Chapter 3 - game on

Toby was once again startled awake, this time luckily it wasn't because someone screamed. Instead it was a pillow smacking him in the head a few times.

He groaned as he finally built up the energy to look up at whoever decided to annoy him. Once he saw who it was he rolled his eyes and pushed his head back into his pillow. Of course he should've known it would be Leo, who else would it be?

"Come on Toby! Get up!" Leo yelled enthusiastically and Toby grimaced and how he was such a morning person. Reluctantly sighing and giving in, Toby sat up knowing that Leo wouldn't go away anytime soon.

"What do you want?" He mumbled glaring at his best friend.

"I don't know, I'm just bored" Leo replied, flopping down next to where Toby was sitting. As he looked down at his friend who was now laying next to him, Toby couldn't help but to glare and punch him in the shoulder.

"Is that seriously why you decided to wake me up and god knows what time?" Toby's voice may have sounded mean and rude to anyone else, but to Leo it was just a playful tone. The two of them both knew that neither could ever actually be mean in a serious way.

"It's 10am Tobs-" Leo deadpanned, once Toby heard that his eyes widened

"-so get up, I've decided we're going to Eliza's bakery" and just like that, with a nod of his as if he was agreeing with himself, Leo had walked back out of Toby's room. 

Still staring at the spot his friend had just abandoned Toby sighed and began to get up for the day. His mind was still slightly preoccupied with the day be fore's events but he tried not to let that get to him as he dressed in his uniform, grabbed his sword and headed out to join Leo.

"Took you long enough" The blonde joked as Toby joined his side.

No more words were exchanged as the two made their way to the bakery. They didn't need to say anything to enjoy each other's company. 

The walk to Eliza's was short and easy, usually it would take the two of them longer to get there as people would stop them to ask about current national affairs but since it was later than when they would normally go, there wasn't anyone about. 

Lamarie was very much a working nation, everyone worked and helped each other out, it was self-sustaining and didn't need any outside trades, which was pretty impressive. 

The cute little bakery that sat in between two other shops stood out in more ways than one. There was a large glass window that displayed freshly made pastries and goodies which made anyone's mouth water.

The lights that were inside the bakery made it give out a warm glow, even in the daytime. It was just overall welcoming and the two boys often found themselves there after a stressful day of work. 

Leo opened the door and entered first, confidently striding into the business with his head held high. Toby on the other hand slid into the bakery almost unnoticed behind his extravagant friend.

"Leo! Toby!" Eliza smiled kindly as she looked up after hearing the welcoming ding of the entry bell.

Toby could feel himself become less tense just at the sight of his friend and her kind face. She was effortlessly calming, her strawberry blonde hair and crystal blue eyes were soft and relaxing to the eye.

"Hey Eliza" Leo responded as he went up to the counter she was standing behind. Toby followed suit, leaning against the counter watching as the other two interacted.

"What can I do for you boys today?" Toby zoned out of the conversation for a minute to focus on what sweets she had to offer.

There were a few cakes, cookies and pastries but Toby's eyes fixated onto the red velvet cupcake, it was his favorite. The others must've noticed him salivating over the treat.

"I assume one red velvet cupcake and one gingerbread cookie" Eliza laughed as both boys immediately nodded, they had done this so often now it was predictable.

Toby watched as Eliza grabbed the biggest cupcake and cookie, placing them carefully into a small box and sealing it shut. Leo went to grab money to pay her but Eliza speaking cut him off.

"No need, it's on the house" Eliza informed them, Toby tilted his head slightly and furrowed his eyebrows, confused at why she'd do that, it wasn't either of their birthdays. "I think we all could use a little treat" Eliza explained, noticing both boys were confused. That didn't help to clear their confusion much, but neither would complain.

"Thank you" Toby smiled before grabbing the box and turning around to walk out, Leo not too far behind him.

"So where to next?" He asked as Leo joined him outside the shop.

"The nearest bench, I'm starving" Leo licked his lips as he eyed the box, Toby gripping it tighter, protecting his cupcake.

He looked around for a second before spotting a bench and going to sit down. Once they were both comfy he opened the box slowly, like he was handling something extremely valuable. Handing Leo his cookie, Toby quickly dug into his cupcake, enjoying every bite of the amazing red delight.

"Hey Tobs, can I ask you something?" Leo asked quietly after a while. 

Toby turned to look at him as he finished his food and noticed Leo had already finished and was slowly wiping away any last crumbs left on him. Toby just raised an eyebrow at him, his mouth full with cake and not wanting to be rude to not answer, he hoped Leo would get the message.

"Yesterday Caleb said he wanted to play dirty-" Leo began. Toby cringed internally at the reminder of the day before, it was the first time he had ever seen Caleb act so...crazy, it was like he wasn't all there. The new tactic was slightly concerning but Toby was conflicted with whether he agreed with it or not. 

"-hypothetically, if we were to sneak into Rika and trash their weapons storage, would you help me?" Leo finished and it took Toby a minute to process what he actually said. 

Obviously Leo was alright with playing dirty but his plan wasn't actually that bad. Unlike Rika's idea which could've harmed someone, this idea didn't involve anybody else. Even though Toby agreed that the war was the only way to go, he still didn't agree with harming other human beings, no matter who they are and what they've done.

"Hypothetically, I would" Toby said, he knew this situation wasn't actually hypothetical. It was a very real plan Leo had come up with but they needed to start making some type of impact in this war.

"Tomorrow night?" Leo questioned, staring into Toby's eyes for his confirmation for when they'd carry this attack out.

"Tomorrow night."

---

Rowan couldn't believe the letter she just received. There is a local travelling merchant who she became acquainted with one day when he got lost in the forest, at the time Rowan had been showing a friend where she was living just in case they needed help. 

After saving the merchant they became friends and he would often bring her letters that her friend back in another nation would send. It was an easy and nice way to keep open communication with some of her friends.

I just can't stay here, it's haunting me.

The contents of the letter weren't just haunting her friend, Miles, but now haunted her. How helpless she felt in that moment was too much to even describe.

She had known him for years, they lived in the same town throughout their childhoods and clung to each other for support. It seemed now that all the years he had spent helping her were going to be returned.

I couldn't stop her.

It killed Rowan to know exactly how he felt, she really did. Miles was one of the kindest and caring people she had ever met and it enraged her to know someone took advantage of that. 

It was reassuring for her though that Miles turned to her in his hours of need and she was thankful her promising him anything fully translated over. She recalls promising to him many years ago that she would do anything for him and so far, she hasn't broken it.

I'll be arriving in a couple days

Rowan actually felt pretty excited to be having Miles staying with her. Even with all the entertainment and drama that went on around her, having another human being that she could talk to would be fun. She just had to get ready for his arrival, and to get ready to fill him in on the nations clashing around them. She prayed that him coming here would be a good idea and not backfire on them. Who knows what'll happen.