Right after his o-so heartfelt confession, Septimus immediately marched out the tent, leaving me behind. I sort of hung around the campsite until mister Boss decided it was time to move on again. I walk to my sweet brown mare. I pet her nose with my good arm and realize I have a big problem: with my shoulder still this sore and my arm in a sling, I can't ride a horse.

"You won't be riding her today." Dave comes up behind me, holding the reins of his own horse. "Lord Septimus told us to leave her unsaddled."

"Did the amazing leader also tell you what he expects me to do?" I ask him. Dave suddenly looked uncomfortable and upset.

"There is a village nearby, about half an hour by foot." He says quietly, pointing behind him

"He wants me to leave." I realize. Dave nods, looking at his feet.

"Me and the other guards, we tried to change his mind, told him you could ride with one of us, but... He was very clear... I'm sorry Izzy." I try to smile at him.

"It's not your fault." I sigh, "Well, I best be going then. Thank you... for everything." Dave bowed his head.

"My pleasure."

I turned and saw Septimus regarding me, a pained expression on his face. I walked towards him and his posture stiffened.

"I'm sorry, Septimus, I have been a burden to you and your company." Septimus clamped his jaws together, not saying anything. In the spur of the moment, I hugged him, resting my head against his shoulder for a moment. Septimus didn't move, but then, when I pulled away, his arms wrapped tightly around me, securing me against his chest. His mouth was close to my ear.

"I can't do it." He whispered "I can't send you away." He seemed as baffled as I was. I relaxed and closed my eyes as he rested his head against mine. "I can't do it."he mumbled, more to himself than to me. I pull back slightly and cup his cheek with my hand.

"I know, it's probably because of my amazing personality and astounding looks." I grin. Septimus rolls his eyes and huffs, his jaw then tensing again.

"Never mind, I'm leaving you here." He lets go of me and turns away from me. "Men! Get ready." I'm left standing there like a goldfish. I wait but he doesn't turn around.

"V-very well then..." Flabbergasted, I turn towards the path. I feel a tear roll down my cheek, rejection sucks. A hand wraps around my wrist and turns me back. Septimus is frowning at me.

"What" I snap angrily. "What else have you got for me?"

The frown turns into a small grin. He steps forward just as I want to add some insults and in one smooth movement, he pulls me close and presses his lips against mine. I want to pull away, tell him he is an asshole, but I can't get myself to do that anymore. I lean into the kiss, almost involuntarily. Septimus pulls away and presses his forehead against mine. I frown.

"Okay, I officially don't understand what is going on anymore." I say. The same little grin comes back on his face again.

"I think I need to really work on my comic timing." Septimus answers. I feel my jaw slack as my mouth literally falls open. I take a step back so I can take a better look at him

"Y-you were trying to make a joke? The almighty lord Septimus, was joking around?" Septimus rolls his eyes again but he smiles. It's a miracle, this new joking and smiling Septimus.

"So, what do we do now?" I ask him, gesturing to my injured arm.

"You'll ride with me."