battle when he saw it. And shuffled to get nice and comfortable for his nap.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#20b2aa">"You commoners should be grateful that i'm in such a good mood after my promotion. Or i'd have half a mind to have you flogged for improper decorum."</span>Astrea turned up her chin, as if expecting a rain of 'thank yous and 'yes ma'ams' to come raining down on her.<br/><br/>The guard in the front of the cart responded as if it was all rehearsed.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)"> "That's mighty kind ah ya ma'am." </span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(32, 178, 170)">"Yes. Well. I'm in a very gracious mood today. So enjoy the freedom. <br/>
<br/>
Albert. When will we reach the next privy."</span>The guard looked hesitant to deliver the bad news. And he wisely stuttered and tried to phrase the answer in a safe way. Ian, unable to sleep with how loud everyone was, figured he'd get back at her and burst the young woman's bubble.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">"Sorry Astrea but you'll have to crap in the woods like a commoner tonight. No privy, no running water, and no tavern for another hundred fifty miles. We're camping tonight."</span><br/><br/>He actually sat up to see the ashen look of horror on her face at the words. The guard weakly confirmed Ian's assessment. And he could see her eyes flit in disgust at the thought of squatting in the forest.