Ursa collapsed shortly after, falling asleep next to Lily. The two spent the morning in deep sleep, while the others took care of cleaning up camp. The boys were very eager to help that morning, they wanted to get out of the ragged clothes they had on. It didn't take long for them to be packed and rolled out.
By mid-morning, they were on the road. Claire sat silently as she drove one of the boys' carriages. Without a co-driver, if felt a lot lonelier. That was until a few of the boys joined her. They crawled through the tiny window, too antsy to stay in the carriage.
"Miss Claire," The first boy asked as he wiggled out of the driver's window. He was one of the older boys. "Is it okay if I sit with you?"
Claire smiled at the black haired boy and helped him through the window. He was taller than the other boys, likely because he was older. "Sure, just don't distract me. These roads can be dangerous."
"Thank you, I'm Ricky, these are Scott and Andy," He said once he settled beside her. Claire offered her hand to the other two, both with brown hair, pulling the other two onto the driver's seat. They settled around her, all three taking deep breaths.
"Couldn't handle being cooped up any longer…" Ricky muttered.
"That's fair, I guess," Claire said, refocusing on the road.
"Wanted the fresh air, and… get away from the younger kids," Scott muttered. Andy and Ricky exchanged a quick look.
"I see," Claire said, noticing the worried glances. "Worried about something?"
They nodded in unison. Andy spoke up first, "We're concerned about where we go after this. After we get to your hometown."
"Ideally, back to your homes," Claire said firmly. "Even if it's a long shot."
"That's… the issue," Ricky said, his shoulders slumping. "Our parents are gone."
"The bandits made sure to kill them," Scott continued. "No witnesses. No one left to come looking for us."
"No loose ends," Ricky muttered. "So we have nowhere to go."
Claire let out a deep sigh. "I should have known…"
The three hung their heads in silence while Claire took a moment to think. Andy finally whispered, "Sorry, we didn't want to sadden the others."
"Don't be," Claire said, gripping the reins tightly. "It isn't your fault. Nor should you have been put through that. We will figure something permanent out."
"Can you keep this between us?" Andy asked. He glanced back at the window to make sure it was still closed. "We don't want to ruin what little happiness they have right now."
Claire nodded. She would deal with the anger she felt in that moment later, right now, these boys needed reassurance. She wrapped her arm around Andy before turning and embracing him. She hugged the boy tightly, squeezing him for a moment.
She moved on to Ricky and then to Scott. Hugging each of the boys tightly without saying a word. Her heart ached for them and the knowledge they had. She readjusted, focusing on the road again.
"You all are very brave." She finally said after several moments of silence. "Not only for surviving that hell, but for taking on this burden. My family will take you in if necessary."
"No!" They yelled in unison. They tugged at Claire's sleeves, desperation in their eyes.
"We'll work," Scott said. "We don't need to be taken in. We just need to find jobs and-"
"My parents need farmhands." Claire interrupted him. "I doubt they'll let you, but you can ask."
"And what about the others?" Andy chimed in.
"We'll figure it out. For now, Elsie and Ana's mom runs a tavern," Claire rubbed her chin. "We can keep you there and have our mayor figure it out. Either you stay with us, or Lady Efreit will take you."
They all flinched at the word 'Lady.' Claire could only exhale in response. "She's different. We met her grandson recently, and she's very unpopular with the other nobles. We would never send you off to someone like our own Lady."
"Thank the Gods," They all muttered.
"We just don't want to be burdens," Andy said. He fiddled with his hands in his lap.
"You aren't," Claire said firmly. "You are victims, not burdens. We do this to protect you, and because it's right. Because you deserve a chance at life, and we'll do whatever it takes to give you one."
The weight of her voice silenced them. The three boys shifted closer to Claire, returning the hugs she gave them. They clung tightly to the paladin, grateful for her protection. They sat quietly, keeping Claire company for the remainder of the ride.
They only stirred once Fyre appeared on the horizon.
The city streets were busy, and the Seraphs had to move quickly or risk losing track of their group. They had quite a few stares as they shuffled the boys into shops, their town clothes causing concern. Thankfully, the first shop they visited had plenty of stock and in the right sizes.
Jasmine had to pay out of pocket, even stopping at a local bank to do so. It cost far more than the assassin wanted to admit to clothe the boys, probably more than the reward for the traffickers. But it was worth it.
The boys emerged from the shop in fresh clothes, even if most were cut for women in the chest area. They were happy to have something to cover themselves. They walked out in a mix of dresses, blouses, and skirts, happier than when they entered.
Ursa was doing her best to keep them under control, but the boys were mystified by the technology around them. The Scarlet Seraphs found themselves chasing down boys who were distracted by glowing signs or some sort of new technology. It took a while for them to get the boys under control before they could head to their next destinations.
Their first stop was at the Central Library, where they would have to part with Lily. Claire was dreading this moment as they approached the building. Its design was unlike any other in the city, a sphere made out of marble with depictions of legend and folklore carved into the stone.
It was truly a sight to behold.
But, they'd have to leave Lily here. Claire broke away from the group of boys she was in charge of. Towards Lily. She could feel her chest tighten when she thought about leaving her. That possessive ache overtook her.
Without even thinking, she embraced the alchemist. Lily let out a yelp before realizing who was hugging her from behind. She reached back and stroked Claire's hair. "Claire, we went over this."
"I know, it feels silly…" Claire whispered to her. Her chest ached to the point of physical pain. She did not want to separate from Lily at all. "But I can't help it."
"We have to," Lily whispered. She shifted to face Claire, hugging the paladin back. "I need to learn more about the Tyrant and the gods of his time. Maybe figure out those three's origins and if there is a connection."
Claire opened her mouth to reject Lily's words. But she forced herself to stop. She swallowed that feeling and eased her grip on the woman. She could feel tears welling up in her eyes and a brief memory of her brother.
"Okay, I-I think I'm good," Claire mumbled. She pulled back from Lily and looked her deep in the eyes. "Like you promised. No longer than a week."
Lily's smile widened, her glasses slipping down her nose. "Yes! First carriage back. Buy all the books from that era."
"Good," Claire whispered, before leaning in to kiss Lily. She hugged her lover tightly, not wanting to let go. But she did.
"Be safe, Lily," Jasmine said, hugging her. Jasmine gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before the twins crowded in.
"We'll help with the research when you return," Elsie said with a sad smile.
"A-and resume our lessons," Ana mumbled, cheeks warm. The two hugged her tightly before making way for Ursa.
Ursa gulped, feeling her face redden. She wasn't expecting to be put on the spot. Her hesitation caused Lily to giggle, taking the initiative for her.
"Still have your language lessons as well," Lily said with a smile. She hugged the Ravian and whispered to her, "And I've thought of plenty of rewards for you…"
Ursa squirmed in her grip, her face reddening deeper. Lily broke away and said her goodbyes to the boys. Each one got a deep hug and words of encouragement. Then, Lily turned and headed towards the library.
Claire watched her, the urge to chase after her overwhelming. But she stayed strong. Lily needed to do this. She needed to stay.
"Claire," Jasmine whispered to her as she grabbed the redhead's hand. "Come on, they really want to try that ice cream we saw."